NASA layoffs on the launch pad.

Contractors at Kennedy Space Center are getting the layoff notices, exactly how it was planned when NASA took on the task of retiring the Shuttle, building a new vehicle, going to the Moon, and going to Mars. This was the plan and shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, especially those being laid off.

According to NASA officials, a total of 900 jobs will be cut over the next five months, with an initial 160 notifications in relation to external contractors responsible for the manufacturing of the shuttle’s fuel tanks and its solid rocket boosters expected to be dispatched on Friday, May 01.

Back when NASA accepted the new direction provided by President Bush, no one had the guts to tell him we couldn't afford it. So here we are with a huge recession and a bunch of government employees asking for more money when we already have a plan in place and one they agreed to.

The lay offs are unfortunate, but predictable, and planned for. What did we expect? Maybe NASA ought to realize they bit off more than they can chew, that we have a huge unexpected economic downturn, and that money is tight.

Maybe NASA needs to focus on getting Orion built and put the Moon and Mars on the back burner until we have a reliable vehicle that can service the Space Station. This is something that is achievable and affordable.

More money is not an option.