Nineteen Democratic Congressmen from Comitê of Ciência, Espaço, and Tecnologia of Greenbelt, Maryland. The measures occurred during the federal government shutdown that began in October and raise concerns about compliance with agency protocols.
Representative Zoe Lofgren, Democratic leader of the committee, signed the document along with 15 other members. Eles argue that rapid changes could jeopardize critical missions such as the Nancy Grace Roman space telescope and the Dragonfly to Titã probe. NASA justifies the actions as part of a 2017-2037 master plan to optimize resources.
The audit request follows an earlier letter from Lofgren on November 10, which demanded an immediate halt to relocations. The agency responded on November 14, defending the consolidations as necessary for fiscal efficiency.
- Main points of the letter to the OIG: assessment of who decided the closures; analysis of financial motivations; verification of alignment with the master plan; examination of compliance with government asset management rules.
Details of relocation decisions
NASA began the changes in September 2025, with acceleration during the shutdown. Treze buildings on the main campus of Goddard have been selected for closure by March 2026.
Employees were given tight deadlines to pack equipment. Isso included propulsion laboratories and clean rooms, essential for testing scientific missions.
Goddard management claims that the actions avoid maintenance costs of US$64 million. No However, parliamentarians question the lack of supervision of Escritório of Segurança and Garantia of Missão.
Financial motivations and budget plan
The budget proposal for 2026 foresees a 25% reduction in NASA’s overall budget. Programas scientists face cuts of up to 47%, directly affecting Goddard.
These adjustments motivate the consolidation of spaces. The agency estimates annual savings of $10 million from a 25% reduction in the campus footprint.
Parliamentarians highlight that the master plan provided for gradual changes over 20 years. The current acceleration ignores this chronology, according to the letter.
A congressional delegation from Maryland sent questions on November 13. Eles requested details on impacts on technical capabilities for future missions, such as Observatório of Mundos Habitáveis.
Operational risks identified
Sensitive equipment such as test chambers and 3D printers were relocated without full assessments. Isso generates delays in projects such as Dragonfly, scheduled for launch in 2028.
The closure of Edifício 11, the propulsion laboratory, affects the Roman telescope. Sem immediate replacement installations, there are risks of additional cost and altered schedule.
Employees reported overload during the strike. Mais of a dozen civilians were called in for packing duties, violating budget constraints.
The union of engineers and scientists from Goddard warned of a loss of expertise. Cortes proposals could reduce 42% of scientific staff at the center.
Impact on specific missions
The Centro Goddard manages 70% of NASA’s science missions. Projetos like the James Webb telescope and the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample depend on your facilities.
The Dragonfly probe explores Titã for signs of habitability. Qualquer disruption threatens two-year preparation schedule.
The Roman telescope, focused on exoplanets, uses now-empty laboratories. Parlamentares fear that the ability to build propulsion systems will end permanently.
Response from NASA leadership
Goddard’s acting director, Cynthia Simmons, and associate science mission administrator, Nicola Fox, responded to Lofgren. Elas deny dismantling the center and emphasize long-term planning.
The actions aim to protect the ten-year priorities of Congresso. NASA says no ongoing missions have been disrupted.
The Escritório of the Inspetor-General will decide on the formal audit. The committee plans to continue oversight to ensure transparency.
The delegation of Maryland demands analysis of future capabilities. Eles wonder how many employees have been affected since October.
Changes to the Greenbelt campus
The 1,270-acre campus includes more than 30 large buildings. Consolidations reduce the use of obsolete space.
Changes include donating or discarding non-essential items. Isso releases resources for planned renovations until 2037.
Local leaders in Prince George’s County express economic concern. The region seeks diversification beyond NASA’s presence.
The 2019 master plan approved gradual reconfigurations. The current version accelerates to meet immediate fiscal demands.
Legal Compliance Issues
The letter to the OIG examines whether actions during the shutdown violated laws. Movimentações without congressional approval may be unconstitutional.
A September Senado report accuses NASA of implementing premature cuts. Isso bypasses the budget approval process.
Parliamentarians ask for a complete inventory of affected equipment. Inclui hardware for missions like DAVINCI for Vênus.
NASA’s Nov. 14 response lists actions as routine. No However, the committee insists on independent audit to validate.
