Crucial NASA Science Missions Hang in the Balance As U.S. Government Shutdown Drags On

NASA employees are bracing for layoffs and budget cuts as the congressional dispute over government funding drags on, threatening several crucial space missions—including some that are already in space.

Earlier this week, hundreds of space advocates met with Congress to try and salvage NASA’s funding, according to The Planetary Society. The White House’s proposed budget for 2026, released in May, would reduce NASA’s funding by $6 billion compared to 2025. Under that proposal, NASA’s…