NASA Employees Demand Change: Outrage Over Wasteful Practices in Scathing Letter | CNN

A group of 287 scientists and former NASA employees has raised alarms about recent changes at the agency, warning they could threaten astronaut safety. They’ve issued a declaration titled “The Voyager Declaration,” which is dedicated to astronauts who have lost their lives in past missions. The letter, aimed at acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, has drawn significant attention with 156 anonymous signatures and 131 from current employees, including at least 55 who work for NASA.

Concerns about the direction of NASA have heightened since Duffy took charge. Just hours after the declaration was released, Goddard Space Flight Center Director Makenzie Lystrup unexpectedly resigned.

The letter criticizes rapid changes within NASA, calling them reckless. “Major programmatic shifts must be implemented strategically so that risks are managed carefully,” it states. Many express worry about shifts to NASA’s Technical Authority, a system designed to ensure safety by allowing employees to voice concerns without fear of reprimand.

Since 2003, when the Columbia shuttle tragedy claimed seven lives, this safety system has been crucial. It provides a channel for employees to report safety issues directly to higher-ups, bypassing their immediate supervisors.

An anonymous Goddard employee shared their fear of upcoming changes, especially those affecting human spaceflight. They described the situation as “really scary,” noting that adjustments should prioritize safety rather than cutbacks.

The NASA press secretary, Bethany Stevens, assured the public that safety will never be compromised. Recent voluntary reductions aim to protect safety-critical roles, she said. Yet, the declaration points out that many current changes seem driven by budget cuts rather than safety improvements.

The climate at NASA has shifted, especially for underrepresented employees. Ella Kaplan, a contractor, publicly supported the declaration despite fears for her job. She highlighted the overall culture shift that has left many feeling unsafe.

Former NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman noted that while some changes to Technical Authority might be necessary, they must be approached carefully. He expressed skepticism about whether the current leadership would handle it properly.

The declaration’s impact isn’t isolated to NASA. Similar letters have emerged from other federal agencies, like the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency, voicing concerns about political interference in research and safety.

Even with these valid critiques, NASA’s leadership, responding to the declaration, has made efforts to contain budget cuts. Recent reports indicate that around 3,000 staff members have opted for deferred resignations. The future of many projects, including international partnerships, hangs in the balance, raising questions about the administration’s long-term plans.

Ultimately, the anxiety surrounding NASA reflects broader issues in government-funded organizations, where oversight, innovation, and safety often clash with budgetary constraints. As these discussions continue, the future direction of NASA and its commitment to safety is more important than ever.



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