The White House has ordered the termination of two climate-focused satellite missions, specifically the Orbiting Carbon Observatories, which monitor CO2 levels. These missions, one located on the International Space Station (ISS) and the other on a standalone satellite, have an annual operational cost of only $15 million, representing a mere 0.06% of NASA's total budget. Originally, the missions cost $750 million to develop. This decision raises concerns about prioritizing funding for extravagant projects, such as a $200 million ballroom and $1 billion airplane modifications, over critical climate monitoring initiatives.
PREREQUISITESEnvironmental scientists, policy makers, climate activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of government funding and scientific research.
