This Friday 9AM panel in the Hilton Crystal Ballroom quickly filled with audience members highly interested in what the experts had to say about the deep cuts proposed concerning NASA and the future impact these cuts would have.
The panel consisted of professionals used to dealing with all of the ups and downs of the world of politics and the effects it has on all space-related programs. From astrophysicists to professors of planetary science, these experts were skilled presenters. They captivated the attendees with their knowledge and insights into how the background cogs worked.
Jennifer Whitworth probably said it best when she stated “we are going to lose out” with all of these cuts. These budget-cut massacres will not only result in the lowest budget funding ever; the ripple effects of the funding cuts will lead to at least a 100-year loss. The audience was left gasping in shock at the unfairness of such vital programs never recovering at all.
Tyler Desjardins let all know that if funding is not extended by October 1st, there will be no funding. Right now, NASA programs are running on a continuous resolution for 2025. There is currently no firm budget in place. Right now, NASA is running on a budget of “maybes”, which makes permanency of future programs impossible. It’s hard to plan with no confirmed funding.
With all of these cuts on the table, over 450 people at Marshall took early retirement packages to remove themselves for future specialists to hopefully be able to keep their jobs. Les Johnson was one of those who had taken that option. Most hit were subject-matter specialists, leadership roles, and others with years of experience. Now there are staffing problems with those left to pick up the work left behind without the expertise needed to keep progress moving forward.
Everyone in the room felt called to figure out how we, as mere mortals in the world of politics, could make a difference? Roy Kilgard told participants to contact your congressmen often. “I call at least 2-3 times a week. I want to call so often that they know my voice as soon as I speak.” Only our voices, united in a cause as profound as this is, will make a difference in the long run.