NASA has unexpectedly shut down three key offices, including its Chief Scientist Office, leading to the termination of 23 employees.

The abrupt decision, effective March 10, leaves the agency without an independent science advisory channel for top leadership. This comes at a crucial time as NASA pushes forward with its Artemis program, aiming to send astronauts back to the Moon and eventually to Mars.

In an agency-wide email, acting Administrator Janet Petro framed the move as a strategic shift, saying it presents “an opportunity to reshape our workforce.” The layoffs coincide with a federal government-wide mandate requiring agencies to submit workforce reduction plans. This initiative is part of an aggressive downsizing effort by President Donald Trump and his adviser, Elon Musk, to increase efficiency.

Unlike other agencies that recently dismissed probationary employees, those with less than two years of service, NASA took a different approach. It cut long-term career employees first. This move makes NASA the first federal agency under the current administration to begin its “reductions in force” (RIFs) ahead of schedule.

TOI reports that the closures affect the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy, and the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility branch within the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.

The last closure directly follows Trump’s executive order on January 20 to dismantle diversity initiatives. However, the reasons behind shutting down the other two offices remain unclear.

These offices played a crucial role in aligning NASA’s strategic direction. Their absence raises concerns about the agency’s long-term vision, with one insider warning that their removal could significantly weaken NASA’s strategic planning efforts.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?