Proposed budget cuts threaten to ground NASA's satellite mission

In recent months, the proposed federal budget cuts have put the future of NASA's Investigation of Cloud Updrafts (INCUS) mission at risk. Established to enhance understanding and predictions of severe weather, INCUS is based out of Colorado State University, with Sue van den Heever as its lead. The mission aims to collect vital data to protect against severe weather impacts on people's lives and property. Currently, INCUS is set to face closure if budget cuts proposed by President Trump’s 2026 NASA budget go through, which could happen next year. The INCUS mission is notable for its innovative use of technology. Unlike older satellites that are considerably large and heavy, INCUS aims to utilize miniature instruments, advancing satellite instrumentation significantly. Blue Canyon Technologies in Boulder is developing the necessary equipment for the mission. Van den Heever, the first woman to lead a NASA Earth venture mission, emphasizes the importance of data that INCUS will collect for future safety and property protection amid growing populations. Concerns regarding budget allocations have been raised, indicating a need for the federal government to increase efficiency and prioritize essential areas, including national security. However, van den Heever insists that INCUS data is essential for understanding storm dynamics and mitigating future dangers. As the mission's launch date nears, there is urgent advocacy from CSU and involved parties to secure funding and ensure that the significant advancements made through INCUS do not go to waste. Faculty at CSU and mission advocates are concerned that cutting this project would hinder advancements in severe weather predictions, complicating preparations for impending storms. They warn that without such funding, the potential benefits for NOAA and other scientific communities relying on INCUS's data could be severely compromised. The unfolding situation remains sensitive as stakeholders across governmental and educational institutions continue to advocate for the future of this mission, which represents a crucial intersection of technology, science, and safety.