x
Breaking News
More () »

U.S. Space & Rocket Center lays off over 100 employees

100 of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's 280 full-time employees have been permanently laid off due to impacts of COVID-19.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has had to permanently layoff just over 100 of their 280 full-time employees. 

This comes as the Coronavirus has caused the Rocket Center to be closed for weeks now. Pat Ammons, with the Space & Rocket Center, says they are operationally self-supporting, so if they are not open then they are not earning income. 

Ammons says every level of the center, in every department, is affected by the lay-offs, from directors and managers to front line employees.

They hope to reopen the museum next week (the week of May 24th), but are awaiting guidance from the Governor’s Office and the State Health Department on how to safely do so. 

Their current plan is to reopen Space Camp on June 28th with reduced numbers to ensure social distancing. That is also contingent on state guidelines.

Ammons says the Space & Rocket Center is hopeful some of their requests for aid will come through, but for now some difficult personnel decisions had to be made to ensure the financial future of the center.

RELATED: Annie Glenn, widow of astronaut John Glenn, dies of COVID-19 complications at age 100

RELATED: Congratulations, Class of 2020

RELATED: Coronavirus pandemic affecting children's health

RELATED: Guntersville High School senior missing out on last memories due to the pandemic

Before You Leave, Check This Out