United Space Alliance has announced it is to cut 15% of its workforce.

One of the world’s leaders in space operations, United Space Alliance (USA), has announced it plans a 15% reduction in its space shuttle workforce, effective 01 October 2010.

USA currently works on projects such as NASA’s Space Shuttle and International Space Station programmes, as well as on space operations for commercial and international space industry customers.

Out of its 8,100 employees, around 800-1,000 are expected to be impacted in Florida, approximately 300-400 staff in Texas, and about 10 in Alabama.

Virginia Barnes, USA President and CEO, said: “Our workforce has known for several years that the Space Shuttle Program has been scheduled to end, but layoffs are always difficult for everyone involved. The accomplishments of this team are unmatched in human spaceflight.

“We acknowledge the tremendous talent and commitment of our teammates and congratulate them on their achievements. We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible.”

Only two missions remain in the Space Shuttle Program – the STS-133 scheduled for around 01 November 2010, and the STS-134 planned for 26 February 2011.

Barnes continued: “Though USA will be a significantly smaller company after the Space Shuttle Program is completed, we are optimistic about our future. USA has a great deal to offer in the way of skills, experience and expertise, and we are looking forward to providing our unique capabilities to a wide variety of new and existing customers.”