The Trump administration is proposing to slash about $6 billion from NASA’s budget, while allocating $1 billion to Mars-focused initiatives. The move aims to realign funding with the agency’s long-held ambition of beating China back to the Moon and landing humans on Mars.
NASA acting administrator Janet Petro emphasized the need for employees to “persevere” and make “tough choices” in an email obtained by CNBC. The proposed budget would cut about 25% of NASA’s funding, impacting various areas such as workforce reductions, information technology services, and construction activities.
The $1 billion allocated to Mars-focused programs aligns with SpaceX’s ambitions, led by Elon Musk. SpaceX aims to launch a manned mission to Mars with its Starship rocket, which is currently under development.
Under the discretionary budget, NASA plans to retire several high-profile projects, including the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. The agency will also scale back its green aviation spending and Mars Sample Return Program.
Petro highlighted that despite the challenges, “your ability to deliver, even under pressure, is what sets NASA apart.” The proposal comes as the agency prepares for a new era of space exploration, with SpaceX’s Starship rocket poised to play a key role.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/02/nasa-leader-warns-employees-tough-choices-ahead-with-6-billion-budget-cut-looming.html