What is the primary motivation suggested for individuals who attain the high-ranking civil servant role of NASA Administrator?
Answer
Mission impact and the prestige associated with leading the U.S. civilian space program.
The structure of the Administrator's compensation—a fixed, statutorily defined rate that is comparatively modest for the immense responsibility—suggests that financial gain is secondary. The actual reported earnings reflect the statutory maximum for ES-1 positions. This dynamic reinforces the understanding that for those who reach this level of public office, the primary motivators center on mission impact, the prestige of leading historic scientific endeavors, and serving in a high-ranking civil servant capacity.
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