Published 7 months ago • loading... • Updated 7 months ago
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to lay off about 550 workers
The layoffs impact technical, business, and support staff as JPL aims to reduce costs and maintain fiscal discipline amid ongoing financial challenges.
On Oct. 13, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced it will lay off 550 employees as part of restructuring, and affected employees will be notified on Oct. 14.
The reorganization that began in July aims to create a leaner infrastructure, focus on core technical capabilities, and maintain fiscal discipline, JPL said.
About 11% of JPL's staff will be cut, slicing across technical, business and support areas at the roughly 5,500-employee, 168-acre facility near Pasadena, California.
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, said she was 'disappointed' and 'disheartened' by the layoffs announced on Monday and will lead a bipartisan appropriations effort to fully fund NASA's science mission directorate.
This is the third round of cuts at JPL in two years, following more than 850 job losses last year and earlier reductions tied to Mars Sample Return mission uncertainty and the Trump administration's proposed 2026 budget.
Hard News and Analysis podcast from The John Batchelor Show
Center
Hard News and Analysis podcast from The John Batchelor Show
HEADLINE: SpaceX Starship Success, Private Space Dominance, and Government Inaction GUEST NAME: Bob Zimmerman SUMMARY: Bob Zimmerman describes SpaceX's Starship Super Heavy 11th test flight as "remarkable," highlighting successful booster reuse and contro
The John Batchelor Show discusses JPL layoffs and government restructuring.