This very important space mission is threatened by the US government shutdown

Due to the current US government shutdown, many infrastructures and businesses are being affected. This is the case for NASA, which has been forced to slow down its activities and could see a very important mission disappear.

Thus, it concerns the Juno probe, which was launched in 2011 and has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016. Over the years, it has provided astronomers and scientists with a wealth of essential data, particularly about the atmosphere of the largest planet in the solar system, but also about the composition of the moons that orbit around it.

Another remarkable feature of this probe is its longevity. Its mission had been extended until September 30, 2025, allowing certain observations to be continued with essential results. However, due to the shutdown that occurred on October 1, 2025, NASA does not know what decision to make regarding it.

And this is a major problem, because Juno has provided a better understanding of our solar system, but also of the Jovian system. In addition, it has also participated in the launch of various missions, such as Europa Clipper, which is expected to reach its destination in 2030.

Faced with this situation, some researchers want to extend Juno's mission until that date, so that a replacement can be put in place immediately afterwards. But, according to Space.com, NASA does not have the power to decide this on its own.

And that's not all, because a space mission requires considerable financial resources, not to mention the staff who are involved and who have to monitor the probe and the various data collected. Finally, it should not be forgotten that Donald Trump has also criticized NASA's space missions, which may lead to fears for the future.