Shakeup at JPL? Control over iconic NASA center could change for 1st time in nearly 100 years
Space • • general
Key Points:
- NASA plans to open the competition for the contract to operate the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), currently managed by Caltech since its inception, with the current agreement ending in September 2028.
- JPL operates as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), giving it a unique governance structure that balances contractor execution with government oversight, and opening the contract could lead to significant operational changes.
- This move is part of a broader NASA reorganization aimed at increasing specialization, integrating mission directorates, and streamlining operations without layoffs, program cancellations, or center closures.
- The reorganization includes merging mission directorates, such as combining Exploration Systems Development and Space Operations into the Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate, along with several key leadership changes.
- Adam Steltzner, former JPL chief engineer known for the Curiosity rover landing, will take on a new role as NASA's chief engineer for special projects amid these organizational shifts.