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NASA Enters Low-Power Mode Amid U.S. Government Shutdown

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, placing NASA in low-power mode and pausing many activities.
The shutdown affects missions like the Juno probe, which is set to retire on September 30.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) plans to lay off 550 employees, reducing its workforce by 11 percent.
JPL director Dave Gallagher says the layoffs are not linked to the shutdown, but necessary for future stability.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown of 2013 lasted 16 days, primarily due to disputes over the Affordable Care Act, resulting in approximately 800,000 federal employees being furloughed. This shutdown highlighted ongoing budgetary conflicts in Congress, a trend that has persisted since the 1980s. The current shutdown, beginning October 1, 2025, echoes this history, with significant impacts on agencies like NASA and potential layoffs.

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Story summary

The U.S. government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, placing NASA in low-power mode and pausing many activities.
The shutdown affects missions like the Juno probe, which is set to retire on September 30.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) plans to lay off 550 employees, reducing its workforce by 11 percent.
JPL director Dave Gallagher says the layoffs are not linked to the shutdown, but necessary for future stability.

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