The Latest Breaking News from The Planetary Society

Why We Think NASA’s Budget Is Huge (When It’s Really Tiny)

As millions watch the August skies, NASA accounts for just 0.36% of federal spending. Here's the reason we think it's more.

Kiplinger · Aug 9

Nasa grants, tax credits and federal support: How US government helped Elon Musk become the world’s first trillionaire

Elon Musk’s rise to becoming the world’s first trillionaire has been powered not just by investors and technology breakthroughs, but significantly by years of US government support, according to analysis of SpaceX and Tesla’s early growth and financing.

The Times of India · Jun 14

'This is actually taking a page out of the Communist Party playbook': New White House proposal could deny scientists funding based on their political opinions

"It replaces expertise with political appointees, globally decouples the U.S. and completely guts our scientific ecosystem."

Space · Jun 9

NASA science faces 'very serious threat' from new White House budget, experts say

"This is the least transparent NASA budget request I've ever seen — and I've literally looked through every single one since 1960."

Space · Apr 13

Congress passes $24.4 billion NASA budget, rejecting Trump's deep cuts

Congress just approved a $24.4 billion budget for NASA for this year, rejecting the deep cuts that President Trump had proposed last spring.

Space · Jan 16

Will Europe's flagship space science missions survive NASA's budget cuts?

NASA budget cuts proposed by President Donald Trump will cause a significant funding shortfall to Europe's space science missions. But the European Space Agency hopes it can save them.

Space · Nov 18, 2025

3i/Atlas Comet 'Path Of Destruction': Is Interstellar Body Causing Today's Numerous Global Earthquakes?

Despite viral TikTok theories dubbing it the "Path of Destruction," astronomers confirm that comet 3I/ATLAS is far too distant to cause earthquakes or pose any threat to Earth.

International Business Times UK · Oct 26, 2025

Bill Nye and the Planetary Society hold 'Save NASA Science' day of action on Capitol Hill

On Monday (Oct. 6), the nonprofit Planetary Society held a "day of action" to urge Congress to restore NASA's science funding, which was slashed nearly in half in the White House's proposed 2026 federal budget.

Space · Oct 6, 2025

Bill Nye leads charge to save NASA science from deep Trump cuts

"Cutting NASA funding means turning our backs on discoveries that change the world," Bill Nye said ahead of Capitol Hill rally.

Axios · Oct 5, 2025

Is Trump's Moon Nuclear Reactor a Bold Move? Sean Duffy's NASA Plan Fuels Big Risks

Sean Duffy's NASA plan for a 100-kW lunar nuclear reactor by 2030 aims to win the space race but faces budget cuts and technical risks.

International Business Times UK · Aug 5, 2025