The Trump administration has unveiled a sweeping proposal to cut nearly a quarter of NASA’s 2026 budget, significantly reducing crew sizes aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and scaling back research conducted there. At the same time, the plan redirects focus toward human missions to Mars and renewed efforts to return to the Moon before China.
Space Station Research and Crew Size to Be Significantly Cut
According to the budget outline, $508 million would be slashed from ISS operations. The proposal calls for a smaller astronaut crew and limits research to areas “critical to the Moon and Mars exploration programs.” The cuts reflect a broader shift away from low-Earth orbit science in favor of deep space priorities.
Deep Cuts to Space Science and Mars Sample Return Mission
The budget plan includes a dramatic $2.265 billion reduction in funding for space science missions. Among the casualties is NASA’s flagship Mars Sample Return mission, which the administration proposes to cancel. The proposal argues that its goals will be achieved instead through future human missions to the red planet.
$1 Billion for Mars Programs Likely to Benefit SpaceX
While science missions face major cuts, the proposal sets aside $1 billion for “Mars-focused programs,” although it lacks specifics on how the funds will be used. Analysts suggest SpaceX could be a primary beneficiary, with founder Elon Musk claiming an uncrewed Starship flight to Mars may launch as early as next year.
Lunar Exploration Gets $7 Billion, But NASA’s Own Rocket Faces Cuts
The plan allocates $7 billion to lunar exploration efforts but recommends phasing out NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule, favoring future commercial alternatives. The Lunar Gateway program would also be canceled after the Artemis III mission.
Climate Science, STEM, and Green Aviation Programs on the Chopping Block
NASA’s Earth sciences programs would lose $1.161 billion under the proposal, eliminating funding for so-called “low-priority climate monitoring satellites.” An additional $346 million would be cut from green aviation initiatives, with $143 million slashed from STEM engagement programs. The administration says funds should instead go toward air traffic control and national defense.
