NASA has reportedly paused the activities of several key advisory groups, leading to the disappearance of numerous documents from its affiliated websites. This action follows changes made by the Trump Administration, raising concerns among scientists about the future of space research.
The Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG), established to guide NASA's lunar exploration objectives, has seen its website replaced with a notice stating it is under review due to NASA leadership guidance. Collections of publicly funded scientific and technical documents stored by LEAG have become inaccessible, including the 2023 CLOC-SAT report.
Similarly, the Extraterrestrial Materials Analysis Group (ExMAG) has had its document archives rendered inaccessible. NASA's Science Mission Directorate has requested a pause of all meetings and activities of Planetary Science Analysis/Assessment Groups.
In response, over 500 scientists have penned an open letter to NASA leadership and congressional representatives, urging the restoration of access to the documents, emphasizing the impact on taxpayer-funded science and missions.