US space exploration leadership at risk as NASA mission funding faces cuts

Federal funding for 19 active NASA space missions is at risk of expiring, potentially ending their scientific operations. Proposed budget cuts threaten to halt missions studying climate, exploring the solar system, and observing the universe, including the New Horizons and Juno spacecraft. Scientists warn this could cede US leadership in space exploration. The fate of these missions hinges on Congress passing a budget before October 1, with ongoing debates about proposed significant reductions to NASA's Science Mission Directorate.