NASA Bans Chinese Nationals From Working on Agency Programs

The space agency said the policy change is meant to ensure the security of its work.
NASA Bans Chinese Nationals From Working on Agency Programs
An Osprey perches near the main press center at the Kennedy Space Center in Fla., on June 6, 2022. Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images
Bill Pan
Bill Pan
Reporter
|Updated:

NASA has barred Chinese nationals holding U.S. visas from its facilities and networks, the latest move by Washington to safeguard the space agency as its space race with Beijing intensifies.

Chinese nationals, who until now could work at NASA as contractors or contribute to its research, were informed on Sept. 5 that their access to the agency’s systems and facilities had been revoked. Bloomberg first reported that many suddenly found themselves locked out of NASA data systems and excluded from both in-person and virtual meetings related to their work.