NASA’s Artemis will propel U.S. leadership

America has a historic opportunity to put the first woman and next man on the moon’s surface by 2024. This time, to stay. NASA’s Artemis program focuses on new technologies that create jobs and secure U.S. leadership in exploration. The proposed budget amendment gives us the boost we need.

Apollo spurred a technological revolution from which we still benefit — everything from satellites and computers to a threefold increase in students pursuing advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math. Yet when the last person walked the moon in 1972, there was no opportunity for a woman to participate.

The Artemis Generation changes that. Our nation must take the next giant leap so long promised.

As a female astronaut, I followed pioneers like Sally Ride to space and helped solidify their gains. Women’s next frontier will be the moon. Nothing will inspire the next generation more than a sustained presence on the moon leading to deep space exploration.

Our return to the moon also drives new technologies. And the scientific discoveries of recent years leave no doubt the moon has much more to reveal about Earth and our solar system.

We’re not going alone. Other nations are excited to join us, and many partners have committed or are discussing potential contributions to a future on the moon. A vibrant commercial sector is working with us right now to develop human lunar landers and habitats, and other capabilities to explore more of the moon than ever before.

At just 0.5% of our nation’s overall budget, investment in NASA results in huge dividends for our future. We are committed to using taxpayer dollars wisely to raise the bar of human achievement and improve life on Earth.

The space economy is growing every day. We have two options — lead or be led. I choose American leadership every time.