NASA has released its technical supplement to the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request, which includes the Congressional Justifications for its programs and mission areas. The proposed budget cuts are sparking concerns over job losses and research funding at various centers across the country.
The budget proposal would cut 700 jobs from Texas, 526 from Alabama, 510 from Florida, 554 from Ohio, and 100 from Mississippi, affecting 10 Republican senators’ districts. Additionally, the proposal would also reduce FTEs by 48% at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), 20-25% at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and 39-40% at Langley, Ames, and Glenn Research centers.
Many experts are worried that the proposed cuts would have a devastating impact on NASA’s research and development capabilities. The reduction in FTEs at GSFC, for example, is expected to leave only 1,500 employees, down from 3,000 before. Similar reductions are also expected at other centers, including JSC/MSFC/KSC.
The acting administrator’s background has raised concerns about the proposed cuts. As someone with a history of advocating for space exploration and commercialization, it is unclear whether they will take bold action to address these issues or maintain the status quo.
The Ninth Circuit Court recently upheld a pause on RIFs (reduction in force) and reorgs (reorganization), giving NASA some temporary reprieve. However, with the proposed budget still facing significant challenges from Congress, it remains to be seen whether this reprieve will hold.
Industry insiders are speculating about how the PAO (Public Affairs Office) will spin the budget roll-out this year. With proposed cuts of 50% or more in many areas, it’s clear that the message will not be one of celebration and optimism.
Source: https://nasawatch.com/ask-the-administrator/heres-that-wonderful-nasa-budget-news