NASA’s acting administrator Janet Petro said on Wednesday that a government efficiency panel led by Elon Musk will review the space agency’s spending, while confirming that hundreds of NASA employees have accepted a federal buyout plan.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative led by billionaire SpaceX founder Elon Musk, is set to scrutinize NASA’s financial outlays, Petro told reporters at a Washington space industry conference.
🚀 "They're going to look—similarly to what they've done in other agencies—at our payments and what money has gone out," Petro said.
NASA Under Budget Scrutiny
The review comes as Trump’s administration accelerates cost-cutting measures across federal agencies. NASA’s $24 billion annual budget includes a range of science and exploration missions, but some programs may be at risk.
📉 Hundreds of NASA employees have accepted the buyout program initiated by the administration, Petro confirmed, though she did not specify the exact number.
Musk’s SpaceX and Conflict of Interest Concerns
SpaceX currently holds $15 billion in NASA contracts, primarily for:
✔ Transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station
✔ Landing humans on the Moon with its Starship vehicle
Asked whether Musk’s leadership of DOGE posed conflict of interest concerns, Petro said NASA’s legal office would review any potential conflicts and enforce the agency’s strict policies.
Moon Missions at Risk?
The future of NASA’s Artemis program, designed to land humans on the Moon, is now uncertain as both Musk and Trump emphasize Mars exploration as a priority.
For the DOGE panel, NASA’s over-budget Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is a potential target for cost-cutting, though its strong political backing in Republican-majority states could complicate any cancellation efforts.
Trump’s Executive Orders Reshape NASA
The Trump administration has already sent executive orders to federal agencies, including NASA, instructing them to eliminate government diversity programs and implement cost reductions.
📢 "All the officials in charge are really trying to wrap our heads around all the executive orders as they're flying at us," Petro said.
With DOGE ramping up its reviews, NASA’s long-term mission priorities may face major shifts, as the Trump administration pushes for a leaner, Mars-focused space strategy.
Wildfires in Chile’s Araucania region have left one person dead and over 40 homeless. Authorities warn the situation remains critical.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States on Wednesday (February 12) for a two-day visit, where he is set to hold high-stakes talks with President Donald Trump on trade and tariffs.
North Korea is dismantling a facility at its Mount Kumgang resort used for reunions of families separated by the Korean War, South Korea said on Thursday, calling the move a violation of humanitarian principles.
El Salvador’s Congress has approved a law allowing minors convicted of serious gang-related crimes to be housed in adult prisons, though in separate areas. The move is part of President Nayib Bukele’s ongoing crackdown on organized crime.
Wildfires in Chile’s Araucania region have left one person dead and over 40 homeless. Authorities warn the situation remains critical.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States on Wednesday (February 12) for a two-day visit, where he is set to hold high-stakes talks with President Donald Trump on trade and tariffs.
North Korea is dismantling a facility at its Mount Kumgang resort used for reunions of families separated by the Korean War, South Korea said on Thursday, calling the move a violation of humanitarian principles.
The Sarandí stream in Buenos Aires, Argentina, turned bright red on Thursday for unknown reasons, raising concerns among authorities and residents. The waterway, which flows into the Río de la Plata, is under investigation to determine the cause.
Uzbekistan’s flag carrier has announced airline’s plan to purchase a dozen of aircrafts from Boeing and Airbus, marking a significant milestone in upgrading and expanding its fleet.
Azerbaijan has halted activities of “Russian House” in Baku according to local media reports on Thursday, following accusations of espionage. This is being described as an escalation of tensions between the two countries.
Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), arguing that the U.S.-funded media outlets serve as government propaganda tools and waste taxpayer money.
Apple is reportedly working on a version of AirPods Pro with integrated cameras, set to launch as early as 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the cameras won’t be featured in the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, the new tech aims to enhance AI-driven features and spatial audio integration.
Wildfires in Chile’s Araucania region have left one person dead and over 40 homeless. Authorities warn the situation remains critical.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States on Wednesday (February 12) for a two-day visit, where he is set to hold high-stakes talks with President Donald Trump on trade and tariffs.
North Korea is dismantling a facility at its Mount Kumgang resort used for reunions of families separated by the Korean War, South Korea said on Thursday, calling the move a violation of humanitarian principles.
El Salvador’s Congress has approved a law allowing minors convicted of serious gang-related crimes to be housed in adult prisons, though in separate areas. The move is part of President Nayib Bukele’s ongoing crackdown on organized crime.
Wildfires in Chile’s Araucania region have left one person dead and over 40 homeless. Authorities warn the situation remains critical.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States on Wednesday (February 12) for a two-day visit, where he is set to hold high-stakes talks with President Donald Trump on trade and tariffs.
North Korea is dismantling a facility at its Mount Kumgang resort used for reunions of families separated by the Korean War, South Korea said on Thursday, calling the move a violation of humanitarian principles.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment