NASA Removes Graphic Novels About Women Astronauts
NASA has taken down two graphic novels featuring a female astronaut from its website. This decision seems to follow the Trump administration’s stance against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
DEI programs aim to ensure fair treatment of all people, but the Trump administration opposes them. On the first day of Trump’s second term, the White House called DEI programs “illegal and immoral” and stated that the government would serve “every person with equal dignity and respect.”
The removed graphic novels focused on Callie Rodriguez, a fictional astronaut, and the first woman to walk on the Moon. The titles were:
- “First Woman: NASA’s Promise for Humanity”
- “First Woman: Expanding Our Universe”
These stories had been on NASA’s website for years, but now their main page shows a 404 error. However, NASA has not removed press releases about the novels. The space agency has not given an official reason for the removal, and NASA’s Press Secretary Bethany Stevens did not respond to requests for comment.
NASA has been making other changes related to DEI. In January, the agency ended diversity programs, and last month, it told employees they could no longer use pronouns in their email signatures or online profiles.
NASA is also facing bigger shifts. This week, the agency canceled $420 million in contracts, following a decision by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This department was created by executive order on Trump’s first day back in office and is led by Elon Musk. It is unclear how DOGE’s policies will continue to impact NASA’s future operations.
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