Week 3

Running head: H.R. 312 1

H.R. 312 “The Mars Exploration Act”

Kahlib J. Fischer

February 11, 2015

PADM 550-B01

Dr. Kahlib Fischer

H.R. 312 2

Defining the Problem

Space exploration has largely been limited since the moon landing (Sires, 2015), includingto

space station visits and the deployment of the Hubble telescope and other satellites (2015). In

2012, President Obama, in conjunction with bi-partisan support, signed into law H.R. 312, “The

Mars Exploration Act” (2012). This bill provides funding for the development and deployment

ofhas three goals: 1) fund the development and deployment of Mars “rovers”; 2) fund the

development of space ships capable of sending humans to Marsdeep space transportation for

humasn; and 3) fund the development of and deployment of technology and housing needed to

create laboratory and housing facilities on the surface of Mars for astronauts and scientists

(Robinson & Smith, 2012).

May

Biblical guidelines: and principles

Of course, the Bible says nothing about space exploration, either specifically as it relates to

government’s role therein or generally. Therefore, we must focus on general themes from

Scripture about what government may or may not do. Government is charged primarily for with

protecting the inalienable rights of its citizens (Fischer). HR 312 does not violate these rights.

The Biblical notion of “sphere sovereignty” further implies that there are other spheres of

society, such as business, non-profits, and industry, which might be considered as relevant

participants in space exploration (Monsma, 2008). In the past, space exploration has been linked

to national defense, for fear that other nations would gain the upper-hand in space and use that

advantage against American citizens (Neuhaus, 2012). Since government has a divine mandate

to protect its citizens, space exploration might be supported. In summary, while there seems to

H.R. 312 3

be implicit Biblical support for the role of government in space exploration, participation with

non-governmental spheres should also be included.

Constitutional guidelines for federal and state involvement:

The “common defense” portion of the preamble supports the passages of this bill as it relates to

providing for the common defense. Article 1 section 8 provides further points of support: the

promotion of science and progress, the development of a sound military, and the regulation of

commerce with foreign nations.

Can

Political Feasibility:

Generally, the public favors further mars exploration and colonization (Smith, 2014). The

passage of the bill was largely bi-partisan, but a significant Republican minority tried to block

passage both in committee hearings and on the floor of the House, arguing that the funding was

not present for the bill and suggesting that the President was merely doing this to distract from

criticism of his health care legislation and other scandals (Neuhaus, 2012). Meanwhile, sSince

passage, some experts have argued that Mars colonization is not obtainable as NASA is currently

constructed and has argued for either repeal of HR 312 or significant modification (Richards,

2015).

Financial feasibility:

Total cost of the bill was estimated at $20.5 billion, according to the Congressional Budget

Office (“H.R. 312”). At the time of passage, Democrats and Republicans were grappling with

the debt ceiling crisis (Barnes, 2011).

Practical feasibility:

H.R. 312 4

The bill was set up to fund NASA efforts for Mars exploration over a 20 year period with

colonization being achieved by year 20. The major challenge was the development of

sufficiently fast and safe space travel for humans (Geyer, 2012). Mars Rovers have been sent to

Mars, so, in effect, Phase 1 has been achieved. Significant challenges exist for phases 2 and 3,

however, as NASA grapples with developing the proper technology for long-term space

exploration and colonization (Richards, 2015).

Should

HR 312 passes the May portion of the analysis, with the caveat that government should allow for

business and non-profit participation. The Can portion of the analysis is more challenging,

simply because of current levels of deficit spending in the federal government as well as the

technological challenges. Nevertheless, HR 312 represents a legitimate area for government

involvement. Space exploration, if not simply for the sake of military defense, should continue

and thus government must be involved. We are not able to choose ideal times for something as

lofty and abstract as space exploration; yet it must remain a national priority. Thus it is

recommended, despite persistent economic and foreign policy issues, that HR 312 not be

repealed; rather, modifications should be explored to allow for tax credits and other incentives to

allow industry to become involved (2015).

H.R. 312 5

References

Barnes, A. (2011). The Debt ceiling crisis. National Review Online. Retrieved from

http://www.nro.com/dc_13

Fischer, K. Biblical principles of government [PDF document]. Retrieved from Lecture Notes

Online website: https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-6267706-dt-content-rid-

43218699_1/courses/PADM550_B01_201520/Biblical%20Principles%20of%20Govern

ment%281%29.pdf

Geyer, A. (2012). To mars and beyond. Space. 15(1), 52-56. doi:10.1108/03090560710821161

H.R. 312 (2012). The Mars Exploration Act. Congressional Budget Office. Retrieved from

www.cbo.gov.HR312.

Monsma, S. (2008). Healing for a broken world. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

Neuhaus, J. (2012). Mars madness. Space Exploration. Retrieved from

http://www.spaceex.com/mmhr312

Richards, D. (2015). The Mars question. Journal of Science and Politics, 10(2), 38-42. Retrieved

from http://www.jsp.org

Robinson, J. & Smith, B. (2012). What does HR 312 mean for the future of space exploration?

Journal of Science and Politics, 4(2), 3-12. doi:10.1108/988890560710821161

Sires, D. (2015, October 9). Has NASA lost its way? Popular Science, 8, 27-29.

Smith, R. (2014). Does the public even care? Space Exploration. Retrieved from

http://www.spaceex.com/pubhr312