NASA Space Center Houston remains open to visitors during the government shutdown, despite much of NASA’s workforce being furloughed. According to CW39, the independently operated non-profit continues to run educational programs and tram tours on its regular schedule, though VIP access to the NASA Johnson Space Center is temporarily suspended.
The Houston Chronicle reported that more than 15,000 NASA employees, or 83% of the agency’s federal workforce, have been furloughed. Essential staff remain on duty to ensure safety and property protection. Food vendors and the fitness center at Johnson Space Center are still available to those employees.
Operations tied to the International Space Station (ISS) continue without interruption. Johnson Space Center manages about 1,000 commands daily for ISS maintenance and crew safety.
The Houston Chronicle also noted that the Artemis Program, which aims to return humans to the moon, is exempt from the shutdown. NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens confirmed employees will receive back pay after the shutdown and said some contractors may continue work if covered under exemptions or not dependent on closed NASA facilities.
