NASA’s top space contractor plans to lay off about 15 percent of its shuttle-related work force, effective Oct. 1
Houston-based United Space Alliance is day-to-day manager of the U.S. space shuttle fleet and handles NASA’s International Space Station planning, training and operations. In a Tuesday statement, it says 800-1,000 shuttle-related workers in Florida, 300-400 in Texas and about 10 in Alabama will be laid off.
Just two missions remain in the shuttle program, scheduled for launch no sooner than Nov. 1 and Feb. 26.
Alliance President Virginia Barnes says all laid-off workers will receive severance compensation and access to help with resume development and training for job interviews and career transitions.
USA is a consortium of The Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)