The Navajo Nation is involved in the space industry primarily through Diné Development Corporation (DDC), which delivers IT, engineering, professional, and environmental solutions. DDC's services support the missions of the federal government, including the U.S. Air Force and DISA, and it is expanding its presence in the aerospace market. The Navajo Nation has also voiced concerns regarding activities in space that impact their cultural and spiritual beliefs, particularly concerning lunar missions. Additionally, the Navajo Nation has some of the cleanest helium deposits on earth, which has uses in pressure/purging/aerospace.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
The Treaty Between the United States of America and the Navajo Tribe of Indians, which establishes the Navajo Nation’s sovereign status, was ratified on July 25, 1868.
The Navajo Nation sent a letter dated December 21, 2023 to the Secretary of Transportation, the Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs, and the NASA Administrator raising concerns about the Peregrine mission.
The Navajo Nation’s December 21, 2023 letter cites EO 13175, the January 26, 2021 Presidential Memorandum, and the November 9, 2021 MOU as authorities relevant to consultation on matters affecting tribes.
The Biden Administration reportedly agreed to consult with the Navajo Nation regarding the Peregrine mission, but the January 8, 2024 launch was not delayed.
The Treaty Between the United States of America and the Navajo Tribe of Indians, which establishes the Navajo Nation’s recognized sovereignty, was ratified on July 25, 1868.
In January 2024, the Navajo Nation protested against sending human remains as part of the Peregrine mission to the Moon.
The Peregrine lunar mission was intended to include human remains on the Moon but faced opposition from the Navajo Nation.
The Navajo Nation had previously expressed concern about human remains being sent to the Moon in 1998 after the NASA Lunar Prospector mission.
Buu Nygren, president of the Navajo Nation, requested that NASA delay the launch because memorial payloads on Peregrine are viewed by the Navajo Nation as desecration and he cited an agreement after the 1998 Lunar Prospector mission that carried Eugene Shoemaker’s ashes.
Landsat data are used to monitor crop health and manage irrigation water in the Navajo Nation where only 85 rain gauges cover more than 27,000 square miles.
Sceye performed the demonstrations for clients that include one of the world’s largest private telecommunications carriers, the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department, and a consortium of telecommunications carriers focused on providing 100% connectivity across the Navajo Nation.