White House Budget Proposal: Major Changes Ahead for SLS, Orion, and ISS Operations

**Changes are Coming to NASA’s Budget for 2026**

The White House is proposing significant adjustments to NASA as part of its 2026 budget, aiming to phase out key projects like the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft. There’s also a plan to cut funding for the International Space Station (ISS) operations.

On May 2, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) shared a preliminary budget outline, detailing funding levels without full specifics. They propose $18.8 billion for NASA, which is nearly 25% less than the $24.9 billion allocated for 2025.

Janet Petro, acting NASA Administrator, expressed appreciation for the President’s support, highlighting a focus on moon and Mars exploration. The budget earmarks over $7 billion for lunar missions and introduces $1 billion for Mars initiatives, emphasizing America’s ongoing leadership in human space exploration.

The proposed cuts target the Space Launch System and Orion capsule, deemed costly and delayed. Instead, the budget suggests using commercial launch options for future lunar missions. This aligns with insights from Jared Isaacman, a nominee for NASA’s leadership, who noted the increasing capabilities of commercial providers and the potential for NASA to focus on pioneering new exploration technologies.

Another significant shift is the potential cancellation of the lunar Gateway, an international project aimed at facilitating future missions. Such a move could jeopardize collaborations with countries like Europe, Japan, and Canada.

When it comes to the ISS, the budget proposes cutting its operating costs by $500 million, reducing crew numbers and onboard research in preparation for its eventual decommissioning by 2030. This will refocus efforts on research directly tied to moon and Mars explorations. Isaacman emphasized the need for maximizing the station’s utility to foster a sustainable space economy.

The budget also indicates deep cuts to NASA’s science programs, signaling the cancellation of projects like Mars Sample Return and a nearly 50% reduction in NASA’s technology initiatives. Isaacman acknowledged the challenges posed by these cuts, expressing concerns about the impact on future scientific advancements.

Interestingly, the budget includes plans to eliminate NASA’s education programs, termed STEM Engagement, suggesting a reliance on ambitious missions to inspire the next generation instead of traditional educational support. Isaacman defended certain programs like EPSCoR, which connect underserved regions with NASA opportunities, asserting their importance for inclusivity in aerospace careers.

Ultimately, these changes point to a new direction for NASA. The push for commercial partnerships and a sharper focus on ambitious exploration objectives reflects an evolving landscape in space exploration. As we look forward, the balance between cost effectiveness and maintaining a robust scientific presence in space will be crucial.

For more details on the budget proposal, you can check the full document provided by the White House here.

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ISS,Lunar Gateway,NASA,Office of Management and Budget (OMB),Orion,SLS,White House