The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena laid off about 550 employees, or 11% of its total staff, on Tuesday.

The layoff spanned technical, business and support areas. This is the third round of layoffs in the past two years.

JPL Director Dave Gallagher said in a statement the layoffs are part of a reorganization that started in July -- and are not part of the current government shutdown.

"This week's action, while not easy, is essential to securing JPL's future by creating a leaner infrastructure, focusing on our core technical capabilities, maintaining fiscal discipline, and positioning us to compete in the evolving space ecosystem," Gallagher said.

California Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) said in a statement she is "extremely disappointed" by the layoffs.

"These layoffs are an absolut

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