House OKs Building New Shuttle, Sets No Cost Figures
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WASHINGTON — The House gave NASA permission Thursday to build a replacement for the space shuttle Challenger, whatever it costs, and said the space agency may accept gifts from the public to help underwrite a new orbiter.
The action was taken as the House approved a $7.7-billion authorization bill for National Aeronautics and Space Administration operations next year.
The bill, which does not specify an amount for a new shuttle but says NASA has permission for “such . . . sums as are necessary,” was sent to the Senate.
Rep. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) said no cost was specified to give NASA the flexibility to use whatever figure emerges later in a catch-all spending bill.
To help NASA save money on a new shuttle, the bill directs the agency to use existing spare parts and explore the availability of private sources of money. In addition, it rewrites existing law to allow NASA to accept gifts.
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