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NASA really, really won’t rename Webb telescope despite community pushback

Investigation by agency historian finds no evidence explicitly linking former director James Webb with anti-LGBT+ actions.
  1. Alexandra Witze
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For a second time, NASA has decided not to rename its flagship James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The decision follows an investigation into the career of the telescope’s namesake, a former NASA administrator who held high-ranking government positions at a time when the United States systematically fired gay and lesbian employees for their sexual orientation.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-03787-1

Updates & Corrections

  • Update 21 November 2022: This story was updated to include information from NASA about new guidance on naming missions and buildings in the aftermath of the JWST naming controversy.

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