in the loop

ＳＦのThe Martian by Andy Weirを読んでいます。
Mark, some answers to your earlier questions:
No, we will not tell out Botany Team to "Go fuck themselves." I uderstand you've been on your own for a long time, but we're in the loop now, and it's best if you listen to what we have to say.
"in the loop" 文字通りには輪の中ですが、どんな輪を意味しているのか？　慣用句のような気がします。
・McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Fig. in the group of persons communicating regularly about a specific plan or project. I don't know what's going on with the Jones deal since I'm not in the loop. Bob and Jean are in the loop. They can tell you what's happening.
・Farlex Dictionary of Idioms: Informed and/or actively participating in something, such as an ongoing discussion or project, typically involving many people. Please keep Sarah in the loop so she can continue to advise us on the legal ramifications. I'm afraid I haven't been in the loop on this project. Can you bring me up to speed?
日本人が好きな仲間内という感じですね。