Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

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NASA’s Acting Administrator, Janet Petro, has requested space agency employees “to lean into this opportunity” that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seeks to maximize efficiencies.

“I know the recent executive orders and subsequent guidance are weighing on many of you,” Petro explains in a February 7 NASA update. “Speculation from all areas has contributed to uncertainty and concern, and the volume of updates can feel overwhelming.”

But Petro reminded the NASA workforce that the civilian space agency is no stranger to challenges. “We are an agency built on tackling complex problems, pushing boundaries, and rising above adversity. This moment is no different.”

In her acting administrator role, Petro is responsible for directing the agency, including budget and programs, until a new administrator is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. She is a former director of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Petro has also extended a NASA welcome to Michael Altenhofen, appointed as senior advisor to the NASA administrator. Altenhofen started his career as a NASA intern and returns to the agency after 15 years with SpaceX.

In 2021, NASA celebrated the agency’s first African American female engineer, Mary W. Jackson, with a ceremony to formally name the agency’s headquarters building in Washington in her honor.
Image credit: NASA/Inside Outer Space screengrab

Deadline for departure

As for NASA employees, the word now is that the Deferred Resignation Program/Volunteer Early Retirement Authority has had its deadline for participation extended until Monday, Feb. 10, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

“While some employees have openly made their colleagues aware of their choice, we have not yet received updated numbers from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on how many NASA employees have decided to accept this option thus far,” Petro explains. “We expect to see that information after the deadline and will share it with officials in charge.”

For those departing, Petro adds that “we honor your service and contributions to this agency. For those continuing, know your commitment is seen and deeply valued, even when it may not always be visible outside the agency.”

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Pronoun usage

 In the meantime, the “Pronoun Usage in Email Addresses” feature has been disabled by the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO).

Late last month, per NASA Headquarter direction, workers were required to scrub mentions of the following terms from public sites. “This is a drop everything and reprioritize your day request,” the communiqué said, listing the following at the time:

— DEIA

— Diversity (in context of DEIA)

— Equity (“ “)

— Inclusion (“ “)

— Accessibility (“ “)

— MSI

— Minority Serving Institution

— Indigenous People

— EEJ

— EJ

— Environmental Justice

— Underrepresented groups/people

— Anything specifically targeting women (women in leadership, etc.)

Image credit: NASA

“If you previously added pronouns to your display name, they will be automatically removed from the system this week,” Petro said. Additionally, OCIO and the Office of Communications have advised on how to update a NASA employee’s email signature in a way that aligns with the space agency’s graphics standards.

Effective stewards of taxpayer dollars

“Let’s keep refining our processes and find new ways to work smarter,” Petro adds. “More to come on how you can let your voice be heard – we do value your input in ensuring we remain effective stewards of taxpayer dollars while growing and evolving together.”

Lastly, Petro’s message to the NASA workforce said “we are more than an agency. We are a team bound by a shared purpose, a sense of duty, and a belief that what we do matters. I have no doubt that we will emerge stronger, just as we always have.”

Image credit: NASA