NASA Bars Chinese Nationals from Space Programs Over Security Concerns
The U.S. space agency NASA has officially barred Chinese nationals from accessing its facilities, systems, and research programs, citing growing## national security concerns amid escalating U.S.-China space rivalry.
Chinese contractors and student researchers—who previously contributed to NASA projects—were abruptly blocked from all NASA networks and denied access to meetings as of September 5, Bloomberg reported, citing internal sources.
NASA later confirmed the move, stating the restriction was necessary “to ensure the security of our work,” and applies to both physical facilities and digital networks.
The restriction comes amid mounting tension between the U.S. and China over technological dominance in space exploration. Chinese nationals were already barred from participating in the International Space Station (ISS) due to a longstanding U.S. ban on data-sharing with China.
“This action reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard American innovation and leadership in space,” said NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens, confirming the agency had taken “internal action pertaining to Chinese nationals.”
The decision is likely to deepen the rift in scientific collaboration between the world’s two largest economies, particularly in aerospace and high-tech sectors.
NASA’s acting administrator, Sean Duffy, framed the situation as part of a broader strategic competition with China.
“We’re in a second space race,” he said during a Wednesday press briefing. “The Chinese want to get back to the Moon before us. That’s not going to happen.”
Both nations have announced ambitions to establish crewed lunar bases and extract resources from the Moon, which contains valuable minerals like rare earth elements, titanium, and helium-3.
The move also reflects increasing U.S. scrutiny of Chinese scientists and researchers. In recent years, multiple Chinese nationals have faced espionage allegations, and some students have had visas denied or revoked—particularly in STEM fields.
Though it remains unclear how much advance notice was given, Bloomberg sources said Chinese nationals found themselves suddenly locked out of data systems and removed from virtual and in-person meetings.
At a U.S. Senate hearing last week, lawmakers emphasized the urgency of maintaining American leadership in space.
“China has made no secret of its goals,” said Senator Ted Cruz. “If our adversaries achieve dominant space capabilities, it would pose a profound risk to America.”
China’s space officials have previously downplayed U.S. fears. Last year, a senior official from China’s Manned Space Agency described the concerns as “unnecessary,” calling space exploration a “collective mission for humanity.”
