JPL to Cut 530 Jobs Due to Mars Mission Funding Shortfall
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is facing a significant reduction in its workforce, with 530 staff members and 40 contractors, or approximately 8% of its personnel, set to be laid off. The cuts have been attributed to anticipated reductions in federal funding, particularly affecting the Mars Sample Return mission, which is grappling with budgetary shortfalls. The mission, which is a collaboration with the European Space Agency, has been marked by delays and cost overruns.
The laboratory has been directed to brace for a $649 million deficit in comparison to the $949 million initially requested for the 2024 fiscal year by the Biden administration. In response to the budget constraints, JPL is taking cost-cutting measures, which include the reduction of both technical and support staff. Affected employees will receive their base salary and benefits for 60 days post-termination and will be offered severance packages.
The decision to lay off JPL workers has drawn concern from U.S. Representative Judy Chu and other California congressional leaders. They have expressed support for the lab and are urging the White House to reconsider the funding cuts, emphasizing the potential impact on jobs and scientific progress. Despite these efforts, the laboratory is proceeding with the layoffs, marking the second instance of job cuts this year, following the earlier termination of 100 contractors.
