NASA astronauts were not generally unpaid as part of their jobs. The claim that NASA staff preparing for Artemis II were working without paychecks referred to the federal shutdown reported on October 30, 2025. Futurism attributed the confirmation to an unnamed NASA official; it also said Artemis II contractors were still being paid at that time. Artemis II has since flown and returned, so the claim is historical—not a description of the crew’s current status.
What the October 2025 report said
Futurism reported on October 30, 2025, that NASA personnel, including astronauts preparing for Artemis II, were working during the then-ongoing federal shutdown without receiving paychecks. The story attributed the pay-status confirmation to an unnamed NASA source. The sources available here do not include a named official or a public NASA notice independently confirming the specific payroll status, so the claim should remain attributed to Futurism rather than presented as a NASA announcement. Read Futurism’s report.
A missed or delayed paycheck during a shutdown is different from an ordinary salary arrangement. The report described a temporary interruption tied to that shutdown; it did not establish that astronauts routinely work without pay or that the shutdown permanently changed their compensation.
Were contractors also working without pay?
Not according to Futurism’s account at the time. It said Artemis II contractors were still being paid, and quoted an unnamed NASA source saying, “All of our contracts are funded into early November.” That was a dated snapshot of funding during the shutdown, not a guarantee about every contractor or a standing rule for future shutdowns. The story also quoted Lockheed Martin vice president Kirk Shireman on possible effects for smaller suppliers.
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#1 Best Overall
- Astronaut costume adult includes a bold orange space jumpsuit with woven mission-style badges, zip front closure, padded details, and adjustable buckled straps for a standout space explorer look
- Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL, XXL, designed for comfortable movement and a flexible, supportive fit so you can wear this costume with ease from setup through the final hour. Refer to size chart for more information
- Perfect for Halloween, costume parties and themed events, this adult astronaut costume helps men stand out as a bold space explorer and make a vibrant, confident entrance at any celebration
- Wear indoors at Halloween parties and themed events or outdoors at festivals and outdoor celebrations, and pair with boots or a space helmet to complete the astronaut mens costume look
- Astronaut mens costume is designed for space fans, science enthusiasts and creative partygoers who want a vibrant, eye-catching look and want to feel bold and memorable at every event
How much do NASA astronauts make?
NASA’s astronaut FAQ lists an approximate annual rate of $152,258 based on 2024 pay schedules. This is historical guidance, not a verified 2026 rate or the disclosed salary of any particular Artemis astronaut. NASA also notes that military astronaut candidates detailed to Johnson Space Center remain on active duty for pay, benefits, leave, and related matters; their compensation arrangement is distinct from that of civilian employees. See NASA’s astronaut FAQ.
Artemis II’s status has changed since the report
Artemis II is no longer a crew preparing for flight. NASA reported that its crew completed a 10-day mission and splashed down on April 10, 2026. In September 2026, the Associated Press reported that Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover had moved to emeritus status. Those later developments do not change what was reported about pay during the October 2025 shutdown, but they make the original headline’s present tense outdated. NASA’s mission updates · Associated Press report.
Rank #2
- Material:Made of high quality polyester.Comfortable fit and Durable.Hand wash cold.Line dry.Do not bleach.If you have sensitive skin, please consider carefully.
- Adult Astronaut Costume:Our space suit includes astronaut unisex silver jumpsuit costume with a jumpsuit,sunglasses and a cool helmet,ensuring you look like a true spaceman.
- Size:The measurement results in the size chart are manually measured,and there may be an error of 1-2cm with the actual size.We recommend using height/chest waist and hip measurements to determine which size you will fit.If at the top of the size range,please consider moving up a size.
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Shutdown pay and lunar-lander safety are separate issues
NASA’s Office of Inspector General raised concerns in 2026 about future Artemis Human Landing System development, including gaps in lander testing and survival analysis and NASA’s lack of a capability to rescue astronauts stranded after a catastrophic lander event. Those findings concern future lunar landing systems; they are not evidence that Artemis II faced a lunar-landing risk. The OIG said: “While the providers must deliver the landers on time and according to requirements, NASA is ultimately responsible for ensuring crew safety.” NASA Office of Inspector General report summary, March 10, 2026.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Package Includes: Astronaut outfit includes 1 full-length metallic silver jumpsuit. A suit can easily complete the outfit, making your character realistic, interesting, and your dressing up in halloween simpler.
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Rank #4
- MEN’S ASTRONAUT COSTUME JUMPSUIT – Create a complete space-explorer look with this full-length men’s astronaut costume, available in bright orange or classic white with contrasting black details.
- EMBROIDERED SPACE MISSION PATCHES – Features sewn-on original mission-themed patches and an American flag accent for a detailed appearance. Avoids ordinary printed-on costume graphics.
- FUNCTIONAL ZIPPERED POCKETS – Two front utility pockets provide convenient storage for small essentials such as a phone, wallet or keys while attending parties and events.
- HARNESS-STYLE MISSION DETAILS – Black shoulder straps, a buckle waist strap, front zipper and contrasting trim create the recognizable appearance of a space-flight jumpsuit.
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Rank #3
- AWESOME SET: AstronautPilot Costume Includes 1 White Full-Length Body Jumpsuit with EmbroideredLogo and USA Flag Patches and 1 Tinted Movable Visor Space Helmet. [NOTE:The logo has been upgraded, and the version is random.]
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