NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by Caltech, designs and operates robotic spacecraft for solar system exploration, including Mars rovers, Europa Clipper, and deep space missions.
59 open · 109 filled
NASA's decision to compete the JPL management contract ended six decades of sole-source control by Caltech. The article also covers Rocket Lab winning NASA science launch contracts and Loft Orbital hosting JPL's AI software on commercial satellites, signaling a broader shift in how deep-space and Ea
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory laid off roughly 550 employees, 11% of its workforce, in its second major reduction in 18 months. The cuts coincide with a broader talent migration from government labs to commercial space companies like Loft Orbital and Turion Space, which are actively recruiting JP
NASA announced it will compete the management contract for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, ending a sole-source relationship with Caltech dating back to 1958. The move is part of a broader agency realignment aimed at efficiency and faster execution. Caltech says it is prepared to compete. The article
NASA astronomer salaries run $122K–$197K at the GS-13 to GS-15 levels. Locality pay adds up to 35%. About 1,900 scientists work across NASA's 10 centers.
What space scientists do in 2026: 6 disciplines (astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, astrobiology, cosmology, space weather), PhD paths, and salaries from $70K to $200K+.
