Two senators have introduced a new bill that would boost space education and research funding at Arizona universities.
Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Shelley Moore Capito’s bipartisan 21st Century Space Grant Modernization Act would bring reforms to the National Space Grant College and Fellowship program by boosting funding for Arizona space initiatives.
Under the fellowship program, each state would create a Space Grant Consortium. In Arizona, the consortium consists of Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
The consortium provides funding for space-related research, workforce training, education programs and over the years NASA has diverted a part of the funding to cover administrative overheads and other costs.
On Wednesday, the legislation was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.
“Arizona’s universities are fueling space innovation in our state and across the country,” said Sinema, who is also the Ranking Member of the Senate Aviation and Space Subcommittee.
“Our bipartisan bill boosts education and research funding to ensure Arizona’s space industry continues to thrive, and that America remains the global leader in space exploration,” she added.
Sinema has been vocally advocating for building a strong Science, Technology, Education, and Math (STEM) education pipeline to continue expanding America’s leadership in space and national security.