Boeing announces 400 job loss in SLS rocket program as NASA adjusts artemis plans
Boeing is cutting 400 jobs from the Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket program due to NASA’s shifting priorities in the Artemis program. The layoffs come as NASA adjusts its plans and budgets for future lunar missions.
Boeing has announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 400 positions within the Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket program. This decision aligns with revisions to NASA's Artemis program and associated cost expectations. Affected employees will receive 60-day layoff notices in the coming weeks. Boeing is collaborating with NASA and exploring internal opportunities to minimize job losses.
NASA exploring internal opportunities
The Artemis program, initiated during President Donald Trump's first term, aims to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since Apollo 17. The program has encountered significant delays and rising costs. Artemis II, a crewed flight around the moon, is now scheduled for September 2025, delayed from late 2024. Artemis III, planned as the first astronaut moon landing under the program, is now slated for September 2026, postponed from late 2025.
Company's transition from Development phase
These delays have prompted Boeing to adjust its staffing levels accordingly. The company is also transitioning from the development phase of the SLS rocket to production, which naturally leads to a reduction in development activities. Additionally, NASA is facing budget challenges, leading to tough choices regarding funding allocations within the Artemis program. Boeing remains committed to supporting NASA's Artemis program and is working to mitigate the impact of these layoffs on its employees.
