The White House has proposed dramatic cuts to NASA's science program, potentially canceling several major missions. A draft budget proposal obtained by Ars Technica reveals a nearly 50% reduction in funding for the agency’s science programs, despite claims to the contrary by the administration’s nominee, Jared Isaacman. This significant reduction in funding, from an estimated $7.3 billion in 2025 to approximately $3.9 billion in 2026, would severely impact various scientific divisions.
The proposed budget would drastically reduce funding for NASA’s astrophysics division, potentially canceling the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, scheduled for launch in late 2026. Earth science programs would face a more than 50% cut, while heliophysics funding would be reduced by almost 50%. Planetary science would also suffer a significant blow, with a proposed budget cut of about a third and the cancellation of the Mars Sample Return program and the DAVINCI Venus mission.
The proposed cuts directly contradict statements made by Mr. Isaacman during his confirmation hearing. "I’m an advocate for science," he stated, adding, "NASA will be a force multiplier for science...We will launch more telescopes, more probes, more rovers." This discrepancy has fueled concerns and criticism from both scientists and lawmakers. NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro previously refuted rumors of substantial cuts, stating that reports were from “really not credible sources.” However, subsequent evidence appears to confirm the severity of the proposed cuts.
The proposed budget has drawn strong condemnation. The Planetary Society described it as potentially plunging NASA into a “dark age,” leading to the premature termination of numerous spacecraft and halting future projects. Dara Norman, president of the American Astronomical Society, highlighted the far-reaching consequences, including the loss of American leadership in science. Sen. Chris Van Hollen expressed concerns about the impact on the Goddard Space Flight Center, calling the proposal “wholly unserious” and vowing to fight against these cuts.