NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory lays off 325 employees amid budget cuts

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has laid off about 325 employees, or 5% of its workforce, due to budget pressures. This follows an earlier cut of 8% in February, as JPL adjusts to financial constraints for the 2025 budget. The layoffs affect various departments and come amid challenges for major projects like the Mars Sample Return mission, which is facing increased costs. JPL Director Laurie Leshin described the layoffs as necessary adjustments to meet funding shortfalls. Despite the cuts, experts believe space exploration remains viable, with private companies like SpaceX helping to reduce costs. Leshin stated that this round of layoffs should be the last for the foreseeable future.