The space agency's planetary science analysis groups must pause while NASA checks if they comply with Trump's orders.

Even if the flags have remained standing when crews rocketed off the moon, it is almost certain that they are not in the same condition as when they were first deployed on the lunar surface.

(Vexillology is the study of the history ... Congress amended NASA's appropriations bill to prevent the space agency from unfurling flags of other nations, or those of international associations ...