Over 100 Former NASA Astronauts Launch “Astronauts For America” to Uphold the Constitution

Washington, D.C. – Today, a group of 103 former NASA Astronauts launched Astronauts For America, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to upholding constitutional values; 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. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the former NASA Astronauts are reaffirming the oath they each took to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. More below

In an open letter to the American people, the Astronauts call on their fellow patriots to join their mission to put country over party, writing, “If you’re like us, you might not be used to talking about politics outside of your home. We didn’t spend time discussing who we voted for when we were working in the NASA Astronaut Corps. We know the importance of respecting one another and speaking up when things don’t look right. We’ve seen what Americans can achieve when we work as a team toward a common goal.”

Astronauts For America is rooted in patriotism and commitment to our nation’s foundational documents. The organization plans to release candidate scorecards that educate voters, support sound leadership, and hold leaders accountable when they ignore the Constitution and the rule of law. Astronauts For America members will also meet directly with federal policymakers to advocate for evidence-based leadership and for Congress to exercise its constitutional authority.

Astronauts For America is a coalition of former Astronauts from across the political spectrum who believe deeply in truth, science, and service. The Astronauts include veterans, scientists, teachers, and engineers from all political backgrounds and all parts of the country. Astronauts For America members believe respect for the peaceful transfer of power, bipartisan cooperation, equal opportunity, and constitutional limits are all essential to a functioning democracy.

Astronauts For America is co-chaired by two seasoned NASA Astronauts, Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey. Reisman flew two Space Shuttle missions to the International Space Station and was Director of Space Operations at SpaceX, where he played a central role in the first commercial spacecraft to carry astronauts to orbit. Lindsey flew five Space Shuttle missions and served as Chief of the Astronaut Office, overseeing astronaut training and space operations. He is a former U.S. Air Force Colonel and test pilot.

In all their years of friendship, Reisman and Lindsey were focused on the mission, not on politics. Only recently did they discover that one is a registered Democrat, and the other a registered Republican. While their political affiliations may differ, they share a deep love of country and respect for the Constitution.

“America is a beacon of freedom and democracy,” said Garrett Reisman, Co-Chair of Astronauts For America. “I love this country and I’m forever grateful that NASA allowed me to live the American dream. The goal of Astronauts For America is to ensure the American dream endures for our children, grandchildren, and all Americans. From space, you see what unites us is more important than what divides us. 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.”

“On my many voyages to space, my colleagues and I set aside our differences to reach a common goal,” said Steve Lindsey, Co-Chair of Astronauts For America. “That is exactly what Astronauts For America aims to achieve. Our organization will proudly support leaders who exercise objective evidenced-based reasoning, respect truth and honesty, and display the ability to work together with civility, regardless of political affiliations. As former Astronauts, we understand that truth, science, and teamwork are not optional. In spaceflight, ignoring evidence costs lives. In democracy, it costs trust, stability, and freedom.”

“When we prepared for spaceflight, we treated our crewmembers with mutual respect and we compromised when the mission required it,” said Charles Bolden, Astronauts For America Co-Founder, former NASA Administrator, and U.S. Marine Corps Major General (ret.). “That’s how our nation’s leaders should operate. Through my service in the Marines and at NASA, my colleagues and I defended the U.S. Constitution and the American values that have allowed our nation to become the greatest country in the world. Creating a safer and more prosperous American future requires a return to those ideals.”

As a coalition of former NASA Astronauts, Astronauts For America members have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution and lived that oath through service in NASA and, for many, in the U.S. armed forces. Astronauts For America is grounded in the commitment to service, demonstration of good judgment, and patriotism that are hallmarks of Astronauts. We exist to remind Americans of the values that make self-government possible and to use the unique trust placed in astronauts to strengthen American democracy for the long term.

Astronauts For America’s open letter to the American people is available in full HERE.

About Astronauts For America

Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA Astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution and who believe deeply in truth, science, and service. We are working to stand up for constitutional values and the rule of law, and to support leaders who demonstrate commitment to those values and to working together across differences to get things done. We’re focused on protecting our democracy for the long term.

For more information, visit AstronautsForAmerica.org or follow us on Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and BlueSky