Lawmakers Want Hearings on Space Science After Meteor Hit, Asteroid Flyby

Three would make a trend

Rep. Lamar Smith on Friday called for hearings on space science and exploration, following the aftermath of the meteor that landed and an asteroid making its close fly by of the Earth.

"Developing technology and research that enable us to track objects like Asteroid 2012 DA14 is critical to our future," said the Texas Republican, who is also chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, in his committee statement. "We should continue to invest in systems that identify threatening asteroids and develop contingencies, if needed, to change the course of an asteroid headed toward Earth. "Today's events are a stark reminder of the need to invest in space science."a