The White House suggests big changes to NASA’s budget for 2026, SpaceNews reports. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which helps plan government spending, released a short budget proposal on May 2. This “skinny” budget shows overall funding but lacks details. A full budget will come in late May.

NASA’s funding drops to $18.8 billion, down 25% from $24.9 billion in 2025. This is one of NASA’s largest cuts ever. The plan focuses on moon and Mars missions to compete with China. It gives $7 billion for lunar exploration and $1 billion for Mars programs. NASA aims to stay innovative and efficient. Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro supports the plan. She values the President’s backing and wants to work with Congress to keep NASA’s mission strong.

Shift to commercial systems and program cancellations

The budget ends the Space Launch System (SLS), a costly rocket, and Orion spacecraft after three flights. These programs support Artemis, NASA’s moon mission plan. Instead, NASA will use cheaper commercial systems for lunar trips.

In related news, Lockheed Martin delivered to NASA the Orion spacecraft for Artemis 2.

Jared Isaacman, nominated to lead NASA, backs this shift. He says commercial rockets are ready for heavy tasks. The budget also cancels the lunar Gateway, a planned moon-orbiting station. This could affect partnerships with Europe, Japan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Isaacman promises to work with these partners if issues arise.

The International Space Station (ISS) faces a $500 million cut. Crew size and research will shrink to prepare for closing the ISS by 2030. Commercial stations will replace it. NASA will focus ISS research on moon and Mars goals. Science programs face deep cuts, including canceling the Mars Sample Return mission.

The Landsat Next program will change too. Space technology funding drops by 50%, ending some propulsion projects. The budget also stops NASA’s education programs, called STEM Engagement. Congress rejected similar cuts before. Isaacman supports some education efforts, like programs helping students in underserved areas, but the budget removes their funding.

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