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NASA Cuts Key Science and Diversity Offices as Workforce Restructuring Begins

The closures, part of Trump administration directives, include the Office of the Chief Scientist and affect 23 employees.

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Director of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center Janet Petro speaks ahead of the Crew-7 mission launch to the International Space Station on the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. August 20, 2023. REUTERS/Joe Skipper/File Photo
NASA's Office of the Chief Scientist, led by Kate Calvin since 2022, is among the offices NASA announced March 10 it is closing.
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Overview

  • NASA has announced the closure of three departments: the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch.
  • The decision aligns with executive orders from President Trump aimed at reducing federal workforce and restructuring agencies for efficiency.
  • Acting Administrator Janet Petro described the layoffs as the first step in a broader 'reduction in force' plan, affecting 23 employees initially.
  • The closures have raised concerns about the future of NASA's scientific initiatives, including climate-related research and strategic policy guidance.
  • The restructuring comes as Jared Isaacman, Trump's nominee for NASA Administrator, awaits confirmation, with broader workforce reductions anticipated in the near future.