The White House has unveiled a proposed budget for NASA in fiscal year 2026, marking one of the most significant cuts in the agency's history. The $18.8 billion request represents a nearly 25% decrease from the previous year's funding. This reduction includes plans to phase out the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft after three flights, shifting towards a reliance on commercial launch systems for future lunar missions.
“This proposal includes investments to simultaneously pursue exploration of the Moon and Mars while still prioritizing critical science and technology research,” acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro stated. “I appreciate the President’s continued support for NASA’s mission and look forward to working closely with the administration and Congress to ensure we continue making progress toward achieving the impossible.”
The budget prioritizes human missions to the Moon and Mars, aiming to surpass China in lunar exploration and land the first human on Mars. “The Budget refocuses National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) funding on beating China back to the Moon and on putting the first human on Mars,” a fact sheet accompanying the bill explains. The proposed shift allocates over $7 billion for lunar exploration and $1 billion for Mars programs.
The proposed cancellation of the lunar Gateway, a crucial element of the Artemis program, raises concerns about international collaborations. While nominee Jared Isaacman expressed willingness to work with international partners, the move could disrupt cooperation with Europe, Japan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
The budget also proposes significant cuts to the International Space Station, reducing its operational budget and crew size in preparation for decommissioning by 2030. "The Budget reduces the space station’s crew size and onboard research, preparing for a safe decommissioning of the station by 2030 and replacement by commercial space stations,” the budget document states. This raises concerns about the future of space-based research.
Furthermore, the proposal includes substantial cuts to NASA’s science programs, with the Mars Sample Return mission specifically mentioned for cancellation. A significant reduction in the space technology portfolio is also planned, including the elimination of "failing space propulsion projects." The budget also proposes eliminating NASA's education programs, a move previously rejected by Congress.
“The commercial launch market is more capable than ever, with numerous American providers investing in heavy-lift capabilities,” wrote Jared Isaacman, in response to Senator Ted Cruz's question. “NASA should take advantage of that competition and eventually refocus its world-class talent and infrastructure on what no one else is doing: developing the next generation of exploration technologies.”