Boeing is the prime contractor for several components of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B, the vehicle assigned to launch future missions to the moon. [Courtesy: NASA]
Key Takeaways:
Boeing plans to lay off approximately 400 employees working on NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) program by April 2025, citing revisions to the Artemis program and cost expectations.
These layoffs occur amidst growing speculation that the costly SLS program could be scrapped in favor of commercial alternatives like SpaceX's Starship, especially with the incoming administration's focus on cost-cutting and a potential shift in focus from the Moon to Mars.
The difficulties with the SLS program add to Boeing Space's existing challenges, which include over $2 billion in losses from its troubled Starliner capsule, leading to reports that the company might sell its entire space business.
As Boeing contends with its beleaguered Starliner rocket, the aerospace titan is gearing up for layoffs amid uncertainty surrounding another of its space projects, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS).
First reported by Bloomberg and confirmed to FLYING by Boeing, the company could eliminate hundreds of positions on its SLS team.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
