Trump’s Proposed NASA Budget Could Torch the Agency’s Boldest Missions

The U.S. administration has proposed a $6 billion cut to NASA’s 2025 budget, including eliminating its cornerstone Moon and Mars programs like the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion capsule, and Lunar Gateway, favoring commercial alternatives instead. This move, part of President Trump's broader strategy to prioritize commercial space travel over government initiatives, could significantly alter Artemis missions to the Moon and delay or shift focus toward Mars Sample Return. NASA's long-term goals for these missions were reportedly revised to align with commercial partnerships rather than its original plans under Trump.