NASA Shut Down 2013: Almost All of Space Agency Shutdown

NASA shut down 2013 will mean the shutdown of pretty much all of the space agency, except for work critical to maintaining life and support, especially for the two astronauts at the International Space Station. Astronaut Michael Hopkins, pictured, is one of the two currently in space. AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky, Pool

NASA is almost fully shut down as Oct. 1, 2013 starts after Congress was unable to pass a budget on Monday.

However, some fundamental areas will remain open. Support for the International Space Station, where two NASA astronauts are, will remain operational, including satellites necessary for safety and protection of life and property.

But the agency warns in a memo that all personnel not involved in such crucial work (“safety and protection of life and property”) must take a furlough. 

It’s possible that some crucial employees continue working during the shutdown, but work part-time or be on call instead of full-time.

Furthermore, employees who work during a shutdown will receive pay only after Congress passes and President Barack Obama signs a new appropriation or continuing resolution.

Employees can’t work as unpaid volunteers, even if they want to.

AP reports that apart from the Mission Control in Houston, basically all of NASA is shut down.