NASA is facing a potential shutdown if Congress fails to pass a new funding bill. In the event of a shutdown, most of the agency's operations would cease, and thousands of employees would be furloughed without pay.
Only a small number of staff would remain, tasked with ensuring the safety of life and property. According to NASA's plan, only activities directly related to safety would be exempt from this requirement. This includes the agency's most important upcoming program, the Artemis 2 mission. It plans to send four astronauts around the Moon in 2025. The agency is preparing to receive a waiver to continue operations.
During the previous shutdown in 2018, 95% of NASA employees were furloughed, and only "skeletal" teams remained at the centers to ensure the continued operation of the devices. This time, the same scenario could be repeated. Things are becoming increasingly complicated as the agency prepares for budget cuts and possible staff reductions.
