The Trump administration is attempting to shut down two crucial NASA missions that monitor a powerful greenhouse gas and global plant health, sparking a strong backlash from scientists, policymakers, and farmers. The proposed fiscal year 2026 budget completely eliminates funding for the Orbiting Carbon Observatories, which provide data on carbon dioxide emissions, absorption, and crop growth. NASA stated the missions were “beyond their prime mission” and were being terminated “to align with the President’s agenda and budget priorities.”
A “National Asset” at Risk
Despite NASA’s statement, experts emphasize that these missions are far from obsolete. A retired NASA scientist who led their development, David Crisp, calls them a “national asset” that is “more sensitive and accurate than any other systems in the world.” The observatories have led to significant discoveries, such as the fact that the Amazon rainforest now emits more carbon dioxide than it absorbs, while boreal forests absorb more than they emit. They also track the “glow” of photosynthesis, which is used to predict food shortages and civil unrest by monitoring drought conditions.
Climate scientists, including Jonathan Overpeck from the University of Michigan, have called the decision “extremely shortsighted” and “critical for managing growing climate change impacts.” Michael Mann of the University of Pennsylvania argues the move is part of a broader trend to suppress climate science, suggesting the administration believes “if we stop measuring climate change, it will just disappear from the American consciousness.”
Congressional Battle and Potential Alternatives
The missions’ funding is set to expire on September 30. A battle is now underway in Congress, with a House bill aligning with the President’s request to cut funding, while a Senate version seeks to preserve it. With Congress in recess, the outcome is uncertain, and some lawmakers worry the administration might illegally withhold funds even if a temporary resolution is passed. Congressional Democrats have already sent a letter to acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, warning that terminating missions or impounding appropriated funds would be illegal.
As a last resort, Crisp and others are exploring a backup plan to form a coalition of outside partners from Japan and Europe to fund and operate the instrument on the International Space Station. However, the free-flying satellite is at risk of being deorbited and burning up in the atmosphere. Crisp expressed skepticism about privatizing the missions, stating, “it is a really, really bad idea to try and push it off onto private industry or private individuals or private donors. It just does not make sense.”