Astronauts may be accustomed to embarking on missions that take them well beyond Earth, but one group of former spacefarers is preparing for a journey that will keep them much closer to home.
A group of retired NASA astronauts is on the cusp of launching a nationwide tour of college campuses in an effort to encourage young people to vote as the midterm elections fast approach.
Politics and spaceflight may not immediately seem to be topics that go hand in hand.
But just like any elected official, those joining the U.S. space agency's esteemed astronaut corps take oaths to defend the Constitution. And now, more than 100 of them have joined forces in a group dubbed Astronauts for America to ensure those sworn ideals remain at the forefront of the nation.
“Going to the polls is a small step for each American, but a giant leap for our country,” John Daniel "Danny" Olivas, who flew on two spaceflights in his 12-year astronaut career, said in a statement. "Young voters are the stewards of our shared future."
Here's what to know about Astronauts for America, and the group's upcoming U.S. college tour.
Former astronauts tour college campuses to encourage voting
Astronauts for America announced the upcoming four-month college tour July 20 as part of its “Vote for Freedom” campaign.
"America’s youth are crucial to bridge divisions in our country, strengthen balanced government, and uphold constitutional principles in the upcoming election cycle," the group said in a July 20 joint statement.
Members of Astronauts for America plan to visit community colleges, state colleges, county fairs and town halls across the country to speak directly with young people, encouraging them to register to vote ahead of the November midterms. While the exact schedule and locations of the tour have not been announced, a spokeswoman told the USA TODAY Network that those interested can find the latest information on the group's website and social media.
“Throughout my life, I’ve seen the power young voters possess to mobilize and engage others in the political process," Charles Bolden, a co-founder and member of the group's steering committee, said in a statement. "When young people speak their minds, amazing things can happen, and our democracy is stronger for it."
What is Astronauts for America? Group advocates for democracy
Formed in April, Astronauts for America is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization comprised of former NASA astronauts "dedicated to upholding constitutional values," according to a press release.
The group is also committed to using its platform to speak to the public and meet elected officials with the goal of "restoring public trust in American democracy; and supporting leaders who respect science, use data to make decisions, and work across political differences for the good of the American people."
"We know the importance of respecting one another and speaking up when things don’t look right," the group wrote in an open letter posted on its website. "We’ve seen what Americans can achieve when we work as a team toward a common goal."
Who are the NASA astronauts in the nonpartisan group?
The group touts itself as a coalition of 103 former astronauts hailing from across the U.S. with varying political affiliations and professional backgrounds, including military veterans, scientists, teachers and engineers.
Astronauts for America is co-chaired by two seasoned NASA astronauts: Garrett Reisman and Steven Lindsey.
Reisman, 58, of New Jersey, flew two space shuttle missions to the International Space Station and was director of space operations at SpaceX.
A former Air Force colonel and test pilot, Lindsey, 65, of California, flew five space shuttle missions and served as chief of the Astronaut Office, overseeing astronaut training and space operations.
"From space, you see what unites us is more important than what divides us, Reisman said in a statement. "I took on many difficult missions throughout my career, and I view this newest mission as yet another way to bring patriots together and put our country first.”
The organization also counts two former NASA administrators among its members:
- Bolden, a space shuttle astronaut from South Carolina who served as NASA administrator under President Barack Obama from July 2009 through January 2017.
- Bill Nelson, 83, a former astronaut and U.S. Democratic senator from Florida who led the U.S. space agency from May 3, 2021, to Jan. 20, 2025, under President Joe Biden.
What causes have the astronauts supported?
Astronauts for America has already publicly voiced its support for two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
The group released a statement supporting the Supreme Court's ruling against President Donald Trump's efforts to undo the long-standing principle that all individuals born in the U.S. are American citizens. Trump has since said he plans to ask that the court reconsider the birthright citizenship case.
The organization also released a June 30 statement praising the court for ruling in favor of absentee voting measures that the Trump administration sought to curb. Because the ruling ensured mail-in ballots can be counted even if they arrive after election day, the group said it protects astronauts' ability to vote from the space station.
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These former NASA astronauts could be coming to a college campus near you
