Will Europe's flagship space science missions survive NASA's budget cuts?

NASA has initiated a medical evacuation for four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) due to an undisclosed medical issue affecting one crew member. This evacuation occurs approximately one month earlier than planned, highlighting the challenges of maintaining crew health in space. The astronauts involved include Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Oleg Platonov, and Kimiya Yui, who were seen in their Crew Dragon pressure suits on January 9.

NASA's X-ray instrument has discovered that black holes behave like 'cosmic seesaws,' influencing the dynamics of their accretion flows in a manner described as an energetic tug-of-war. This finding sheds light on the complex interactions occurring within black holes and their surroundings.

NASA, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, has announced plans to construct a nuclear fission reactor on the Moon by 2030, marking a significant step in lunar exploration and energy sustainability. This initiative aims to support future missions and establish a permanent human presence on the lunar surface.

NASA is returning four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) earlier than planned due to a medical concern affecting one of the Crew-11 astronauts. This decision marks the first-ever medical evacuation from the ISS, highlighting the agency's commitment to crew safety. The astronauts are expected to return to Earth soon, following the agency's protocols for such emergencies.

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy have reaffirmed their commitment to develop a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, a significant step in advancing lunar exploration and energy sustainability. This initiative aims to support future missions and enhance the feasibility of long-term human presence on the lunar surface.

NASA is on the verge of rolling out its Artemis 2 mission, with preparations for the first crewed moon mission expected to commence as early as this weekend. This mission aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface, marking a significant milestone in NASA's lunar exploration agenda.

Exploration advocates are expressing strong opposition to the planned cancellation of NASA's Mars sample return project, emphasizing its potential to uncover evidence of life on Mars. This initiative has been a focal point for scientists eager to explore the Red Planet's history and its capacity to support life.

NASA's potential budget cuts may jeopardize its participation in Europe's upcoming Venus mission, raising concerns about the future of collaborative space exploration. The agency is reportedly in ongoing discussions regarding its funding and commitments to international projects.