A dispute between US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk over a major spending bill has raised concerns about the future of the US space programme. The White House had initially requested significant cuts to NASA’s budget, which would have reduced funding for science projects by nearly half.
President Trump has since threatened to withdraw federal contracts with SpaceX, further jeopardizing the US space programme. NASA relies on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket fleet to resupply the International Space Station and expects to use its Starship rocket to send astronauts to the Moon and eventually to Mars.
Experts warn that the uncertainty is having a “chilling impact” on the human space programme, citing the need for long-term planning and cooperation between government, companies, and academic institutions. The proposed cuts would eliminate 40 science missions currently in development or already in space, including collaborations with international partners.
NASA’s critics argue that the agency has become a bloated bureaucracy that regularly goes over budget and wastes taxpayer money. The development of new rockets, such as SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Glenn, could potentially reduce costs but also carries significant risks.
The European Space Agency is also facing reduced funding, which would impact its ability to participate in NASA’s International Space Station programme and other collaborations. The agency may take advantage of the situation to re-evaluate its own space activities and seek greater autonomy.
As the budget proposals move forward, experts warn that political gridlock could lead to a failed agreement, leaving the US space programme vulnerable to future cuts. With 40 missions at risk of being eliminated, concerns about the long-term impact on scientific research and exploration grow.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87jq0djw00o