Trump's budget cuts will result in the loss of 2,000 senior NASA employees.
This talent loss could have a major impact on future research and space missions. This is happening at a time when NASA is preparing to send a new group of astronauts to the moon in 2026.
NASA, the United States space research agency, could lose more than 2,000 senior employees due to US President Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts.
According to the American media outlet Politico, NASA is going to lose at least 2,145 senior employees due to the pressure created by the Trump administration's budget cuts. This talent loss could have a major impact on future research and space missions.
This vacuum is being created at a time when the agency is preparing to send a new group of astronauts to the moon in 2026.
Almost all of the more than 2,000 employees are experienced and senior in positions, with special skills or management experience, according to the report by technology site Engadget.
Politico reported, “Of those leaving, 1,818 are working on missions such as science or human astronaut launches. The others work in finance, management, or IT at NASA.
Employees at the agency’s regional centers are also leaving, including 311 at the Kennedy Space Center and 366 at the Johnson Space Center. These centers play a key role in managing NASA’s various missions.
Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s main rocket launch site. Human spaceflight operations are based at Johnson Space Centre.
Politico wrote that these voluntary layoffs are only half of the staff cuts proposed in the White House budget. The Trump administration has proposed cutting more than $6 billion from NASA’s budget for 2025, which could jeopardize many of NASA’s future missions and research projects. The moon orbiter is one example. You can also use the Gateway Station.
Congress still has the ability to make major changes to the proposed budget. However, some of the damage has already been done, as the current workforce is being laid off entirely voluntarily, Engadget reports.
However, the increasing number of commercial space missions also means there are many new job opportunities for experienced former NASA employees.
