NASA has barred Chinese nationals from participating in its space programs

NASA has started prohibiting Chinese nationals with valid U.S. visas from participating in its programs, highlighting the escalating space rivalry between Washington and Beijing.

The policy shift, first reported by Bloomberg and later confirmed by the agency, marks a tightening of restrictions.

“NASA has taken internal measures regarding Chinese nationals, including limits on physical and cybersecurity access to our facilities, materials, and networks to safeguard our work,” NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens told AFP on Wednesday.

According to Bloomberg, Chinese nationals had previously been able to contribute as contractors or students, though not as permanent staff. But on September 5, several individuals said they were abruptly cut off from IT systems and barred from attending in-person meetings.

The change comes amid mounting anti-China rhetoric under President Donald Trump. The U.S. and China are in direct competition to put humans back on the Moon.

NASA’s Artemis program, conceived as the successor to Apollo’s 1969–1972 landings, is aiming for a 2027 crewed mission but has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. China, meanwhile, has set a 2030 target for its taikonauts and has been more consistent in meeting deadlines.

“We’re in a second space race,” acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy told reporters Wednesday at a Mars rover press briefing. “China wants to return to the Moon before us. That won’t happen. America has led in space before, and we will continue to lead in space.”

Beijing is also pressing ahead with its Mars exploration program, planning the first mission to return samples from the planet’s surface. The robotic mission is scheduled for launch in 2028, with hopes of bringing back samples by 2031.

By contrast, the Trump administration has proposed scrapping the U.S.–European Mars Sample Return project, hinting instead that the task could be accomplished through a future crewed mission—though no concrete plans have been presented.