NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to Lay Off 530 Employees

The loss of 8 percent of the workforce and 40 contractors will impact technical and support areas and affect the Mars Sample Return mission.

Employees gather near a propulsion component (L) for the Europa Clipper spacecraft at the Spacecraft Assembly Facility clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., on April 11, 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) said it is laying off over 500 employees, citing lower funding from NASA and a lack of appropriation from Congress for the new fiscal year.

In a Feb. 6 memo to employees, JPL Director Laurie Leshin said the workforce reduction will affect 530 staff, or 8 percent of its workforce, and 40 contractors. The cuts will impact technical and support areas.