NASA's science chief is yearning for mass-produced satellites, but the agency's budget constraints and focus on human spaceflight and the Moon are hindering progress. The article explores the challenges of launching fewer telescopes and planetary science missions compared to a quarter-century ago, despite a stable science budget. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's emphasis on human spaceflight and the Moon, as seen in the Artemis program, has shifted priorities away from robotic science missions. The agency's science budget remains steady, but the focus on human exploration and the Moon has led to a reevaluation of NASA's science program. The need for mass-produced, high-power satellites is highlighted, as current methods are costly and time-consuming. NASA is exploring "block buys" for commercial missions to the Moon, using off-the-shelf buses for scientific payloads. The article also discusses the potential for AI to streamline operations and the importance of secure funding for mission proposals. NASA's planetary science missions are categorized into small, medium, and large budgets, with a focus on balancing the portfolio and launching missions like Dragonfly and NEO Surveyor. The author concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to NASA's science program, considering both human and robotic exploration.
