NASA Faces Major Budget Cuts, Focusing on Mars Mission to Compete with China
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is facing budget cuts of approximately $6 billion, equivalent to around NT$185 billion. This reduction is part of President Trump’s administration plan, with the remaining $1 billion (NT$30.8 billion) allocated towards Mars-centric missions. NASA documents indicate that funding will be prioritized to 'defeat China in lunar exploration and send humans to Mars for the first time.'
Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro stated that this budget streamlining proposal will cut about 25% of NASA's funding, affecting its space science, earth science, and mission support sectors.
NASA plans to allocate over $7 billion (NT$215.8 billion) for lunar exploration missions and invest $1 billion (NT$30.8 billion) in Mars-related projects. SpaceX is noted as one of NASA's major contractors, actively pursuing crewed Mars missions.
