Boeing is preparing for the possibility that NASA cancels the SLS rocket
Boeing may lay off 400 employees by April 2025 due to potential NASA SLS contract cancellations, amid ongoing debates about the program's future and its cost-effectiveness compared to private alternatives.
Read original article
Boeing has alerted its employees about the potential cancellation of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) contracts, which could lead to significant layoffs. During a brief meeting, Boeing's vice president, David Dutcher, indicated that contracts might end in March, prompting the company to prepare for approximately 400 job cuts by April 2025. This notification aligns with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, requiring a 60-day notice for mass layoffs. The uncertainty surrounding the SLS program comes as the White House is expected to release a budget proposal that may include plans to terminate the SLS initiative. There is ongoing debate within NASA and the White House regarding the future of the SLS and the Artemis Moon program, with some advocating for its cancellation due to high costs and delays. Critics argue that the SLS program, which has already seen significant financial investment, is less efficient compared to emerging private space launch options like SpaceX and Blue Origin. The SLS was initially intended to launch by 2016 but only made its first flight in late 2022, raising concerns about its viability and the effectiveness of its cost-plus contracts.
- Boeing is preparing for potential layoffs due to possible cancellation of NASA's SLS contracts.
- Approximately 400 positions may be cut by April 2025 as part of the WARN Act requirements.
- The future of the SLS program is under debate amid budget proposals from the White House.
- Critics argue that the SLS is costly and inefficient compared to private space launch alternatives.
- The SLS program has faced significant delays and financial overruns since its inception.
Related
NASA inspector general gives damning assessment of Boeing's quality control
NASA's report highlights Boeing's inadequate quality control and training, leading to budget overruns and delays in the SLS project, while the Starliner capsule faces operational issues, raising concerns about the moon program's viability.
NASA Investigation Finds Boeing Hindering Americans' Return to Moon
NASA's OIG report highlights Boeing's mismanagement and workforce issues causing delays and cost overruns in the SLS Block 1B project, jeopardizing the Artemis program and future space exploration.
Starliner Is Such a Disaster That Boeing May Cancel the Entire Project
Boeing's Starliner project faces potential cancellation due to technical issues and a $1.6 billion budget overrun. NASA astronauts will return via SpaceX's Crew Dragon, raising doubts about Starliner's future.
SLS is still a national disgrace
NASA's Space Launch System has launched once in four years, costing over $100 billion, facing criticism for inefficiency, mismanagement, and challenges in hiring, with skepticism about future improvements.
Trump may cancel NASA's powerful SLS Moon rocket – here's what that would mean
Speculation suggests the Trump administration may cancel NASA's SLS, crucial for the Artemis program. This could impact lunar missions and U.S. competitiveness in the global space race against China.
1 commentsRelated
NASA inspector general gives damning assessment of Boeing's quality control
NASA's report highlights Boeing's inadequate quality control and training, leading to budget overruns and delays in the SLS project, while the Starliner capsule faces operational issues, raising concerns about the moon program's viability.
NASA Investigation Finds Boeing Hindering Americans' Return to Moon
NASA's OIG report highlights Boeing's mismanagement and workforce issues causing delays and cost overruns in the SLS Block 1B project, jeopardizing the Artemis program and future space exploration.
Starliner Is Such a Disaster That Boeing May Cancel the Entire Project
Boeing's Starliner project faces potential cancellation due to technical issues and a $1.6 billion budget overrun. NASA astronauts will return via SpaceX's Crew Dragon, raising doubts about Starliner's future.
SLS is still a national disgrace
NASA's Space Launch System has launched once in four years, costing over $100 billion, facing criticism for inefficiency, mismanagement, and challenges in hiring, with skepticism about future improvements.
Trump may cancel NASA's powerful SLS Moon rocket – here's what that would mean
Speculation suggests the Trump administration may cancel NASA's SLS, crucial for the Artemis program. This could impact lunar missions and U.S. competitiveness in the global space race against China.