1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent developments at NASA, particularly the alarming cuts at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the potential devastating reductions to NASA's science funding. These actions threaten our nation's leadership in space exploration and scientific research, and I urge you to take immediate action to protect NASA's budget and mission integrity. The closure of approximately 100 laboratories across 13 buildings at GSFC, including the fully operational ElectroMagnetic Anechoic Chamber (GEMAC), is deeply troubling. This "strategic consolidation" puts highly specialized equipment at risk and jeopardizes ongoing research projects critical to our technological edge. The Planetary Society's description of the proposed budget cuts as an "extinction-level event" for space science is not hyperbole, but a stark warning we must heed. I implore you to protect NASA from funds impoundment and ensure that the government spends the full budget allocated to NASA as intended by Congress. It is crucial that we increase, not decrease, the science budget to maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration and scientific research. The impact of NASA's work extends far beyond the scientific community, contributing to technological advancements that benefit our economy, national security, and daily lives. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that any future NASA administrator understands and respects the fundamental principle that NASA's science cannot be privatized. The unique role of NASA in conducting unbiased, publicly-funded scientific research is irreplaceable. Privatization of NASA's science functions would compromise the integrity and accessibility of crucial data that informs policy decisions, educates the public, and drives innovation. NASA's Earth science missions, for instance, provide critical data on climate change and natural disasters that must remain in the public domain. The Mars rovers, the Cassini mission to Saturn, and the upcoming Europa Clipper are examples of complex, long-term scientific endeavors that require the stability and public accountability that only a government agency can provide. I urge you to oppose any budget cuts to NASA's science funding and to advocate for increased support for our space program. Please work with your colleagues to safeguard NASA's budget, prevent the privatization of its scientific functions, and ensure that it receives the resources needed to continue its vital work. The future of American leadership in space exploration and scientific innovation depends on your action now.