Budget Cuts Put NASA's Climate Satellite Mission on Collision Course with Defunding

NASA's Climate Satellite Mission May Be Terminated Amid Budget Cuts The Trump administration's proposed budget for the next fiscal year could bring an end to NASA's 23-year mission to track greenhouse gas emissions, as the agency faces significant cuts in funding. According to a report released by NASA, the agency's science funding would be slashed in half under the new budget, with 41 of its 124 science missions in development or operations set for termination. The satellite mission, which has been tracking carbon dioxide emissions since 2002, is one of several programs that could be affected by the proposed cuts. The mission, known as Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO), has provided critical data on greenhouse gas emissions and has helped scientists understand the impact of human activity on the environment. "We are disappointed but not surprised by this decision," said a NASA spokesperson. "The OCO mission has been a valuable tool for understanding climate change, and its loss will be felt across the scientific community." The proposed budget cuts have been met with opposition from lawmakers in both parties, who argue that they would undermine NASA's ability to conduct critical research and development projects. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), a longtime supporter of NASA, stated, "These cuts are short-sighted and would harm our nation's competitiveness in the fields of science and technology." The Trump administration has directed NASA managers to make plans for closing out the missions tagged for cancellation, but it is unclear whether Congress will pass a budget that includes these cuts before the current fiscal year ends on September 30. Lawmakers have signaled their intention to reject most of the proposed cuts, but the fate of the OCO mission and other affected programs remains uncertain. Background on the OCO mission shows that it was launched in 2002 as part of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) program. The satellite has been tracking carbon dioxide emissions from space, providing critical data for scientists studying climate change. The mission has undergone several upgrades and extensions over the years, but its future is now uncertain due to the proposed budget cuts. Additional perspectives on the issue come from environmental groups, which have expressed concern about the impact of the proposed cuts on NASA's ability to study climate change. "The OCO mission has been a vital tool for understanding the causes and effects of climate change," said a spokesperson for the Environmental Defense Fund. "Its loss would be a significant setback for our efforts to address this global challenge." As the deadline for passing a new budget approaches, lawmakers will continue to debate the merits of the proposed cuts. The fate of the OCO mission and other affected programs remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the impact of these cuts on NASA's ability to conduct critical research and development projects will be felt for years to come. In related news, a group of scientists has launched a petition calling on Congress to preserve funding for the OCO mission. The petition, which has garnered significant support from the scientific community, argues that the mission is essential for understanding climate change and its impacts on the environment. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*