Proposed NASA cuts would decimate space science By now you’ve probably heard about the overall drastic cuts to science proposed by the Trump administration.
This weekend, the buzz is centered on the NASA science program.
With the budget cuts will come jobs cuts at NASA.
Staggering cuts to space science The Planetary Society is sponsoring a petition that anyone, anywhere in the world, can sign.
Keep in mind, that these proposed budget cuts are just that: proposals.
Space science would be severely harmed by proposed NASA cuts.
You’ve undoubtedly heard by now about the Trump administration’s proposed significant overall cuts to science. The focus of this weekend’s talk is the NASA science program. For instance, it was this program that launched the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond, discovering thousands of exoplanets—distant worlds outside our solar system. On Friday, May 30, 2025, NASA announced the specifics of its new budget, including which missions would be canceled. It was reported that same day by SpaceNews.com.
On May 30, NASA released additional details about its proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which calls for thousands of job cuts and the cancellation of dozens of science missions in order to make new investments in exploration.
Compared to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) “skinny” budget, which was made public four weeks prior, the documents offer more information about the top-level budget proposal. Late Friday, without much fanfare and without the customary budget briefing by agency leadership, NASA posted the budget documents on its website.
From the nearly $24.9 billion it received in fiscal year 2025, that $18.8 billion top-level budget would represent a cut of roughly a quarter. The proposed cut is the largest year-over-year reduction for NASA and would reduce the agency’s [overall] budget to levels last seen in 1961 after accounting for inflation.
NASA will lay off employees as a result of the budget cuts. According to a budget document table, NASA has 17,391 directly funded civil servants in fiscal year 2025; under the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, that number would decrease by one-third, to 11,853.
Thus, NASA’s budget for fiscal year 2026 would be reduced by $6 billion, or a total of 24% less than the year before. Planetary science, however, is about to suffer even more. Proceed to read.
The cuts to space science are jarring.
Anybody, anywhere in the world, can sign a petition sponsored by the Planetary Society. Part of the petition is as follows.
According to the White House’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate would see a startling 47% reduction in funding [reductions to NASA’s fleet of spacecraft already in space, or proposed]. Delays or cancellations of on-budget development projects, the needless termination of dozens of productive spacecraft, and fewer opportunities for future scientists and engineers are all consequences of this extinction-level event for the Earth and space sciences.
This page allows you to add your name and read the entire petition.
Losing these kinds of programs might not be a big deal to you. However, if you’re one of the people who cares and you’re wondering what you can do about it, continue reading. To begin with, if you are an American citizen, you can speak with your representatives and express your opinions. Additionally, anybody can sign the Planetary Society’s petition from anywhere in the world.
Remember that these suggested budget cuts are only that—proposals. Legislation must be approved by Congress. Thus, you have time to speak up for science and get in touch with your legislators. Find out who your representatives are in the House of Representatives by following this guide. Here’s how to locate your senators. Or search for your representatives at the U.S. S. Congress’s webpage.
Some of the missions that are being cut are listed below.
These are some accounts of NASA programs that are in danger of being discontinued or having their funding reduced.
Apophis is the destination of the OSIRIS-APEX mission.
Second Kuiper Belt evidence is found by New Horizons.
The most intense volcanic activity on Io to date is seen by Juno.
The proposed NASA and NSF cuts are reminiscent of the sledgehammering ISIS used to destroy Palmyra’s monuments. Not only do these items pay for themselves, but they also yield multiple returns for every $1 invested. Kill the talent pool, patents, startups, spin-offs, science, and worldwide influence.
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— May 30, 2025 at 5:35 PM — Dr. James O’Donoghue? (@interplanetary . bsky . social).
