Promoted on Sunday, Fired on Monday: Inside a NASA Office's Sudden Closure
2 days ago
- #Workforce Reduction
- #NASA
- #Science Policy
- David Draper, NASA’s Deputy Chief Scientist, and his team were shocked by the sudden closure of the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) in March 2025.
- The OCS, established in 1982, served as an unbiased scientific advisor to NASA, helping resolve disputes and prioritize research, especially for the International Space Station.
- The closure of OCS was part of a larger wave of layoffs and buyouts, leading to the departure of about 4,000 NASA employees, including many senior-level and highly experienced staff.
- Mamta Patel Nagaraja, promoted to Deputy Chief Scientist one day, was fired the next, highlighting the chaotic and demoralizing environment at NASA.
- The loss of experienced personnel raises concerns about NASA’s ability to maintain mission safety and scientific integrity, with fears of repeating past disasters like Challenger and Columbia.
- Draper and Nagaraja have moved on to new endeavors, with Draper focusing on climate change and wildfires, and Nagaraja founding a consulting firm, though both express lingering attachment to their NASA roles.