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NASA Blocks Chinese Nationals’ Access to Facilities, Meetings and Networks

The policy, in effect since September 5, reflects a security posture during a renewed U.S.–China race to return crews to the Moon.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 2: A NASA logo is displayed at the entrance to the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building on June 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
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The official NASA insignia, nicknamed “the meatball,” on the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida

Overview

  • NASA confirmed internal restrictions on Chinese nationals to protect facilities, materials and networks, following reports of lockouts that began on September 5.
  • The curbs prohibit physical entry to NASA sites, participation in in-person and virtual meetings, and use of certain IT systems including supercomputing resources.
  • Those affected include contractors, graduate students and university scientists, with at least a dozen cases reported and broader research disruptions described by agency sources.
  • Acting Administrator Sean Duffy framed the step within a “second space race,” asserting China will not beat the U.S. to a lunar landing as Artemis targets 2027 and China plans about 2030.
  • U.S. law already limits NASA’s China ties, though a 2023 waiver allowed study of Chang’e‑5 samples, and the agency says the new restrictions are separate from a recent national-security executive order.