As one of the most high-profile and prominent government institutions in the United States of America, NASA is almost always taking center stage. This is particularly true thanks to the increase in interest relating to space thanks to the work of Elon Musk at SpaceX. Now, NASA is making headlines for an entirely different reason as their Acting Chief, Robert Lightfoot, has announced his decision to retire and step away from the agency. Lightfoot made the announcement this past Monday and he released a statement relating how he feels about the administration, his career, and the work currently going on in Washington D.C.
Robert Lightfoot was appointed by President trump to operate as the Acting Chief of NASA and Monday’s news was a little bit surprising, but some had seen the writing on the wall. Lightfoot himself made it abundantly clear that he was stepping away from the agency without any sort of negativity stating, “It is with bittersweet feelings that I am announcing I will be retiring from the agency on April 30, 2018.” Lightfoot went on to reveal that he won’t be leaving NASA hanging and that he will be coordinating with President Trump and the rest of the Trump Administration in order to find and appoint a replacement.
While Lightfoot’s retirement was enough of a shock, the fact that he didn’t list a reason as to why he was retiring was enough to quirk a few heads. Lightfoot has spent almost his entire public service career working in some capacity with NASA. He had originally joined the organization back in 1989 working as a test engineer for space shuttle engines. He eventually worked his way up to associate administrator in 2012 — one of the highest honors a civil servant can take in all of NASA’s sprawling ranks. Lightfoot eventually reached the highest pedestal for his field when he was appointed to the office of Acting Chief by President Trump in January of 2017. Lightfoot served in the position for just over 14 months which is the longest time NASA has served without a full-time Chief.
Right now, the only name that the White House has put forward to act as a full-time chief is Rep Jim Bridenstine (R, OK). Bridenstine has not been confirmed due to the fact that he faces extreme opposition from both sides of the political fence. For now, NASA’s future is up in the air for the highest position in their ranks.
Dil Bole Oberoi
