So what has changed?
It was not immediately clear why. A NASA spokesperson in Washington, DC, did not comment on the updated guidance. Two sources indicated that it was plausible that private astronaut Jared Isaacman, who nominated President Trump to lead the space agency, asked to put the cutbacks on hold.
Although this could not be confirmed, it seems reasonable that Isaacman would like to keep some control over where cuts are made at the desk. Dissing of all probation staff – which is the fastest way to reduce the size of the government – is a bone instrument. It hits new employees who may have recruited the agency for key positions, as well as high performers who have earned promotions.
The postponement in these terminations does not necessarily state that NASA will escape considerable budget or employment reductions in the coming months.
The administration could still try to terminate probation staff. Moreover, Ars previously reported that directors of the field centers of the agency were told to prepare options for a “significant” reduction in strength in the coming months. The scope of these cutbacks is not defined, and it is likely that they have to be negotiated with the congress.
