"JPL Chief Laurie Leshin Discusses Science, Mars, and Budget Challenges"

Laurie Leshin, the first woman to serve as JPL director, discusses concerns about NASA's budget impact on JPL, including the threat to the nation's deep space capability and the Mars Sample Return project. She addresses the impact of February's budget-related layoffs, emphasizes the importance of core capabilities at JPL, and highlights the need for hard conversations about the future of space exploration. Leshin also provides updates on the Europa Clipper mission and hints at a forthcoming review of the Mars Sample Return program.