Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis.
Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search.
Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page.
All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified.
This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.
Overall Summary
Representative Moulton's background, holding a Bachelor of Science in physics, suggests a foundational understanding and potential appreciation for scientific research. Crucially, his district benefits significantly from NASA's Science Mission Directorate, with companies like Jeol USA, Inc. receiving millions for advanced scientific equipment used in astromaterials analysis and detector development. Furthermore, Spectral Sciences, Inc. in his district has secured nearly a million dollars in grants for direct NASA science research, including studies on Titan's chemistry and active galactic nuclei.
These direct economic and research ties, coupled with his scientific education, indicate a strong potential for receptiveness to advocacy for increased NASA space science funding, particularly in light of the proposed 47% budget cut for FY2026 which would directly impact these local interests. While no specific public statements on this issue are available, the tangible benefits to his constituents provide a compelling argument for supporting robust investment in NASA's science portfolio.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider preparing to discuss how NASA's space science activities align with fundamental scientific inquiry and discovery, potentially resonating with Representative Moulton's Bachelor of Science in physics.
Explore highlighting specific NASA science contracts and grants in his district, such as those with Jeol USA in Peabody and Spectral Sciences in Burlington, to demonstrate the direct economic benefits and high-tech job creation for his constituents.
Look into connecting the innovative research funded by NASA science grants, like Spectral Sciences' work on Titan's chemistry or active galactic nuclei, to the broader national interest in scientific advancement and technological leadership.
About Seth Moulton
Graduated Harvard College with a Bachelor of Science in physics (2001).
Served four tours in Iraq as a U.S. Marine Corps officer (2003-2008).
Earned master's degrees in business and public administration from Harvard (2011).
Co-founded a healthcare firm and worked in transportation after military service.
Opportunities
Scientific Educational Background: Representative Moulton holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from Harvard College, suggesting a foundational understanding and potential appreciation for scientific research. (Biography, 2001)
Local Economic Impact from NASA Science Contracts: Companies in his district, such as Jeol USA, Inc. in Peabody, MA, have received over $5.8 million in NASA contracts for equipment like aberration-corrected scanning and transmission electron microscopes used for astromaterials analysis and detector development, directly supporting NASA's science mission. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Direct Support for NASA Science Research: Spectral Sciences, Inc. in Burlington, MA, has received multiple NASA grants totaling over $976,000 for research directly aligned with NASA's Science Mission Directorate, including understanding Titan's chemistry, monitoring active galactic nuclei, and supporting a balanced science program based on National Academies guidance for lunar, Mars, and beyond research. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Support for NASA-related Technology Development: Other companies in his district, like Comsol, Inc. in Burlington, MA, and Physical Sciences Inc. in Andover, MA, have received NASA contracts totaling over $356,000 for software licenses and fabrication, contributing to the broader technological ecosystem that supports NASA's missions. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Challenges
No salient risk indicators identified in the public record.
Additional Sources
[1] moulton.house.gov
"Moulton, Warren, Markey Urge NASA to Rescind Proposed Severe Budget Cuts to Chandra X-Ray Observatory in MA. June 12, 2024. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06), Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA), Senator Edward J. Markey (MA), Senator..."
https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-warren-markey-urge-nasa-rescind-proposed-severe-budget-cuts-chandra-x
[2] moulton.house.gov
"Moulton Votes to Pass FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act. December 14, 2023. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) voted with the House of Representatives to pass the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)...."
https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-votes-pass-fy2024-national-defense-authorization-act