Hundreds of NASA researchers endorse the "Voyager Declaration" to voice their opposition to proposed science funding reductions by the Trump administration on our site
NASA employees are standing up against proposed budget cuts and mass layoffs with a planned 'Moon Day' protest on July 20, 2020. This declaration of internal dissent, one of the most significant in recent years, marks a significant moment in the space agency's history.
The Trump administration's proposed FY 2026 budget faces a significant cut of approximately 24%, reducing it to $18.8 billion from prior levels. This reduction prioritizes deep-space human exploration over science and technology missions, leading to the cancellation of 41 missions and projects, including the billion-dollar Mars Sample Return program, and a $350 million decrease in International Space Station funding.
These cuts could substantially impact climate science research, mission safety, and internal agency morale. The halving of the Science and Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) funding means scaling back or terminating key Earth science and planetary observation programs that inform climate science. Some missions focused on climate observing systems, such as Landsat Next, are being rescoped or delayed.
The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) and Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) programs are being restructured or downsized. These centers are critical for ensuring the reliability and safety of NASA's missions. Reduced budgets and workforce cuts, with over 2,000 experienced employees reportedly leaving under incentives, raise concerns about maintaining technical oversight and safety standards.
The budget proposal has met strong opposition from senators and former federal science leaders. The Senate Appropriations Committee initially approved a bill to provide $7.3 billion specifically for science, rejecting the 47% cut to science funding proposed in the budget. House and Senate appropriations bills seek to maintain or slightly increase NASA funding above FY 2025 levels, indicating Congressional resistance to the administration’s cuts.
The "Voyager Declaration," signed by over 280 NASA employees, including astronauts, engineers, and scientists, criticizes steep budget cuts, cancelled missions, terminated contracts and grants, and organizational changes that undermine NASA's ability to conduct critical research. The declaration highlights the loss of thousands of civil servant positions and a growing "culture of organizational silence," where employees feel unable to voice concerns without retaliation.
Over 150 signatories opted to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation. The declaration underscores the importance of protecting science from political influence and emphasizes that NASA's work is a public good that cannot be replaced by private companies. The statement from NASA personnel is a notable expression of concern about the future of the agency.
Stand Up For Science, a nonprofit advocacy group, has made the full declaration public and opened a petition inviting others to support NASA's employees in their stand for science and safety. The ongoing situation at NASA has been described as an "utter nightmare" by the workers. The declaration warns that political interference and abrupt budget reductions could jeopardize decades of progress in space exploration, aeronautics, and climate science.
The declaration can serve as a call to action for those who support NASA's mission and funding. It is a testament to the dedication of NASA employees and a reminder of the crucial role that the agency plays in our understanding of the universe and our planet.
- The planned 'Moon Day' protest by NASA employees marks a significant moment in the space agency's history, echoing the cultural significance of the moon landing in 1969.
- The proposed FY 2026 budget prioritizes deep-space human exploration over science and technology missions, raising questions about the future of environmental science and climate change research.
- The budget cuts could have a detrimental impact on health and wellness, as projects focused on health observing systems might be rescoped or delayed.
- The workplace-wellness sector might also be affected, as internal agency morale appears to be at risk due to the proposed cuts and layoffs.
- The news of these budget cuts has sparked controversy in the finance sector, with investors scrutinizing the potential long-term effects on the economy.
- Sports enthusiasts are concerned about the potential impact on space and astronomy research, which plays a crucial role in understanding weather patterns and solar radiation.
- Educators, advocates of education and self-development, and career development professionals are alarmed about the loss of thousands of civil servant positions and the growing culture of organizational silence at NASA.
- In the realm of technology and data and cloud computing, concerns have risen about the implications of reduced funding for sustainable living projects and initiatives.
- Home and garden enthusiasts are expressing worry about the potential effects on projects focused on Earth observation systems, which are integral to understanding and protecting our environment.
- Businesses and personal financial advisors are monitoring the situation closely, as the stability of the space industry could have far-reaching effects on the national and global economy.
- Lifestyle magazines and publications are covering the innovative insights and discoveries that NASA employees have made over the years, serving as a reminder of what is at stake during these proposed budget cuts.
- The ongoing turmoil at NASA is a stark reminder of the critical role that science, technology, and culture play in our society; it is a call to action for citizens to support NASA's mission and to advocate for a balanced budget that prioritizes both exploration and research.
