NASA's largest library at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, which has been a central research hub for the global space agency since 1959, will be permanently closing on Friday (Jan 2). The closure of the 100,000-volume library is part of the Donald Trump administration's reorganisation drive, under which 13 buildings and over 100 science and engineering laboratories will be shut down on the 1.270-acre campus by March 2026

According to a statement posted on the website of the Goddard Engineers, Scientists and Technicians Association, specialised equipment and electronics designed to test spacecraft have already been removed and thrown out.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, said he will continue to raise his voice against the Trump administration's haphazard closure of the library.

“The Trump Administration has spent the last year attacking NASA Goddard and its work force and threatening our efforts to explore space, deepen our understanding of Earth, and spur technological advancements that make our economy stronger and nation safer,” said Van Hollen.

“These reports of closures at Goddard are deeply concerning. I will continue to push back on any actions that impact Goddard's critical mission," he added.