Topline:

We've been here before: There were two rounds of large layoffs in 2024, with roughly 900 people let go.

The justification: The reorganization has been going on since July, JPL Director Dave Gallagher wrote in a post on the lab's website. He said JPL's future depends on "creating a leaner infrastructure, focusing on our core technical capabilities, maintaining fiscal discipline, and positioning us to compete in the evolving space ecosystem — all while continuing to deliver on our vital work for NASA and the nation." The cuts are not related to the government shutdown, he wrote.

Where will cuts be focused? The layoffs are expected to affect various departments, though it's unclear which missions may be the hardest hit. The Mars Sample Return mission was affected last year. Wit

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