NASA Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request: Charting a Course to the Moon and Mars

Budget Overview

The President’s budget request for NASA in fiscal year 2026 totals $18.8 billion. This represents a significant shift from the $24.8 billion enacted in 2025, reflecting the administration’s decision to prioritize human space exploration while scaling back in certain research and technology areas. The allocation refocuses agency resources to accelerate lunar and Martian exploration, restructure low Earth orbit operations, and streamline core science efforts. Modest funding remains for aeronautics, foundational services, and infrastructure upkeep, while several lower‐priority projects have been scaled back or discontinued.

Detailed reference documents available here: https://www.nasa.gov/fy-2026-budget-request/

Human Exploration Focus

Artemis Campaign and Lunar Infrastructure

NASA dedicates $8.3 billion to exploration activities that support returning Americans to the lunar surface and preparing for eventual missions to Mars. Key investments include continued development of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft through Artemis II and III. After Artemis III, SLS and Orion programs transition out, yielding more than $3 billion in annual savings that will be reinvested into commercial services for lunar transport and infrastructure. With this shift, NASA intends to procure crewed lander and transportation capabilities from private partners starting with Artemis IV.

The budget requests $864 million for a new Commercial Moon and Mars Infrastructure and Transportation program. This initiative expands the successful Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) model by adding $250 million specifically for payload delivery contracts. By leveraging competitive partnerships, NASA aims to reduce launch costs and invest in reusable hardware. Communications relay elements around the Moon also receive funding to support surface missions beyond initial landings.

Gateway Cancellation and Direct-to-Surface Exploration

Funding for the planned lunar orbiting Gateway station is canceled in FY 2026. The agency requests $304 million to close out current Gateway work. By sunseting Gateway, NASA seeks a more streamlined focus on direct-to-surface exploration. Existing investments in deep Space Network communications and ground operations will support continued lunar missions. Elements of the Gateway program may be repurposed by international or commercial partners if feasible.

Moon to Mars Systems Development

The Moon to Mars Systems Development account receives $2.8 billion, covering the Human Landing System and associated technologies. Of that, $1.747 billion is earmarked for the Human Landing System program, funding both commercial lunar landers and a near-term entry, descent, and landing demonstration for a Mars class lander. Surface mobility investments under xEVA and Human Surface Mobility total $642 million, advancing pressurized rovers, pressurized suits, and lunar terrain vehicles. Within xEVA, $50 million is allocated to mature Mars suit technologies. Advanced Exploration Systems sees $123 million to extend Mars-relevant development for power, life support, and autonomy.

Human Exploration Requirements and Architecture

A new Mars Technology program receives $350 million to accelerate development of critical Mars technologies. The Human Exploration Requirements and Architecture line increases to $751 million in FY 2026. This covers $180 million for architectural planning, including mission manifest strategy and trade studies that inform future Moon and Mars campaigns. Industry engagements to study crew transportation concepts to and from Mars gain $50 million. Additionally, $71 million will be used for trade studies aimed at reducing mission risks. Pre-formulation work for Moon and Mars systems is funded at $73 million, preparing for later design phases.

Investment in Mars Communications and Robotics

Mars communications relay development receives $80 million to deploy orbital assets that ensure robust links between Mars surface operations and Earth. Robotic precursor missions on Mars are funded at $120 million, supporting payload experiments that validate habitat, power, and resource extraction technologies. Partnerships with industry and academia will be leveraged to design low-cost robotic missions that gather surface data, locate water ice, and analyze potential landing sites.

Space Operations and Commercial LEO

International Space Station and Transition to Commercial Platforms

The Space Operations budget is set at $3.13 billion in FY 2026. Of that, $920 million maintains International Space Station (ISS) operations at a minimal level until its planned deorbit in 2030. NASA will support essential research on ISS that directly contributes to Moon and Mars preparations, while managing crew logistics, system maintenance, and anomaly resolution. Collaboration with international partners continues to ensure a continuous crew presence aboard the station.

Commercial Crew and Cargo programs receive $1.29 billion to fund crew transportation and resupply services. Crew transportation through the Commercial Crew Program is funded at $81 million, ensuring ISS crew rotations and medical contingencies remain in place. Crew and Cargo Program operations for vehicles such as Crew Dragon are funded at $1.21 billion. By focusing on commercial partner services, NASA expects to maintain access to low Earth orbit while minimizing overhead.

Commercial LEO Development

A total of $272 million is allocated to Commercial LEO Development, increasing to $302 million in subsequent years. This funding supports private platforms that will ultimately succeed ISS. NASA will use competitive awards to encourage companies to develop commercial stations that can host crew, conduct research, and supply crew to the ISS before its retirement. By FY 2029, Commercial LEO Development funding ramps to $602 million, reflecting anticipated milestones from partner flight validation and module deployment.

Space and Flight Support Services

Space and Flight Support (SFS) receives $645 million to operate communications, navigation, and ground services that support both robotic and human missions. The Space Communications and Navigation line is funded at $394.9 million to maintain the Deep Space Network and other relay assets. Human Space Flight Operations gets $80 million for crew training and mission support. Human Research Program funding holds at $40.3 million, focusing on life science investigations aboard ISS that translate to future Moon and Mars health strategies. Launch Services receives $71.2 million to procure commercial rides for small science payloads and CubeSats.

Space Transportation Infrastructure

Exploration Ground Systems is allocated $658 million to maintain and upgrade launch facilities at Kennedy Space Center and other sites. These funds support the processing and integration of Artemis hardware, including mobile launch platforms and ground support equipment. NASA plans to incrementally reduce ground operations cost as SLS phases out, transitioning infrastructure to support commercial launch vehicles.

Science Program Adjustments

Overall Science Funding Decline

The Science account sees a steep reduction from $7.33 billion in FY 2025 to $3.91 billion in FY 2026. The scaling back is intended to eliminate lower-priority missions and concentrate resources on ongoing flagship programs. Roughly half of the science portfolio is realigned to meet exploration objectives while retaining core research capabilities.

Earth Science

Earth Science funding falls to $1.04 billion, down from $2.14 billion in FY 2024. This allocation supports mission operations for existing satellites like GRACE-Continuity and Sentinel-6, while winding down funding for new missions. Earth Science Research and Analysis receives $318.4 million to sustain data analysis and modeling efforts that monitor weather, hydrology, and climate. Earth Systematic Missions funding is allocated $333.5 million, focusing on NISAR and continued operations of Sentinel-6. Venture Class Missions receives $97.5 million to fund competitively selected small satellite demonstrations, though several planned Earth Explorers are deferred.

Planetary Science

Planetary Science is funded at $1.89 billion, reduced from $2.76 billion in FY 2024. Key missions like Dragonfly to Titan remain on track, receiving $494.1 million to support development and testing. The Near Earth Object Surveyor program is funded at $266.3 million to advance planetary defense by detecting hazardous asteroids. Funding for older or lower-priority missions such as EnVision and DAVINCI is eliminated. Mars Exploration receives $271.1 million to continue rover operations and data analysis. The Mars Sample Return program is ended, and those resources are reallocated to smaller, competitively selected investigations.

Astrophysics

Astrophysics funding declines to $523 million from $1.53 billion in FY 2024. Hubble Space Telescope operations receive $85 million, and James Webb Space Telescope operations see funding of $140 million for science operations and data processing. Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is funded at $156.6 million to sustain integration and test readiness. Explorer missions receive $44.9 million for new proposals in the Explorer class. The funding reduction ends support for several physics-of-the-cosmos pathfinder missions, refocusing on high-impact astrophysics research.

Heliophysics

Heliophysics is funded at $432.5 million, down from $805 million in FY 2024. Living with a Star programs receive $70.5 million to operate missions tracking solar storms and space weather that could impact Earth infrastructure. Solar Terrestrial Probes funding is cut to $42.4 million, supporting IMAP mission preparations. Other missions such as Heliophysics Explorers remain funded at $125.2 million, pursuing studies of solar particle dynamics. Certain lower-priority heliophysics technology demonstrations are discontinued.

Biological and Physical Sciences

The Biological and Physical Sciences account receives $25 million, maintaining basic microgravity research aboard ISS that informs human health and materials science for future deep space missions. Research in closed-loop life support and crew health monitoring continues, though fewer new investigations are funded.

Space Technology and Aeronautics

Space Technology

Space Technology is allocated $568.9 million, reduced from $1.1 billion. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants receive $169 million to foster early-stage innovations. Solar Electric Propulsion sees $7.7 million to continue maturation, but near-term demonstration projects are largely complete. In-Space Infrastructure & Discovery funding of $46.7 million supports advanced capabilities for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. Catalysts & Innovative Mechanisms receive $174.6 million to expedite high-risk projects with large potential payoffs. Foundational Capabilities funding of $49.4 million maintains research in propulsion, robotics, and avionics that support long-term exploration goals. Early stage innovation and technology maturation programs are ended, placing more emphasis on demonstration and integration.

Aeronautics

Aeronautics funding drops to $588.7 million from $935 million. The Airspace Operations and Safety Program is funded at $88.1 million to advance next-generation air traffic management concepts with partners such as the Federal Aviation Administration. The Advanced Air Vehicles Program receives $133.4 million to continue development of quieter, more efficient aircraft, though supersonic demonstrators face reduced support. Integrated Aviation Systems Program is funded at $167.2 million, with projects pivoting toward climate-friendly flight and autonomous systems. Transformative Aeronautics Concepts receives $125.1 million to explore future aviation architectures and vehicle designs. Aerosciences Evaluation and Test Capabilities retains $74.9 million to operate wind tunnels and flight test facilities.

STEM Engagement Elimination

Funding for the Office of STEM Engagement is zeroed out in FY 2026. NASA’s outreach and education activities will continue through mission-driven programs rather than a dedicated office. The administration emphasizes that inspiring future explorers can be achieved through high-visibility missions supported by agency scientists and engineers.

Safety, Security, and Mission Services

Mission Services and Capabilities

The Mission Services and Capabilities line receives $1.498 billion, compared to $2.04 billion in FY 2024. Within this, Information Technology receives $481.1 million to maintain agency networks, cybersecurity, and cloud migrations. Mission Enabling Services (contracted support, procurement, and business systems) is allocated $524.9 million. Infrastructure and Technical Capabilities receive $492.1 million to operate and maintain NASA Centers, facilities, and technical resources that support mission execution.

Engineering, Safety, and Operations

Funding for Engineering, Safety, and Operations drops to $620.3 million from $1.09 billion. Agency Technical Authority receives $69.6 million to oversee safety protocols, technical standards, and risk management across all programs. Center Engineering, Safety, and Operations lines are funded at $550.7 million to sustain facility engineering, ground safety officers, and core operational services across NASA Centers.

Construction and Environmental Compliance

Construction and Environmental Compliance receive $140.1 million, down from $326.3 million. Institutional Construction of Facilities is funded at $100 million to undertake high‐priority building repairs, modernization of laboratories, and upgrades to launch complexes. Space Operations Construction is funded at $10 million to support minor infrastructure improvements at launch sites. Environmental Compliance receives $30.1 million to meet regulatory requirements, manage hazardous materials, and restore impacted lands.

Inspector General

The NASA Office of Inspector General is funded at $40.7 million to continue independent audits, investigations, and inspections that ensure efficiency and integrity across agency operations. This slight reduction from $47.6 million in FY 2025 reflects streamlining of audit resources while sustaining oversight capabilities.

Program Reductions and Redirects

Gateway and Artemis Transportation

By canceling the Gateway project and retiring SLS and Orion after Artemis III, NASA trims lower‐priority expenses and redirects those funds to commercial lander services. The $304 million closeout for Gateway ensures an orderly transition, while $3 billion in annual savings from SLS phase-out is repurposed for next-generation commercial systems.

End of Mars Sample Return

The Mars Sample Return campaign is concluded, releasing approximately $310 million in previously allocated resources. NASA shifts focus toward smaller, competitively selected science missions that align with human exploration objectives and planetary defense needs.

Termination of Select Planetary Missions

Several high‐cost planetary missions are deferred or canceled. Funding for Rosalind Franklin Rover, DAVINCI, VERITAS, EnVision, OSIRIS-Apophis Explorer, and extended Juno operations is eliminated. The Dragonfly mission to Titan remains fully funded, while Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds programs receive $83.9 million to continue probe development and mission planning.

Aeronautics Reprioritization

Supersonic demonstrator projects see reduced allocations as resources shift toward air traffic management and climate adaptation. Underperforming space propulsion demonstrations are ended to focus on near-term aviation challenges. Nuclear propulsion work is halted, with technology development funds redirected to higher-priority exploration and aeronautics objectives.

Media Context and External Factors

Throughout 2025, media coverage highlighted the administration’s intent to balance visionary exploration goals with budgetary restraint. Reports noted the boldness of shifting to a $1 billion Mars campaign while trimming Earth science and astrophysics. Commentary emphasized the strategic pivot away from Gateway and the search for cost savings in SLS operations. Industry analysts pointed to opportunities for commercial partners as NASA moves toward an “Artemis IV and beyond” model where private spacecraft handle routine transport. Critics voiced concern over reduced climate research funding, but supporters argued that NASA’s core exploration mission must take precedence in a constrained budget environment.

Economic pressures in 2025, including competing domestic spending priorities, informed congressional negotiations that ultimately approved the $18.8 billion proposal. While some lawmakers expressed reservations about deep cuts in science, the administration argued that investments in Moon and Mars exploration would drive innovation, create commercial markets, and inspire the next generation.

Summary

The FY 2026 budget request positions NASA on a clear path toward sustained lunar operations and the first human missions to Mars. By reallocating resources from lower-priority science and technology projects, canceling Gateway, and retiring legacy launch systems, the agency focuses on a more cost-effective exploration architecture. Commercial partnerships receive increased emphasis, particularly in low Earth orbit and lunar transport, marking a shift toward leveraging private sector capabilities.

While science funding faces steep reductions, core missions such as James Webb, Hubble, Dragonfly, and NEO Surveyor continue. Earth science and heliophysics programs operate at a leaner capacity, prioritizing data continuity over new mission starts. Aeronautics research concentrates on scalable air traffic improvements and greening aviation, even as some demonstrator projects are curtailed.

Investment in safety, engineering, and mission services remains essential to support ongoing operations across NASA Centers. Infrastructure spending is limited to high-value facility upgrades, and environmental compliance is sustained at lower levels. The Inspector General’s office continues independent oversight to safeguard taxpayer dollars.

Overall, fiscal year 2026 represents a strategic realignment where exploration objectives lead NASA’s priorities. By balancing bold ambitions with disciplined program cuts, the agency aims to deliver milestones on the Moon and prepare for human footprints on Mars—all while maintaining a foundation of core science, technology, and aeronautics capabilities.