President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed significant cuts to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), primarily affecting science funding. If implemented, these cuts would reduce NASA’s budget to its lowest level since 1961.
The Planetary Society reports that the proposed 47% reduction in science funding for NASA is the largest percentage cut ever recommended for the agency. The impact of these cuts on Colorado’s space industry and the country as a whole could be severe.
Lisa Upton, a solar scientist and former child telescope enthusiast, expressed concern about the potential loss of American leadership in space exploration. “These impacts aren’t just about today, tomorrow, next week, or next year,” she said. “These impacts are long-lasting.”
Dr. Shannon Curry, associate professor of astrophysics and planetary science at the University of Colorado Boulder, also warned that NASA’s funding cuts could have far-reaching consequences for the local economy. The state’s aerospace industry generates $5 billion in economic output each year.
Curry expressed particular concern about the potential cancellation of the MAVEN mission, which she described as “America’s number one telecom relay asset.” If MAVEN were cut, it would not only impact the Mars Exploration Program but also threaten American leadership in space exploration.
The proposed budget cuts have sparked concerns among scientists and industry leaders who rely on NASA for funding and support. While some experts acknowledge that budget cuts occur naturally, Curry noted that the proposed 47% reduction in science funding is “devastating” and would be a bad business decision.
Source: https://www.denver7.com/news/politics/federal-spending-cuts-bill-would-slash-nasa-funding-along-with-boulder-based-mars-mission