NASA Cuts Are a Loss for Everyone

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.

Author of the article

Award-winning author Amanda Faith may have been raised in Dayton, but her heart and home is in the South. With a lifelong love of teaching and writing, she had plenty of encouragement from teachers and friends along the way. Loving a good puzzle has always been a fascination, and writing gives her the outlet to put all the pieces together. Being adventurous and loving to try new things, it wasn’t long before her characters found themselves in unusual situations. She loves to put people from two different worlds into new situations and to see how they interact, taking them on journeys they would never have normally experienced. Her current adventure working as a high school English professor turned Media Specialist, writing, and doing paranormal investigations doesn’t slow her down from having a great time with a plethora of hobbies. Her published credits include several short stories, poetry, several journal articles, her doctoral dissertation, and her award-winning book Strength of Spirit. With multiple degrees, she has a passion for learning and exploring new venues. She is a staff writer for The Daily Dragon at Dragon Con. Check out her new website (www.amandafaith.net) or on Instagram (@dramandafaith)