NASA's Climate Satellite Mission May Be Terminated Amid Budget Cuts
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may soon lose two critical climate satellites as part of a broader effort to slash the agency's science funding in half. The decision, which comes after nearly two decades of tracking greenhouse gas emissions, has sparked concerns among scientists and lawmakers.
According to NASA officials, the agency received instructions from the Trump administration to prepare for the cancellation of 41 science missions, including the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) and the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 (OCO-3). These satellites have been monitoring carbon dioxide emissions since their launch in 2002. The proposed budget cuts would also eliminate funding for 17 other NASA projects.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed opposition to the Trump administration's budget request, which includes a 25 percent overall reduction in NASA's spending. "We're concerned about the impact of these cuts on our nation's scientific progress and competitiveness," said Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), chairwoman of the House Science Committee.
However, some lawmakers have signaled support for the budget proposal, citing the need to reduce federal spending. "We can't keep throwing money at NASA without getting results," said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
The proposed cuts have also raised concerns among scientists who rely on NASA's climate research. "These satellites are critical tools in our efforts to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change," said Dr. Gavin Schmidt, director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
The fate of the OCO and OCO-3 missions remains uncertain as lawmakers scramble to pass a new budget before the September 30 deadline. If approved, the cuts would take effect in October, marking the end of NASA's 23-year remit on tracking greenhouse gas emissions.
Background:
In 2002, during the George W. Bush administration, NASA launched the OCO satellite to track carbon dioxide emissions. The mission was designed to provide critical data for climate modeling and policy-making. Since then, the agency has continued to operate the satellite and its successor, with the most recent launch occurring in 2014.
Impact:
The proposed budget cuts would not only affect the OCO and OCO-3 missions but also reduce NASA's overall science funding by half. This could have far-reaching consequences for climate research and policy-making.
Next Developments:
As the September 30 deadline approaches, lawmakers will continue to debate the merits of the Trump administration's budget proposal. A final decision on the fate of the OCO and OCO-3 missions is expected in the coming weeks.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
