NASA science budget faces sharp reductions under Trump’s 2026 plan

President Donald Trump's proposed budget for NASA in 2026 would make significant cuts to the agency's science funding, potentially halting major projects such as the return of soil samples from Mars and a new space telescope, according to sources familiar with the details.

The proposal, which was sent to NASA officials on April 10, is part of an ongoing back-and-forth process between federal agencies and the White House’s Office of Management and Budget to finalize Trump’s budget request, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The exact numbers and allocations may change as discussions continue

The budget proposal allocates roughly $3.9 billion to NASA’s entire science directorate, a dramatic reduction from the $7.3 billion allocated for the department in fiscal year 2024, according to sources who spoke anonymously due to the confidential nature of the information. Within the science division, Earth science missions face a more than 50 per cent cut, while the astrophysics department would experience nearly a 70 per cent reduction. Other departments within NASA’s science division would also see substantial cuts, sources added.

“NASA has received the fiscal year 2026 budget passback and has begun the deliberative process,” said agency spokesperson Bethany Stevens, though she declined to confirm the specific figures.

The proposed budget would continue funding for NASA’s Hubble and James Webb space telescopes, which are currently operational. However, the document suggests that funding for other upcoming telescopes, such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, would be canceled. This new observatory was intended to explore the development of galaxies, stars, and distant planets, representing a major leap in space exploration capabilities.

These proposed cuts would significantly affect NASA’s ability to conduct scientific research and pursue ambitious projects aimed at furthering humanity's understanding of the universe, with experts expressing concern about the long-term impact on space science initiatives.

By Vafa Guliyeva