Science Friday NASA Employees Protest Cuts In Formal Dissent Letter
Jul 29, 2025
Cady Coleman, a retired NASA astronaut and author based in Massachusetts, discusses the profound impact of proposed budget cuts on NASA's critical missions. She shares insights on the formal dissent letter, "The Voyager Declaration," signed by hundreds of employees, highlighting their concerns about the effects of rapid funding reductions. Coleman emphasizes the necessity of sustained investment in scientific innovation and the importance of fostering a culture of accountability within the agency to ensure the safety and success of future space exploration.
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NASA's Unique Scientific Role
- NASA conducts unique science that can only be done from space, crucial for understanding both space and Earth.
- Cutting NASA's missions risks losing irreplaceable science and technological progress tied to space exploration.
Shuttle Repair Challenge Anecdote
- Cady Coleman shared her experience developing a special caulk system for repairing the space shuttle after Columbia.
- It was a tough, critical process where team members debated whether the repair tech was ready for flight safety.
Team Success Requires Bravery and Openness
- To succeed on a team, be brave enough to express your true self and be open to others' different perspectives.
- Constantly pay attention and never stop understanding what each team member contributes, even what they may not realize themselves.
