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NASA delays scheduled gathering to deliberate on prospective science budget reductions

NASA's proposed budget for 2026 demonstrates a significant 47% reduction in funding for its science division. An initially scheduled public meeting slated for June 12 has been put off, awaiting internal briefings.

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NASA's proposed budget for 2026 features a 47% reduction in funding for its Science division. The...
NASA's proposed budget for 2026 features a 47% reduction in funding for its Science division. The planned public meeting set for June 12 has been delayed, awaiting internal briefings.

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NASA Science Budget Virtual Community Meeting Postponed

NASA delays scheduled gathering to deliberate on prospective science budget reductions

Hey there! Grab a seat and let's chat about the recent happenings at NASA.

Remember that NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Budget Virtual Community Meeting you were all set to attend this coming Thursday? Well, NASA's Katherine Rohloff announced a wee bit of a setback. Due to the need for internal briefings, the meeting's been called off, folks[1]. The revised timeline? It's still up in the stars—no pun intended—as NASA is yet to announce a new date. In the meantime, keep those questions coming via the online form[1]. Your queries will help shape future decisions, NASA assured[1].

Now, let's talk numbers. The White House's proposed 2026 budget includes some pretty major cuts to NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), slashing its funding by a whopping 47 percent[2]. That's not all, folks! These reductions could significant impact programs across astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth science, and planetary science[2]. It's no wonder that there's been a wave of concern rippling through the scientific community[2].

So, what's the meeting all about, then? Well, it's scheduled for next Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET. NASA Associate Administrator Nicky Fox will be leading the talk, aiming to explain the proposed budget changes and gather feedback from the science and research communities[1].

Want to tune in? You can join via WebEx[1]. Just click the WebEx link and enter the event number 2820 609 9132 and event password 9EjmaURnS87 when prompted. And if you can't make it in person, don't worry! The meeting will also be live-streamed on YouTube, and a recording will be available afterward[1].

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has issued a call to action[3]. They're urging scientists, students, and supporters of space science to reach out to their members of Congress. The AAS stresses that the NASA science budget is just a request at this stage, and there's still a chance for legislative action to modify the final appropriations[3].

The situation's a sticky one, as NASA Town Hall sessions at the ongoing 246th AAS Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, have been canceled[2]. These meetings have traditionally provided a platform for discourse between agency leadership and professional astronomers. With those meetings off the table, the June 12 virtual session becomes crucial for the scientific community to engage directly with NASA decision-makers and express their concerns about the future of U.S. space science[2].

Stay tuned for updates, folks! NASA has emphasized its commitment to connecting with the community and answering questions soon[1]. In the meantime, keep those questions coming!

[1] https://www.nasa.gov/[2] https://aas.org/[3] https://www.whitehouse.gov/[4] https://www.aip.org/

Sources:
  • NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Budget Virtual Community Meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, June 12, has been postponed, according to a Wednesday update from NASA’s Katherine Rohloff.
  • The White House's proposed 2026 budget includes sweeping cuts to NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), slashing its funding by approximately 47 percent, as reported by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
  • NASA will hold a Science Mission Directorate Budget Virtual Community Meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET.
  • The meeting will be open to the public via WebEx.
  • The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has issued a call to action, urging scientists, students, and supporters of space science to contact their members of Congress.
  • The situation is further complicated by the cancellation of NASA Town Hall sessions at the ongoing 246th AAS Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska.
  1. The postponement of the NASA Science Budget Virtual Community Meeting has left many questions unanswered in the space-and-astronomy industry, as NASA Associate Administrator Nicky Fox was set to explain the proposed budget changes and gather feedback from the scientific community.
  2. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has expressed concern over the White House's proposed 2026 budget, which includes significant cuts to NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), potentially impacting various scientific disciplines such as astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth science, and planetary science.
  3. In light of these developments, the industry, science, and research communities, as well as supporters of space science, are urged by the AAS to contact their members of Congress, as the NASA science budget is still at a stage where legislative action can modify the final appropriations.

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