NASA’s science budget won’t be a train wreck after all

In June, the White House unveiled a fiscal year 2026 budget proposal that proposed a staggering nearly 50% reduction in funding for NASA’s science programs. Shortly after, in July, the Trump administration instructed leaders of numerous space science missions to start preparing for the shutdown of their spacecraft, casting a shadow over the future of these projects. However, hope emerged as Congress intervened. Traditionally, Congress oversees the federal budget, and despite having ceded some authority to the Trump administration in previous years, they took action regarding NASA's funding. Throughout the summer and fall, amidst ongoing negotiations between the White House and Congress on various issues, it became evident that lawmakers were committed to preserving the majority of NASA’s science initiatives. On Monday, Congress followed through on their promises by unveiling a budget plan of $24.4 billion for NASA during the conferencing process, where House and Senate members finalize budget allocations. This new proposal reflects a mere 1% decrease in NASA’s science funding, bringing it to $7.25 billion for fiscal year 2026. Casey Dreier, chief of space policy for The Planetary Society, expressed relief, stating, "This is, frankly, better than I could have expected. There’s very little to not like in this.” However, he noted that this budget would not reverse the significant workforce reductions seen in 2025 due to a voluntary buyout program initiated by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency. Dreier also highlighted the unnecessary time and resources spent by scientists and engineers responding to the initial budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration.