Today, the NASA Office of Inspector General (OlG) released its Semiannual Report to Congress, highlighting its accomplishments and activities between April 1 and September 30, 2025. By conducting thorough audits and investigations, the OIG helps NASA achieve maximum potential with minimum waste.
During this reporting period, the Office of Audits issued 8 reports and made 33 recommendations to improve NASA’s economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. These audits examined key initiatives and projects, including the Agency’s planetary defense strategy, the Dragonfly mission, and the spacesuits that protect astronauts during spacewalks. Over 120 recommendations remain unimplemented, totaling nearly $55 million in potential cost savings.
At the same time, the Office of Investigations combatted fraud and strengthened national security by countering foreign influence. In one case, investigators exposed a former university professor who received NASA funding and failed to disclose foreign government affiliations. In another, a senior NASA employee accepted gratuities from a prohibited foreign source who had direct ties to China. In total, the Office of Investigations secured $2.3 million in judicial recoveries and $2.4 million in administrative recoveries during this reporting period.
In 2026, NASA OIG will evaluate the Artemis campaign’s Human Landing System contracts, the Agency’s launch infrastructure, ongoing development of next-generation spacesuits, the progress of the GRACE-C mission, the Commercial Crew Program’s collaboration with private industry, and other important topics.
