Core Insights - The Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes a significant 24% cut to NASA's funding, reducing it from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion, which may impact major space companies' revenue streams [3][4] - The budget proposal suggests the termination of the Space Launch System (SLS) program, which has been criticized for its high costs and delays, with a projected cost of $4 billion per launch and being 140% over budget [6][8] - The proposed budget allocates $7 billion for lunar exploration under Project Artemis and $1 billion for Mars missions, but cuts funding for the Mars Sample Return mission [5][6] Impact on Companies - The termination of the SLS program threatens an estimated $82 billion in contracts for major contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, which were expected to benefit from Project Artemis [8] - Conversely, the budget cuts could create opportunities for more cost-effective space contractors like SpaceX and Blue Origin, which are positioned to take over roles currently held by traditional aerospace companies [9][11] - SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket are projected to offer lunar missions at significantly lower costs, with Starship estimated at less than $3 billion per trip and New Glenn at $3.4 billion [9][10] Long-term Industry Outlook - The proposed changes indicate a shift towards more budget-conscious space operations, potentially sidelining established companies in favor of newer, more efficient competitors [11][12] - While this transition may not be favorable for current investors in traditional aerospace stocks, it could lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective future for the space industry [12]

"It is a privilege to work with Viasat on this mission. By demonstrating Viasat's InRange launch telemetry relay service with New Glenn, we are taking a significant step towards enhancing the reliability and efficiency of launch communications," said Jarrett Jones, Senior Vice President, New Glenn. "This collaboration not only supports NASA's transition to commercial SATCOM solutions, but also showcases the innovative capabilities of our New Glenn launch vehicle." Viasat's first New Glenn launch will be the ...