NASA has cut its office of the chief scientist and its Office of Science, Policy, and Strategy, among other entities, the agency said in an internal email that Axios has viewed. Why it matters: Eliminating these offices comes ahead of potentially deep cuts to the agency's science programs.

About 19 positions will be cut, including those in offices focused on technology policy and diversity, equity and inclusion.

NASA is eliminating its chief scientist role and closing down an office that studies policy matters on space and technology, in a round of layoffs affecting 23 employees, the agency said on Monday. NASA's acting administrator Janet Petro told employees by email on Monday the Office of the Chief Scientist,