A $50-million budget cut for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge likely won't be enough to spur another round of mass layoffs, a legislative affairs official for the agency said.

Despite massive federal deficits that have put support for space exploration and other science programs in jeopardy, JPL's budget will remain relatively stable at $1.5 billion for the coming year. 

Even with the $50-million hit, the venerable laboratory will likely be able to avoid “another large change in workforce,” said Richard O'Toole, manager of legislative affairs.