posted 02-17-2025 01:33 PM               

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has arrived onsite at the agency. We anticipate that they will start reviewing our contracts to find efficiencies.

posted 02-18-2025 01:00 PM            

"NASA is complying with the guidance and direction provided by OPM. It's premature to discuss the impact to our agency, at this time," they said in a statement.

posted 02-18-2025 01:27 PM               

The Planetary Society Strongly Opposes Mass Layoffs of Probationary Employees at NASA

"Workforce changes should be in service of improving the agency's ability to execute its mission. Indiscriminate layoffs do not serve this purpose."

The Planetary Society, the world's largest independent space advocacy organization, issued the following statement following reports that every probationary employee at NASA will have their employment abruptly terminated:

"The Planetary Society strongly opposes the sudden, indiscriminate dismissal of upwards of 1,000 scientists, engineers, and explorers at NASA — the largest involuntary workforce reduction since the end of the Apollo program. While we recognize the value of improved efficiency and structural optimization, any workforce changes should be in service of improving the agency's ability to execute its mission. Indiscriminate layoffs do not serve this purpose.

"These public servants — many of whom are just starting their careers — represent the future of NASA. Their removal does not reflect their abilities or commitment to advancing U.S. interests in space, only that they chose to join the nation's space agency within the past year.

"We urge the Trump Administration to reverse this arbitrary decision and work with Congress and other stakeholders to define a clear strategy for continued U.S. leadership in space and to ensure the nation's space agency has the workforce necessary to succeed in its mission."

NASA provides a 3-to-1 return on the taxpayer's investment, according to recent economic analyses, generating more than $75 billion in the U.S. economy and supporting over 300,000 jobs across the country. Furthermore, data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates that investments by government programs have been the primary growth driver of the American space economy, while private sector GDP has fallen an average of 3.0% between 2018 and 2022. Any significant downturn in federal investments in NASA will have severe ramifications for the overall space economy and American capabilities in space exploration.

Historically, NASA has been a unifying force in the American political system and across the globe. Upon the inauguration of President Trump, The Planetary Society submitted recommendations for the administration to embrace the unique role of NASA to make major advancements in space exploration over the next four years.

posted 02-18-2025 07:10 PM               

...by late in the afternoon field center directors received confirmation from the White House that NASA's probationary employees — of which there are more than 1,000 across the agency's headquarters and 10 field centers — would not be terminated. These employees comprise about 6 percent of NASA's workforce.

It was not immediately clear why.

posted 02-19-2025 02:57 PM               

NASA continues to work as quickly as possible to comply with the guidance and direction provided by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for the Deferred Resignation Program and probationary employees.

The agency is in the process of validating hundreds of employees who responded to the deferred resignation offer before the deadline. Some probationary employees have taken the deferred resignation offer and those individuals have been, or will be, on administrative leave by the end of this week.

NASA is working with OPM on exemptions for those in the probationary period in mission critical functions.

posted 02-20-2025 03:17 PM               

About 5% of NASA's workforce accepted the resignation offer in the Deferred Resignation Program. A small subset of that group was probationary employees and will be allowed to enter into the Deferred Resignation Program.

After working with OPM and a careful evaluation of our workforce and mission requirements, probationary separations will be performance-based or voluntary in accordance with agency policy. The agency will continue to monitor all employee performances and take swift action as appropriate with any issues, ensuring American citizens have an excellent and efficient workforce at NASA.

posted 03-10-2025 11:16 AM               

To optimize our workforce, and in compliance with an Executive Order, NASA is beginning its phased approach to a reduction in force, known as a RIF. A small number of individuals received notification Monday [March 10] they are a part of NASA's RIF. If they're eligible, those employees may opt to participate in the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, or VERA, or complete the RIF process.

posted 03-14-2025 02:13 PM               

In compliance with the President's Workforce Optimization Initiative, NASA continues to work on our broader reorganization plan.

Considering a variety of agency priorities this week, including the launch of SPHEREx and PUNCH, as well as preparations for NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 launch Friday, and other agency missions, the agency received a one-week extension on our initial submission.