NASA to Lay Off 2000 Employees Due to Budget Cuts and Mission Prioritization

The American space agency NASA is currently going through a significant phase of changes. Reports suggest that NASA is preparing to lay off around 2145 employees. This decision is reportedly part of a plan to cut costs in the budget and prioritize key areas of its mission. According to U.S. media outlet Politico, the employees being let go are mostly from the GS-13 to GS-15 grades, which are considered senior positions in the U.S. government service.

Nasa's spokesperson, Bethany Stevens, told Reuters, "We are committed to our missions, but now we must make priorities within our limited budget." It is expected that this move will have a substantial impact on the scientific framework of the agency. This decision is in line with budget cuts and a reevaluation of key priorities, which could affect the functioning of the space agency.

During the tenure of former President Donald Trump, there were several changes in NASA and the United States' space policy. This restructuring has already affected the 18,000-strong workforce at NASA. Trump had nominated billionaire and SpaceX supporter Jared Isaacman as the new administrator of NASA. However, after tensions between Trump and Elon Musk, the White House removed Isaacman's nomination, delaying the appointment.