NASA's response to President Trump's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal has been mixed. While the proposed budget includes a 10% increase for human space exploration, it is accompanied by severe cuts to essential programs. The Mars Sample Return Mission is set for cancellation, sealing fate on invaluable scientific findings about Mars' history. Additionally, the planned Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft development will be discontinued, alongside the Gateway lunar orbit station, despite its initial construction. Overall, the budget raises concerns about NASA's capacity to achieve future space exploration missions amidst these substantial reductions.
The proposed budget gives modest support for human space exploration but imposes drastic cuts on critical missions, including the Mars Sample Return Mission and the SLS program.
NASA's acting administrator praised the budget while the agency faces the daunting challenge of achieving ambitious space exploration goals amid significant funding reductions.
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