NASA Watch

2 weeks ago | nasawatch.com | Keith Cowing

Keith’s note: This week Janet (or which ever of her handlers writes these things) starts with lots of happy news about NASA. And she ads a pretty picture of the sun. The real issue of interest to employees i.e. layoffs – does not even come up until halfway through her missive. She is afraid to use the word “layoff“ or the acronym “RIF”.

2 weeks ago | nasawatch.com | Keith Cowing

Keith’s note: Last night NASA SMD AA Nicky Fox was presented with the Collier Award for NASA’s Parker Solar Probe – an astonishing mission that has literally touched the sun. NASA Comptroller nominee Greg Autry congratulated her with a tweet adding “Go NASA Science”. This morning the @NASASpaceSci Twitter account announced that it was being shut down and swallowed into a larger effort somewhere at NASA.

2 weeks ago | nasawatch.com | Keith Cowing

Keith’s note: Sources report that Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test (COMET) contract management at NASA Kennedy sent an email out saying that they’re going to RIF the COMET personnel who support ISS. Letter to employees below:Space Station Funding ChallengeFrom: KSC-COMET-OPM-CommunicationsCOMET TeamToday we held a meeting with our team members that predominantly charge to the International Space Station (ISS) program.

2 weeks ago | nasawatch.com | Keith Cowing

Keith’s note: NASA Headquarters has decided to postpone this event. This notice was sent out this morning. “The NASA Science Community Meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 12 has been postponed, allowing time for all NASA Mission Directorates to brief internal staff and hold discussions on the FY26 President’s Budget Request. NASA has posted information and updates related to the FY26 President’s Budget Request here.

3 weeks ago | nasawatch.com | Keith Cowing

Keith’s note: How do NASA and other agencies hire at the same time they’re RIFing their workforce to reduce head count? Are these replacement hires? Where do empty slots come from when reducing a workforce? Can you get RIFed and walk out of NASA and get in line to apply for your old job at NASA Oh then there’s loyalty oath vibe. See OMB Memo: “Merit Hiring Plan“ Embrace The Challenge y’all. Salient points below: