Government funding
NASA budget cuts reflect a strategic alignment to support the commercial space sector
The 2026 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) budget proposal represents a significant turning point for the United States space program, with a proposed 25-percent reduction in funding that could dramatically reshape the agency's approach to space exploration.
The cuts would primarily impact NASA's Science Directorate, potentially canceling or limiting key missions like the Mars Sample Return, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and the DaVinci mission to Venus. Most notably, the proposal suggests retiring the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew capsule after the Artemis III mission, which aims to return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972.
This budgetary shift reflects a broader strategic realignment toward supporting public-private partnerships and the greater commercial space sector. The global space industry was valued at $570 billion in 2023 and has experienced a 7.4-percent annual growth since then – creating a competitive ecosystem that could potentially reduce exploration costs and accelerate technological innovation. Against this backdrop, the proposed budget cuts would likely push NASA toward a more collaborative "systems integrator" role.
While the immediate impact may be disruptive, the changes aim to support a more flexible, cost-effective, and collaborative approach to space development.
Satellite
Satellite Industry Association releases its 28th Annual State of the Satellite Industry Report
The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) released its 28th-annual State of the Satellite Industry Report (SSIR), a global summary of key aspects of the commercial satellite industry.
According to the report, in 2024, the industry continued to grow at an unprecedented rate – a record number of 259 launches deployed a historic 2,172 tons and 2,695 satellites into Earth’s orbit. The report also found that the overall global space economy grew by 4 percent, with the commercial satellite industry accounting for 71 percent of the world’s space business.
“The commercial satellite industry’s record growth and overall momentum continued in 2024 with a historic number of launches deploying nearly 2700 satellites into orbit,” said Tom Stroup, president of the Satellite Industry Association. “That means there are more than ten thousand additional satellites operating in orbit compared to less than a decade ago – providing vital services to hundreds of millions of Americans and billions of consumers around the globe each day.”
Policy
Continuity in space policy: The Trump Administration commits to maintaining the National Space Council
The Trump Administration has signaled a commitment to maintaining the National Space Council, an advisory body responsible for coordinating and guiding national space policy across various government agencies.
The council serves as a key mechanism for aligning efforts between NASA, the Department of Defense, commercial space companies, and other stakeholders involved in space exploration and technology development. It aims to streamline space-related activities and promote a cohesive approach to space exploration, satellite development, and national security interests.
The National Space Council’s continued existence could suggest the US government’s strategic prioritization of space policy and the potential for sustained momentum in space-related initiatives.
Further, the decision to maintain the council could underscore the broader geopolitical significance of space policy, recognizing space as a domain of national strategic importance.
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