Washington: The ongoing US government shutdown has now affected the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), with several projects and operations coming to a halt. The agency’s official website cites a lack of federal funding as the reason for paused updates and activities. The shutdown began after Congress failed to approve the necessary appropriations bills, marking the first government shutdown in six years. Essential services such as the military, hospitals, and air traffic control continue to operate, but routine NASA functions have been suspended.
NASA officials report that key space projects have been delayed due to funding shortages. Only critical operations, including monitoring astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and essential spacecraft functions, remain active. The shutdown is expected to affect upcoming missions, notably the Artemis program, which plans to send astronauts to the Moon next year, along with preparations for other space experiments and launches.
This is not the first time NASA has faced disruptions due to a government shutdown. During the 2018–19 shutdown, numerous missions and projects were temporarily suspended. Extended shutdowns could further delay NASA’s schedule, impacting research timelines and upcoming space programs.
NASA is not working because of the government shutdown.
3i/ATLAS is of tremendous importance, but NASA, who taxpayers have funded and given them their immense capabilities…is just gonna sit this one out.
Definitely time to dismantle the federal government. @SpaceX you’re… pic.twitter.com/Bsfdp1nAkN
— Jordan Crowder (@digijordan) October 3, 2025