The incredible dispute between Donald Trump and his Mask It intensifies fears of NASA budget cuts, which is expected to be significantly reduced. According to a BBC report, 40 scientific missions are at risk.
As the frontal conflict between Donald Trump and Elon Musk rages with unpredictable consequences, the uncertainty about NASA budget cuts, with many scientific programs at risk of canceling or interrupting, is intensifying.
The US Space Service has made a request to Congress for funding that provides for nearly 50% of the funds for scientific programs. Specifically, 40 scientific missions found either in the development phase or already in space, are at risk of ending.
NASA based on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets, Musk’s companyfor the refueling of the International Space Station, as well as for the transfer of crews and supplies. The Space Service intends to use Starship, SpaceX’s new space rocket, for manned missions to the Moon and Mars. However, Donald Trump has threatened with a cessation of federal contracts with SpaceXfurther increasing uncertainty.
Dr. Symeon Barber, space scientist at Open University, pointed out that This uncertainty negatively affects the universe exploration programas it requires long -term planning and close cooperation between governments, companies and academic institutions.
Excluded space program for Mars
In addition to the Trump -Musk dispute, there is also concern about the deep cuts proposed by the White House in the NASA budget. All NASA sectors are projected to suffer cuts, With the sole exception of the program for sending astronauts to Mars, which was reinforced with an additional $ 100 million.
Casey Dreier, head of political space at Planetary Society, an organization that promotes space exploration, characterizes the proposed cuts as “The biggest crisis ever encountered by the American space program”.
NASA argues that a budget reduction by almost 1/4 “aligns science and technology programs with missions that are essential to exploring the Moon and Mars”. However, Dr. Adam Baker, a space analyst at Cranfield University, points out that if these proposals are approved, the service will radically change its direction.
According to Dr Baker, Trump redefines NASA’s role in two goals: to reach the Moon before China and place the US flag on Mars. All other programs are considered secondary, according to the researcher.