"NASA 2024 Spending Bill Delays MSR Funding Decision"

The final fiscal year 2024 spending bill for NASA cuts the agency's funding by 2% from 2023 levels and defers a decision on spending for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) program. The bill provides $24.875 billion for NASA, below the agency's request, and gives NASA flexibility on MSR funding, directing the agency to report on the recommended path forward for MSR within a balanced Science portfolio. The bill also includes funding for the On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (OSAM) 1 mission and directs NASA to fund the Space Launch System, Orion, and Human Landing System programs at their 2023 levels.