Over 15 thousands of NASA employees have been sent on forced leave after the start of the federal shutdown in the United States, caused by the failure of Congress to pass a new funding law. Like other civilian agencies, NASA has been forced to curtail most of its daily operations, leaving only a small number of personnel to support critical missions, related to crew safety, functioning of key equipment and priority national programs.
WITH 18 218 slightly more than three thousand NASA employees remained at their workplaces, while the rest must stay at home without the right to perform official duties. Compared to the previous shutdown plan, the number of "exceptions" increased this time, which reflects the government's commitment to ensure full implementation of the Artemis program. Artemis 2, scheduled for February 2026 year, involves the flight of four astronauts around the moon and should be a key step before the future landing on its surface. Any delay in the preparation of the mission can have significant consequences for the subsequent schedule of the program, which is already under the pressure of tight deadlines and geopolitical competition with China.
New management, during the financial pause, also limits the use of remaining funds from the previous year, allowing them to be directed exclusively to priorities, determined by the White House. Space policy experts note, that such practices may indicate a centralization of resources around key administration initiatives.
During the shutdown, NASA retains operational control of the International Space Station, and also over satellites, that track weather conditions, natural disasters and space debris, as their work is recognized as critical to safety. However, most scientific research, technology development, educational and public programs are put on hold. NASA centers are closed to visitors, and communication channels, including NASA TV and official social media pages, temporarily not updated.
Source: https://www.space.com