In 2020, the U.S. government gave NASA, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a budget of $22.63 billion, according to the Planetary Society. NASA’s 2020 budget had seen a 5.3% increase from the previous fiscal year because, in 2019 and 2020, NASA was planning and organizing significant missions and research in space, such as the landing and exploration of Perseverance. Space-themed media and entertainment augmented public excitement about news regarding the proposed goal of putting human astronauts on Mars. In 2020, scientists, academics and the public found themselves eager to see more of space as aeronautical technology and scientific research seemed to reach new heights.
This year, Washington gave NASA $24.44 billion, which, though higher than the budget of 2020, represents a decrease from the 2025 fiscal year budget. The 2026 budget was also set to be cut more significantly, according to the January 15 U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation press release. In 2026, the government spent 17% more on defense (for a total of $1.05 trillion) than in the 2025 fiscal year. The defense budget has risen steadily since Q2 of 2022, and, with the new war in the Middle East, spending will likely increase further.
The Space Age is under threat of becoming a sight in the United States’ rear view mirror, but not because the government has decided to reappropriate funds for the welfare of its citizens. No, the government has taken money out of the budgets of future-minded agencies and administrations like NASA and has put that money into funding the production of missiles, bombs, fighter jets, and other armaments for use halfway across the world.
Space has always promised opportunities for the advancement of human understanding. According to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, humans can currently account for about 5% of all content in the universe, though, with the expansion of the universe, there exists no threat of running out of content to discover in space. It seems that the United States government has lost or confused its desire to discover, even though the public continues to consider intellectual discoveries both entertaining and valuable.
Who knows how space might redefine the struggles of humanity, if only the leaders of humanity would dedicate the proper resources to make celestial exploration possible? Why be content to give up dreams of discovery and advancement, just to make possible expensive war and purposeless destitution? If just 1% of the United States defense budget were given to NASA, the latter’s budget would increase by almost 50%. Imagine how much could be possible with just that 1%: at the very least, much more in the way of discovery.
The exploration of space could potentially create new opportunities for skilled employment, and, with almost 6% of 2025-2026 US college graduates finding themselves unemployed, more career opportunities could help alleviate unemployment domestically. Space exploration could potentially offer careers in a wide variety of fields, such as engineering, geology, chemistry, law, and finance. A greater effort to fund space research and exploration could help expedite the development of more specific careers.
Space exploration will always be “one giant leap for mankind,” but the advancement of human intellect and opportunities should take precedence over the affliction of conflict. After all, wouldn’t you rather the government produce something than waste your money on bombshells and bullet casings? As the world continues to change, don’t let those in power shut down the road to Mars before it ever opens up.
Junior Charlie Burns is the Editorials Editor. His email is cburns2408@gmail.com.