美媒：NASA经费被削减，美国正在扼杀寻找外星生命的希望

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant funding cuts proposed for NASA, which threaten the agency's ability to explore extraterrestrial life and maintain its technological advancements in space science [1][2][3]. Funding Cuts and Implications - NASA is facing a nearly 25% budget cut in the proposed 2026 budget, which would reduce its funding to levels comparable to 1961, as described by the Planetary Society as a "catastrophic event" [1][3]. - The budget cuts will severely impact NASA's ability to fulfill its current responsibilities, including maintaining the International Space Station and monitoring potential Earth-threatening asteroids [2]. Impact on Scientific Missions - The Science Mission Directorate, responsible for significant projects like the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, faces nearly a 50% budget reduction, jeopardizing future discoveries related to extraterrestrial life [3][4]. - The "Habitable Worlds Observatory," a major project aimed at searching for extraterrestrial life, has seen its budget slashed by 80%, from $17 million in 2024 to just $3 million in 2026 [3][4]. Loss of Core Technology and Expertise - If the budget cuts are enacted, one-third of NASA's high-tech workforce could lose their jobs, resulting in a significant loss of core technological expertise accumulated over decades [5]. - The potential loss of experienced personnel may hinder NASA's ability to launch and operate deep-space missions, affecting the agency's long-term capabilities in space exploration [5].