House Committee on Science Space and Technology Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing: “Step by Step: The Artemis Program and NASA’s Path to Human Exploration of the Moon, Mars, and Beyond”

U.S. House Committee on Science Space and Technology  

Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing

Step by Step: The Artemis Program and NASA’s Path to Human Exploration of the Moon, Mars, and Beyond   

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 

Watch the Hearing  

Introduction  

The U.S. House Committee on Science Space and Technology (HSST) Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee held a hearing entitled “Step by Step: The Artemis Program and NASA’s Path to Human Exploration of the Moon, Mars, and Beyond” on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The purpose of the hearing was to review external perspectives on NASA’s progress on the Artemis mission, examine progression forward, consider leveraging developments to achieve Artemis objectives, and examine future goals, namely a crewed Mars mission. During the hearing, the witnesses discussed various topics including the criticality of American moon missions as an incremental step to a future manned Mars mission, international cooperation and collaboration in the space sector, continuity of purpose, and the inclusion of American industry to promote innovation in the American space program.  More information.  

Key Highlights 

• Witnesses emphasized the importance of a clear, incremental human space exploration program, which utilizes existing assets, and develops experience in low earth orbit and a sustained presence on the moon for a future manned Mars mission. 
• Concerns with workforce and the American industrial base were repeated throughout the hearing in conjunction with calls for policy and funding stability as well as a clear mission architecture for the American human spaceflight program.  
• The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was noted in the hearing as a pacing threat, notably in terms of their goal for a human landing on the moon in 2030. It was noted that the CCP has met all goal milestone dates within the margin of a year. Witnesses acknowledged that the leading country in space will have the capabilities to set norms of behavior and will gain geopolitical influence. Therefore, witnesses urged timely action to ensure United States leadership in space.  

Witnesses  

• Dr. Scott Pace, Director of Space Policy Institute, George Washington University 
• Mr. Dan Dumbacher, Adjunct Professor, Purdue University 

Opening Statements   

Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX)  

In his opening statement, Chairman Babin reinforced the importance of a continuity of purpose, noting that changing direction is costly in time and resources, and taxing on the American industrial base. Chairman Babin argued that to ensure the viability of the Artemis program and the efforts of commercial and international partners, Congress cannot accept unnecessary cost overruns or schedule delays, noting competition from the CCP. Read the Full Statement.  

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) 

In her opening statement, Ranking Member Lofgren reaffirmed a stepping stone approach for American space exploration, with the moon to Mars and beyond. Ranking Member Lofgren then stated that to achieve human space exploration goals, NASA needs sufficient resources, the necessary workforce, and viable infrastructure, along with a viable Artemis architecture. Ranking Member Lofgren noted a lack of information on critical capabilities and support, and expressed hope for another hearing once a NASA official is able to testify.  Read the Full Statement 

Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) 

In his opening statement, Subcommittee Chairman Haridopolos noted threats to America’s position as the global leader in space exploration and innovation, noting that the United States is in a race to the moon, and that there are consequences for coming in second. Subcommittee Chairman Haridopolos also stated that the United States must return to the moon and establish a continuous presence, and stated that this must be done using the most efficient and cost-effective method possible. Furthermore, Subcommittee Chairman Haridopolos reinforced that a mission to Mars is the ultimate goal, indicating that the moon is a critical stepping stone to test technologies, refine operations, and reduce risks for future Mars missions. Subcommittee Chairman Haridopolos submitted letters from the Space Frontier Foundation and the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration for the record. Read the Full Statement.  

Subcommittee Ranking Member Valerie Foushee (D-NC) 

In her opening statement, Ranking Member Foushee (D-NC) stated that the Artemis missions are critical for advancing our scientific understanding, testing capabilities for sustained lunar activities, assessing resources on the moon, and preparation for a human mission to Mars. Ranking Member Foushee also made note of the Artemis mission’s role in attracting commercial and international partners, supporting industry and allowing the United States to develop norms of behavior in space. Subsequently, Ranking Member Foushee made notes of challenges including technical complexities, affordability, and schedule delays. Additionally, Ranking Member Foushee expressed disappointment that NASA did not choose a witness to testify at the hearing, reinforcing the importance of full transparency with Congress and the public. Read the Full Statement. 

Witness Testimony  

Dr. Scott Pace, Director of Space Policy Institute, George Washington University 

In his testimony, Dr. Pace emphasized the role that international cooperation and leadership plays in modern space exploration, noting that leadership includes shaping activities in the space domain. Dr. Pace then noted several immediate challenges for American space exploration, including methods of getting Americans to orbit, the end of the International Space Station (ISS) and transfer to private platforms, a sustainable return to the moon, and developing capabilities for a crewed Mars landing. Dr. Pace also noted the CCP’s ambitions for a crewed lunar landing and returning samples from Mars, stating that it is entirely possible that the CCP could achieve these goals before the United States. Dr. Pace made several recommendations, including NASA reducing costs associated with infrastructure, NASA leveraging the private sector more, funding efforts to create private low earth orbit (LEO) platforms, and an integrated exploration campaign plan with a simpler, more sustainable architecture. Read the Full Statement.  

Mr. Dan Dumbacher, Adjunct Professor, Purdue University 

In his testimony, Mr. Dumbacher reinforces that the moon is a critical step towards a manned mission to Mars. Mr. Dumbacher also reinforces that the United States is currently in a race back to the moon, and that the CCP and its allies are outplanning and outpacing the United States. The current space race is one to develop a long-term and sustained presence, which would allow the winner to establish norms of behavior across a range of space activities and assets. Mr. Dumbacher states that the CCP has a clear milestone date, to surpass the United States in space by 2030. In order to counter this, Mr. Dumbacher argues that the United States must incorporate international and commercial partners and continue to lead the coalition between the earth and the moon, stating that the Artemis Accords are a key step. Mr. Dumbacher then laid out several recommendations as possible, including returning to the humans to the moon as quickly as possible using existing systems, utilizing growing private space capabilities, government, and academia to develop a sustainable approach to the United States presence on the moon, focusing NASA with real timelines and incentives, and assuring policy and funding stability. Read the Full Statement. 

Question & Answer  

• In response to a question from Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), Mr. Dumbacher reinforced the importance of increasing ‘decision velocity’, solving problems in a timely and urgent manner. He also argued for the practice of using existing capabilities for cost effectiveness.  
• In response to a question from Subcommittee Chairman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), Dr. Pace reinforced the importance of the partnerships the United States has with commercial companies and international partners. In terms of functionality, Dr. Pace stated that international partners shape the environment while commercial partners provide affordable and sustainable innovations.  
• In response to a question from Subcommittee Ranking Member Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Dr. Pace stated that there is continued value provided by the ISS, and that tests done will benefit long term goals to the moon and Mars. He also reasoned it would be wise to be prepared to deorbit the ISS sooner, if needed for safety reasons. 
• In response to a question from Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL), Dr. Pace stated that revisions to Artemis missions beyond Artemis II and III should be done, in particular with alternatives to heavy lift capabilities and experience flying. He also reinforced the viability of the existing step-by-step, incremental process for human spaceflight missions.  
• In response to a question from Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX), Mr. Dumbacher pointed out the need for continuity of purpose in order to keep stakeholders aligned. He reinforced the idea by noting that flexibility is acceptable, but continuity of purpose is critical. 
• In response to a question from Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Mr. Dumbacher stated that the intent of going to the moon is to learn, establish a sustainable presence, establish rules of the road, reap the economic benefits, and retain the ‘high ground’. In support, Dr. Pace stated that having the moon as a goal allows the United States to incorporate partners and enhance the American geopolitical position in a way that a Mars-only objective would not. 
• In response to a question from Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), Dr. Pace argued that acquisition issues are tied to bureaucracy, which reduces the government’s ability to take advantage of innovation. He stated that there’s a separation between the American industrial base and the economy which should be reduced through reductions of regulation.  
• In response to a question from Rep. George Whitesides (D-CA), Mr. Dumbacher stated the importance of tapping into next generation talent, noting it is essential for global competition. He also expounded on the importance of adopting a “risk posture” to compete with China’s pace.  
• In response to a question from Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mr. Dumbacher noted that space progress needs the entire workforce, not just scientists and engineers. He pointed out the United States must continue to develop a skilled technical workforce. Dr. Pace reiterated that all types of workers are needed, giving the example of steel workers. He added to Mr. Dumbacher’s comments stating that the United States needs tangible action to inspire the next generation workforce.  
• In response to a question from Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY), Dr. Pace noted that it has been more than 20 years since the 2004 NASA workforce bill, and proposed a new workforce bill as a topic for the new NASA administrator.  
• In response to a question from Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT), Mr. Dumbacher stated that there must be a balance between a robotic and a human element in the Artemis program. 
• In response to a question from Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), Dr. Pace argued that NASA should utilize commercial assets by ‘doing things that only the government could do’ and purchasing resources whenever possible.  

An archive of previous hearing coverage is available here.