Boeing laying off 400 employees from SLS Moon rocket program
What's the story
US aerospace giant Boeing has announced plans to lay off around 400 employees from its Space Launch System (SLS) Moon rocket program.
The decision comes as a result of changes in NASA's Artemis program and cost expectations.
In the coming weeks, Boeing will issue 60-day notices of involuntary layoffs to the affected employees.
Redeployment plans
Boeing's efforts to minimize job losses
Boeing is also looking at redeploying the affected employees across its company.
"We are working with our customer and seeking opportunities to redeploy employees across our company to minimize job losses," a Boeing spokesperson said via email.
The move is part of a broader strategy under CEO Kelly Ortberg, who is spearheading an effort to streamline the company by cutting its workforce and assets.
Program changes
Impact on SLS program and Artemis mission
The layoffs will impact over a third of the staff currently working on the SLS program.
The initiative was started by NASA under President Donald Trump's first administration, with a projected budget of $93 billion through 2025.
The Artemis program's main objective is to return American astronauts to the Moon for the first time since NASA's Apollo 17 mission in December 1972.
Launch history
SLS rocket's maiden launch and future plans
The SLS rocket, a major part of the Artemis program, had successfully completed its first launch in November 2022. It was a major milestone after more than a decade of development.
The uncrewed capsule was sent around the Moon as part of the first major test flight for the Artemis campaign.
Despite the layoffs, Boeing is committed to supporting NASA's mission objectives and continuing its work on space exploration projects.