White House proposal would slash NASA science budget and cancel major missions

a year ago

White House proposes steep cuts to NASA's science program, reducing overall spending by 20% and science programs by nearly 50%.
Budget draft would cut NASA's topline budget to $20 billion, with Science Mission Directorate funding slashed to $3.9 billion in 2026.
Astrophysics division faces the biggest hit, with funding dropping from $1.5 billion in 2024 to less than $500 million in 2026.
Major missions like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and Mars Sample Return program would be canceled.
Earth science and heliophysics budgets would be cut by over 50% and nearly 50%, respectively.
The proposed cuts contradict statements by NASA nominee Jared Isaacman, who advocated for science during his confirmation hearing.
Science advocates and lawmakers express alarm, calling the cuts 'devastating' and a threat to U.S. leadership in science.
Senators and representatives vow to fight the cuts, citing impacts on NASA centers like Goddard Space Flight Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Elon Musk describes the proposed cuts as 'troubling' but refrains from direct involvement due to SpaceX's NASA contracts.

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