NASA’s Moon Astronauts Aren’t Getting Paid as Artemis 2 Launch Approaches
In a startling development, NASA’s Artemis 2 astronauts—tasked with humanity’s first crewed lunar flyby in decades—are facing paycheck delays just months before their historic mission. The financial hiccup has raised alarms about crew morale and NASA’s preparedness for its ambitious Moon-to-Mars program.
Payroll Problems Hit Artemis 2 Crew
The Artemis 2 mission, targeting a September 2025 launch, will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA’s Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day journey around the Moon. Despite their critical roles, insiders reveal persistent pay disruptions, with some salaries delayed for months due to bureaucratic snags.
NASA astronauts, as federal employees, typically earn $100,000–$150,000 annually. However, budget shortfalls and administrative bottlenecks have snarled payment processing.
“This is inexcusable,” an unnamed NASA official stated. “These astronauts are training relentlessly—they shouldn’t face financial stress.”
Training Under Financial Pressure
The crew is deep into mission simulations, emergency drills, and spacecraft systems training. Delayed paychecks add unnecessary strain, potentially impacting focus.
“Financial security is vital for peak performance,” emphasized NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Kate Calvin.
Budget constraints may be a factor. While Congress allocated $7.5 billion for Artemis in 2024, NASA is balancing other costly projects like the Lunar Gateway and Mars Sample Return.
Congress and Public Demand Action
Lawmakers have condemned the delays. House Science Committee Chair Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) called the situation “unconscionable,” urging immediate fixes.
Public outcry has erupted online, with #PayOurAstronauts trending on X (formerly Twitter). Critics compare the issue to past government shutdowns that left NASA employees unpaid.
NASA’s Pledge to Resolve the Issue
Administrator Bill Nelson acknowledged the problem, vowing swift action: “We’re addressing this urgently. Our astronauts deserve better.”
Yet, without a clear timeline, skepticism lingers among the crew and their families.
Risks to the Artemis Program
The payroll debacle threatens trust in NASA as Artemis 2—a critical precursor to the 2026 Moon landing—nears. Persistent issues could derail morale for future deep-space missions.
What Happens Now?
With launch preparations accelerating, NASA must stabilize payroll systems to ensure its astronauts can focus on the mission—not their bank accounts.
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