For the second time this year, NASA's JPL center cuts its workforce
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will lay off 325 employees, about 5% of its workforce, following earlier cuts due to budget reductions and competition, impacting its deep-space exploration capabilities.
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NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is set to lay off 325 employees, approximately 5% of its workforce, marking the second workforce reduction this year. This follows a previous cut of 530 employees in February, resulting in a total reduction of about one-eighth of JPL's staff in 2024. JPL Director Laurie Leshin cited ongoing funding challenges and an uncertain future for NASA's deep space exploration priorities as reasons for the layoffs. The cuts come after a significant budget reduction for the Mars Sample Return mission, which was previously projected to cost between $8 billion and $11 billion. The budget for this fiscal year has been slashed from nearly $1 billion to less than $300 million. Currently, JPL is not managing any flagship deep-space missions, which typically require larger staff and budgets. The laboratory has a history of managing high-profile planetary probes but faces increased competition from other spaceflight centers and private companies. Leshin expressed hope for JPL's future, emphasizing the organization's strength and commitment to exploration despite the current challenges.
- JPL will lay off 325 employees, about 5% of its workforce.
- This is the second workforce reduction in 2024, following a cut of 530 employees in February.
- Budget cuts for the Mars Sample Return mission have significantly impacted staffing decisions.
- JPL is currently not managing any flagship deep-space missions.
- The laboratory faces competition from other spaceflight centers and private companies.
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NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab laying off 5% of its workforce
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NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab laying off 5% of its workforce
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will lay off about 325 employees, or 5% of its workforce, due to budget constraints, following earlier layoffs in 2024. The workforce will stabilize at 5,500.