NASA预算倒退60年，靠裁员渡过难关？

Core Viewpoint - NASA is set to reduce its workforce by approximately 3,870 employees, nearly 20% of its total staff of 18,000, as part of a voluntary resignation program initiated under the Trump administration's plan to cut federal government employment [1][9]. Historical Context - NASA was established in 1958 with around 8,000 employees, reflecting the U.S. government's core research capabilities in aviation [4]. - The peak employment of NASA reached 34,000 during the Apollo program era in the 1960s and 70s, driven by the U.S.-Soviet space competition [4][12]. - Following the Apollo program's conclusion in 1972, NASA's workforce began to decline, dropping to 22,000 by 1982 due to budget constraints [4][5]. Budget Cuts and Workforce Reduction - The Clinton administration in the 1990s initiated significant budget cuts, leading to a reduction in NASA's workforce to about 17,500 by 2000 [7][8]. - The Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes a drastic cut to NASA's budget from $24.8 billion in 2025 to $18.8 billion, marking a 24% reduction, the largest in NASA's history [9][13]. - This budget cut has resulted in the cancellation or adjustment of several key projects, including the Mars Sample Return mission and the Gateway lunar project [9][10]. Future Outlook - NASA's current budget proposal focuses on two main objectives: returning to the Moon and achieving the first crewed landing on Mars, although progress has been significantly delayed [10]. - The historical fluctuations in NASA's employee numbers highlight the impact of international competition, societal interest, and government budget adjustments on its operations [11][12]. - The current fiscal pressures on the U.S. government make it unlikely for NASA to see a restoration of its budget in the near future, potentially leading to the lowest staffing levels since 1961 [15].