ASTRONAUTS FOR AMERICA

Our Country Is the Mission

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Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to science, evidence-based decision-making, public service, and the rule of law.

We work to uphold constitutional principles and to support leaders who demonstrate commitment to those principles and the ability to work across differences to solve problems.

We’re focused on protecting American constitutional democracy for the long term—beyond any election cycle.

Read Our Letter to America

To Our Fellow Americans:

Looking at the Earth from space, we see what unites us more than what divides us. As former NASA astronauts, that perspective shapes everything we do.

We view our oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution as a lifelong commitment. And today, with the launch of Astronauts For America, we take on a new mission: to reinvigorate American democracy. It’s a critical mission that depends upon all of our vigilance and support.

For decades we’ve seen a steady erosion of our founding values and principles that weakens our democratic systems. The rate of that erosion has increased in recent years. The result has been political polarization and subversion of key constitutional and institutional norms, including bipartisan cooperation, executive constraint, and judicial independence.

In spaceflight, ignoring evidence costs scientific advancement, mission success, and even lives. In democracy, it costs trust, stability, international respect, and the health and well-being of the governed.

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.

Our new mission is patriotic, not partisan. We are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents from many different backgrounds who share a love of this country. We believe deeply in the principles that have propelled our nation for 250 years, such as the rule of law, constructive checks and balances, equal opportunity, and the peaceful transfer of power. A strong democracy makes all else possible: economic growth, national security, and our rights and freedoms.

Astronauts For America will partner with voters and support leaders, regardless of party, who govern in accordance with the Constitution and work out differences to get things done for the good of the nation. We’ll also take officials to task when they ignore the rule of law or distort and disregard the facts.

We’re calling on all our fellow patriots to join us in this mission and put country over party. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, remember the democratic values that have allowed our nation to excel. We encourage you to sign the pledge and join our crew at AstronautsForAmerica.org.

We are very grateful for the opportunities provided to us by this great country which allowed us to live our version of the American Dream. Together, let's ensure that America remains a land of opportunity and a beacon of democracy for another 250 years.

Sincerely,
The Members of Astronauts For America

OUR MISSION:

The Constitution
Bill of Rights
The Declaration of Independence

As former NASA astronauts, we have benefited from the opportunities made possible by American constitutional democracy. We are grateful to have grown up in a country where opportunity made it possible to reach farther than we imagined, and we want that same opportunity to endure for the next 250 years and beyond.

Over the past several decades, public trust in government has declined, and confidence in foundational constitutional principles—including the consent of the governed, the separation of powers, and due process—has been tested.

Over time, partisan polarization has placed increasing strain on our constitutional democracy.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires vigilance and the steady work of building a more perfect union.

We will work to bridge divisions in our country, strengthen a balanced and functional government, and uphold the constitutional principles and rule of law on which the United States was founded, so that all people can realize the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We will work to strengthen public understanding of constitutional principles and civic responsibility.

DONATE

SIGN THE PLEDGE AND JOIN THE CREW

Astronauts For America Pledge

I join the crew of Astronauts For America and affirm my commitment to the Constitution of the United States and the principles of American constitutional democracy.

I support the foundational ideals of our nation—including equality, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the consent of the governed, the rule of law, and the separation of powers—and the shared responsibility of citizens to help preserve them.

I recognize that preserving these principles requires participation, responsibility, and a willingness to work together across differences.

As an Astronauts For America crewmember, I pledge to do my part to help strengthen a balanced and functional government and bridge the divisions in our country so that all can realize the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

 

All are welcome to join the crew. By signing the pledge, you will also get inside access to our newsletter/press releases, invitations to our events, and notified about our new merchandise.

What We Stand For

AMERICAN VALUES

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  • Liberty and equality under the law
  • Rule of law and due process
  • Separation of powers and checks and balances
  • Civil rights and equal protection
  • Consent of the governed — government of the people, by the people, for the people
  • Reciprocal respect for all people — We hold these truths to be self-evident

INTEGRITY & CIVILITY

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  • Stewardship of our nation, our planet, and our shared future
  • Integrity and honesty in leadership
  • Responsibility and service to the public
  • Civility and respect in working together, despite our differences, to solve problems for the good of the nation
  • Every American shares a duty to hold our elected officials accountable

TRUTH & DATA

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  • Respect for evidence and data
  • Commitment to truth and evidence over ideology
  • Problem-solving through collaboration
  • Commitment to facts and evidence over misinformation

What We Do

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Starting now we will:

  • Talk directly with our fellow Americans at events and via media appearances and social media to promote understanding of constitutional principles and civic responsibility
  • Meet with members of Congress to encourage the full and responsible use of their constitutional authorities to maintain checks and balances
  • Support renewed civic education efforts to strengthen understanding of the Constitution and the responsibilities of citizenship
  • Promote confidence in and help ensure free and fair elections in 2026 and beyond
  • Encourage evidence-based policymaking grounded in data, science, and informed analysis – as astronauts do!
  • Bring together leaders from across sectors and perspectives to help rebuild trust in constitutional institutions and democratic processes
  • Invite Americans from all walks of life to participate in this effort and contribute their voices, time, and leadership in strengthening our constitutional democracy by joining our Mission
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    In the next phase, we will:

    • Support candidates regardless of party affiliation who demonstrate commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, separation of powers, evidence-based decision-making, and the rights of all people
    • Identify, support, and advocate for specific actions to strengthen and protect our democracy

    STEERING COMMITTEE

    Charles Bolden

    Home State: South Carolina - Charles Bolden is a former NASA astronaut and served as the 12th NASA Administrator, leading the agency during a period of major transition in U.S. human spaceflight. A retired Major General in the U.S. Marine Corps, he flew combat missions in Vietnam and commanded at the squadron and wing levels before returning to NASA as the Administrator. Following his career as a NASA astronaut he returned to the operating forces of the Marine Corps and commanded the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing prior to retirement.

    John Grunsfeld

    Home State: Illinois - John Grunsfeld PhD is a physicist and former NASA astronaut who flew five Space Shuttle missions and conducted multiple spacewalks, playing a central role in the servicing and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope. He served as the NASA Chief Scientist, and later served as NASA Associate Administrator for Science, overseeing the agency’s science missions and research portfolio.

    Wendy Lawrence

    Home State: Florida / California / Virginia - Wendy Lawrence is a former NASA astronaut who flew four Space Shuttle missions, including two missions to the Russian space station Mir, where she worked closely with international partners during a critical era of U.S.–Russian space cooperation. A retired U.S. Navy Captain and helicopter pilot, Lawrence hails from a family whose military service dates back to the Revolutionary War.

    John Herrington

    Home State: Oklahoma - John Herrington is a former NASA astronaut who flew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, conducting spacewalks to support the International Space Station. A U.S. Navy veteran and test pilot, he is the first enrolled citizen of a federally recognized Native American tribe to fly in space. He has a PhD in Education and focuses on STEM education for Native students.

    Steve Lindsey

    Home State: California - Steve Lindsey is a former NASA astronaut who flew five Space Shuttle missions and served as Chief of the Astronaut Office, overseeing astronaut training and spaceflight operations. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and test pilot, he logged more than 7,000 flight hours in over 50 aircraft.

    Danny Olivas

    Home State: Texas - Danny Olivas is a former NASA astronaut who flew two Space Shuttle missions. He has performed five spacewalks including the only on orbit repair to the thermal protection system of Atlantis. He also made history by being the first Mexican-American spacewalker and holds a PhD in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering.

    Ron Garan

    Home State: New York - Ron Garan is a former NASA astronaut who flew aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle, Russian Soyuz, and served as a long-duration crew member on the International Space Station. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, test pilot, and a highly decorated combat fighter pilot, he flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm, and has led commercial spaceflight companies.

    Garrett Reisman

    Home State: New Jersey - Garrett Reisman is a former NASA astronaut who flew two Space Shuttle missions to the International Space Station, where he lived and worked aboard the ISS as a long-duration crew member. Reisman was Director of Space Operations at SpaceX, where he played a central role in the first commercial spacecraft to carry astronauts to orbit. He is a Professor of Astronautical Engineering at the University of Southern California.

    Linda Godwin

    Home State: Missouri - Linda Godwin is a former NASA astronaut who flew four Space Shuttle missions, including missions to deploy the Gamma Ray Observatory and operate the Space Radar Laboratory. She served as Deputy Chief of the astronaut corp. She has a PhD in physics from the University of Missouri. After leaving NASA, she returned to her alma mater as a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

    Bryan O’Connor

    Home State: California - Bryan O’Connor is a former Marine Corps test pilot and NASA astronaut who flew two Space Shuttle missions, commanding the first dedicated Spacelab life sciences research mission. He served the Agency in a variety of roles during the Challenger investigation and return to flight. After leaving the Astronaut Corps, he served as Deputy Associate Administrator (Shuttle) for the Office of Space Flight, and Chief of the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, both at NASA Headquarters.

    Steve Smith

    Home State: California - Steve Smith is a former astronaut who flew four Space Shuttle missions, conducted multiple spacewalks on the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station, and served as the Deputy Chief of the astronaut corps. Prior to becoming an astronaut, Smith was an IBM leader and a NASA flight controller. He holds an MBA from Stanford Business School.

    ASTRONAUT MEMBERS

    Over 100 former NASA astronauts have joined Astronauts For America. The individuals listed here wanted you to know their name.
    Loren Acton, PhD John Grunsfeld, PhD George Nelson, PhD
    Jay Apt, PhD Ken Ham, Capt. USN (ret) Jim Newman, PhD
    John-David Bartoe, PhD Steve Hawley, PhD Karen Nyberg, PhD
    Charles Bolden, MGen. USMC (ret) José Hernández Ellen Ochoa, PhD
    James Buchli, Col. USMC (ret) John Herrington, PhD, Cdr. USN (ret) Bryan O’Connor, Col. USMC (ret)
    Dan Bursch, Capt. USN (ret) Jeff Hoffman, PhD Bill Oefelein, Cdr. USN (ret)
    Duane Carey, LCol. USAF (ret) Greg H. Johnson, Col. USAF (ret) Danny Olivas, PhD
    Josh Cassada, PhD, Capt. USN (ret) Greg C. Johnson, Capt. USNR (ret) John Phillips, PhD, Capt. USNR (ret)
    Chris Cassidy, Capt. USN (ret) Janet Kavandi, PhD Bill Readdy, Capt. USN (ret)
    Greg Chamitoff, PhD Scott Kelly, Capt. USN (ret) Garrett Reisman, PhD
    Kenneth Cockrell, Capt. USN (ret) Kevin Kregel, Col. USAF (ret) Rusty Schweickart
    Cady Coleman, PhD, Col. USAF (ret) Wendy Lawrence, Capt. USN (ret) Brewster Shaw, Col. USAF (ret)
    John Creighton, Capt. USN (ret) David Leestma, Capt. USN (ret)  Steve Smith
    Frank Culbertson, Capt. USN (ret) Steve Lindsey, Col. USAF (ret) Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Capt. USN (ret)
    Anthony England, PhD Rick Linnehan, DVM Nicole Stott
    Jeanette Epps, PhD Michael Lopez-Alegria, Capt. USN (ret) Steve Swanson, PhD
    John Fabian, PhD, Col. USAF (ret) Sandy Magnus, PhD Dan Tani
    Michael Foale, PhD Bill McArthur, Col. USA (ret) Kathryn Thornton, PhD
    Steve Frick, Capt. USN (ret) Pam Melroy, Col. USAF (ret) Gene Trinh, PhD
    Ron Garan, Col. USAF (ret) Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger Jim Voss, Col. USA (ret)
    Guy Gardner, Col. USAF (ret) Hon. Bill Nelson James van Hoften, PhD
    Linda Godwin, PhD Terry Virts, Col. USAF (ret)

    CONTACT US

    For Media Inquiries, please email Press@AstronautsForAmerica.org.