The National Space Society has just released a Position Paper on the NASA 2026 Skinny Budget.
Précis:
NSS advocates increasing NASA’s budget rather than reducing it, emphasizing support for critical future-oriented projects like lunar and Mars bases, artificial gravity, space solar power, and in-space resource utilization. NSS generally supports the Administration’s proposal to phase out the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion capsule after Artemis 3, replacing them with more affordable commercial vehicles, while urging immediate cessation of further SLS enhancements and repurposing Lunar Gateway modules for alternative missions such as asteroid exploration, geosynchronous orbit support for space solar power, or lunar surface operations. Additionally, NSS endorses integrating Mars Sample Return missions into human missions to Mars, advocates for establishing permanent crewed bases rather than short-term exploratory missions, opposes severe cuts in NASA’s science programs, and insists on maintaining robust ISS operations and research to ensure a seamless transition to commercial low Earth orbit destinations.
1 thought on “NSS Position Paper on the NASA 2026 Skinny Budget”
I would agree with this position. There is completed hardware on the ground. I joined the NSS thirty five years ago to help others rather than bash NASA.