Welcome to this week's NASA update. We're starting with a significant headline that has sparked controversy: NASA has begun dismantling its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs following a recent executive order from President Donald Trump. This move aligns with a broader federal push to phase out DEIA initiatives across government agencies, citing concerns that these programs foster division and inefficiency[3].
Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro informed employees of the changes, emphasizing compliance with the directive and warning against attempts to maintain DEIA-related efforts under different terminology. This decision marks a notable policy shift for NASA, which had committed to increasing representation within its workforce and fostering diversity in space exploration. Critics question how this will impact goals like the Artemis program, aimed at landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
Moving on to more positive developments, NASA has outlined its ambitious plans for fiscal year 2025. Key achievements include the launch of several critical missions such as Europa Clipper, Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), and The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer[1]. These missions are crucial for advancing our understanding of the universe and pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
In terms of budget allocations, the U.S. House of Representatives has proposed a 1% increase to NASA's top-line budget for fiscal year 2025, redirecting hundreds of millions of dollars to established projects in robotic and human spaceflight. However, this modest increase creates structural deficits that could lead to significant cuts in other programs[5].
On a lighter note, NASA has launched a new podcast series, "Sun + Eclipse," ahead of the total solar eclipse in April 2024. This series offers insights into research from NASA scientists, firsthand accounts from "eclipse chasers," and how the agency protects astronauts and spacecraft during solar activity[2].
Looking ahead, NASA's Early-Stage Innovation and Partnerships (ESIP) program plans to issue over 300 grants in FY 2025, supporting a robust portfolio of academic researchers. The Early Career Initiative will engage the early-career NASA workforce in managing and developing technology projects, helping build and maintain unique skillsets in support of NASA missions[1].
For those interested in staying updated on NASA's latest developments, we recommend checking out NASA's official podcasts, such as "Houston We Have a Podcast," which explores the world of human spaceflight with in-depth conversations with astronauts, scientists, and engineers[4].
To stay informed and engage with NASA's initiatives, visit NASA's official website for more information and resources. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time with more updates from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.