NASA avoids naming missions after people.
NASA has updated its policy for naming facilities or projects, discouraging the practice of naming missions after individuals. The new policy comes in response to the controversy surrounding the naming of the James Webb Space Telescope after a former NASA administrator accused of firing LGBTQ+ employees. The policy states that names of individuals will only be considered in extraordinary circumstances and based on their contributions to America, NASA, and humanity. The agency historian will also be involved early in any consideration process to ensure diversity, unity, inclusion, and inspiration are considered.