NASA Prohibits Chinese Nationals from Participating in Space Programs - Second Space Race Reaches Critical Point

The American space agency NASA has imposed a sweeping restriction on Chinese nationals holding valid U.S. visas, including researchers, students, and contractors, from participating in its programs and accessing its facilities and networks. On September 5 (U.S. time), access to data systems and conferences for Chinese researchers already involved was reportedly cut off. NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens acknowledged, "We have implemented internal measures regarding Chinese nationals, limiting physical and cyber access to facilities, materials, and networks."InfoMoney

This move reflects the tension of the "second space race" as the U.S. and China compete for manned lunar landings within the next five years. Sean Duffy, who served as both Secretary of Transportation and Acting NASA Administrator under the Trump administration, repeatedly emphasized, "We will not let China beat us to the moon. America will win." Messages from the administration and Congress have consistently stated that the U.S. should lead in space dominance.Fox News

However, NASA's restrictions on China are not a sudden development. The so-called "Wolf Clause," enacted in 2011, prohibits NASA from using funds for bilateral cooperation with the Chinese government or Chinese organizations, and it has been inserted into annual appropriations laws ever since. While the law does not directly mandate the blanket exclusion of individual Chinese nationals, in practice, employment and access management have been tightened. In 2013, NASA temporarily refused Chinese researchers' participation in a conference, which led to a backlash and was later retracted.Wikipedia

The key point this time is that comprehensive access restrictions have extended to a broader "engagement" layer beyond just "employment." Previously, there was room for Chinese nationals holding U.S. visas, such as graduate students and university-affiliated scientists, to be indirectly involved in NASA-related research. However, the current internal measures appear to fill in that gray area. Media outlets have reported numerous instances of blocked access to meetings (both in-person and online) and internal materials and networks.news.bgov.com

Mixed Reactions and Confusion on Social Media

On X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, there is a direct clash between proponents emphasizing national security and opponents arguing that it undermines international academic and industrial exchange.

• Accounts from overseas media quickly reported on the access restrictions that began on September 5 and the "simultaneous restriction of facilities and networks," with voices considering it a necessary security measure.X (formerly Twitter)

• On the other hand, Reddit featured comments expressing concern about the policy's side effects, such as "This will clog the talent pipeline and create headwinds for the U.S. space sector" and "The issues have been deep-rooted since the Wolf Clause era." Discussions pointing out the shrinkage of international collaborative research and the "brain drain" have spread.Reddit

• In Asian news communities, translations of Chinese-language media have spread, with a noticeable framing of "U.S.-China space rivalry escalating further."World Journal

What Changes: Impact on Universities, Companies, and NASA Sites

Universities and Research Institutions
If access restrictions extend to graduate students, postdocs, and contractors involved in joint research, laboratories engaged in NASA-related grants and collaborations will be compelled to re-examine compliance regarding the nationality, employment relationships, and remote participation of those with access. Since 2011, the system has primarily focused on "prohibiting bilateral cooperation with China," but this time, it likely delves into the practical application of cross-cutting blockades based on individual attributes.nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov

Industry and Contracting Companies
Space-related contractors and startups need to further tighten identity verification across the supply chain, including subcontractors, and ensure all devices connecting to NASA's network comply with zero-trust principles. Reports indicate that "remote participation in meetings" by contractors has also become a target of control, necessitating an effective update in contract governance.Anadolu Agency

Within NASA
While Acting Administrator Duffy repeatedly emphasizes the "second space race," reports also indicate headwinds in terms of budget and personnel. Although strengthening security may rigidify operations in the short term, externally, it functions as a political signal that "we will not relinquish leadership in reaching the moon first."Politico

The Remaining Gray Areas: Gaps Between Law and Practice

The Wolf Clause prohibits the use of funds for bilateral cooperation with the Chinese government, but it does not fully ban data sharing in multilateral settings or individual participation. During the 2013 "Kepler Conference" incident, NASA once retracted a blanket exclusion based solely on individual nationality, admitting it was a "mistake." The extent to which the current internal measures become permanent and the range they cover (joint research, external contracting, tours, lectures, etc.) will likely be clarified through future operational notices and the handling of individual cases.Wikipedia

The U.S.-China Lunar Race and the Crossroads of "Science Diplomacy"

Both the U.S. and China have set manned lunar missions as clear national goals. NASA focuses on returning to the moon under the Artemis program, while China advances its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative. The current measures aim not only at the tangible goal of reducing technology leakage risks but also carry significant weight as a political signal. On the other hand, in fields like planetary science and Earth observation, where data sharing directly benefits the public good, the side effects of a complete blockade on the international circulation of knowledge cannot be ignored.InfoMoney

Timeline (Based on Japan Time)

• September 5: Access to NASA's data systems and conferences was stopped for existing Chinese nationals involved.InfoMoney

• September 10: Bloomberg first reported on the internal measures. Various international media, including InfoMoney, followed up.Bloomberg

• September 11: AFP/Guardian, SCMP, Phys.org, UPI, and others reported in succession.
  
  
  

Key Points of This Article

• NASA has imposed comprehensive restrictions on Chinese nationals holding U.S. visas, limiting their participation in programs and access to facilities and networks.Phys.org

• The political environment strongly reflects the Wolf Clause and the "second space race."Wikipedia

• There is a possibility of tightening practices even in gray areas of participation by universities, companies, and contract research.news.bgov.com

• On social media, there is a direct clash between the argument for security and concerns about the shrinking of international cooperation.Reddit

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