NASA faces budget cuts for Hubble and Chandra telescopes.
Mark Clampin, NASA's astrophysics director, is studying cuts to preserve funds for other priorities.
Cuts result from expectations of limited funding due to legislative caps.
Specific cut amounts and impacts are not disclosed yet.
Chandra and Hubble are two of the oldest and costly NASA missions.
Insulation issues affect Chandra's operations.
NASA plans "mini senior reviews" for both telescopes in May 2024.
Previous senior reviews exempted Chandra and Hubble due to their scientific impact.
Savings will support future astrophysics missions and international partnerships.
NASA aims to protect the Habitable Worlds Observatory and prevent sharp cuts in astrophysics programs.