Boeing has issued a warning regarding upcoming layoffs in its Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket program, anticipating a reduction of approximately 400 positions due to changes in NASA’s Artemis program and revised cost projections.

The aerospace manufacturer plans to send 60-day notices of involuntary layoffs to impacted employees in the coming weeks.

“We are working with our customer and seeking opportunities to redeploy employees across our company to minimize job losses,” a Boeing spokesperson said via email.

The Artemis program was initiated by the US space agency during President Donald Trump’s first term, and is projected to cost $93 billion through 2025.

This initiative aims to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since NASA’s Apollo 17 mission.

However, the program has faced notable delays and escalating expenses. Artemis 2, which was originally set for late 2024 and involves a crewed flight around the moon, has been rescheduled to September 2025.

Likewise, Artemis 3, intended to be the first crewed moon landing under the program, is now slated for September 2026, pushed back from its initial timeline of late 2025.

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