Congress and Trump may compromise on the SLS rocket by axing its costly upper stage

"There are myriad questions about how NASA's budget process will play out in the coming weeks, with the start of the new fiscal year on October 1 looming. For example, the Trump administration may seek to shut off dozens of science missions that are either already in space or in development. Although Congress has signaled a desire to keep these missions active, absent a confirmed budget, the White House has made plans to turn off the lights."

"From the beginning, the second Trump administration has sought to cancel the costly, expendable rocket. Some officials wanted to end the rocket immediately, but eventually the White House decided to push for cancellation after Artemis III. This seemed prudent because it allowed the United States the best possible chance to land humans back on the Moon before China got there, and then transition to a more affordable lunar program as quickly as possible."

The federal fiscal year begins October 1, creating urgent uncertainty over NASA funding and the potential for a continuing resolution or government shutdown. The White House may seek to end funding for dozens of science missions already in space or under development, while Congress has signaled support for keeping those missions active. The House Appropriations Committee will consider the Commerce, Justice, and Science budget bill, but passage by October 1 is unlikely. Discussions continue about the Artemis Program and the future of the Space Launch System, with the administration planning to end SLS after Artemis III and Congress locking funding for later missions.

Read at Ars Technica