Welcome to today’s episode of *Cosmic Currents*, your weekly update on all things NASA. This week, the buzz is all about the Artemis program. NASA is gearing up for Artemis II, the highly anticipated mission that will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The Orion spacecraft’s service module has been finalized and is undergoing final integration—making this mission one step closer to reality. Administrator Bill Nelson shared that this $7.8 billion lunar campaign aims to "inspire a new generation of explorers while securing the U.S.’s leadership in space exploration."
In funding news, NASA’s budget for 2025 continues to be a hot topic in Washington. Congress approved a 1% increase to NASA’s budget, bringing it to $25.4 billion, just shy of the White House’s request. While Artemis remains fully funded, other sectors, including the Science Mission Directorate, face a $200 million shortfall from initial proposals. This raises concerns about the future of smaller science missions critical to our understanding of Earth and space. Advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to revisit these cuts, emphasizing the broader economic and societal benefits of space exploration.
On the technology front, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission is also generating excitement. This mission will launch four astronauts from three international space agencies to the International Space Station for six months of cutting-edge research. NASA has also expanded its partnership with SpaceX, now including their Starship program for future launch services. Janet Petro, NASA's Acting Administrator, called this partnership “a leap forward in commercial space collaboration.”
The impacts of these developments stretch far and wide. For American citizens, investments in NASA mean more STEM opportunities and high-paying jobs across the country. Businesses, particularly in aerospace and tech, stand to benefit from increased demand for innovation, while state and local governments hosting NASA facilities will see continued economic boosts. Internationally, Artemis strengthens partnerships with space-faring nations, fostering collaboration on lunar exploration and beyond.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Lyrid meteor shower peaking overnight on April 21. NASA also invites public input on its ambitious plans for open science, aiming to make all its data accessible to researchers and citizens alike—because knowledge belongs to everyone.
For more details, visit NASA’s website or check out their official social media channels. Remember, the cosmos is vast, but together, we’re making it feel just a little closer. Keep reaching for the stars!