In a move that could significantly disrupt the burgeoning U.S. space industry, the Trump administration has fired roughly one-third of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 25-person Office of Space Commerce.
The unit, often described as the “air traffic control for space,” plays a critical role in managing satellite traffic and coordinating collision avoidance in an increasingly congested orbital environment.
According to sources familiar with the matter, acting NOAA chief Nancy Hann handed employees only a few hours' notice on Thursday before forcing them out of the office. Among those terminated was Dmitry Poisik, the chief of the Traffic Coordination System for Space—a program currently in a trial phase that alerts satellite operators to potential collisions with debris or other spacecraft.
The layoffs come amid a broader round of staff cuts at NOAA, an agency also responsible for providing weather forecasts, hurricane warnings, and licensing commercial imagery satellites. A recent internal email indicated that, following the layoffs, any communications regarding licensing or regulatory questions will now be handled exclusively by NOAA lawyers. The email described this as a “temporary arrangement to address continuity of operations” due to ongoing reductions in force.
The decision to cut staff from the space traffic unit threatens to complicate efforts to migrate satellite collision alerting duties out of the Pentagon, potentially delaying the approval process for new spacecraft launches. Under current protocols, the Federal Aviation Administration cannot approve a satellite launch without a license from NOAA—a process that could see significant delays if the unit’s operational capacity is compromised.
This action forms part of a wider government efficiency drive championed by Trump’s administration, which has already seen thousands of federal employees laid off. Critics warn that reducing staff in one of the nation’s most important space-licensing agencies could have long-term consequences for the U.S. space sector, which has long advocated for more agile and simplified regulatory processes.
The Trump administration’s earlier space policy directive in 2018 had called on the Office of Space Commerce to develop its own traffic management system, recognizing the escalating challenges posed by a congested orbital environment. However, the recent layoffs risk undermining these efforts at a critical time, as global demand for satellite services continues to grow and collision alerts reach tens of thousands.
As industry stakeholders brace for potential delays and operational disruptions, questions remain over how the reduction in personnel will affect the overall effectiveness of U.S. space traffic management and the timely licensing of new spacecraft.
U.S. President Donald Trump called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy saying Kyiv is ready to comply immediately.
President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a limited trade deal Thursday that keeps 10% tariffs on British exports but lowers U.S. duties on UK cars and cuts average UK tariffs on U.S. goods to 1.8%, calling it a “historic” step forward.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to resolve trade disputes and cooperate on Ukraine during a phone call Thursday evening.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone about the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement after Ukraine’s Parliament ratified it.
From Washington to Rome and beyond, world leaders continue to welcome the election of Pope Leo XIV, recognising the historic nature of the first American pontiff and the hopes it brings for global unity and moral leadership.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
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