NASA has recently modified the language on its website, leading some to speculate about possible changes in the Artemis mission objectives.
Previously, the site stated: “NASA will land the first woman, first person of color, and first international partner astronaut on the Moon using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before.”
The current version no longer references ‘woman,’ ‘person of color,’ or international partners.
This revision follows an executive order signed by President Trump that mandated the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion sections from all federal websites, including NASA’s.
Questions have arisen regarding whether NASA has abandoned its plans to send women and people of color to the Moon due to the executive order. However, Jimi Russell, NASA’s Senior Public Affairs Officer at the Space Operations Mission Directorate, has clarified the situation.
“In keeping with the President’s Executive Order, we’re updating our language regarding plans to send crew to the lunar surface as part of NASA’s Artemis campaign,” Russell stated to IFLScience.
“We look forward to learning more about the Trump Administration’s plans for our agency and expanding exploration at the Moon and Mars for the benefit of all.”
It has been emphasized that the change in wording ‘does not indicate’ a change in the mission itself.
A NASA representative informed Space.com: “It is important to note that the change in language does not indicate a change in crew assignments.”
The NASA website now states: “With NASA’s Artemis campaign, we are exploring the Moon for scientific discovery, technology advancement, and to learn how to live and work on another world as we prepare for human missions to Mars.
“We will collaborate with commercial and international partners and establish the first long-term presence on the Moon.”
UNILAD has also reached out to NASA for further comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T8cn2J13-4
Artemis II is set to send four astronauts to the Moon in April 2026. Originally scheduled for this year, the mission was postponed.
The journey will span ten days and will be the first lunar mission in decades.
However, with the focus on Mars by Elon Musk and President Trump, NASA is striving to keep Artemis II on track.
Kirk Shireman of Lockheed Martin, overseeing the Orion spacecraft program, stated: “Every day we are pushing, and not only days, we’re pushing hours and minutes.”
He further mentioned, according to the Orlando Sentinel: “If we can get ahead a minute, it’s precious. Absolutely. 24/7 we’re on every day.”
Recently, as of March 24, the Artemis II core stage integration was completed at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, indicating progress toward the April 2026 timeline.