Panelists Ben Levisohn, Al Root, and Megan Leonhardt recently discussed some of the most significant developments of 2024 on the Barron’s Roundtable, shedding light on major industry shifts.
Boeing Announces Workforce Reductions Amid Artemis Program Delays
On Saturday, Boeing informed employees involved in its Space Launch System (SLS) program about potential layoffs, with approximately 400 positions expected to be cut by April 2025. This announcement comes as delays and rising costs plague NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon. The program, initiated during President Trump’s first term, has a projected budget of $93 billion by the end of the year.
The workforce reduction coincides with the new Trump administration’s efforts to streamline government operations, though it remains unclear if the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plans to scale back NASA’s role.
FAA Calls for Continued Improvements One Year After Boeing’s Door Plug Incident
Boeing’s challenges extend beyond its space endeavors, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emphasized the need for ongoing improvements in the wake of last year’s safety issues.
Artemis II and III Missions Face Delays
NASA’s Artemis program has encountered several setbacks. After the successful launch of the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022, Artemis II—a crewed mission intended to orbit the Moon—was delayed from 2024 to September 2025. Similarly, Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface, has been pushed back from 2025 to September 2026.
Boeing stated that affected employees will receive a 60-day notice in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. The company is also exploring opportunities to reassign employees internally to minimize job losses and retain skilled talent.
SpaceX’s Role in NASA Missions
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, remains a key partner for NASA, transporting astronauts to the International Space Station and securing significant government contracts. The U.S. last sent astronauts to the Moon in 1972 during the Apollo 17 mission, and the Artemis program seeks to revive lunar exploration.
NASA’s Logo Refresh Amid Program Challenges
As NASA grapples with delays, its iconic logo is being refreshed. Workers were recently seen repainting the emblem on the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, symbolizing a renewed focus on the agency’s ambitious goals.
Boeing’s statement to Tech Word News highlighted the company’s commitment to navigating the challenges of the Artemis program while supporting its workforce.
