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4w ago

NASA Confirms $420 Million in Contract Terminations, Sparks Concerns Over Savings and Science Programs

The agency cites alignment with core priorities, but only $26.1 million in actual savings has been identified, raising questions about transparency and long-term impacts.

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Overview

  • NASA has officially terminated $420 million in contracts, including consulting agreements and a major Earth science research contract, citing redundancy and misalignment with core priorities.
  • Despite the reported contract value, only $26.1 million in actual savings has been identified, with criticism mounting over the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) transparency and accuracy in savings figures.
  • The largest terminated contract, for the Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC), saved $19.4 million but has raised concerns about the future of Earth science research.
  • The scientific community warns that these cuts could lead to grant terminations and significantly impact NASA's workforce, scientific programs, and U.S. leadership in space exploration.
  • Further budget reductions are anticipated in the fiscal year 2026 proposal, heightening fears of deeper cuts to NASA's science programs and institutional stability.