Memo From Sean Duffy – NASA Watch

Keith’s note: the following was sent out to the NASA workforce today: “A Message From Acting Administrator Sean Duffy: Welcome Back NASA Team, Thank you for your dedication and resilience throughout the shutdown. From those who sustained mission-critical operations, to those who remained on call, to those who were furloughed, I appreciate your role in helping us continue NASA’s essential mission, even during a shutdown.”

The agency has achieved many important milestones since the shutdown began. Among them, progress continued toward the Artemis II mission in early 2026 with the stacking of the Orion spacecraft on the SLS rocket. The X-59 aircraft took its first flight, marking a major step toward demonstrating quiet supersonic flight. The Space Station celebrated 25 years of continuous human presence.

Additionally, Jared Isaacman, was nominated by President Trump to lead the agency. I wish him all the success and will ensure the transition is seamless.

As we resume normal operations, our OCFO, OCHCO and support teams are working to process payroll payments, including full backpay, and all other Human Capital matters as quickly as possible. We recognize how important this is to you and your families, and we appreciate your patience as we complete this work.

Our senior leadership team will actively engage with organizations across the agency to ensure approvals and backlogs are addressed as quickly as possible and will work with urgency to restore normal operations.

Your dedication and teamwork continue to move our mission forward. Thank you once again for everything you’ve done to further space exploration, innovations, and discoveries on behalf of the United States.

Sincerely,
Sean Duffy
Acting NASA Administrator