Trump administration proposes to cut NASA budget by almost 25%

Trump administration proposes to cut NASA budget by almost 25%

The Trump administration has proposed a significant reduction in NASA's budget for fiscal year 2026, slashing the agency's funding by 24% from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion [1]. This proposed budget cut is the largest single-year reduction in NASA's funding history, according to the nonprofit Planetary Society [2].

The cuts are particularly severe for space science, Earth science, and legacy human exploration systems. Space science programs are set to lose $2.3 billion, Earth science programs $1.2 billion, and legacy human exploration systems nearly $900 million. Additionally, NASA's sustainable aviation programs and certain DEIA (Defense, Intelligence, and Homeland Security) initiatives will be eliminated [2].

Notably, the budget proposes to phase out the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule after three flights, citing their high cost and delays. The SLS alone costs $4 billion per launch and is 140% over budget. The budget plans to replace SLS and Orion flights to the moon with more cost-effective commercial systems to support more ambitious lunar missions [1].

The proposed budget also aims to end the Mars sample return mission, a joint effort with the European Space Agency to return material collected by NASA's Perseverance rover to Earth. Additionally, the Gateway lunar-orbiting space station, a key part of NASA's Artemis moon program, would be affected [2].

Despite the cuts, the budget increases funding for human space exploration by nearly $650 million, reflecting the administration's priority to "return to the moon before China and put a man on Mars" [2].

If this budget is enacted, it will have substantial implications for NASA's future programs and could significantly impact the agency's ability to pursue its scientific and exploratory missions.

References:
[1] https://aviationweek.com/space/launch-vehicles-propulsion/trump-administration-proposes-24-budget-cut-nasa
[2] https://www.space.com/space-exploration/trump-administration-proposes-slashing-nasa-budget-by-24-percent