Just when Artemis II united America around a common excitement -- seeing the moon again -- a science enthusiast group says the rug may be pulled out from under us.
NASA's scientific projects, including those at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, are facing funding cuts in the Trump administration's 2027 budget request to Congress. The Planetary Society reported the Trump administration's 2027 budget proposal threatens a 23% cut to NASA's total funding—which would reduce it to $18.8 billion.
That includes a 47% slash to NASA's science division, which would create the largest proposed reduction in agency history. "If approved, this would cancel over 40–53 science missions, including impacts on the Perseverance rover, and severely affect Jet Propulsion Laboratory operations," they reported.
Jet Propulsion cuts would impact projects such as the Mars rover exploration and a mission to orbit Venus.
With on-and-off again government shutdowns and panic over the price of gas, how popular will the cuts be in the eyes of congressional members who approve the budget? NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman backed the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts in an interview on CNN, saying the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides nearly $10 billion to NASA for missions to the moon and Mars, infrastructure improvements and other projects.
And that, even with the cuts, "gives us the capability to get to the moon with frequency, to build the enduring presence on the moon, the moon base, which in itself is going to afford numerous scientific and technological development,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of Congress, including Sen. Jerry Moran, have criticized the proposed cuts and indicated a commitment to funding NASA science missions.
The Planetary Society, the largest independent science interest group in the world, is particularly focused on making sure the cuts are rejected. "The American public responded in record numbers to last year’s proposed cuts to space science, and we believe they will do so again," the group wrote.
"Congress shares this determination. Last month, more than 100 members of the House of Representatives co-signed a bipartisan letter calling for a $1.75 billion increase to NASA Science. The President has stated his desire that NASA remain the world’s premier space agency. The White House’s budgeting office is out of step with this broad, bipartisan consensus. The Planetary Society will once again amplify the voices of the public to ensure these draconian cuts are rejected by Congress."
Congressional budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2027 officially began in mid-April 2026, and are scheduled throughout late April and May 2026.
It's the largest proposed reduction in agency history
It's the largest proposed reduction in agency history
