In a recent webinar hosted by SpaceNews, Rep. George Whitesides (D-Calif.), a prominent member of the House Science Committee, voiced serious concerns regarding the proposed budget cuts for NASA in the fiscal year 2026. He emphasized that these cuts reflect a lack of appreciation for the importance of science not only within NASA but also for the broader interests of the United States. The budget, which was unveiled on May 30, suggests a staggering 25% reduction in NASA's overall funding, marking the largest single-year budget cut in the agency's history. Moreover, it proposes nearly a 50% cut to NASA's science programs, potentially leading to the termination of numerous critical missions.
Whitesides described the proposed cuts as “catastrophic,” linking them to a wider trend of reductions in science programs across federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. He stated, “What underpins what we’re seeing is, I think, a full-scale assault on the scientific establishment.” He pointed out that the administration seems to lack a comprehensive understanding of the vital role that science and technology play in maintaining the country’s economic strength and global leadership.
Elaborating on this point, Whitesides highlighted the significance of multispectral imagery in Earth sciences, noting that countries like China are actively deploying numerous instruments into space. He warned that relinquishing the United States' leadership in this area undermines not only atmospheric research but also hampers the nation's ability to discover essential minerals vital for future economic competitiveness.
While the detailed budget proposal was not as severe as earlier fears indicated—especially concerning the potential cancellation of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope—it still reduces its funding for 2026. Whitesides acknowledged that there has been some progress but stressed that “obviously not enough” has been done to mitigate the proposed cuts. Currently, he is engaging with other members of the House Science Committee and House appropriators to discuss potential responses to the budget.
“I think there is a general view that these cuts would be catastrophic to NASA as proposed,” said Whitesides, who has a background as the former chief executive of Virgin Galactic and served as NASA's chief of staff. He aims to raise awareness among newly elected committee members about the relationship between NASA's funding and its implications for national economic and security interests.
The fiscal year 2026 budget proposal also suggests discontinuing the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft after the Artemis 3 mission, opting instead for commercial alternatives. This proposal has faced backlash from various industry groups. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has announced plans to introduce a budget reconciliation bill that would allocate an additional $10 billion to fund SLS and Orion through Artemis 5.
Whitesides expressed skepticism regarding the premature termination of SLS and Orion, advocating for their continuation beyond Artemis 3. He pointed out that contractors are already preparing long-lead items for missions beyond this point, emphasizing the importance of protecting these ongoing efforts.
He also highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of the administration’s plans for commercial replacements, stating, “What I think we don’t have right now is, in Congress, a full understanding of these architectures that are being proposed for both lunar and Martian exploration.” Whitesides is seeking bipartisan support for a sustainable long-term approach to human space exploration.
Whitesides, along with many in the space community, expressed disappointment over the White House’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator. He argued that this move leaves the agency without strong leadership, allowing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the White House to exert undue influence over NASA’s operations. He stressed the urgency of appointing a new administrator who can effectively collaborate with both the White House and Congress.
“It’s crucial that we get someone new as soon as possible,” he stated, acknowledging that while there may not be “perfect candidates,” it is essential to have someone who understands the full scope of NASA's mission and has experience managing large organizations.
Additionally, the proposed budget cuts could lead to significant layoffs, reducing NASA’s civil servant workforce by about a third, which would bring the number of employees to less than 12,000. NASA has initiated a new program offering voluntary retirement options, which could lead to the departure of some of its most valuable employees.
Whitesides emphasized the need for Congress to advocate for NASA's future through both appropriations and authorization bills. He believes that promoting a positive vision for NASA will help ensure the agency remains strong, particularly at a time when the administration appears to undervalue its significance. “We need to be the backstop in a time when it seems like the administration does not value a strong future for NASA,” he concluded.
