The Back Story A looming government shutdown could force NASA to furlough staff during critical 3I/ATLAS tracking. Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb warns that the anomalous interstellar object deserves greater NASA resources. A funding lapse just weeks before 3I/ATLAS nears Earth risks halting essential monitoring and data collection. USA HERALD - Today, Vice President J.D. Vance Looming shutdown threatens NASA furloughs as 3I/ATLAS nears Earth, raising risks for science and security.