Former NASA engineer and acclaimed author Homer Hickam has publicly condemned Twitter's recent mass layoffs after experiencing his own professional setback due to internet connectivity problems.
The Rocket Boys author, who serves on the National Space Council, found himself unexpectedly unemployed when his remote position was terminated following persistent online access issues at his rural home.
From Space Exploration to Social Media Outrage
Hickam, best known for his memoir that inspired the film October Sky, took to social media to voice his frustration: "After being fired from a job because my internet connection in the mountains wasn't reliable, I have little sympathy for the way Twitter is treating its employees."
The 80-year-old aerospace expert's comments come amid growing criticism of Elon Musk's handling of Twitter's workforce reduction, which has seen nearly half the company's staff lose their jobs.
Rural Connectivity Crisis Meets Corporate Downsizing
Hickam's situation highlights the growing digital divide in remote areas, where unreliable internet access can have serious professional consequences. "This isn't just about me or Twitter," he emphasised. "It's about how we value workers in an increasingly connected world."
The former NASA engineer's unexpected career hurdle has sparked debate about:
- Corporate responsibility in mass layoffs
- The challenges of remote work in rural areas
- Age discrimination in the tech industry
- The human cost of corporate restructuring
As a member of the National Space Council, Hickam continues to advocate for scientific advancement while navigating his own unexpected career transition in the digital age.
