NASA has confirmed the closure of three significant offices and the elimination of 23 positions as part of an ongoing workforce reduction, driven by an executive order issued under the Trump administration. The affected departments include the Office of Chief Scientist, the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) branch within the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.
A NASA spokesperson stated that the cuts are part of a larger initiative to streamline operations and reduce costs across the federal government. Employees impacted by the reduction in force (RIF) have been given the option to pursue early retirement or undergo the full RIF process.
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Among the notable figures affected by the downsizing is Katherine Calvin, NASA’s current chief scientist. The role of chief scientist, pivotal in providing scientific direction and advice to NASA’s leadership, has been a cornerstone of the agency’s structure, though it was temporarily removed between 2005 and 2011.
The decision aligns with the broader efforts of the Trump administration to reduce federal bureaucracy and eliminate certain space-related departments. Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro informed staff of the closures in an email, noting that this move supports the administration’s goal of optimizing government efficiency.
The layoffs come on the heels of similar cuts at other agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Trump administration has also signaled potential funding cuts of up to 50% for NASA’s science programs in the next fiscal year, sparking concerns about the agency’s long-term goals in space exploration and research.
