NASA intensifies efforts to reduce employee count
The Trump administration has announced plans for a significant staff reduction at NASA, as part of a wider effort to cut federal jobs. The proposed budget for NASA in fiscal 2026 suggests a 24% cut in its budget and a 29% reduction in its workforce, which would be among the most significant for any large federal agency under Trump's plan.
Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro announced the introduction of voluntary separation tools, including a new Deferred Resignation Program (DRP). This move is intended to help reduce NASA's headcount and is part of a broader strategy that includes the first round of deferred resignations, an ongoing hiring freeze, and historical attrition rates.
In a message to staff, Petro acknowledged that the cuts were "difficult adjustments," but viewed them as "an opportunity to reshape our workforce." Eligible employees will have access to early retirement and regular buyout payments. Some critical need employees will commence their paid leave on April 1, 2026, and depart NASA on September 30 of the same year.
The separation incentive offers from NASA go out to all civil servants at the agency, but eligibility depends on each employee's situation. Officials at facilities like Goddard Space Flight Center anticipate a 18% staff reduction before accounting for additional incentives.
President Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, and Sean Duffy is currently serving as the interim head of NASA and is likely to remain in office in the future. It is expected that Petro will remain as NASA's acting leader for the foreseeable future.
The deferred resignation offer at NASA takes effect much later than its predecessors, keeping employees on the rolls through January 9, 2026. The Office of the Chief Economist, which helped NASA engage with commercial space companies and understand the economic potential of space, was part of the Office of Technology Policy and Strategy.
NASA has already gone through RIFs, including the closure of the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Office of Technology Policy and Strategy, and sending RIF notices to their approximately 20 employees on March 10. This article provides related information about the planned staff reduction at NASA and the Trump administration's plan to cut 107,000 federal jobs next year.
The story has been updated with additional detail.
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