This Week in Space 209: Astronauts for America

This Week in Space 209: Astronauts for America

From All TWiT.tv Shows (Video) by TWiT

May 8, 2026 · 1h 10m

About this episode

The episode discusses the nonpartisan organization Astronauts for America and its mission to combat political polarization and promote civic trust.

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…

People in this episode

Guests: Garrett Reisman, Steve Lindsey

Topics covered

  • Astronauts for America
  • Political Polarization
  • Civic Trust
  • Science and Evidence-based Decision Making
  • Democracy
  • Civil Discourse

Keywords

  • astronauts
  • political polarization
  • nonpartisan
  • democracy
  • science
  • civil discourse
  • NASA
  • evidence-based decision making

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Astronauts for America, NASA, Pentagon, James Webb Space Telescope, Curiosity Rover

Places: United States

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