More than 20% of NASA’s workforce, comprising nearly 4,000 employees, has applied to leave the agency through a federal program aimed at reducing personnel. According to NASA, approximately 3,870 employees have submitted applications for the Deferred Resignation Program, a buyout initiative introduced by the Trump administration. The deadline for applications is set for midnight on March 15, 2024.
If all applications are approved, NASA’s workforce will decrease from roughly 18,000 to 14,000. This reduction includes approximately 500 employees who have already departed through standard attrition, further emphasizing the agency’s shrinking personnel numbers. The implications of these departures could significantly impact NASA’s ongoing projects and future ambitions.
In a statement, NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner highlighted the agency’s commitment to safety while aiming to become more streamlined and efficient. She emphasized the importance of maintaining capabilities for upcoming exploration missions, including those to the Moon and Mars.
The Deferred Resignation Program, initiated by the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, has allowed about 870 employees to apply to leave during the first round, with around 3,000 additional applications submitted in the second round. This program reflects a broader trend within the federal government to reduce costs and manage the size of the workforce.
The agency’s challenges are compounded by financial constraints. A recent budget proposal from the White House anticipates a significant reduction in NASA’s funding, projecting a cut of approximately 25% for fiscal year 2026. This would decrease the agency’s budget from about $24 billion to $18 billion, posing further challenges to its operations and future projects.
In addition to financial pressures, NASA has faced leadership turbulence. In December 2023, President Donald Trump nominated billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman to serve as NASA’s administrator. Isaacman, known for his ties to former SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, was set to lead the agency but had his nomination withdrawn just before a Senate confirmation vote. Following this, President Trump announced that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy would temporarily oversee NASA.
As the agency navigates these changes, the impact on its mission and personnel remains to be seen. The significant number of employees seeking to depart signals a notable shift within NASA, raising questions about its future capabilities and strategic direction.
