NASA is eliminating at least 23 of its Science Mission Directorate (SMD) accounts, citing the need to “strategically reduce” its digital footprint in response to proposed funding cuts. The move comes as President Donald Trump’s 2026 fiscal budget request could cut NASA’s funding by nearly 25%, including a 47% reduction to the agency’s science program.
The agency operates over 400 social media accounts, with SMD managing around 300. While some see consolidation as a positive step towards cohesive messaging, others argue that it will limit public access and attention to research. Harvard University astronomer Jonathan McDowell tweeted that making individual voices and quirks less distinct would be a “mistake”.
Affected X accounts serve critical outreach platforms for specific research programs, including the Perseverance Mars rover, Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, and International Space Station research. The cuts are part of a broader proposal to reduce NASA’s workforce by one-third and include sweeping staff layoffs.
The agency assures that public access to social media updates on affected SMD programs will not be lost. Accounts may be archived, merged with larger channels, or rebranded to align with strategic frameworks. However, the funding cuts pose significant threats to research programs, including the Mars Sample Return mission and the Orion capsule.
As NASA’s scientific future is uncertain, other federal science agencies are facing major changes to their online presence. Climate.gov and NOAA face staff layoffs and restructuring efforts, highlighting a shifting landscape for publicly available science during critical times.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/rip-to-these-nasa-x-accounts-as-u-s-science-falls-off-a-cliff-2000614508