The Webb Space Telescope faces a critical threat from budget cuts, jeopardizing its mission and scientific outputs. Astronomers report that reduced funding could cut into the telescope’s effectiveness by 20% by fall 2025. NASA has proposed cutting operational funding by up to 20%, impacting activities like time allocation, data calibration, and instrument capabilities. With a projected five-year baseline but potential two-decade runtime, Webb’s sustainability is at risk unless scientists optimize their use of the limited observing time. Thousands of proposals for telescope time illustrate its scientific importance, yet a reduced budget could significantly reduce its impact. NASA must find a sustainable solution to ensure Webb continues to advance astronomy in an already challenging environment.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/looming-budget-cuts-threaten-webb-telescopes-groundbreaking-science-2000555209