On Monday, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory revealed plans to eliminate around 550 jobs, which represents about 10% of its workforce.
In a statement shared online, Institute director Dave Gallagher indicated that these layoffs are part of a larger “workforce realignment” and are not connected to the ongoing government shutdown.
The positions affected by the layoffs will span various areas including technology, business, and support within the NASA center.
Gallagher emphasized, “Making these decisions this week will be difficult, but they are vital for ensuring JPL’s future by establishing a more streamlined infrastructure, concentrating on our primary technology capabilities, upholding fiscal responsibility, and positioning us for competitiveness within the changing space landscape, all while continuing to deliver critical contributions for NASA and the nation.”
He also mentioned that affected employees will receive notifications regarding their status on Tuesday.
Located in Pasadena, California, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a research and development center funded by NASA but managed by the California Institute of Technology, and is home to some of the agency’s most renowned missions, including Explorer 1, America’s inaugural satellite, launched in 1958.
Additionally, JPL scientists have designed, constructed, and operated all five rovers that have landed on Mars with NASA’s guidance.
NASA is grappling with uncertainty surrounding its budget and future goals. Similar to many government entities, it has experienced considerable budget cuts and staffing reductions as part of a broader federal workforce downsizing initiated under the Trump administration.
Since the commencement of President Donald Trump’s term, approximately 4,000 NASA staff members have opted for deferred retirement programs, leading to a nearly 20% decrease in the agency’s workforce, which originally comprised 18,000 employees.
In July, Reuters reported that about 2,145 senior employees at NASA are expected to retire as part of the layoffs.
The Trump administration assumed office last week amid an ongoing government shutdown. Over 4,000 additional federal workers were laid off across various departments including Treasury and Health and Human Services, although this reduction does not seem to impact NASA.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
