The President’s fiscal year 2025 budget request for NASA reflects a continued commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in space exploration, Earth and space science, aeronautics research, and STEM education. The $25.4 billion budget proposal promotes a robust and sustainable space program that will return humans to the Moon, continue the search for life beyond Earth, enhance understanding of our home planet, and develop new technologies for the benefit of humanity.
At the core of NASA’s plans is the Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon and establish a long-term human presence in deep space. Building on the success of the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022, NASA is moving forward with preparations for Artemis II, the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft around the Moon. Slated for launch in September 2025, Artemis II will pave the way for the historic Artemis III mission, which will return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years.
To support these ambitious goals, the FY 2025 budget allocates $7.6 billion for the Artemis program, including funding for the powerful Space Launch System rocket, Orion crew capsule, Gateway lunar outpost, and commercial Human Landing System that will ferry crews to and from the Moon. The budget also supports development of next-generation spacesuits, rovers, and other surface systems needed for extended lunar exploration and eventual missions to Mars.
In addition to its human spaceflight objectives, NASA remains committed to advancing scientific understanding of the Earth, our solar system, and the universe beyond. The FY 2025 budget includes $7.6 billion for the Science Mission Directorate, supporting over 125 missions across the fields of Earth science, planetary science, astrophysics, heliophysics, and biological and physical sciences.
Highlights include continued development of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to study dark energy and exoplanets, the Europa Clipper mission to explore a potentially habitable moon of Jupiter, and the DAVINCI and VERITAS missions to unveil the mysteries of Venus. The budget also supports critical Earth science initiatives such as the Earth System Observatory and PACE mission to monitor our changing planet and inform climate resilience efforts.
To protect our planet from potentially hazardous asteroids and comets, the budget provides $252 million for the OSIRIS-APEX and NEO Surveyor missions. Launching in 2028, NEO Surveyor will be the first space-based infrared survey dedicated to discovering and characterizing near-Earth objects that could pose an impact threat.
In the realm of aeronautics, NASA is investing $966 million to transform aviation for the 21st century. The budget supports cutting-edge research and technology demonstrations aimed at developing quieter, more fuel-efficient, and environmentally sustainable aircraft. Through the Sustainable Flight National Partnership, NASA is collaborating with industry, academia, and other agencies to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint by up to 30 percent.
To ensure a robust future workforce, NASA’s FY 2025 budget provides $144 million for the Office of STEM Engagement. Through initiatives such as the NASA Space Grant, Minority University Research and Education Project, and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, the agency is working to broaden participation in STEM fields and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
As NASA sets its sights on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the agency recognizes the importance of partnering with the commercial space industry to drive innovation, reduce costs, and expand access to low-Earth orbit. The FY 2025 budget supports NASA’s Commercial LEO Development program, which is facilitating the growth of privately owned and operated space stations to ensure a seamless transition from the International Space Station.
Under this program, NASA has signed Space Act Agreements with three U.S. companies – Blue Origin, Nanoracks, and Northrop Grumman – to develop designs for commercial LEO destinations. By leveraging private industry capabilities, NASA aims to maintain a continuous U.S. presence in low-Earth orbit while freeing up resources for deep space exploration.
To enable these ambitious exploration, science, and technology development goals, NASA must also invest in its infrastructure, workforce, and mission support capabilities. The FY 2025 budget includes $3 billion for Safety, Security, and Mission Services, providing critical funding for facility maintenance, IT services, and the skilled personnel needed to carry out the agency’s diverse portfolio of programs.
An additional $424 million is allocated for Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration, supporting ongoing efforts to modernize NASA’s aging infrastructure and ensure responsible environmental stewardship. Key projects include upgrades to the Kennedy Space Center launch facilities for the Artemis missions and the Deep Space Network to enable communications with distant spacecraft.
As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson noted in his statement on the budget release, “This funding reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s confidence in NASA’s ability to advance U.S. global leadership in space, drive economic growth, and inspire the world through discovery.” With the resources provided in the FY 2025 budget request, NASA stands poised to usher in a new era of exploration, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and technological achievement for the benefit of all humankind.
While the road ahead is not without challenges, the FY 2025 budget request demonstrates a clear commitment to NASA’s core values of exploration, innovation, and inspiration. By investing in the cutting-edge technologies, scientific research, and human capital needed to explore the cosmos and protect our planet, NASA is laying the foundation for a bright and prosperous future – one in which the United States remains at the forefront of space exploration and discovery for generations to come.
As the world watches with anticipation, NASA stands ready to embark on some of the most ambitious and transformative missions in its history. From the first steps of a new generation of lunar explorers to the launch of revolutionary space telescopes and Earth-observing satellites, the coming years promise to be filled with milestones that will captivate the public imagination and push the boundaries of human achievement.
With the support of the Administration, Congress, and the American people, NASA will continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration, a driver of innovation, and a catalyst for scientific and technological progress. As we venture deeper into the cosmos and unlock the secrets of our universe, we do so with the knowledge that our investments in space exploration yield tangible benefits for life on Earth – from advances in medicine and materials science to the development of new technologies that drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
In the words of Administrator Nelson, “NASA’s missions are not just about exploring space; they’re about improving life here on Earth. Every dollar we invest in NASA returns benefits to the American people in the form of scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and inspiration for the next generation.”
As NASA embarks on this bold new chapter in its history, it does so with a clear sense of purpose and a steadfast commitment to excellence. With the resources provided in the FY 2025 budget request, the agency is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and cement the United States’ position as the world leader in space exploration and scientific discovery for years to come.
