Planetary Society Speaks Out

Keith’s note: The Planetary Society has distinguished itself by speaking out and standing up for its members and the people of the NASA space exploration and research community. Bravo. See “The Planetary Society Strongly Opposes Mass Layoffs of Probationary Employees at NASA“:

• The Planetary Society strongly opposes the sudden, indiscriminate dismissal of more than 1,000 scientists, engineers, and explorers at NASA — the largest involuntary workforce reduction since the end of the Apollo program. While we recognize the value of improved efficiency and structural optimization, any workforce changes should be in service of improving the agency’s ability to execute its mission. Indiscriminate layoffs do not serve this purpose.

• These public servants — many of whom are just starting their careers— represent the future of NASA. Their removal does not reflect their abilities or commitment to advancing U.S. interests in space, only that they chose to join the nation’s space agency within the past year.

• We urge the Trump Administration to reverse this arbitrary decision and work with Congress and other stakeholders to define a clear strategy for continued U.S. leadership in space and to ensure the nation’s space agency has the workforce necessary to succeed in its mission.