NASA's International Space Station (ISS) operations are facing a serious threat due to the potential implementation of policies that target diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs across US government agencies. Internal sources reveal that employees could face severe consequences for failing to report colleagues involved in DEIA initiatives. This news comes amidst NASA's reassessment of its Artemis Moon landing program, already facing safety concerns due to packed schedules and budget cuts. The Trump administration's anti-DEIA stance, coupled with its aggressive executive orders, could further jeopardize NASA's mission critical operations.
A potential crackdown on diversity and accessibility initiatives across US government agencies could have disastrous consequences for NASA 's operations on the International Space Station . Sources within NASA revealed that employees face 'adverse consequences' if they fail to report any coworkers involved with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility ( DEIA ) programs.
This news follows NASA's decision earlier this month to reassess its plans to send humans to the surface of the Moon for the first time in 50 years, citing safety concerns stemming from the two upcoming Artemis missions' packed schedules and existing budget cuts that date back to the Biden administration. Trump's staunch anti-DEIA agenda and sweeping executive orders could exacerbate the situation. 'It’s not a super well kept secret that flight controllers are overworked, underpaid and disrespected by their management,' a source who worked in mission control told the newspaper. The DEIA crackdown, they said, 'is going to impact flight ops.' 'Mission control already struggles with certifying and retaining flight controllers, but this is sure to make things worse,' the source said. 'And with 24/7 ops for ISS, I worry they can’t take much more attrition and keep the consoles staffed around the clock.' Maintaining the space station's functionality requires around 20 people to perform highly specialized tasks from the ground. Replacing these employees could take years of training. This situation adds to NASA's existing challenges in increasing the representation of women and minorities, even before the Trump administration, according to a report. 'I am sure everyone at NASA is worried about personal and programmatic impacts short- and long-term,' one source said. 'I have had times in my life where people have assumed that I don’t know what I’m talking about because I’m the only woman in the room,' former European Space Agency flight director Libby Jackson told the newspaper. 'That’s what those policies are about is reminding people of their unconscious biases. I just hope that somewhere in all of this that is recognized.' 'At the heart of it, any good team is built on diversity of opinion,' she added. 'Having people from different backgrounds, the right skills for the job.
NASA International Space Station DEIA Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility Trump Administration Artemis Program Space Exploration Government Funding
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