NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center is facing scrutiny from Congress as lawmakers express concerns over its ongoing activities during the government shutdown. Representative Zoe Lofgren of California, who is a key member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, has urged NASA to stop closing facilities at Goddard. Her demand follows findings that NASA may be prematurely implementing budget changes that haven’t been approved by Congress.
In a letter sent to NASA’s Acting Administrator, Lofgren requested a halt to lab closures and workspace relocations within 24 hours. She emphasized that these actions could damage the agency’s scientific capabilities for years to come.
The shutdown has led to about 15,000 NASA employees across the country being furloughed. Yet, at Goddard, some employees have been designated as essential and ordered to begin moving equipment and closing labs. This situation follows a recent plan aimed at upgrading the center’s facilities over the next 20 years, but it’s sparked fears that crucial equipment and labs may be abandoned or mismanaged.
For instance, scientists working on the soon-to-be-launched Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope have just a few days to vacate their labs. One researcher reported that millions of dollars’ worth of scientific equipment may be left behind. That raises questions about the sustainability and integrity of NASA’s programs.
Lofgren’s letter also demanded a detailed accounting of the situation at Goddard within seven days. She criticized NASA’s claim that these closures align with existing plans. Concerns have grown that despite justifications from NASA officials, the changes might jeopardize the country’s leadership in space exploration.
This isn’t the first time NASA’s actions have been closely examined. A Senate report from September described similar concerns regarding the agency’s restructuring efforts, particularly in relation to President Trump’s proposed budget for 2026. Lawmakers now want to ensure NASA isn’t bypassing congressional approval for such significant changes.
In response to these developments, Lofgren is pushing for an investigation into the agency’s decisions surrounding the Goddard restructuring. She insists that immediate action is necessary to prevent long-lasting harm to NASA’s mission and capabilities.
As public interest grows, it’s clear that transparency and accountability are more crucial than ever for organizations like NASA. The future of space science may depend on how these issues are resolved.
