NASA launches Mission Equity to ensure inclusion

NASA has announced the launch of Mission Equity; a comprehensive effort to ensure that its programmes, grants and policies are inclusive and accessible to all.

It is also seeking public feedback to examine what potential barriers and challenges exist for communities that are historically underrepresented and underserved. “The agency’s new Mission Equity is a bold and necessary challenge for NASA to ensure our programmes are accessible to all Americans; especially, those living in historically underserved communities across the country. Because when NASA opens doors to talent previously left untapped, the universe is the limit,” stated NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA is a 21st century agency with 22nd century goals. To be successful, it’s critical that NASA takes a comprehensive approach to address the challenges to equity we see today.” 

ADVANCING RACIAL EQUALITY

NASA has issued a request for information (RFI), entitled Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities in NASA Programs, Contracts and Grants. The agency is seeking public feedback as it conducts a thorough review of its programmes, practices and policies to assess:

• Potential barriers that underserved and underrepresented communities and individuals may face in agency procurement, contract and grant opportunities. 
• Whether new policies, regulations, or guidance may be necessary to advance equity and opportunities in agency actions and programmes. 
• How agency resources and tools can assist in enhancing equity, including advancing environmental justice. 

ENGAGING UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES

Areas in which NASA would like to receive comments include: 

• Diversity and Equal Opportunity at NASA and in the STEM community. 
• Opportunities for NASA to leverage its data, expertise and missions to help underserved communities. 
• Barriers/Gaps to accessing current NASA grants, programmes and procurements. 
• Engagement and outreach with organisations and individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities.

Underserved and underrepresented communities include: Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of colour; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality, confirmed NASA.

Through the RFI process, NASA hopes to initiate vibrant, meaningful and ongoing discussions that will help the agency build and improve current agency policies, practices and programmes. The deadline for public comments is Monday 12 July 2021. Click here for more information.

Click here to read about Katherine Johnson, the legendary Black female NASA mathematician, who sent astronauts to space, kept them on course and brought them home safely.