NASA budget cuts as seen by Dr. Becky

Astrophysicist Dr. Becky Smethurst delivered a sobering breakdown of the proposed NASA budget cuts and their potential ramifications for space science, planetary exploration, and astronomy. Her analysis, rich with detail and personal reflection, captures a pivotal moment in the history of NASA. With context from official White House budget documents and space advocacy from The Planetary Society, her presentation paints a picture of a future where political priorities threaten the forward march of scientific discovery.

A Sky Full of Stars, But a Future in Question

Dr. Becky begins her video with her usual uplifting overview of what to observe in the night sky. This May, northern hemisphere observers can enjoy the Summer Triangle asterism—Vega, Deneb, and Altair—as it rises higher each night. Stargazers in the southern hemisphere are treated to sweeping views of the Milky Way's core, best seen around Sagittarius. With Venus and Saturn in the morning skies and Jupiter and Mars visible in the evenings, the sky remains full of wonder.

However, as she shifts focus from starlight to headlines, Dr. Becky acknowledges a dramatic and troubling change brewing within the American space science community.

The Skinny Budget: A Blueprint for Cuts

On May 2, 2025, the White House released its preliminary FY 2026 budget proposal, known as the "skinny budget." Although nonbinding, it outlines the administration's financial priorities and sparked alarm among scientists due to a proposed 24% cut to NASA's total budget. Even more startling was the nearly 44% reduction in funding for NASA's science programs—a figure confirmed by both the budget document and advocacy analysis from The Planetary Society.

The cuts come as part of a broader effort to reduce non-defense discretionary spending. While human spaceflight programs, particularly those aiming to put astronauts on the Moon and Mars, received modest increases, the science-focused branches of NASA were dealt a heavy blow.

Programs on the Chopping Block

Among the missions likely to be affected:

• Mars Sample Return Mission: Once seen as a flagship collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency, this mission has been completely canceled. The proposed shift would see humans retrieve the samples instead—a distant and speculative alternative.

• Veritas and DAVINCI+ Venus Missions: Both missions, designed to study Venus's surface and atmosphere, are now expected to be canceled despite strong scientific interest and prior investments.

• Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope: Perhaps the most heartbreaking cut of all, the Roman Telescope—Hubble's true successor, already constructed and set to launch in 2027—faces funding termination before it ever reaches orbit.

• Chandra X-Ray Observatory: Although still operational and valuable, it too is expected to lose funding, leaving another legacy instrument in peril.

These losses come in addition to the complete elimination of NASA's STEM engagement budget, removing vital educational outreach and public engagement efforts.

---

The Political vs. the Scientific

Dr. Becky articulates a painful but important truth: these decisions are not being driven by scientific merit. Instead, the budget is laser-focused on geopolitical optics, particularly beating China back to the Moon and establishing human presence on Mars. She draws parallels with the 1960s space race, but with an important distinction. In the Apollo era, NASA was primarily an exploration agency. Today, NASA is a powerhouse of scientific research across astrophysics, Earth science, and heliophysics.

By prioritizing a political space race over science, the administration risks discarding decades of progress and squandering the investments already made in groundbreaking projects. Dr. Becky emphasizes that, unlike in the past, NASA today enables global cooperation, sustains tens of thousands of jobs, and leads in innovation with unmatched scientific infrastructure.

Light Pollution and the Global Picture

Beyond budgetary challenges in the U.S., Dr. Becky also highlights environmental threats to astronomy elsewhere. The European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in Chile is nearing completion, but its future is now uncertain due to a nearby industrial development. The project would dramatically increase light pollution in one of the darkest remaining skies on Earth.

This underscores a recurring theme in her episode: science is under pressure, not just from governments defunding research, but also from expanding industries and environmental encroachment.

The Planetary Society: Advocacy in Action

In the face of these challenges, The Planetary Society has stepped forward with its "Save NASA Science" campaign. With resources designed to help citizens contact their representatives, the society is mobilizing public support to influence Congressional decisions. Their message is clear: protect NASA science, not just for researchers, but for future generations.

The White House Office of Management and Budget confirms that the FY 2026 proposal is part of a broader fiscal reshaping. However, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are expected to push back on the proposed science cuts when the budget is debated in Congress. Until then, the scientific community remains in limbo.

Planet Nine and a Glimmer of Discovery

Despite the grim budget outlook, the episode doesn’t end without a spark of hope. Dr. Becky details the exciting possibility of having finally spotted Planet Nine, a hypothetical massive planet beyond Neptune. A slow-moving infrared object has been identified using data from the IRAS and AKARI space telescopes, though it remains only a candidate until confirmed by additional observations.

This moment exemplifies why space science matters: the thrill of the unknown, the potential for groundbreaking discovery, and the spirit of exploration that inspires us all.

Final Thoughts: Keep Looking Up

Dr. Becky closes her episode with a message of solidarity and resolve. For those who work at NASA, the European Space Agency, and other research institutions, the current budget signals more than financial hardship—it threatens years of work, global partnerships, and humanity's pursuit of knowledge.

She urges viewers to speak up, get involved, and stay informed. The future of space science isn't sealed yet, and with the help of public advocacy and Congressional intervention, there is hope the final budget will better reflect the value of science.

Until then, she encourages everyone to keep looking up, finding solace and wonder in the stars—because even as the politics below grow uncertain, the cosmos above remain a source of infinite curiosity.