Space Policy Edition: After the Midterms—Looking Ahead with Marcia Smith

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode marks a transition for Planetary Society space policy coverage, bids farewell to Jason Callahan, and introduces Casey Dreyer’s expanded advocacy role. Most of the discussion with Marcia Smith focuses on how the 2018 midterms and changing House control could reshape NASA and space policy, especially committee leadership, appropriations, Europa, Space Force, and regulatory authority over emerging space activities.

Main Topics: Planetary Society staffing and show transition: The episode opens with tributes to departing staffer Jason Callahan, announces Casey Dreyer’s expanded role as chief advocate and senior space policy advisor, and introduces Brendan Curry as the new DC operations chief. Midterm election aftermath and House control: Marcia Smith explains how Democrats retaking the House will change committee chairs, rules, staffing, and priorities, with major implications for space authorization and appropriations. Appropriations, budget caps, and NASA funding: The conversation emphasizes that NASA’s fate depends heavily on budget politics, with looming appropriations deadlines, possible shutdowns, and the return of Budget Control Act caps in fiscal 2020. Europa, John Culberson, and planetary science priorities: A large portion of the discussion addresses the impact of Rep. John Culberson’s defeat on Europa Clipper and especially the Europa lander, which had relied on his personal advocacy and earmarking. Space Force and congressional skepticism: The speakers assess the proposed Space Force as politically uphill, especially in a divided government and with House Armed Services leadership likely to be less supportive. Regulation of commercial and non-traditional space activities: They discuss unresolved questions over which agency should regulate space traffic management, civil SSA, and other emerging activities, with Commerce, FAA, and congressional stakeholders in disagreement. Congressional advocacy and member engagement: The show promotes membership and the March congressional fly-in, arguing that direct constituent meetings with lawmakers are one of the most effective forms of space advocacy.

Key Arguments: Committee chairs matter because they control hearings, legislation flow, and committee rules; Democratic control means new priorities and likely new process rules. NASA policy is fundamentally budget-driven; bipartisan support exists, but funding levels and appropriations fights determine what can actually happen. John Culberson’s loss removes the strongest congressional champion of Europa lander funding, making the mission much less likely in the near term. Bill Nelson’s possible loss would weaken the Senate’s strongest human-spaceflight champion and may leave no equally strong successor. Space Force faced skepticism even before Democrats regained the House; the administration’s push did not enjoy universal Republican support. Budget caps returning in fiscal 2020, plus James Webb overruns, could squeeze NASA science accounts and make future budgets harder. The congressional fly-in and face-to-face advocacy are portrayed as highly effective ways to influence new members of Congress. Emerging commercial space activities need regulatory clarity soon; uncertainty over whether Commerce or FAA should lead could stall industry plans.

Data Points: New House Democrats: 33 confirmed - Number cited as of recording time, with more expected as California counting continued. Culberson’s election loss margin: about 5 points - Marcia Smith cites the significance of Rep. John Culberson’s defeat in Texas. Culberson tenure: 8 terms - Referenced as the length of his House service before losing reelection. Congressional Research Service tenure: 31 years - Marcia Smith’s experience at CRS, cited to underscore her expertise. Fly-in date: March 3rd and 4th - Planetary Society congressional advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. Discount deadline for fly-in: through December - Early registration discount for the March advocacy event. NASA funding deadline: December 7 - Current House calendar date when funding for NASA and some agencies runs out if no bill passes. Budget caps returning: fiscal 20 - Budget Control Act caps are said to return in fiscal year 2020. James Webb Space Telescope overrun payment: $490 million - NASA science budget pressure in fiscal 20 and 21 to cover JWST overruns. James Webb overrun years: fiscal 20 and 21 - Timeframe during which NASA must absorb the cost. Europa lander timeline: 20-30 years - Casey Dreyer estimates a very long delay if the mission loses support now. Europa Clipper arrival estimate: 2030 or 2031 - Projected arrival after delayed launch on a commercial rocket.

Pivotal Quotes: "all politics is local" — Marcia Smith: Explaining why Culberson’s strong support for Europa did not protect him in a district where planetary exploration was not a top constituent issue. "the role of the Planetary Society, at least in my opinion, has never been more important there within the Beltway in Washington, D.C." — Matt Kaplan: Framing the organization’s advocacy mission amid a changing Congress and new lawmakers. "Without him there, I do not see anyone in Congress or about to enter Congress who's going to be willing to stand up in the same way that Culberson was." — Casey Dreyer: Assessing the future of Europa lander funding after Culberson’s defeat.

Implications: Listeners are urged to expect a tougher budget and policy fight in Congress, with NASA science, Europa lander prospects, and Space Force all facing uncertainty. The episode frames advocacy, member outreach, and coalition-building as essential to protecting space priorities.