The White House's proposed budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) includes major changes to its weather satellite program and a transfer of key responsibilities. A draft of the fiscal year 2026 budget, received by NOAA on April 10, suggests a significant restructuring of its space-related activities.
The most significant proposed change affects the GeoXO (Geostationary Extended Observations) program, which is developing a new generation of weather satellites. According to a source, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) seeks a “major overhaul” of GeoXO, aiming to remove instruments focused on climate data, such as those studying atmospheric composition and ocean color, to cut costs. The program has an estimated total cost of nearly $20 billion over its 30-year life.
The proposal also suggests ending the cooperation between NASA and NOAA on GeoXO. NASA currently handles procurement and technical management, a role it has long played in NOAA satellite programs. The OMB's rationale for this change remains unclear, given NOAA's limited internal expertise in satellite development.
Further changes involve transferring the Space Weather Prediction Center from NOAA to the Department of Homeland Security, impacting NOAA spacecraft and instruments providing space weather data. The budget also proposes that the Office of Space Commerce develop a plan to transfer its Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) to an unspecified “non-government entity.” This transfer, despite TraCSS’s projected full service launch by next January, would save the government minimal funds.
These changes have alarmed scientists and lawmakers. “Trump’s budget plan for NOAA is both outrageous and dangerous,” stated Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), ranking member of the House Science Committee, promising to block its implementation.