A new study has found that the U.S. government’s investments in space exploration are giving the economy a boost by creating jobs and generating tax revenues. NASA said Thursday that, based on the results of its third economic impact report, its Moon to Mars activities, climate change research, technology development and other projects have led to $75.6 billion in economic output across the nation in fiscal 2023. 

NASA Programs Benefit Americans

According to the report, the space agency’s programs in fiscal 2023 supported a total of 304,803 jobs, which generated $9.5 billion in federal, state and local taxes. Moreover, the economic impact of NASA programs is felt in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. 

Its Moon to Mars initiative, which includes the Artemis mission, accounted for 32 percent of the agency’s economic impact, generating nearly $2.9 billion in tax revenue in 2023. Approximately 11 percent of its economic impact came from its investments in climate change, with research and technology contributing over $1 billion to the economy. 

NASA scientists and engineers also work on certain technologies that directly benefit American lives. The section of the report on Spinoffs, which refers to public products and processes developed with NASA equipment and funding, created 1,564 new technology reports, 40 new patent applications and 69 patents issued.

“To invest in NASA is to invest in American workers, American innovation, the American economy and American economic competitiveness,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, a Wash100 awardee, said in a press release. “Our work doesn’t just expand our understanding of the universe — it fuels economic growth, inspires future generations, and improves our quality of life.”

NASA Budget

Janet Petro, director of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, pointed out that the space agency received less than one-half of a percent of the overall federal budget. 

“Our missions help unveil the secrets of the universe and our home planet while also benefitting the taxpayers, communities, and industries across the country,” she stated. 

For fiscal 2025, NASA is requesting $25.4 billion in funding to support its science and technology projects.