NASA plans a 21% workforce reduction
By ,
Agencies
NASA is set to reduce its civil servant workforce by approximately 21%, with around 3,780 employees opting into two voluntary resignation schemes, the agency confirmed this week. The programs are part of NASA's efforts to streamline operations while maintaining its capability to drive upcoming space exploration initiatives, including Moon and Mars missions.Spokesperson Cheryl Warner stated the move aims to strike a balance between efficiency and readiness for what NASA calls a ' Golden Era of exploration and innovation.' The agency anticipates retaining around 14,000 employees after accounting for the resignations and an additional 500 departures through routine attrition.The voluntary exit programs offer financial incentives or concessions to encourage staff to resign. The agency stressed that while the forecasted figures are approximate, further changes in headcount may occur depending on future operational needs.This significant workforce reduction follows broader federal downsizing efforts under the administration of US President Donald Trump. Elon Musk, previously head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), had been involved in driving such agency-level workforce restructurings.The reduction signals a shift in how NASA plans to staff future missions, leaning on a smaller core team while likely expanding collaboration with private aerospace contractors and commercial partners. This approach reflects changing workforce dynamics within the federal science and technology sector.
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