Victoria Jaggard Joined The New York Times as Space Editor
The science desk established this dedicated editorial position to manage expanding coverage of space exploration and flight.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Space
In September 2026, Victoria Jaggard began her role as space editor at The New York Times. The paper created the position to better coordinate its reporting on space missions.
Why it matters
The appointment reflects heightened public and reader interest in space, driven by milestones like the Artemis II mission and SpaceX completing an initial public offering.
This transition coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The editorial shift formalizes coverage of an industry that has evolved from government-led missions to commercial public market entries.
The players
Victoria Jaggard
The new space editor at The New York Times who previously served as a senior space editor at National Geographic.
Bill Wasik
The science editor for The New York Times who manages the desk overseeing the new space editorial position.
Michael Roston
A former staff member who recently transitioned from the science desk to the role of deputy breaking news editor.
The details
The science desk created this new position to centralize coordination of technical and mission-related reporting. Jaggard brings experience from her previous role as a senior space editor at National Geographic, where she covered events ranging from the 2011 final space shuttle launch to the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Timeline
May 2008: Jaggard reported on the arrival of the Phoenix lander on Mars.
2011: Jaggard covered the final space shuttle launch mission.
2024: Jaggard provided coverage for the total solar eclipse.
September 2026: Jaggard began her tenure as space editor at The New York Times.
The Tech Race
The move aligns with the broader institutional response to the commercialization of low Earth orbit and deep space exploration. It follows the industry trend set by the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, marking a shift from historical retrospection to active commercial tracking.
Readers can expect more consistent and centralized coverage of space-related developments and commercial missions moving forward. The change specifically impacts those following aerospace news, as the desk aims to provide more depth regarding recent IPOs and public sector exploration milestones.
The takeaway
The creation of this role marks a significant commitment by the publication to track the commercialization of the space industry. Watch for future shifts in coverage depth as the desk adjusts to the ongoing volatility and growth of space-focused companies.
Further reading
For more reporting on current aerospace trajectories, visit the Space section.
