[Robotbeat]

The satellite industry in the US is larger than ever, FWIW.

Between Starlink, OneWeb, Kuiper, plus a gazillion startups like Astranis, K2 Space, etc, not to mention defense satellites, there has never been a time when more satellites have been launched by the U.S.

I think your friend will be fine. The real issue is the capability loss for NASA.

[rockskon]

So - physically relocating is not an appealing prospect given she's a house and a spouse with a local job.

Is it typical for companies in the satellite design/manufacturing space for parts/electrical components engineers to be able to work remotely outside of travelling for inspections/supplier audits/component testing?

[harimau777]

Doesn't a lot of that require you to live in Texas?

[nomel]

Geographic hubs for a specialized profession has always been the case. Tech -> California (or Texas these days). Fashion/Finance -> NY. Movies -> Hollywood, etc. It's why most people live where they do: you follow the money. Truly first world problems.

[TechDebtDevin]

I think that's what this is, the 4k people in NASA probably never would have quit (great benefits or whatever), maybe the strategist at the top (whether they are right or not) think its better for this talent to be concentrated at private firms? And tbf, the private sector does move fast :/

[ineedasername]

There is no strategist at the top thinking about where this talent is best positioned to do good work.