"NASA has briefed ESA about the Budget Request, and while some questions still remain about the full repercussions, follow-up meetings are already taking place with NASA."

The European Space Agency said on Monday it was studying the impact of U.S. budget proposals that include cuts to NASA moon programmes in which it has a role, and said it remained open to cooperation with the U.

The release of NASA's latest budget reveals the Orion spacecraft and Lunar Gateway space station are getting the chop. The US$18.8-billion total figure decreases spending by $6 billion, or 24%, as the space agency increases funding for crewed Moon and Mars missions.