[HIGHLIGHTS] 'Aliens', killer asteroids and Mars: a key group for space exploration and science returns

The bipartisan Planetary Science Caucus is led by Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and Rep.

Don Bacon, R-Nebraska. The group aims to advance policy and promote federal investment in space science. Lawmakers will have their work cut out for them, as several of NASA's major projects are under budget scrutiny. Globally, the space economy grew to $546 billion in 2022, 8% more than the previous year, according to the Space Foundation, a Colorado-based nonprofit group.