Urgent Call to Defend Critical NASA Space Science Funding
A critical juncture has arrived for the future of NASA’s vital research programs. The American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) has issued an urgent appeal to its members and the broader scientific community, calling for immediate action to combat severe proposed budget cuts to NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division.
The recently released President’s Budget Request (PBR) for Fiscal Year 2026 includes drastic reductions for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, with the BPS division facing the most significant threat. This division, which underpins much of the research conducted by ASGSR members and the broader space biology and physical sciences community, is slated for a staggering 72% cut, plummeting from $87.5 million to a mere $25 million. This proposed budget allocates only $13 million for Physical Sciences research, $4 million for Space Biology, and $4 million for the CERISS initiative.
The Dire Consequences of These Cuts
Such a dramatic funding decrease poses an existential threat to ongoing and planned research projects and crucial training initiatives supported by BPS. The implications are far-reaching and severe:
Threat to Exploration Goals: Hampering vital research critical for astronaut health, safety, and long-duration space missions.
Loss of Earth Benefits: Jeopardizing translational research that leads to significant spin-off technologies and medical advancements improving life on Earth.
Undermining Global Leadership: Diminishing the Nation’s competitive edge and leadership position in space research and technology development.
Stifling Commercial Space: Weakening a key customer and driver for the burgeoning commercial low-Earth orbit (LEO) economy.
Devastating the Workforce: Disrupting the essential pipeline for developing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
As many in the community recall, previous severe funding cuts took over a decade for the BPS research landscape to recover. These proposed reductions risk repeating that detrimental history.
A Crucial Window for Advocacy: Act Now!
It is imperative to understand that the President’s Budget Request is just that – a request. The ultimate funding decisions rest with Congress. Over the coming months, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will be crafting their versions of the Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) bill, which includes NASA’s budget. This period represents a critical opportunity for advocacy to secure bipartisan congressional support and restore funding for NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences division in the FY2026 budget, aiming for at least budget maintenance to support NASA’s long-term exploration plans.
We MUST take action now to advocate for BPS and its vital budget.
How You Can Help Defend NASA BPS Funding
The ASGSR is urging all members and friends to immediately contact their local and state representatives. Remind them of the critical need for a robust BPS budget using these key talking points:
Highlight the vital role BPS research plays in the Nation’s exploration goals, including its crucial contribution to astronaut health and safety.
Emphasize the critical importance of BPS research in improving life on Earth through translational benefits and spin-off technologies.
Stress the significance of BPS research in maintaining US leadership and competitiveness in space.
- Note that BPS research is a key customer and driver of a successful commercial LEO economy.
Take Action Now:
Time is Critical. Please act this week to make your voice heard. Members of the ASGSR Board and Student Board will also be in Washington D.C. in the coming weeks, meeting directly with Members of Congress to personally advocate for the restoration of NASA BPS funding.
If you have questions, please contact Liz Blaber (blabee-at-rpi.edu).
The future of space science research and its benefits for Earth and exploration depend on our collective action.
