Overview

• The proposed FY2026 budget cuts NASA's funding by $6 billion, representing a 24% reduction, and reallocates resources toward Mars exploration.
• Key programs like Artemis, the Space Launch System (SLS), and the Orion spacecraft face phase-out by 2027 under the new plan.
• The budget introduces $1 billion in new investments for Mars-focused initiatives and over $7 billion for lunar activities, shifting priorities away from the moon.
• European Space Agency (ESA) officials are assessing the impact of the cuts, as international collaborations like Artemis face uncertainty.
• The proposal, which requires Congressional approval, is expected to increase NASA's reliance on private contractors such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.