Laurie Leshin, director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will step down in June due to personal reasons. During her tenure since 2022, she confronted various challenges, including the launch issues surrounding the Psyche mission, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant staff cuts owing to budget constraints. Despite these hurdles, she oversaw the successful operations of Mars missions and the Ingenuity helicopter. Her replacement, David Gallagher, a JPL veteran, is expected to take over temporarily as JPL aims to navigate looming budget uncertainties and continue its pivotal research endeavors.
Leshin managed significant challenges during her tenure, including COVID-19 impacts and budget constraints, while overseeing key missions like the Mars rovers.
With Leshinâs departure, Gallagherâs appointment as interim director of JPL brings experience from decades at the center.
Leshin remarked on budget uncertainties, which remains relevant with recent proposed cuts threatening JPL projects.
Gallagher expressed optimism for future endeavors, emphasizing the commitment to advance the nationâs space agenda.
Collection
[
|
...
]