NASA has been forced to sharply scale back operations due to the U.S. federal government shutdown. More than 15,000 civil servants have been placed on mandatory unpaid leave, as Congress failed to pass a funding bill by the deadline. This paralyzes the agency’s daily operations as well as those of other departments, leaving only a minimal staff in place to carry out critical tasks.

According to the shutdown contingency plan published by NASA on September 29, 2025, the agency is switching to minimal activity mode until a new budget is approved. The shutdown affects not only NASA but also other scientific institutions, freezing research grants, development work, and public events.

Scale of Reductions: Who Keeps Working

Out of NASA’s 18,218 civil servants, 15,094 have been placed on unpaid leave, while about 3,100 employees remain at their posts. These specialists ensure astronaut safety, protect equipment, and carry out priority tasks of the Trump administration.

Compared with the August 2023 plan, which projected 17,007 furloughs and only 1,300 working employees, the current numbers are lower thanks to expanded exemptions for the Artemis program. Now the entire project is shielded from suspension, not just operations tied to life and property safety. This underscores the importance of keeping the Artemis 2 mission on schedule, planned for no earlier than February 5, 2026 — the first crewed mission around the Moon since the Apollo program.

Artemis Under Pressure: Competition with China and Risks of Delay

The expansion of exemptions for Artemis reflects its strategic importance. The Artemis 2 mission, with a crew of four astronauts, will pave the way for Artemis 3, which aims for a lunar landing. Lawmakers warn that falling behind China in this space race could bring geopolitical consequences on Earth. Any delay in Artemis 2 would trigger a chain reaction, complicating an already tight schedule that experts consider vulnerable.

At a press conference on September 23, Acting Deputy Administrator for Exploration Systems, Lakecia Hawkins, stated: “We expect to continue work on Artemis 2 even during the shutdown.”

Restrictions on Remaining Funds: Administration Priorities

The new shutdown guidance places restrictions on the use of carryover funds (budget not spent in the previous year) — they may only be directed toward presidential priorities. Space policy experts call this an unusual step, which may reflect the administration’s intent to reallocate resources to key initiatives.

Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, wrote to Space.com on October 1: “Carryover funds are not canceled, so they can support limited operations. This allows them to be directed toward priority tasks to mitigate the consequences of the shutdown.”

Critical Operations: ISS and Satellites Remain Active

Preparing for the shutdown will take about half a day: NASA centers will close, and unfunded operations will be suspended. The International Space Station (ISS) remains fully staffed: flight controllers and engineers are working around the clock to ensure astronaut safety and system functionality. Earth-observing satellites and meteorological data necessary for public safety continue transmitting information on weather, natural disasters, and space debris.

Science and Public Engagement on Hold: Contractors’ Position

Most scientific projects — from research grants to technology development — have been suspended, slowing progress in various fields. Public events, including visitor centers, NASA TV, and social media activities, are suspended as well, limiting public outreach.

Contractors are in a mixed position: some can continue work if their projects are already funded, but without NASA oversight, many tasks risk being halted. Furloughed employees are prohibited from doing any work, even voluntarily; only a small group participates in the organized shutdown of centers during the first half-day.

Federal law guarantees employees compensation for their downtime, but the timing of payments depends on the length of the shutdown and the speed of congressional decision-making.

In Short…

NASA has placed 15,094 of its 18,218 employees on unpaid leave due to the U.S. government shutdown, leaving about 3,100 to handle critical tasks including the ISS and the Artemis program. Expanded exemptions protect the lunar mission from delays in competition with China, but scientific projects and public activities are frozen. Carryover funds are directed only to presidential priorities. Employee compensation is guaranteed, but the timing depends on Congress. The shutdown slows progress — now we wait for lawmakers’ decision…