It seems like things haven't been going so well for SpaceX lately.
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Three of the aerospace company's top executives have left their roles in the past two weeks, according to a report by CNBC. They include vice president of propulsion Will Heltsley, vice president of mission and launch operations Lee Rosen , and senior director of mission and launch operations Ricky Lim.
The departure of prominent members of SpaceX comes at a time when expectations for the company are higher than ever.
The departures are likely the result of the company's enormous pressure to develop next-generation missiles.
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In fact, sources told CNBC that Heltsley was removed from the development process of the Raptor engine due to a lack of progress. These are the engines used in the Starship as well as the Super Heavy boosters, which will play a big role in the company's goals of reaching the Moon.
SpaceX CEO Elon Muskhinted as much last week when he tweeted about the engine's development, saying that while the Raptor 2 had "significant improvements," a "complete design overhaul is needed for an engine that can truly make life multiplanetary." He added that the engine would also drop the Raptor name.
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Several other longtime employees have also left the company recently, CNBC reported. Sources told the broadcaster that it was related to SpaceX's takeover bid on Friday, which was also linked to employee stock options.
While we can't be completely sure, the departures seem to be in sync with the high pressure associated with the fast-moving environments of companies and the cutting edge of aerospace technology. What would be surprising is if many of the former employees came out and said that the aerospace company was a terrible place to work and then went on to work for a competitor.
