NASA is eliminating its chief scientist role and closing down an office that studies policy matters on space and technology, in a round of layoffs affecting 23 employees, the agency said on Monday.

NASA is closing three offices and laying off their staff as a first step in broader workforce reductions at the agency ordered by the Trump administration.

NASA is crafting an initial plan for reductions in force and reorganization, Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro said in a memo.

NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore recently said that politics has nothing to do with why he and his crewmate, Suni Williams, are still in space.

Two NASA astronauts who have been in space for more than nine months awaiting a return trip to Earth are finally set to come home. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore — who have been aboard the International Space Station since last June last year — are due to undock with the SpaceX Crew-9 on March 16,

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth on March 16. They have been stranded for nine months in ISS. Here's a timeline of their journey so far