UPDATE: NASA, NOAA's JPSS Do OK in Final Approps Minibus

UPDATE: We now have updated our NASA FY2012 budget request fact sheet, and an article with more info on NOAA and FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation is available as well.

All things considered, NASA, and NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program, fared pretty well in the final version of the “minibus” appropriations bill (H.R. 2112), which is now posted on the website of the House Appropriations Committee.

The final numbers are very close to what the Senate approved. NASA would get $17.8 billion for FY2012, and while that is $924 million less than the $18.7 billion request, it is about $1 billion more than the House Appropriations Committee approved. The Senate approved $17.9 billion. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be funded with the additional amount approved by the Senate, instead of terminated as recommended by the House committee.

NOAA’s JPSS environmental satellite program will get $924 million, compared to the $1.07 billion request. The House committee had approved $901 million, while the Senate approved $920 million.

We will have more details and an updated fact sheet later today.