More than 100 former astronauts launched a nonpartisan organization on Tuesday that seeks to “reinvigorate American democracy” by upholding constitutional values and supporting leaders who respect science and data-backed decisions.
The 103 individuals, who swore to support and defend the U.S. Constitution when they became NASA astronauts, felt called to act as America approaches its 250th anniversary.
So they started Astronauts For America to educate voters, advocate for evidence-based policymaking and hold leaders accountable when they ignore the Constitution and the rule of law, according to a news release.
“We are Republicans, Democrats and Independents from many different backgrounds who share a love of this country,” the group wrote in a letter to America. “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.”
Active NASA astronauts live and work in the Houston area, but many move away after retiring.
Astronauts For America is a nationwide organization registered in Washington, D.C. It is co-chaired by former astronauts Garrett Reisman, who lives in Los Angeles, and Steve Lindsey, who lives outside of Denver.
Reisman flew two space shuttle missions and was director of space operations at SpaceX. Lindsey, a former U.S. Air Force colonel and test pilot, flew five space shuttle missions and was chief of the NASA Astronaut Office where he oversaw astronaut training and space operations.
They worked together for many years and only recently learned that Reisman is a Democrat and Lindsey is a Republican.
“We didn’t spend time discussing who we voted for when we were working in the NASA Astronaut Corps,” their letter read. “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.”
The organization says it will bring together leaders from different sectors and perspectives, strengthen the public’s understanding of the Constitution and meet with members of Congress to encourage their authority in maintaining checks and balances.
“On my many voyages to space, my colleagues and I set aside our differences to reach a common goal,” Lindsey said in a statement. “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,” he added. “In spaceflight, ignoring evidence costs lives. In democracy, it costs trust, stability and freedom.”