NASA is evaluating a plan to shut down its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and redistribute its responsibilities among various states, a move that could significantly impact its coordination and influence at the federal level.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the proposal aligns with efforts to reduce government spending and could affect up to 2,500 jobs. The changes would shift oversight of space exploration and major science missions away from a centralized office, potentially altering how NASA lobbies for funding, secures White House support, and collaborates with international partners.
Although NASA’s operations are primarily conducted at its 10 field centers, the Washington office plays a critical role in policy advocacy and global partnerships. Some offices might remain in the capital, but it remains unclear which ones or how staffing would be affected.
Critics warn that decentralizing leadership could disrupt communication and complicate cooperation with foreign space agencies. NASA has long relied on international collaboration for projects like the International Space Station and the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon. Diplomacy in space exploration also strengthens geopolitical ties, making Washington a key hub for negotiations and agreements.
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