NASA JPL boss bails for ‘personal reasons’ as budget cuts bite
Lauri Leshin, the director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is set to leave her position in June, handing over the reins to veteran David Gallagher. Her tenure has been fraught with challenges, including budget cuts and mission delays. She’ll remain a professor at Caltech, focusing on geochemistry and planetary science.
Key Points
- Laurie Leshin is resigning for personal reasons after a challenging tenure at NASA’s JPL.
- She faced budget cuts, mission delays, and institutional issues during her time as director.
- David Gallagher, a longtime JPL veteran, has been appointed to succeed Leshin.
- The future of key missions, including the Mars Sample Return, may be at risk due to proposed budget cuts.
- Gallagher’s upcoming role is likely to be interim, given that he was set for retirement.
Why should I read this?
If you’re curious about the shifting landscape of NASA’s leadership amid budget uncertainties, this article’s got you covered. With Leshin’s resignation set against the backdrop of looming cuts and potential mission cancellations, it’s a crucial read for anyone following space exploration and science policy.