More than 100 former Nasa astronauts start a new voting campaign

When astronaut Cady Coleman was in orbit, about 250 miles above the United States, she didn't see separate states or divided cities. Instead, she saw one unified country without visible borders. This unique perspective, seen by only a few people in history, inspired Coleman and many other retired Nasa astronauts to create Astronauts for America. This is a non-political group of former space explorers.

The group was launched to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the US in 2026. Their goal is to help people regain faith in the country's constitutional democracy. They want to encourage politicians and the public to remember and follow the principles of the constitution, which they believe have been neglected recently.

Coleman explained that the 108 members of the group have different political views and opinions about past and present administrations. However, she emphasized that during their space missions, political differences were irrelevant. What mattered was working together for the mission. Now, they are united again, fighting for their country, its democracy, and the restoration of faith in its institutions.

Coleman, who has flown on two space shuttle missions and spent 180 days in space, will participate in the Vote for Freedom campaign this summer and fall. Ahead of the midterm elections in November, the group plans to visit about 60 college campuses, many in important swing states. Their aim is to talk to young and first-time voters, encouraging them to exercise their right to participate in the country's democracy.

She compared encouraging these voters to making a course correction in space, suggesting that small adjustments now can lead to significant differences later, just as a minor change in direction can affect a spacecraft's journey to the moon. The group includes well-known astronauts, such as Charles Bolden and Bill Nelson, who later became Nasa administrators, and Nelson also became a US senator. Rusty Schweickart, who was part of the Apollo 9 mission before the moon landing, is the oldest member at 90.

Charles Bolden, a former Marine Corps major general and Nasa administrator, is a vocal member. He noted the perceived decline in US politics over recent decades, where presidents often resort to executive orders because they cannot or do not want to get action from Congress. While he understood President Obama's reasons for using executive orders due to congressional resistance, Bolden believes this approach does not align with the constitution.

Bolden warned that the country is in peril if the constitution is not followed as intended, mentioning recent challenges to democratic norms. He expressed concern that the US might not survive without immediate action, possibly not even having another presidential term to make a difference. Linda Godwin, a scientist and veteran astronaut, is on the group's steering committee and is helping to plan strategies, including evaluating midterm candidates based on their commitment to constitutional principles.

Godwin suggested that astronauts might have a unique voice because of their experience in large missions that depended on truth, accountability, evidence, and trust. She highlighted their ability to work with people holding diverse opinions to achieve common goals. Currently, she stated, they feel that their country is the mission. The astronauts gathered on July 20th at the California Science Center to launch their campaign, which coincided with the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Ellen Ochoa, another experienced astronaut and the first Hispanic woman in space, emphasized the importance of speaking out when the country moves away from its democratic ideals. She pointed out that college campuses are a key focus because many students might be voting for the first time or may not be in the habit of voting. Ochoa stressed that voting is not just a right but a responsibility, crucial for active participation in a democracy.

The astronauts collectively agreed on a statement for their campaign, using a space theme: 'Going to the polls is one small step for you, and one giant leap for our country.' This statement encapsulates their mission to encourage citizens to participate in the democratic process.