Every living former head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate urged Congress to reject cuts and preserve the United States’ leadership in space science (Photo – Graphics Dept.)
In an unprecedented move, every living former head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate has united to oppose a dramatic 47% cut to NASA’s science budget proposed in the Administration’s FY 2026 request.
By News Desk
The joint letter, addressed to the House Appropriations Committee, urges Congress to reject the cuts and preserve the United States’ leadership in space science.
Led by former NASA Associate Administrator for Science and current board member John Grunsfeld, the letter represents a powerful coalition of scientific leadership spanning decades. The signatories include Grunsfeld (2012–2016), Thomas Zurbuchen (2016–2022), S. Alan Stern (2007–2008), Edward Weiler (1998–2004; 2008–2011), Lennard Fisk (1987–1993), Wesley Huntress (1993–1998), and Alphonso Diaz (2004–2005).
In their joint message to Congressional leaders, Chairmen Tom Cole and Hal Rogers, and Ranking Members Rosa DeLauro and Grace Meng, the former chiefs warn that the proposed cuts would have “severe consequences” for America’s space science leadership, technological workforce, and global standing.
“To do otherwise would be to cede U.S. leadership in space and science to China and other nations,” the letter states, cautioning that the U.S. would not only undermine decades of progress but also “needlessly put to waste billions of dollars of taxpayer investments.”
The letter highlights the broad national impact of NASA’s science missions, citing the agency’s track record in pioneering achievements such as the Mars rovers, the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes, and missions to study the Sun and deep space. These projects, the former administrators argue, fuel economic growth, technological innovation, and global inspiration.
The signatories also emphasize the critical role NASA plays in cultivating future talent. “Nearly every science mission supports student participation,” they note, providing career pathways in aerospace and engineering and bolstering the technical workforce that drives both economic growth and national security.
The letter portrays the cuts as not only short-sighted but potentially devastating, predicting the erosion of key technical capabilities at NASA centers, universities, and aerospace contractors. “We know from experience that losing key technical capabilities could take decades to restore,” they write.
Citing the rise of China’s ambitious and well-funded space program, the former leaders argue that slashing NASA’s science funding would amount to “unilaterally ceding” the U.S. position in the global space race.
Calling for Congress to maintain funding at FY 2025 levels, the former science chiefs conclude with a stark warning:
This proposed budget ends nearly all future investments for both new missions and advanced technology for science. It walks away from dozens of current, extraordinarily successful and productive science missions… We unanimously urge Congress to reject the proposed cuts.”
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