Keith’s note: Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro just gave a plenary overview of NASA science at NAS Space Science Week [audio] This was a clear snapshot of what NASA science is, how the agency leads the world in this endeavor, its importance as an economic multiplier, and its value as an enabling tool for all forms of exploration. Of course, no details were offered on budgets, personnel, etc. Petro said “While I cannot speculate on decisions that have not been made yet, I can tell you this: NASA’s commitment to scientific excellence has never waivered and it will not waiver now.” “NASA is and will continue to be the global leader in space exploration and scientific discovery”. Of course, this is all moot if the White House/OSTP/OMB/OPM/DOGE says “Yea, yea, yea. So what. You’re still cut.”

Keith’s note: In opening Space Science Week at the National Academy, Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) just said that President Trump “has spared NASA from the large budget and personnel cuts” due to the importance of Artemis and “The only people who left are those who took the buyout.” People at NASA have already been fired and looming budget cuts will gut NASA science. Someone needs to brief the Congressman about the facts on the ground. Just sayin’.

Keith’s note: Space Science Week 2025 – March 31-April 4, 2025 “is the joint meeting of the Space Studies Board of the U.S. National Academies discipline committees in collaboration with the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board and Board on Physics and Astronomy.” The 1 April plenary webcast is open to anyone. According to the agenda Janet Petro is speaking at 9:20 am EDT.

Keith’s note: according to the National Academies report “NASA at a Crossroads – Maintaining Workforce, Infrastructure, and Technology Preeminence in the Coming Decades” (full report) “The committee offers seven “core findings” that, in its view, rise to the highest level of priority. These issues often have cross-cutting connotations that impact more than one of the three resource areas cited in the legislation mentioned above and are interrelated. The committee’s findings regarding these high priority “core” issues are as follows:”

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