SpaceNerd says:
I honestly think it’s the best hope for NASA to garner increased budgets and have autonomy. By joining the family of DOT agencies (FAA, FHWA, FMCSA, FRA, etc.) it helps align regulatory and policy authorities for a growing commercial space market while also expanding its exploration mission. FAA requires licensing under Part 450 for any launches. NASA owns the mission and works with international and defense entities to regulate/supervise in above sub-orbital altitude. It just makes sense. Yes, with exploration comes science and I think there’s an acknowledgement that planetary and deep space science will be kept within that purview given no cuts to RST, etc. However, Earth science (i.e. understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, magnetosphere, and coasts) lies solely with NOAA and others like NSF. I think the simple question should be asked “If NASA were to be absorbed into something what would we rather? DOT or USSF?” I think that answer is clear to those who want to explore and innovate without undue budget and planning processes.
