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Trump Administration Proposes Deep Cuts to NASA Science Programs

The draft FY2026 budget seeks to reduce NASA's Science Mission Directorate funding by nearly 50%, jeopardizing key missions and U.S. leadership in space exploration.

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NASA's Roman Space Telescope, whose development remains on schedule for launch in late 2026, would be canceled in the White House's 2026 budget proposal.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope — which has been fully built and is scheduled to launch in 2027 — could be cancelled if the Trump administration’s proposed NASA budget is enacted. Credit: NASA
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Overview

  • The draft FY2026 budget proposes slashing NASA's Science Mission Directorate funding from $7.3 billion to $3.9 billion, a nearly 50% reduction.
  • Major missions, including the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, Mars Sample Return, and the DAVINCI mission to Venus, face potential cancellation under the proposal.
  • Astrophysics funding would drop from $1.5 billion to $487 million, while Earth science and planetary science would also see significant reductions.
  • NASA has begun reviewing the passback budget and has a limited period to appeal before the administration submits the final proposal to Congress.
  • Lawmakers and experts warn the cuts could undermine U.S. scientific leadership and waste billions in investments, with bipartisan resistance expected in Congress.