NASA employees at the Johnson Space Center learned Tuesday night that the center's probationary employees would be spared from the latest round of layoffs under the Trump administration — a surprise turn of events hours after many had been bracing to be fired.

More government layoffs are expected on Tuesday, including around 10 percent at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. This would also amount to around 1,000 workers from the organization, which employs only about 12,000 people .

NASA confirmed it may have sidestepped sweeping layoffs that were expected, potentially saving hundreds of newly hired employees and career professionals.