Victoria Jaggard Became New York Times Space Editor
The veteran journalist joined the science desk to lead expanded coverage of space exploration in September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Space
In September 2026, Victoria Jaggard began her role as the first dedicated space editor for The New York Times. The science desk established this position to manage increased reader demand for space reporting.
Why it matters
The appointment follows growing public fascination with outer space, fueled by high-profile milestones like the Artemis II mission and the initial public offering of SpaceX. This move signals a strategic commitment to tracking the rapid evolution of the aerospace industry.
The transition establishes a focused role for space reporting, building upon a historical timeline that includes the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Coverage will integrate expertise from past reporting on events like the Phoenix lander arrival in Pasadena.
The players
Victoria Jaggard
She is the new space editor at The New York Times and a former senior space editor at National Geographic.
Bill Wasik
He serves as the science editor at The New York Times and oversees the publication's scientific reporting desk.
Michael Roston
He is a former editor who has transitioned into the role of deputy breaking news editor.
The details
Victoria Jaggard, who previously served as a senior space editor at National Geographic, will work alongside science editor Bill Wasik. The creation of the role coincides with Michael Roston transitioning to the position of deputy breaking news editor.
Timeline
Jaggard covered the Phoenix lander arrival on Mars in May 2008.
The final space shuttle launch was covered by Jaggard in 2011.
In 2024, Jaggard reported on the total solar eclipse.
Jaggard officially began her new role in September 2026.
The Big Picture
The creation of this dedicated space desk follows a pattern of heightened institutional focus on space flight set by the interest in the Artemis II mission. This structural shift allows the news organization to better address the rapid development of the modern aerospace sector.
Readers can anticipate more comprehensive reporting on orbital missions and commercial space ventures as the new desk scales its operations. This shift marks a professional expansion that aims to translate complex aerospace data into more accessible public-facing content.
The takeaway
The appointment reflects how legacy media organizations are recalibrating their editorial resources to match the rapid pace of the modern space age. Readers should watch for more frequent, dedicated coverage of upcoming lunar missions and commercial aerospace milestones.
Further reading
For more updates on current aerospace developments, visit the Space section.
