Yes, the US Congress played a significant role in funding the Space Race. They provided the necessary funding to support NASA's various missions and initiatives, including the Apollo program that led to the moon landing in 1969. Additionally, Congress continues to allocate budgets for space exploration efforts.
Yes. Congress authorizes funding for all federal agencies.
Yes.
when Congress and the President cannot agree on temporary funding
The money for space exploration comes from government funding, private investment, and partnerships between governments and private companies. Government space agencies like NASA receive funding from the government budget, while private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are funded by investors and revenue from commercial activities. International collaborations also contribute resources to space exploration efforts.
We need more funding for our space program.
They approved the funding.
Mandatory funding is set by laws and must be spent on specific programs, like Social Security. Discretionary funding is decided by Congress each year and can be adjusted. Mandatory funding limits flexibility in budgeting, while discretionary funding allows for more control over spending priorities.
Tax money, just like all other NASA projects
The Hubble Space Telescope is still going strong and could stay up until 2018. However there are many uncertainties. A critical part could get hit by a space rock. A gyro etc. could fail. Congress could quit funding it.
In relation to war, Congress has the power to declare war. They also have the power to control the funding of the war.
They can always end the funding or increase military funding in opposition to the wishes of the Executive Branch if they have the votes to over-ride a veto.