NASA to lose nearly 4,000 employees in mass resignation push

Washington: NASA is set to lose nearly 3,870 employees through a voluntary resignation programme, as part of a broader federal workforce reduction plan championed by former President Donald Trump’s administration.

The space agency confirmed the figure on Friday, saying it is still reviewing applications — and that final numbers may change if some resignations are withdrawn or denied. The move is aimed at streamlining operations while maintaining mission safety and readiness for upcoming lunar and Mars exploration efforts.

“Safety remains a top priority for our agency,” NASA said in a statement. “We’re balancing efficiency with our goal of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration.”

NASA offered employees two chances in 2025 to opt into the Deferred Resignation Program, with the latest round closing on July 25. About 3,000 personnel — or 16.4% of the current workforce — opted in, following a previous round during Trump’s tenure, when roughly 870 staff accepted early exits under a government buyout plan.

The agency’s projected remaining workforce is expected to drop to about 14,000 civil servants, accounting for both rounds and regular attrition of around 500 people.

NASA officials have described the programme as a strategic alternative to involuntary layoffs.

“The reason we are doing this is to minimise any involuntary workforce reductions in the future,” former acting administrator Janet Petro said during a June 25 town hall, according to audio obtained by Bloomberg.

Earlier this year, NASA also sought a “blanket waiver” to shield probationary employees from cuts.

The resignations have sparked concern within the space industry and among former employees, with fears that NASA may lose critical expertise.

In an open letter titled The Voyager Declaration, hundreds of current and former staff warned interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy — who also heads the Transportation Department — that the reductions risk undermining safety and mission efficiency.

“Thousands of NASA civil servant employees have already been terminated, resigned, or retired early, taking with them highly specialised, irreplaceable knowledge,” the letter stated.