A group of more than 100 retired NASA astronauts has launched a new nonpartisan organization, Astronauts for America, dedicated to promoting U.S. constitutional values and restoring civil discourse.
The initiative comes at a time of significant social friction, as the group seeks to address what they perceive as a growing erosion of democratic norms and a decline in public trust regarding both government institutions and scientific integrity.
A Mission Beyond Spaceflight
The organization was formed in response to increasing political polarization and the breakdown of productive debate in the public sphere. Co-founder and former NASA astronaut Linda Godwin, who completed four shuttle missions, noted that the decision to organize stemmed from a shared sense of unease among many in the space community.
According to the group’s inaugural open letter, the organization is rooted in several core American principles, including:
– The rule of law
– The system of checks and balances
– The peaceful transition of power
Godwin emphasized that the mindset of an astronaut—observing a problem and speaking up immediately—guided their decision to step into the political arena.
Strategy for Accountability and Leadership
Astronauts for America does not intend to be a mere discussion group; it plans to take active steps to influence the political landscape through two primary methods:
- Candidate Scorecards: The group intends to release ratings for national political candidates, evaluating how closely they adhere to the Constitution and the rule of law.
- Lobbying for Evidence-Based Leadership: Members plan to meet with policymakers to advocate for leadership driven by data and scientific evidence rather than purely partisan interests.
This focus on “evidence-based leadership” is particularly significant. In an era where scientific consensus is increasingly contested in political debates, the group aims to bridge the gap between technical expertise and legislative action.
A Nonpartisan Coalition
Despite the high-profile nature of its members, the group stresses its nonpartisan identity. The coalition includes veterans from various eras of space exploration, such as:
– Rusty Schweickart (Apollo 9)
– Ellen Ochoa (former deputy director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center)
– Scott Kelly (retired astronaut)
The group maintains that while individual members may hold different views, they are united by a shared respect for the constitutional framework. Godwin noted that the group’s goal is to address failures in representation across the political spectrum, particularly within Congress.
“We see the same core values of respecting our Constitution and rule of law as extending across all parties,” says Godwin.
Summary
By leveraging their public prestige and scientific backgrounds, these former astronauts aim to act as a stabilizing force, promoting constitutional literacy and evidence-based decision-making in an increasingly polarized political climate.
