Boeing has announced significant workforce reductions for its Space Launch System (SLS) program citing ‘external factors’ as the reason behind the decision. The company, a major player in the space industry, is reviewing and adjusting current staffing levels affecting over 1,000 employees dedicated to the rocket program.
During an all-hands meeting led by senior Boeing officials, including David Dutcher and Steve Snell, employees were informed of impending layoffs and reassignments within the program. The delays in NASA’s Artemis lunar missions, which rely on the SLS rocket, were highlighted as a key factor contributing to the workforce adjustments.
In a statement provided to Ars, a Boeing spokesperson confirmed the staff cuts stating, ‘Due to external factors unrelated to our program performance, Boeing is reviewing and adjusting current staffing levels on the Space Launch System program.’
Boeing’s involvement in the SLS program has spanned nearly fifteen years, with the company spearheading the development of the rocket’s core stage intended for launching the Orion spacecraft on lunar missions. Despite the lucrative nature of the contract, Boeing has faced criticism for the project’s delays and management issues, with the rocket’s first flight only taking place in November 2022 despite initial targets set for 2016-2017.
Following a successful uncrewed mission in 2022, NASA deemed the SLS rocket ‘operational,’ leading Boeing to transition into production for future crewed missions to the Moon. With the development phase now complete, the company is scaling down activities related to the core stage, necessitating the reduction in workforce.
Sources suggest that the layoffs could impact hundreds of employees across Boeing’s rocket facilities in Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida, affecting both the core stage program and the Exploration Upper Stage program, a new upper stage for the rocket moving from development to production.
As Boeing adjusts its staffing levels, the company continues to await progress on other elements crucial to the SLS program’s success. The workforce reductions reflect a strategic realignment following the completion of the rocket’s development phase, signaling a shift in focus towards production and operational readiness for upcoming lunar missions.
