NASA's Science Missions Face Unexpected Funding Freeze
OMB Directs NASA to Pause Spending on Key Missions
NASA has been instructed to halt spending on over 15 science projects, a directive from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This comes despite Congress recently restoring NASA's funding in the approved budget.
Among the projects on hold is the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, which had narrowly escaped cancellation in the White House's 2026 budget proposal.
The White House's Harsh Budget Proposal
The 2026 budget plan initially proposed by the White House was brutal:
- A $6 billion cut compared to 2025—the largest single-year cut in NASA's history.
- Planetary science budget slashed from $2.7 billion to $1.9 billion.
Congress Steps In to Save NASA's Budget
In January, Congress rejected most of the proposed cuts and passed a budget bill granting NASA $24.4 billion—the same amount as in 2024 and 2025. This was a sharp contrast to the $18.8 billion suggested by the White House for 2026.
OMB's Directive Raises Concerns
Despite Congress' intervention, the OMB has ordered NASA to limit financial commitments on these projects. This means:
- No new contracts
- No credit card purchases
- No travel requests related to these missions
The affected projects include missions studying Earth's atmosphere, climate, Venus, and other potentially habitable worlds. The pause is expected to last 10 business days, but it could be extended.
The Future of NASA's Science Missions
This situation raises serious questions about the future of NASA's science programs. While Congress has restored funding, the current administration appears to be putting key projects on hold. It's a reminder that the fight for NASA's budget is far from over.
