President Trump signs bill authorizing NASA funding, Mars exploration

Carrie Healey

President Donald Trump signed a bill on Tuesday authorizing the funding of NASA and the exploration of Mars.

The new law allots the space agency $19.5 billion for the 2018 fiscal year and adds a new objective -- sending humans to Mars. It instructs NASA to begin planning for a "crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s," reports The Hill.

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"For almost six decades, NASA's work has inspired millions and millions of Americans to imagine distant worlds and a better future right here on Earth," Trump said during the signing.

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The president signed the bill in the Oval Office surrounded by astronauts and supporters of the bill, including Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who traveled into space in 1986 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla) also attended the bill's signing.

"Now, this nation is ready to be the first in space once again," said Trump.

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