NASA Climate Satellite Program Faces Uncertain Future Amid Budget Cuts
The NASA climate satellite program, which has been tracking greenhouse gas emissions since 2002, may soon come to a close as the agency faces significant budget cuts. According to President Donald Trump's budget request, 41 of NASA's 124 science missions in development or operations would be terminated, and another 17 would see their funding zeroed out.
The proposed budget, which slashes NASA's spending by 25 percent and cuts its science funding in half, has been met with resistance from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. "We're not going to accept most of these cuts," said Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. "NASA is critical to our nation's future, and we need to make sure it continues to receive the funding it needs."
The NASA climate satellite program has been a key component of the agency's efforts to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change. The satellites have provided valuable data on greenhouse gas emissions, which has informed policy decisions at home and abroad.
NASA administrators have been directed by the Trump administration to make plans for closing out the missions tagged for cancellation. "We're working closely with Congress to ensure a smooth transition," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "However, we need a clear direction on funding for our science programs."
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on NASA's mission and the nation as a whole. "These cuts will not only harm NASA's ability to conduct critical research but also undermine America's leadership in space exploration," said Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), chairwoman of the House Science Committee.
The fate of the NASA climate satellite program remains uncertain, with Congress facing a September 30 deadline to pass a budget for the next fiscal year. While some lawmakers have signaled their intent to reject most of Trump's cuts, it is unclear whether they will be able to pass a budget before the deadline.
In the meantime, NASA administrators are preparing for all possible outcomes. "We're doing everything we can to ensure that our science programs continue uninterrupted," said Bridenstine. "However, we need Congress to provide us with clear direction on funding."
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
