The Political Scene | The New Yorker Will Trump’s Obsession with Space Save NASA?
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Mar 26, 2025 David W. Brown, an insightful writer on NASA and the space industry, joins Tyler Foggatt for a captivating discussion. They dive into Elon Musk's mounting influence on NASA and the agency's evolving relationship with SpaceX. Brown addresses Trump's space ambitions and whether they can shield NASA from budget cuts. The duo highlights the political intricacies affecting space exploration, contrasting Trump and Obama’s visions, and examines the critical interdependence of NASA and SpaceX amidst shifting political landscapes.
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NASA's RIF Delay
- NASA had to delay firing probationary employees due to high operational tempo.
- The employees they planned to fire were too busy working on important missions.
NASA's Efficiency
- NASA operates on a small budget (0.5% of the federal budget) but achieves significant results.
- Its employees are dedicated and often work unpaid overtime due to their passion for space exploration.
NASA's Broad Impact
- NASA research has far-reaching benefits, leading to advancements in various fields.
- From communication technologies to material science and food production, NASA's impact is substantial.