Trump’s Budget Could Cancel NASA Missions Already in Progress!

A storm is brewing in the world of space science. According to an early draft of the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal, NASA’s science budget could face dramatic cuts — nearly half of its current funding. And if that sounds shocking, that’s because it is.

What’s Being Proposed?

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to slash NASA’s Science Mission Directorate budget from $7.3 billion to just $3.9 billion. This would severely impact ongoing and future missions — including ground breaking projects like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the Mars Sample Return mission. If approved, it would be one of the most severe reductions NASA science has ever seen.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

The proposed cuts hit two major areas hard:

• Earth Science: From $2.2 billion → under $1.1 billion
• Planetary Science: From $2.7 billion → $1.9 billion

This isn’t just about smaller budgets — it’s about canceled missions, wasted investments, and a step backward in U.S. space leadership.

Experts Sound the Alarm

Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, didn’t hold back. He called the proposed cut “an extinction-level event for NASA science.” His concern? That this budget would terminate working missions, halt promising ones still in development, and waste billions in taxpayer dollars already spent. “This is neither efficient nor smart budgeting,” Dreier added.

Even former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson spoke out, warning that such “savagery” could drive NASA into a “deep ditch.”

The Fate of the Roman Telescope

One of the most high-profile projects in jeopardy is the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, often described as the successor to Hubble and Webb. This telescope is already in development — with hardware being tested at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center — and is set for launch as early as September 2026.

But under this budget plan, it wouldn’t receive the funding it needs to move forward.

Not Set in Stone… Yet

Before you panic, take a breath — this budget is only in its early stages. Known as a “passback”, it’s essentially a first draft from the White House to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Congress hasn’t seen the final proposal yet, and there’s still time to change course.

NASA itself acknowledged the situation, saying it’s beginning a “deliberative process” around the pass back.

Strong Backlash from Lawmakers

The outrage over the proposed cuts isn’t just coming from space enthusiasts and former NASA leaders. Several lawmakers have already spoken out, and the opposition is loud and clear:

• Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) called the cuts “absurd” and warned they would “destroy NASA’s ability to carry out its objectives” and “throw billions into the trash heap.”
• Rep. George Whitesides (D-CA) promised to fight back, saying the plan would “decimate American leadership in space.”
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MA) put it bluntly: “This is like eating your seed corn.” He warned of serious consequences for scientific innovation, national security, and America’s space future.

The Bigger Picture

This proposed budget isn’t just about numbers — it’s about the U.S.’s role in science and exploration. Cutting NASA science funding so drastically could damage not only future missions but also the reputation and progress of America’s space program on a global scale.

With missions in development, hardware built, and teams already hard at work, many see this as a moment where the U.S. needs to push forward — not slam on the brakes.

What’s Next?

The battle over NASA’s budget is far from over. Congress has the power to push back — and it looks like both sides of the aisle are gearing up to do just that.

For now, space lovers, scientists, and lawmakers alike are keeping their eyes on the sky — and on Washington.