NASA will cut approximately 3,870 employees through a voluntary separation program. This is one of the steps taken by US President Donald Trump's administration to reduce the size of the federal government. NASA said in a statement issued on Friday that this number may change as the agency evaluates applications, including cases where employees cancel their participation in the program, or where resignation requests are not approved. “Safety has always been a top priority for this agency. While we strive to become a more streamlined and efficient organization, we also need to ensure that we are fully capable of pursuing a 'golden age' of exploration and innovation, including missions to the Moon and Mars,” NASA said in a statement. NASA is offering employees two opportunities this year to leave their jobs through the government's “Delayed Resignation Program.” The agency said that after the end of the two rounds of resignation plans and the loss of about 500 normal personnel during the same period, the number of remaining employees is expected to be around 14,000.

NASA will cut approximately 3,870 employees through a voluntary separation program. This is one of the steps taken by US President Donald Trump's administration to reduce the size of the federal government. NASA said in a statement issued on Friday that this number may change as the agency evaluates applications, including cases where employees cancel their participation in the program, or where resignation requests are not approved. “Safety has always been a top priority for this agency. While we strive to become a more streamlined and efficient organization, we also need to ensure that we are fully capable of pursuing a 'golden age' of exploration and innovation, including missions to the Moon and Mars,” NASA said in a statement. NASA is offering employees two opportunities this year to leave their jobs through the government's “Delayed Resignation Program.” The agency said that after the end of the two rounds of resignation plans and the loss of about 500 normal personnel during the same period, the number of remaining employees is expected to be around 14,000.