On Friday, NASA announced it has been granted a one-week extension to submit its workforce reduction and reorganization plans to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The extension comes as the agency is currently handling several high-priority space missions. Federal agencies were initially required to present their plans for staff cuts by the end of this week, as part of a broader initiative led by Elon Musk and the Trump administration to streamline the federal government.

The space agency is currently focused on a series of important projects, including the launch of the SPHEREx and PUNCH missions. Additionally, NASA is preparing for the SpaceX Crew-10 mission set for launch on Friday, which is expected to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back to Earth. The two astronauts have been aboard the International Space Station since last summer, awaiting their return due to issues with Boeing (NYSE: BA )’s Starliner spacecraft.

The extension is particularly significant for NASA, given the complexity and timing of its ongoing missions. The spokesperson highlighted the importance of these projects, stating that the agency’s priorities this week necessitated the additional time for submitting the layoff plans.

The Crew-10 mission is a collaborative effort between NASA and SpaceX and will transport four astronauts to the International Space Station. This mission is not only critical for the return of Wilmore and Williams but also plays a key role in maintaining the continuous presence of humans in space and conducting scientific research aboard the International Space Station.

The delay in workforce restructuring plans underscores the balance federal agencies must strike between administrative directives and the execution of essential functions. NASA’s current engagement with multiple space missions exemplifies the agency’s commitment to its core objectives while adhering to broader governmental policies.

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