This Week in Space 207

As you have doubtless heard, the White House has once again proposed drastic budget cuts of about 24% for NASA's 2027 budget. It's deja vu all over again for us, as we followed an almost identical story last year. And as with last year, Congress has signaled the new budget to be DOA. This time, however, we had a NASA administrator in the seat when this budget arrived and he said he could work with it—despite a near halving of the NASA science budget and proposed cancellation of well over 50 science missions, many already successful and returning great science after the bulk of the program has been paid for. We invited Jenniter Vaughn, the CEO of The Planetary Society, onto the show to discuss. 

Headlines:

• Blue Origin’s New Glenn 3 Rocket Fails Key Mission Despite Successful Landin
• Discovery of Possible Hidden Moons Around Uranus in Planetary Rings
• Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates Its 36th Year in Orbit

Main Topic: NASA Science Budget Crisis and Advocacy with Planetary Society CEO Jennifer Vaughn

• Jennifer Vaughn’s Journey to Leading the Planetary Society
• Deep Cuts Proposed for NASA’s Science Budget and Widespread Opposition
• Congressional Pushback and Ineffectiveness of Copy-Paste Budget Proposals
• Risks to Active and Developmental NASA Missions if Funding Slashed
• Brain Drain and Damage from Funding Instability at NASA and Partner Institutions
• Importance of Public Advocacy and Opportunities to Take Action
• Prospects and Cautions for New NASA Leadership Amid Budget Challenges
• Broader Impact on US Space Leadership, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning

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Links

• Blue Origin's huge New Glenn rocket grounded after launch mishap
• Mysterious rings around Uranus point to hidden moons orbiting the ice giant
• Hubble Telescope celebrates 36th anniversary with gorgeous new image of famous Trifid Nebula
• Meet Jennifer Vaughn
• The FY 2027 NASA budget request
• 84 NASA missions at risk under new proposal
• Planetary Society Sweepstakes