NASA Key Science and Policy Offices Shut Down
NASA is eliminating its chief scientist position and closing a key policy office in a restructuring move that affects 23 employees, the agency announced on Monday. The cuts include the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Office of Science, Policy, and Strategy, and the diversity, equity, and inclusion branch within the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.
NASA’s acting administrator, Janet Petro, informed employees of the changes via email, which was reviewed by Reuters. A NASA spokesperson later confirmed the layoffs, marking a significant shift in the agency’s approach to scientific and policy research.
Longstanding Chief Scientist Role Discontinued
NASA has maintained a chief scientist role for decades, except for a brief gap between 2005 and 2011. The position has traditionally provided guidance on space missions and research priorities. However, as part of these changes, current chief scientist Katherine Calvin and chief technologist A.C. Charania will be departing.
Despite these eliminations, NASA will retain its associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, who oversees science-focused missions.
Workforce Cuts Tied to Government Cost-Cutting Plan
These layoffs align with a broader federal cost-cutting initiative led by the Trump administration. Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX has NASA contracts worth approximately $15 billion, has been a key figure in these efforts through the Department of Government Efficiency. Many of NASA’s 18,000 employees have expressed concerns about the ongoing restructuring.
According to Petro, NASA has been working closely with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to implement Trump’s January executive order, which directs government agencies to streamline operations and reduce staffing levels.
Broader Impacts on U.S. Space Agencies
NASA is not the only space-focused entity affected by these changes. Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) laid off about a third of its Office of Space Commerce staff. This small but critical office plays a key role in supporting the space industry. However, following pushback from employees and industry groups, two officials were reinstated.
In another significant leadership shift, NASA associate administrator Jim Free, who was expected to become acting administrator pending the confirmation of Trump’s nominee, retired last month. Additionally, hundreds of NASA employees have accepted the Trump administration’s buyout proposals as part of the broader reorganization efforts.
With inputs from Reuters