As NASA charts a course for the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) safeguards the resources and public trust needed to go the distance. Today, the OIG released its Semiannual Report to Congress, which highlights audits, investigations, and other accomplishments between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
During this reporting period, the Office of Audits issued 4 reports and made 24 recommendations to strengthen NASA’s programs and projects. These audits assessed the Agency’s Human Landing System contracts, efforts to streamline critical mission support services, fiscal year 2025 financial statements, and financial reporting controls. Over 100 recommendations remain unimplemented, totaling nearly $55 million in potential cost savings.
At the same time, the Office of Investigations defended NASA’s resources against foreign threats and rooted out financial fraud to protect taxpayer dollars. In one case, investigators exposed a university professor who failed to disclose ties to the Chinese government while working under a NASA-funded cooperative agreement. In another case, a company agreed to pay NASA over $1 million to resolve allegations related to pandemic relief funds. In total, the Office of Investigations yielded a monetary impact of more than $4.5 million during this reporting period.
In the coming months, the OIG will examine NASA’s options for using developed assets if missions are terminated prior to launch, the Space Communications and Navigation Program’s preparedness for the Artemis campaign, and the Agency’s export control practices.
