By March, the Trump administration aims to close numerous buildings and over 100 laboratories at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GFSC) in Maryland, the agency’s oldest center and a pivotal site for space research since the late 1950s. This follows the recent shutdown of the GFSC’s largest library, raising concerns about the fate of significant historical documents that remain undigitized.
NASA insiders have expressed their outrage over these developments, which have emerged as the first significant public relations challenge for newly appointed NASA administrator Jared Isaacman. While agency officials insist the changes are part of a “consolidation” strategy from a broader 2022 master plan—rather than outright closures—GFSC staff members have criticized the abruptness of the actions.
Planetary scientist David Williams, who oversees space mission data at NASA’s archives, voiced his distress, stating, “I feel like crying. It’s horrible. I’m so frustrated.” Staff members characterized the closures as rushed and lacking a coherent plan for replacing crucial spaces.
The Trump administration’s aggressive budget cuts have frequently targeted NASA, with critics labeling proposed 2026 fiscal budget reductions to the agency’s science directorate as an “extinction-level event.” These cuts faced outright rejection from Congress, serving as a reminder of the contentious discussions around NASA’s funding.
Monica Gorman, a Goddard operations research analyst, described the process as chaotic and damaging to employees. The library closure is just one instance of disorganized consolidation efforts, with Gorman recalling instances of lab equipment being mishandled.
NASA has attempted to downplay the controversy, with Isaacman countering claims made by the New York Times, asserting that important scientific documents will not be discarded. Nonetheless, veterans and advisors within NASA warn that the administration’s approach could lead to the loss of crucial materials. Dennis Wingo, a long-time NASA adviser, highlighted concerns regarding the qualifications of those determining what documents are deemed historically valuable.
Lawmakers have also expressed alarm at the decisions affecting the GFSC. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MA) emphasized the center’s significance, noting that the administration has acted without adequately communicating with those at NASA Goddard.
This situation underscores a difficult period for NASA and highlights the ongoing debate about the future of space exploration and research funding. With voices within the agency and the broader scientific community demanding clearer transparency, there remains hope that critical historical documents and essential resources can be safeguarded amid impending changes.