This Week in Space 209

Many of us grew up idolizing astronauts as the best of the best that America—and other nations—have to offer. After leaving NASA, many of them go on to relatively routine careers in business or academia, but some stay "on mission" and continue striving to improve the human condition. The 100-plus astronauts behind Astronauts for America, led by Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey—a Democrat and Republican—have decided to speak out about their concerns for our democracy. As the nonprofit's website says, "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." Reisman and Lindsey join us for this important episode.

Headlines:

• Pentagon Releases Official UFO Files Online
• James Webb Space Telescope Directly Observes Nearby ‘Super Earth’
• Curiosity Rover’s Wheels Show Severe Wear on Mars
• Curiosity Rover Gets Its Robotic Arm Stuck on a Martian Rock

Main Topic: Astronauts for America—Combatting Political Polarization

• Group of 100+ Retired Astronauts Form Nonpartisan Organization
• Mission to Counter Extreme Partisanship and Foster Civil Discourse
• Oath to Uphold the Constitution Drives Their Advocacy
• Experiences in Space and Military Inform Their Approach
• Emphasis on Data, Science, and Rule of Law in National Debate
• Concerns Over Erosion of Democratic Norms and Civic Trust
• Civil Rights, Political Violence, and Challenges in Congress Prompt Action
• Organization Seeks to Educate, Engage the Public, and Partner with Other Groups
• Launch of Voter Scorecards Based on Constitutional Values, Not Policy Positions
• Call for Informed Citizen Participation and Election Integrity Initiatives

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• Transcripts: This Week in Space 209 Transcript

Links

• Pentagon UFO Files
• James Webb Space Telescope directly studies an exoplanet's surface for the 1st time: 'We see a dark, hot, barren rock'
• Here's what 6 years of driving on Mars did to the wheels on NASA's Curiosity rover
• A 29-pound Mars rock held NASA's Curiosity rover hostage for 6 days
• Garrett Reisman
• Steve Lindsey
• Astronauts For America