Facing Budget Cuts, JPL Outreach Programs Under Review

Costs of exhibits, speaking engagements and other kinds of JPL's various outreach efforts are under a proverbial magnifying glass in the face of federal budget cuts, according to a story in the Pasadena Sun.

Anything that isn't considered mission critical is being put under review, according to NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs, who said that NASA would be "financially irresponsible" if it didn't fully examine the use of resources, the Sun states.

JPL spokesperson Veronica McGregor said to the Sun that a list of outreach programs planned from May 1 to Sept. 30 would be turned in. However, she added that summer internships and fellowships involving the La Cañada Flintridge-based facility will not be affected.

Jacobs noted that NASA is facing a 7.6 percent budget reduction this year, witch 5 percent coming from the sequester and 2.6 percent from a separate cut passed by Congress. 

Check out the rest of the story here.