NASA Operating Status:

Due to the enactment of a continuing resolution on November 12, 2025, NASA is OPEN and the agency has resumed normal operations. NASA employees should monitor their email for additional information and instructions, return to work according to their Center’s guidance, and contact their supervisor for any special instructions.

Government Shutdown Information

For the latest information on shutdown and furlough status, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/shutdown.

For the latest agency communications, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/shutdown/shutdown-new-this-week/.

For civil servants, please continue to follow the guidance on periodically checking your NASA email for shutdown-related updates. 

Monitor News Media – Keep tabs on print, online and broadcast media for the latest information. At times, this can be dynamic, so check back frequently.

Emergency Notification System

In the event of an emergency or emerging situation at a NASA facility, NASA can send and receive messages through our Emergency Notification System which communicates through email, text, or phone call, to confirm your safety status. Effective operation is dependent on you keeping your emergency contact information up to date.

NASA Safe App

In addition to utilizing the ENS System, NASA Protective Services also recommends utilizing the NASA Safe App (available for free download on iOS and Google Play) on both personal and government cell phones. Employees can also opt-in to receive center alert messages. 

The app is also a one-stop shop for: 

• Emergency response contacts 
• Campus maps 
• Gate operating hours 

All employees and center visitors are encouraged to download the app. When installing it, be sure to allow notifications, and when the notifications preferences screen appears, choose Ames Research Center to receive alerts. Some features of the app are geofenced, so be sure to allow the app to access your location while using the app, if requested. 

Resources and Center Operations for Excepted/Furloughed Employees

Local and National Resources:

• State of California Resources Page 
• Association of Food Banks Resources Page 
• California Association of Diaper Banks Resources Page 
• Feeding America  
• National Diaper Bank Network 
• MyFEDBenefits Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) – Resources for Federal Workers 
• 211.org is a free, confidential service connecting state residents in most counties to local health, housing, food, and emergency resources. Dial 2-1-1, or visit 211.org. 
• Findhelp.org – Find local free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. 
• American Bankers Association – government shutdown resource page with various links to banks offering assistance 
• Financial institutions have tools and options to help if the furlough is creating a financial burden. Many can offer deferred loan payments, provide low-interest or interest free loans, and offer financial counseling. Reach out directly to your financial institution to discuss your situation. 
• Service providers (utilities, telephone, cable) may also have modified or deferred payment options available. Reach out to your providers directly to see what options are available if you need assistance. 

As of Oct. 1, 2025, the status of center operations and services: 

• The center will remain open for employees performing excepted activities. All gates remain open on their regular schedules. 
• Facilities Trouble Call Desk: Fully operational. 
• Custodial services: As regularly scheduled. 
• All Logistics Services: Operational on a limited basis to support essential and mission-critical functions and projects, including purchases and deliveries of compressed gas and liquid nitrogen, and motor pool services. 
• Drinking water continues to be tested regularly to ensure worker safety. 
• Hazardous waste continues to be picked up from labs and shops and disposed offsite. 
• Ames Childcare Center: Fully operational. 
• Visitor Pass and Registration Office: Open as regularly scheduled Monday – Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Employee Badge Office: Open as regularly scheduled Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Lock Shop Services: Open as regularly scheduled. 
• IT Support: 
  • Enterprise Service Desk is operational 24×7 
  • NEST Tech Bar: Open as follows: 
    M-F 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4:00 p.m. 
    Please submit an ESD ticket before visiting Tech Bar 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Operational. To contact the EAP, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/shutdown/shutdown-employee-assistance-program-eap/ 

The following services are limited or closed:

• The Health Unit is open to support personnel performing excepted activities only.
• The Legal Office is available for limited ethics advice for conflicts of interests and outside activities and can be reached at arc-legal-office@mail.nasa.gov.
• The Exchange Lodge is open for interns that are currently staying and any military or NASA personnel, certain restrictions apply.
• The Fitness center is closed.
• The Space Bar is closed.
• The Gift Shop is closed. Online orders will be fulfilled after the shutdown.