NASA is preparing for the possibility of suspension of funding of federal agencies in the event, unless the US Congress passes a budget. This is the situation, known as a government shutdown, has repeatedly paralyzed the work of most civil agencies of the country.
In the event of a shutdown, NASA would be forced to drastically curtail operations: most employees will be sent on unpaid leave, while only a limited number of personnel will remain in the workplace, responsible for the protection of critical assets. It is primarily about the safety of the crew of the International Space Station, management of satellites, as well as other functions, necessary to prevent threats to life or property. All other scientific and research work will cease.
Among the projects, which will probably get an exception, — preparation for the Artemis mission 2, the first flight of astronauts around the moon since Apollo. The launch is currently not planned earlier 5 February 2026 year, however, any delay in preparations could push the date closer to the end of the April launch window. Given the critical importance of the mission, NASA is awaiting permission to continue operations even in the event of a shutdown.
Past examples testify to the scale of the consequences: during the shutdown of the government in 2018 about a year 95% agency employees were "sent home". This led to a de facto halt in research, contract management, technological developments and most educational programs.
NASA contractors in such a situation face mixed consequences: some may temporarily continue to work on already funded contracts, others remain without access to facilities and without coordination with the agency's employees.
The shutdown will not only lead to delays in projects and missions, but also to the increase in costs for their restart after the resumption of work. An additional factor of uncertainty is the current budget pressure: The White House has already signaled possible staff cuts in federal agencies, including NASA.
Source: https://www.space.com