Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the employment opportunities for non-US nationals in NASA and other space agencies, particularly in the field of Astronomy. Participants explore the requirements and restrictions related to citizenship for working in federal positions and contracts.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that NASA only hires US citizens, with no exceptions for direct employment.
- There is uncertainty regarding the hiring practices of companies that contract with NASA, with some suggesting that they may hire non-US citizens for certain positions.
- One participant mentions the necessity of US citizenship to work for the federal government and the potential need for security clearance, even for non-classified roles.
- Another participant notes that similar citizenship requirements apply to other national space agencies, such as the Russian space agency.
- There are suggestions that non-US nationals may find opportunities with the European Space Agency (ESA).
- A participant emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of pursuing a career with specific employers, indicating that there may be misconceptions about eligibility.
- One participant highlights that US aerospace corporations may require employees to work in the US without company sponsorship.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that NASA has strict citizenship requirements, but there is disagreement about the specifics of employment with NASA contractors and other space agencies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the full scope of opportunities available to non-US nationals.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying levels of certainty about the hiring practices of NASA and its contractors, as well as the requirements for other space agencies. There are references to potential exceptions and the need for citizenship in different contexts, but no definitive conclusions are reached.