A high-profile NASA leader, Makenzie Lystrup, is stepping down from her role at the Goddard Space Flight Center—adding to a growing wave of departures at the agency, including the recent exit of JPL’s director. While the reasons aren’t spelled out, losing seasoned leadership in quick succession raises questions about stability and morale.

Editor’s Note: NASA’s been a beacon of scientific ambition for decades, but when top talent starts walking out the door, it’s worth paying attention. Leadership turnover can ripple through big projects—think delays in moon missions or Mars research—and hints at deeper issues, whether it’s budget fights, bureaucratic frustration, or something else entirely. For space fans, it’s a worrying trend.