NASA is anticipating significant organizational changes due to the Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, which could lead to the cancellation of numerous science missions and substantial job reductions. Internal communications reveal the agency's plan to pivot its priorities towards landing humans on Mars, marking a departure from its historical focus on scientific endeavors. Director Makenzie Lystrup’s email encouraged NASA employees to consider voluntary resignation options while emphasizing post-employment training for those who choose to leave. The agency has been criticized for lacking effective leadership amidst these transitions.
The agency is expected to majorly change its direction under the Trump administration's control, severing itself from its science-based roots and doubling down on landing humans on Mars.
Lystrup reiterated that the Trump administration has made it a priority to have NASA workers voluntarily resign from their posts, launching "deferred resignation" programs across several agencies.
NASA's leadership is also looking to soften the blow by providing resigning NASA workers with "post-employment training" to assist with their transition.
The email paints a troubling picture of an agency in crisis, and still without a leader half a year into Trump's second term.
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