On many websites, radio stations, and TV programs the term "brain drain" is consistently being used to describe the effect of the work force reduction at NASA. Through a variety of cuts in recent years, the shuttle work force has decline to 7,000 workers from about 17,000.

Also known as Human capital flight, more commonly referred to as "brain drain", is the large-scale emigration of a large group of individuals with technical skills or knowledge. Experts call the idea of a talent drain the "Team B" effect. "The good guys see the end coming and leave," Albert D. Wheelon, a former aerospace executive and a Central Intelligence Agency official told the New York Times. "You're left with the B students."

NASA is not the only one feeling the pain. The NASA contractor responsible for most of the work of maintaining the space shuttles announced on Friday April 15th that it will have to lay off almost 50 percent of its employees – up to 2,800 workers – after the shuttle program shuts down this year.Lockheed Martin has announced there will be reductions in employment across its Aeronautics business area as part of a plan to improve the affordability of its products and increase operational efficiency.

Another way to look at this chapter in the US Space program – a wave of talented employees will now be available to the US Commercial Space effort. The highly educated talent pool will work for less or start their own space companies. This new group has been exposed to cutting edge technology and have proof of their success.

So this “brain drain” should be looked at as positive due to the injection of talent into the Commercial Space program. There is always a positive outcome to every story.