Coronavirus Pandemic Hits The Space Sector

Boeing to freeze hiring, overtime on 737 MAX, virus impacts: sources, Reuters
“Boeing Co is freezing new hiring and overtime except in certain critical areas in efforts to preserve cash due to the coronavirus outbreaks and the 737 MAX grounding, people familiar the matter said on Wednesday. Layoffs or furloughs were also a “real possibility” but were seen as a separate, later action, one of the people said. A second industry source said job cuts were likely as the aviation industry is squeezed by plummeting travel demand and a safety ban on the 737 MAX after two fatal crashes hit the one-year mark.”
The Official SATELLITE 2020 Statement
“In light of the DC Health Department’s announcement today recommending gatherings of 1,000 or more people be postponed until March 31st, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center has decided to close this evening at the conclusion of our scheduled events. This impacts both the exhibit hall and conference sessions for Thursday, March 12th.”
Coronavirus shaking up America’s defense industry, Defense News
“Lockheed, Raytheon and Honeywell were among dozens of companies that pulled out of last month’s Singapore Air Show, which is typically the largest defense trade show in Asia?and SXSW, a show AIA participates in, was cancelled. The two offer a glimpse into how fears of corona virus could impact other defense trade shows and conferences. “It felt like a ghost town. It definitely was a strange experience,” Fanning said about the Singapore conference.”
Keith’s note: In response to the coronavirus pandemic the president just announced a 30 day ban on all travel (apparently including cargo) to the U.S. from Europe beginning at midnight Friday. As such one could expect a wide range of space community activities will be severely impacted.