NASA has directed several science committees to pause their work, citing recent executive orders from the Trump administration. The move affects groups known as “analysis groups” or “assessment groups,” which provide input on NASA’s astrophysics and planetary science divisions.
The memos, sent to leaders of the groups, stated that NASA is reviewing compliance with new executive orders, including those addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The pause applies to at least six executive orders, primarily related to ending DEI programs and “gender ideology extremism.”
One group, the Mercury Exploration Assessment Group (MExAG), had its annual meeting canceled due to the pause. The meeting was scheduled for February 4-6 and would have discussed science topics in the field of astrophysics.
Other groups, such as the Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) and the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG), are also putting on hold their plans for future meetings due to uncertainty about how the pause will affect them.
The move comes amid confusion and concern among researchers and others who have been impacted by the administration’s efforts to implement these executive orders. The Office of Space Commerce has announced a meeting with its advisory body, the Advisory Committee on Excellence in Space (ACES), which is not affected by the pause.
NASA has already started implementing directives related to DEI orders, including restricting funding for initiatives associated with DEI. This includes a program called Here to Observe, or H2O, that linked NASA planetary science missions with students from underrepresented institutions.
Source: https://spacenews.com/nasa-pauses-work-of-science-groups-citing-trump-executive-orders