The CNN and Associated Press report that NASA is rethinking its plans and procedures for dealing with the medical problems and/or death of an astronaut in space. Unfortunately for my own research into the history of the bureaucratization of government concern for the dead, NASA has not decided on a policy — merely that it should have one.

But on other topics — such as steps for disposing of the dead and cutting off an astronaut’s medical care if he or she cannot survive — the document merely says these are issues for which NASA needs a policy.

The full article on CNN’s website: “NASA rethinking death in mission to Mars”