According to sources from the American space agency (NASA), the agency is considering terminating all research programs related to the International Space Station (ISS) within the next 12 months 
to manage the budget shortfall.
The agency is experiencing budget cuts as the government prioritizes funding for damages caused by Hurricane Katrina. Kirk Shireman, Deputy Director of NASA’s Space Program, stated: “All of this is under review. We are currently facing a budget shortfall. We are re-evaluating some perspectives.”
NASA has just completed a shuttle launch into space after spending over $1.3 billion to enhance safety for this mission. Additionally, more than $300 million was spent to upgrade the International Space Station last year.
To address this situation, NASA plans not to conduct research programs related to the ISS in 2007, but may resume research activities in one or two years thereafter. Other research programs will focus on lunar exploration and preparations for missions to Mars.
TUONG VY
