More Webb Problems
Keith’s note: Sources report that project management for the Webb Space Telescope’s OSIM (Optical SIMulator), over budget due to not meeting the BIA (Beam Image Analyzer) schedule, has decided to save money by capping charge time for all contractors (not government employees). There are approximately 15 employees working on OSIM. Their time is being cut to 20 hours per week from 1 July to 1 October 2011. This terminates insurance and benefits for the contractor employees involved because they are forced to be part-time employees. Civil servants keep their full salaries.