Johnson Space Center, the NASA facility that handles operations in space, is now closed to anyone but critical personnel.

  • Johnson Space Center in Houston closed
  • Only mission essential personnel permitted on property
  • Johnson handles NASA's astronaut corp, the ISS

JSC announced the center would remain closed until Tuesday, Sept. 5 to anyone but people deemed "mission essential." Its asking people not to come in unless they hear from a supervisor, including civilian personnel and contractors.

Ellen Ochoa, Johnson Space Center director, tweeted earlier Tuesday that JSC has seen 42 inches of total rainfall from Harvey. The center says an additional 1.5 to 3 inches of rainfall is possible through midnight, with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible overnight.

Ochoa tweeted that the shutdown will allow Johnson Space Center prioritize operations, as well as do a full site assessment. 

Johnson Space Center is the main hub for NASA's astronauts, including training. It also handles mission operations, such as the International Space Station. It's considered one of NASA's largest research and development facilities.