12:29 PM EDT, 04/11/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, could face cuts of nearly half to its science programs under an early draft of President Donald Trump's 2026 budget proposal, The Washington Post reported Friday, citing unnamed individuals with knowledge of the matter.

The plan, sent to NASA by the Office of Management and Budget, would slash the agency's Science Mission Directorate budget from about $7.3 billion to $3.9 billion, a reduction that could halt several major ongoing and planned missions, according to the report.

If enacted, the cuts would affect planetary and astronomical research. NASA's astrophysics budget would fall from $1.5 billion to $487 million, planetary science from $2.7 billion to $1.9 billion, and Earth science from $2.2 billion to just over $1 billion, the report said.

The draft budget, known as a "passback," is an early step in the federal budget process. Congress, which controls government spending, can still override the proposal and restore funding.

The White House and NASA didn't immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

Shares of Redwire ( RDW ) fell nearly 3%, Intuitive Machines ( LUNR ) was down over 4%, and Rocket Lab USA ( RKLB ) dropped 2% in recent trading amid this news.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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