“My leaving is because of my personal actions, not anything we accomplished together,” Loverro added.
While the government organization said that Loverro’s exit was a result of him quitting, two industry agents told POLITICO that he was forced out by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.
However, after POLITICO reached Loverro by phone, Loverro reiterated that his exit is not due to a dispute with Bridenstine or any worries about safety regarding the launch scheduled for May 27. Additionally, he wouldn’t give particulars concerning his “mistake.”
Loverro started the position in October after William Gerstenmaier was relegated and later departed from NASA.
Bridenstine lauded Loverro’s labors, stating in a memo to his workforce that POLITICO got ahold of that he “has moved us closer to accomplishing our goal of landing the first woman and the next man on the moon in 2024.”
Major members of Congress sought feedback late Tuesday regarding Loverro’s exit, particularly given that it happened just eight days before the first journey of the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, planned to carry two astronauts, in its intended duty.
