Government Worried NASA Astronauts Not Diverse Enough, Says Agency Lacks ‘Comprehensive Demographic’ Data To Measure Its ‘Diversity, Equity, Inclusion’ Goals

A new report from NASA’s Inspector General is worried the agency is not diverse enough or taking the proper actions to ensure that it will meet its equity and diversity goals.

The report claims that NASA databases lack “comprehensive demographic” data to know whether or not NASA will be able to meet its diversity goals such as putting a woman and a non-white person on the moon.

“Current data limitations restrict NASA’s ability to fully measure its progress towards meeting broader diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals—a significant issue given that astronauts are among the most publicly visible employees at the Agency,” the report said.

In response, the astronaut corps has been told to “provide greater detail on diversity within the corps.” The IG recommended that NASA keep better records of information about astronauts, including demographic data, so that they can continue to “expand diversity.”

The report included a timeline of the history of demographic changes and diversity within the astronaut corps, noting that things had changed since 1959 when it was “all white male pilots.” – READ MORE