Victoria Jaggard, a veteran space journalist, has been named the new space editor at The New York Times, a move that underscores the growing importance of space coverage amid rising public interest and industry developments. Jaggard brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as National Geographic’s senior space editor and covered significant events such as NASA’s Phoenix lander arrival on Mars in 2008, the final space shuttle launch in 2011, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Her appointment comes as The Times seeks to unify and expand its space reporting in response to heightened enthusiasm surrounding recent milestones like the Artemis II mission and SpaceX’s notable initial public offering. Bill Wasik, The Times’s Science editor, highlighted the need for a dedicated editor to manage and elevate the newspaper’s space coverage, a responsibility previously handled by deputy breaking news editor Michael Roston.
Jaggard’s interest in space journalism began during her early career when she witnessed the tension and excitement at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory during the Mars Phoenix mission. Originally studying drama and musical theater, she shifted to science writing on the advice of her mother and gradually found a professional home in the field of space and physics due to its inherent sense of wonder and inquiry.
In an interview, Jaggard emphasized the role of curiosity in driving science journalism, particularly regarding questions about the cosmos. She identified topics such as the potential for human habitation in space, the nature of gravity and other planets, and the fundamental composition of the universe as central to her reporting interests.
Jaggard also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on space exploration. She noted current debates around satellite constellations aimed at expanding global internet access and concerns about the overcrowding of Earth’s orbital bands. Additionally, she mentioned the nascent plans for data centers in space, which promise benefits like continuous solar power and innovative cooling methods, though practical and regulatory challenges remain.
Looking ahead, Jaggard expressed enthusiasm about recent and upcoming missions, including NASA’s launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, which aims to enhance understanding of galactic structures and exoplanets. She also pointed to plans by Japan to send a spacecraft to one of Mars’s moons to collect samples, a mission that could shed light on the origins of the Martian satellites.
One of Jaggard’s primary goals as space editor is to utilize multimedia tools to make complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging. She stressed the power of visuals and animations in helping readers grasp topics like orbital dynamics during solar eclipses, aiming to connect with both dedicated space enthusiasts and a broader audience.
When asked about her personal willingness to travel to space, Jaggard declined, citing the harsh physical demands of spaceflight and a preference to leave exploration to robotic missions. On the subject of extraterrestrial life, she expressed cautious optimism, noting evidence that some bodies in the solar system, such as Jupiter’s moon Europa, may harbor conditions suitable for life, though definitive proof remains elusive.