Calif. NASA lab to cut more than 300 jobs in second round of layoffs this year

Pasadena facility faces another blow after 700 positions were eliminated in May

Job cuts primarily impact engineers and scientists working on robotic space missions

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, is set to lay off more than 300 employees in a second round of job cuts this year, according to an internal memo obtained by the Los Angeles Times.

The layoffs, which are expected to take effect in October, will primarily impact engineers and scientists working on robotic space missions, including the Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance. The move comes after JPL eliminated approximately 700 positions in May as part of a broader cost-cutting effort.

In a statement, JPL Director Laurie Leshin said the lab is "facing a challenging fiscal environment" due to the rising costs of space exploration and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"These actions are necessary to ensure the long-term health and competitiveness of JPL," Leshin said. "We are committed to supporting our employees during this difficult time and will provide them with the resources they need to transition to new opportunities."

The layoffs have sparked concern among employees and local officials, who worry about the impact on the region's economy. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said the job cuts are a "significant loss" for the city and urged JPL to work with the community to mitigate the effects.

"JPL is a vital part of our community, and these layoffs will have a ripple effect on our economy," Gordo said. "We need to work together to ensure that these workers have the support they need to find new jobs and that our community continues to thrive."

JPL is one of NASA's largest and most prestigious research and development centers, employing approximately 6,000 people. The lab has played a key role in many of NASA's most iconic missions, including the Apollo moon landings, the Voyager probes, and the Hubble Space Telescope.

The layoffs are the latest in a series of cutbacks at NASA in recent years. In 2019, the agency announced plans to eliminate thousands of jobs at its centers across the country as part of a budget-cutting effort.

The job cuts at JPL are a reminder of the challenges facing the U.S. space program in an era of tight budgets and increasing competition from China and other countries.