Congressional Subcommittee Led By Rep. Mike Haridopolos to Examine NASA’s Artemis Program, Human Exploration Plans
By Space Coast Daily // February 20, 2025
Haridopolos is District 8 U.S. House Representative
Related Story:Brevard Congressman Mike Haridopolos Appointed to Lead Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – To assess the progress and future direction of NASA’s Artemis program, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee has announced a subcommittee hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 26.
Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos of Brevard County, along with Committee Chairman Brian Babin, will lead the hearing, titled “Step by Step: The Artemis Program and NASA’s Path to Human Exploration of the Moon, Mars, and Beyond. ”
The hearing aims to review NASA’s advancements in the Artemis program, evaluate potential cost-effective strategies to accelerate its objectives, and ensure alignment between current efforts and the agency’s long-term goals, including eventual crewed missions to Mars.
Chairman Haridopolos expressed enthusiasm for the discussion, emphasizing Artemis’s historical and strategic significance.
“I’m excited to be examining America’s return to the Moon for my first hearing as Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee,” Haridopolos stated.
“It’s been over 50 years since Americans stepped on the Moon, and America is in a race with China to get there first. The Artemis program is our ride to this important milestone and a crucial first step in our journey to Mars and beyond. I look forward to discussing NASA’s progress, the challenges ahead, and the importance of winning the race back to the Moon.”
Chairman Babin reinforced the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in space exploration, stressing the need for strong oversight to keep Artemis on course.
“Over the years, the SST Committee and Congress have supported a goal of returning to the Moon and then on to Mars. It is vital that we continue down this path,” Babin said.
“Maintaining U.S. leadership in space exploration is critical, and Artemis is key to securing our long-term role at the helm with our values at the forefront. Next week, I look forward to gaining valuable insights from our distinguished witnesses, Dr. Pace and Mr. Dumbacher, to better assess the program’s progress. As we continue supporting Artemis, strong oversight is essential to keeping it on course, ensuring efficiency, and driving its success.”
The hearing, set to take place in Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington at 10 a.m., will feature expert testimony from:
■ Dr. Scott Pace, Director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University
■ Mr. Dan Dumbacher, Adjunct Professor at Purdue University
The Artemis program represents NASA’s most ambitious human exploration initiative since the Apollo era. It aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon before advancing toward Mars.
U.S. policymakers are scrutinizing the program’s trajectory to ensure its success as the global space race intensifies, particularly with China’s expanding lunar ambitions.
This hearing will provide critical insight into NASA’s progress and the steps necessary to keep Artemis on track for its ambitious objectives.
