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 been limited since the moon landing to space station visits and the

deployment of the Hubble telescope and satellites (2015). In 2012, President Obama signed into

law H.R. 312, “The Mars Exploration Act” (2012). This bill provides funding for the

development and deployment of: 1) the “rovers”; 2) deep space transportation for humans; and 3)

laboratory and housing facilities on Mars (Robinson & Smith, 2012).

May

Biblical guidelines: Of course, the Bible says nothing about space exploration. Government is

charged primarily with protecting the inalienable rights of its citizens (Fischer). HR 312 does

not violate these rights. The Biblical notion of “sphere sovereignty” implies that there are other

spheres of society, such as non-profits and industry, which might be considered as 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.

Constitutional guidelines: The “common defense” portion of the preamble supports passage of

this bill. 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 arguing that the funding was not present for the bill and that the

H.R. 312 3

President was merely doing this to distract from criticism of his health care legislation and other

scandals (Neuhaus, 2012). Since 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: The bill was set up to fund NASA efforts for Mars exploration over 20

years. The major challenge was the development of sufficiently fast and safe space travel for

humans (Geyer, 2012). 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.

H.R. 312 4

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