Blue Origin Plans Major Job Cuts to Focus on Rocket Launches
Blue Origin, the rocket company backed by Jeff Bezos, is preparing for large-scale job cuts to reduce costs and shift focus toward increasing rocket launches. Bloomberg News reported the news on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Layoffs Could Affect Hundreds of Jobs
The exact number of layoffs remains unclear. However, one source told Bloomberg that the company could cut hundreds of positions, potentially exceeding 1,000. Bezos’ company is expected to discuss these layoffs in an all-hands meeting led by CEO Dave Limp on Thursday morning.
Cost-Cutting Follows New Glenn Rocket Debut
The decision to reduce its workforce comes roughly a month after they unveiled its New Glenn rocket. The rocket’s development faced several delays over the years and spanned the tenure of three different CEOs. Meanwhile, competitor SpaceX expanded rapidly and established itself as a dominant force in the space industry.
Blue Origin did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the matter.
The company’s latest move highlights a shift from its research and development phase to a more operational focus. This transition aims to streamline costs while scaling up its launch capabilities.
with inputs from Reuters