Overview
- The White House FY2026 plan would cut NASA’s overall budget about 24% to $18.8 billion and reduce science funding by roughly 47%.
- More than 40 missions were labeled unaffordable in the proposal, including Mars Sample Return, the MAVEN orbiter, and Juno.
- House and Senate appropriators have advanced plans to hold NASA near its current $24.8 billion funding level, with the House chair saying funding is fully protected.
- The Planetary Society’s Day of Action drew more than 300 advocates and 20 partner groups as Bill Nye warned the U.S. could cede leadership to China if the cuts proceed.
- NASA operations face strain from the ongoing shutdown, and a Senate report alleges OMB has already begun implementing proposed reductions ahead of final appropriations.