White House Moves to Block NASA Science Missions Ahead of Congress
▼ Summary
– The Trump White House is pushing to cut NASA’s science programs, directing mission leaders to prepare closeout plans by July 9.
– NASA memos, reviewed by Ars, instruct missions to assume closeout by October 1, 2025, with operational missions given a 3-month deadline.
– While labeled as a “planning exercise,” scientists believe the closeout plans signal intent to cancel missions before Congress passes the 2026 budget.
– The Trump administration proposed a 24% cut to NASA’s budget, reducing it from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion in fiscal year 2026.
– The Science Mission Directorate faces nearly 50% in proposed cuts, disproportionately impacting NASA’s science programs.
The White House has taken steps that could jeopardize NASA’s science programs, directing mission leaders to prepare shutdown plans for dozens of ongoing projects. Internal memos reviewed by sources reveal that teams have been given an urgent deadline, with some required to submit detailed closeout strategies as soon as July 9. The abrupt timeline has left researchers scrambling, especially with the July 4 holiday shortening the available preparation window.
According to the documents, missions must draft plans assuming termination orders will take effect by October 1, 2025. Active missions, those currently gathering data across the solar system, are expected to wind down operations within three months if the directive moves forward. While NASA insists this is merely a “planning exercise,” scientists familiar with the situation doubt the administration’s intentions. Many interpret the move as a preemptive strike to dismantle programs before Congress finalizes the 2026 budget.
The potential cuts align with the White House’s recent budget proposal, which slashes NASA’s overall funding by 24%, dropping from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion. The Science Mission Directorate faces the steepest reductions, with nearly half its budget on the chopping block. If implemented, these cuts would cripple critical research, including planetary exploration, Earth observation, and astrophysics studies.
Scientists argue that abruptly terminating long-running missions wastes years of investment and leaves gaps in vital data collection. Spacecraft like the Mars rovers or the Hubble Space Telescope, for example, rely on sustained funding to continue operations. Shutting them down prematurely could derail decades of scientific progress.
The administration’s push contrasts sharply with congressional support for NASA’s science initiatives. Lawmakers have historically resisted deep cuts, often restoring funding during budget negotiations. However, with the fiscal year beginning October 1, the accelerated closeout plans suggest the White House aims to force the issue before legislators can intervene.
For now, researchers remain in limbo, balancing the demands of preparing for potential mission closures while hoping Congress will step in to preserve these programs. The outcome could reshape NASA’s scientific priorities for years to come.
(Source: Ars Technica)
