Space And Rocket Center Layoffs

Sydney Martin was in Huntsville after learning more about the impact the pandemic has had on the US Space and Rocket Center.

School districts started this week.

New details this evening about the u-s space and rocket center's financial struggles due to coronavirus restrictions.

Today - a spokeswoman for the rocket center told us - it refunded millions of dollars in space camp tuition for canceled camps.

And on top of the 100 full time employees it had to lay off - it does not need another 750 part time people it usually hires for the summer.

Waay 31's sydney martin is live at the u-s space and rocket center tonight after learning more about the impact.

Dan, najahe- the us space and rocket center told me one hundred and 3 full time employees were laid off here at the space and rocket center.

That's about a third of the entire staff.

And it's already having an impact.

Christy smith, parent "he burst out into almost tears and said it was the best experience of his life.

The level of team building and education they're receiving at space camp.

It's part of what makes huntsville so spectacular and unique."

Christy smith told me her 11 year old son cash went to space camp last summer for the first time.

Smith said a trip back to camp was scheduled for this coming weekend.

"these are some of the best and brightest employees in the world, so i trusted them last year so i will trust them again this year."

U-s space and rocket center spokeswoman pat ammons told me while the camp and museum are both closed because of the current health order- they're working on how to safely re- open when the state allows.

Pat ammons, us space and rocket cente r"trying to find a way to keep the energy and excitement" .

Smith said she was fortunate to be able to reschedule her son's camp for july.

Christy smith, parent "i had no issue rescheduling which was kind of a concern because it usually is just maxed out and it is hard to get into the class."

But ammons said some kids won't be able to head to space camp this summer.

It's planning for smaller camps if and when it reopens.

Ammons explained with more than a third of the staff gone, operations will look different when it reopens.

Pat ammons, us space & rocket center, "there will be people wearing a lot of different hats and sometimes many hats as we try to get back on our feet and get going here with the important work we do here."

As for smith's son, cash, he tells me he's ready to head to camp..

Cash phelps, space camp attendee, "i want to work with robots and engineering."

"last year i had a really good time.

I was really looking forward to it."

Ammons said she hopes this is the only round of layoffs.

She also told me the museum portion is funded by admission.

Space camps brings in millions of dollars each year- some of that money is also gone.

Live in huntsville sm waay 31 news.