Source : BBC
In October 2021, we rejoiced as NASA astronaut Sally Ride was added to US Mint American Women Quarters program marking the first commemoration of a female astronaut on U.S. quarter. It marked a great moment for astronauts around the world and for humanity.
Now, however, bad news is surfacing for famous NASA astronauts. According to a new report released by agency’s Office of the Investigator General, there aren’t enough at the moment.
“As NASA enters a new era of manned spaceflight, including a return to the Moon & eventual landing of humans on Mars, effective management of its astronaut corps – the people who fly its space missions spaceflight – is crucial for the success of the Agency.
Astronauts are the face & voice of the Agency’s efforts to inspire the next generation of explorers, scientists & engineers. After reaching its peak of nearly 150 astronauts in 2000, size of crops diminised with the end of space shuttle missions in 2011 & now stands at 44, one of smallest cadres of astronauts in past 20 years,” the report said.
The report continue to say that this latest development means that there may not be sufficient numbers of astronauts available for unexpected abort & crew reassignments or ground positions needed for program development, staffing astronaut office leadership and liaison positions, including serving as Agency Spokesperson Service. This could result in disruptive crew reorganizations and/or mission delays.
What caused this loss of NASA employees
Many astronauts simply retired without enough new astronauts joining the space agency to take their place.
The report also states that the astronaut corps is expected to fall below its projected size in fiscal years 2022 & 2023, and that its size will be exactly equal to the number of space flight manifest seats NASA needs in 2022. Last month, however, the agency has announced a new round of astronaut candidates, which means it could very well may-be on its way to effectively staffing its missions. We wish them good luck !
