National Aeronautics and Space Administration   (NASA) News

• NASA's Crucial Moment: Balancing Science and Budgets

  NASA's biggest headline this week comes from Florida, where teams at the Astrotech Space Operations Facility successfully completed solar array testing on the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, or IMAP. Scheduled for launch this fall, IMAP will journey a million miles from Earth to help reveal how the solar wind influences our galactic neighborhood. What's more, it's launching alongside the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and NOAA’s Space Weather Follow On L1 satellite, expanding humanity’s ability to monitor both cosmic rays and space weather. Leading the IMAP mission is Princeton's Dr. David McComas, collaborating with an international team representing 25 institutions, highlighting just how globally integrated modern space science has become.But while these missions demonstrate NASA’s ongoing commitment to science, this week also brought big questions about the agency’s future. A recently announced budget plan from the White House proposes a staggering 47% reduction in funding for NASA’s science programs, threatening up to 41 ongoing missions, including active spacecraft making groundbreaking discoveries and significant layoffs, potentially reducing NASA's workforce by a third. Advocacy groups and experts are warning that these cancellations could halt a generation’s worth of progress and waste billions in already-invested taxpayer dollars. There’s urgency now for Congress to intervene—a call to action echoed by many in the space community.On the policy front, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center highlights a push toward greater agility and innovation, aiming to free up over 150 days a year for essential construction and partnerships—critical for both public and commercial launch operations. Kennedy’s director, Janet Petro, reiterated the importance of public-private partnerships that allow NASA to extend resources and ignite the economy, stating, “When we join forces with industry and our other government partners, even the sky is no limit.” Notably, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program continues its collaboration with SpaceX, with the Crew-11 astronauts now in quarantine, prepping for their July 31 mission to support the International Space Station—marking the 25th consecutive year of crewed ISS operations.Behind the scenes, budget decisions remain in the spotlight. The administration’s $25.4 billion proposed budget for NASA represents just a modest 2% increase—far short of what experts say is needed for sustaining ambitious efforts like Artemis, Mars sample return, and Earth science initiatives. Construction spending is set to climb sharply, but reductions loom over critical exploration programs and commercial low Earth orbit development.The ripple effects touch everyone. For American citizens, these science programs provide everything from lifesaving Earth-monitoring data to inspiration and STEM opportunities. For businesses and organizations, NASA is a key driver of innovation, technology transfer, and high-value contracts. State and local economies benefit from robust launch activities, while international partnerships—central to missions like Artemis and Gateway—could fray if the U.S. loses momentum. As Dr. McComas notes, “Science is a team sport across borders and disciplines.”Listeners can engage now by contacting elected officials, voicing support for NASA’s missions, and joining advocacy efforts spearheaded by organizations like The Planetary Society. For more updates, tune in to NASA’s coverage of the Artemis IV moon rocket development and watch for the late-summer launches from Kennedy.Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest on the space frontier. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

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• NASA Wins Big as Senate Backs Science Funding, Protects Artemis and Exploration

  NASA’s biggest headline this week is the U.S. Senate’s dramatic rejection of deep proposed cuts to NASA’s science programs, instead approving a bipartisan budget that not only preserves but slightly increases NASA funding for fiscal year 2025. According to the recent Senate Appropriations hearing, the new bill commits $24.9 billion to NASA, which is a notch above last year’s budget. This protects flagship programs like Artemis, the Space Launch System, and Orion, as well as critical science missions that advance our understanding of Earth and space. The Senate’s move specifically blocks a White House proposal that would have slashed NASA’s science budget by 47% and forced the cancellation of 41 active and planned missions—potentially ending research into climate change, planetary science, and even turning off long-running spacecraft exploring our solar system and beyond.For American citizens, this decision means continued investment in cutting-edge research, new technologies, and the high-paying jobs that come with them. Senator Shelby, speaking during the hearing, emphasized, “This bill protects key science missions fundamental to furthering our understanding of the Earth and ensures critical investments to accelerate our plans to land Americans on the lunar surface before the Chinese, and to advance toward Mars.” For businesses, especially those in the private space sector, the Senate’s focus on Artemis and lunar exploration offers steady demand for innovation and commercial partnerships. Commercial contracts for crew and cargo missions, as seen with the growing role of companies like SpaceX and Axiom Space, provide new market opportunities and drive down costs for both NASA and private partners, promoting U.S. leadership in the global space industry.Under the new plan, NASA is also moving forward with new science initiatives. Just this month, NASA confirmed the discovery of a rare interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, using the agency-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile. This comet, which will pass near Mars’ orbit this October but poses no threat to Earth, offers astronomers worldwide a unique chance for study and international cooperation, underscoring NASA’s role as a global scientific leader.Looking ahead, NASA is preparing for the undocking and return of the Axiom Mission 4 private astronaut crew from the International Space Station, hosting a public teleconference on the upcoming TRACERS mission, and inviting students nationwide to interact with astronauts live from orbit. The agency continues to update its Vision for Scientific Excellence, highlighting ways citizens and experts can provide input on priorities as NASA shapes its next four-year plan.For those who want to make their voices heard, the Planetary Society and other advocacy groups are organizing outreach for continued investment in space science. You can contact your representatives, attend public NASA events, or share your support on social media to reinforce the importance of these missions.Keep an eye on NASA’s upcoming media calls, new mission launches, and chances to engage with astronauts. For more, visit NASA’s official website or follow their news releases online. Thanks for tuning in to today’s update on America’s journey to the stars. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest, and share your thoughts on why space exploration matters to you. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

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• TRACERS Launch Highlights NASA's Science Threats as Budget Battles Loom

  The top headline from NASA this week is the upcoming launch of the TRACERS mission, featuring twin satellites designed to study how Earth’s magnetic shield—the magnetosphere—protects our planet from the relentless solar wind. TRACERS, short for Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites, is set to launch no earlier than late July. This mission will unlock new insights into magnetic explosions that shape space weather, which directly impacts American satellites, GPS, power grids, and even astronaut safety. According to NASA officials, “TRACERS will measure how magnetic explosions send solar wind particles zooming down into Earth’s atmosphere—and how these events impact our technology and astronauts.”Joining TRACERS on this flight are innovative payloads like Athena EPIC, a small satellite that could drastically speed up and lower the cost of putting remote-sensing instruments in orbit. Also aboard is a technology demo enabling spacecraft to switch between communications networks in space, similar to how your cellphone roams between providers, and the REAL CubeSat, which will study high-energy particles to help shield satellites and critical ground systems.But this week’s NASA news is also dominated by fierce budget battles. The White House recently proposed slashing NASA’s science program by 47%, which could lead to the cancellation of 41 current and planned missions—and the loss of a third of the agency’s staff. Programs at risk include Mars Sample Return, climate satellites, and key components of the Artemis lunar initiative. George Whitesides, former Chief of Staff at NASA, sounded the alarm: “Indiscriminately firing the next generation of NASA scientists… is exactly the wrong step to secure America’s leadership in space.” The outcry has been bipartisan, with the Senate pushing back on these cuts. Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasized, “We rejected cuts that would have devastated NASA’s science by 47% and would have terminated 55 operating and planned missions.”These proposed cuts have immediate consequences for American citizens and businesses—threatening critical weather forecasting that underpins disaster response, agriculture, and aviation safety. The private sector, including aerospace startups and research institutions, could see contracts canceled and vital innovation slowed. State and local governments reliant on NASA’s climate and disaster data would face setbacks in planning and emergency response. International partnerships, such as those with ESA and JAXA, could be disrupted, undermining global scientific cooperation and America’s credibility in space leadership.Looking ahead, the Senate will soon revisit the NASA funding bill. If you care about the future of space exploration, Congress needs to hear from you. Contact your representatives, share your perspective on social media, and join advocacy efforts like those organized by The Planetary Society.Stay tuned for the launch of TRACERS and updates on NASA’s budget. For more details or to ask questions, NASA is hosting a media teleconference on July 17, and you can follow #AskNASA for live answers.Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. This has been a Quiet Please Production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

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• NASA's Interstellar Comet, Crewed Missions, and Science Funding Updates

  The headline grabbing the world's attention this week is NASA’s discovery of an interstellar comet, designated 3I/ATLAS, now making its way through our solar system. Detected on July 1 by NASA’s ATLAS survey telescope in Chile, this rare visitor from beyond our solar neighborhood is capturing global scientific interest. According to NASA’s Planetary Defense blog, the comet poses no threat to Earth, and researchers are racing to study its physical properties as it approaches perihelion in late October, offering a unique opportunity to learn about materials formed around other stars.NASA is also preparing for the launch of its 11th crew rotation mission with SpaceX, continuing international cooperation aboard the International Space Station. Media briefings are scheduled from Johnson Space Center this Thursday. Astronaut Anil Menon is slated for his first mission as Expedition 75 crew member, highlighting NASA’s ongoing commitment to human spaceflight partnerships.Policy headlines this week revolve around the budget. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee advanced a bill for fiscal year 2025, granting NASA a modest 1% increase. However, this boost falls short of the White House’s request and fails to keep pace with inflation, putting pressure on NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. While flagship programs like Artemis and NEO Surveyor receive full funding, smaller science initiatives may face delays or cuts. The President’s budget request for NASA stands at $25.4 billion, with $7.6 billion earmarked for deep space exploration and $7.3 billion for science, but divisions such as Discovery and New Frontiers could see significant impacts. The American Astronomical Society notes that several science agencies face even steeper cuts, raising concerns about layoffs and the future of foundational research.For American citizens, these developments mean NASA’s focus will continue on critical crewed flights and high-profile science, but opportunities for smaller innovations may shrink. Businesses involved in NASA contracts—especially in robotics, spacecraft, and research—should prepare for shifting priorities. State and local governments hosting NASA centers may feel the effects of budget-driven changes in employment and project scope. International partners remain closely involved in ISS operations, and the discovery of 3I/ATLAS offers a moment for global scientific cooperation.Quoting astronaut Nichole Ayers, who this week photographed a rare “sprite” lightning phenomenon from the ISS, “We have a great view above the clouds, so scientists can use these types of pictures to better understand the formation, characteristics, and relationship of TLEs to thunderstorms.” This underscores NASA’s ongoing contributions to both space and Earth science.Looking ahead, listeners should watch for updates from Thursday’s ISS crew rotation briefings, the continued study of 3I/ATLAS, and any Senate developments regarding leadership changes at NASA. For more information, visit NASA’s official website or follow @NASA on social media. If you’re passionate about space policy, consider reaching out to your representatives to voice support for science funding.Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly updates on NASA and how space policy shapes our world. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

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• NASA's Evolving Priorities: Balancing Exploration and Science on a Tight Budget

  This week’s top headline from NASA is all about the agency’s evolving mission priorities and how Congress is shaping the future of American space exploration. After intense debate, Congress passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which earmarks an extra $10 billion for NASA’s human exploration efforts, including Artemis, the program aiming to return astronauts to the Moon. There’s also $85 million set aside to relocate the space shuttle Discovery from Virginia to Texas, a decision hailed by space enthusiasts and state officials alike.But not all missions are experiencing a boost. The House Appropriations Committee just proposed a 1% overall increase to NASA’s budget for the new fiscal year. While that sounds positive, it masks a tougher reality: much of the additional funds flow toward big-ticket programs like Artemis and deep space exploration, while science projects are left with significant shortfalls. According to The Planetary Society, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is still $200 million below the President’s request, putting pressure on research and future discovery. The House budget falls $200 million short of the White House’s proposal, and inflation is biting, further stretching already thin resources.NASA’s acting leadership is also adapting to these fiscal realities by planning a new agency structure and, unfortunately, closing three offices in the months ahead. These moves are aimed at keeping flagship projects on track despite tough budget tradeoffs and a regulatory landscape that’s rapidly evolving.On the international front, NASA continues to strengthen partnerships, including a fresh contract awarded to MacLean Engineering & Applied Technologies for simulation and software support. Crew rotations to the International Space Station are set, with NASA astronaut Anil Menon scheduled for his first trip in June 2026, and SpaceX Crew-11 launching later this summer. For listeners eager for science news, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft recently buzzed past asteroid Donaldjohanson in the main belt—a critical dress rehearsal ahead of its mission to Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids, with major encounters set for August 2027. According to mission scientists, these flybys help unlock secrets of the early solar system.What does all this mean for Americans? For taxpayers, your investments continue to drive technological innovation and global leadership in space, but there’s a balancing act as some smaller science programs face delays or cuts. Businesses and states tied to big programs—especially in Texas, Florida, and California—stand to benefit from new contracts and relocations. Internationally, NASA’s commitment to partnerships strengthens ties with space agencies in Europe, Japan, and beyond, maintaining U.S. influence in orbit and on the Moon.NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said recently, “We are committed to advancing American leadership in space, even as we make the hard choices needed to carry out our boldest missions.” With the Senate set to finalize the Commerce, Justice, and Science budget soon, the coming weeks are critical. Citizens can follow the spending bill markup later this week and submit public comments through NASA’s engagement platforms.Watch for the final budget decisions in Congress and tune in to NASA’s July 10 news conference for updates on upcoming launches. For more details, check NASA’s official website or your favorite trusted space news outlet. If you want your voice heard, now’s the time to reach out to your representatives and advocate for the science and exploration that inspire us all.Thanks for tuning in today and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest in space and science. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

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