A Day of Action to Save NASA Science

A Day of Action to Save NASA Science

Advocate for space science and exploration in Washington, D.C. with The Planetary Society and its partners.

By The Planetary Society

Date and time

Location

United States Capitol

U.S. Capitol Building Washington, DC 20004

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event.

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 day 5 hours

The Day of Action to Save NASA Science is a joint effort to push back against the draconian cuts proposed to NASA science in the FY 2026 White House budget request for NASA. The participating organizations are: American Astronomical Society, American Geophysical Union (members see note below), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Association of American Universities, Explore Mars Inc., The Mars Society, Maryland Aerospace Alliance, National Space Society, The Planetary Society, Scientific Society for Astrobiology, and Universities Space Research Association.

The event facilitates meetings between constituents and their elected officials in Washington, D.C. on October 6th, 2025.

Our primary advocacy goals are to:

  • Preserve NASA's Science Mission Directorate top-line at $7.3 billion in FY 2026.
  • Ensure that active science missions are not prematurely cancelled.
  • Argue for sustained investments in space science research, education, and outreach.

The event spans two days:

  • The afternoon of Sunday, October 5th, is devoted to training and preparing for your meetings.
  • The full day of Monday, October 6th, will be in-person meetings with congressional offices.

Research has shown that in-person constituent meetings are the most effective way to engage elected officials on topics like space exploration. If you believe in a future of space, this is the way to show it.

Registration includes:

  • Online and in-person advocacy training from space policy experts.
  • A minimum of three meetings with your congressional representatives (additional meetings may be scheduled)
  • Social gatherings and in-person meeting opportunities with organizational staff and fellow members.

Not included:

  • Travel to and lodging in Washington, D.C.

AGU Members:

Members of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) must register via this link, not through Eventbrite. All other organization members and the public register here.

Age requirements:

Anyone under 18 by October 5th, 2025, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also registered for the event.

Experience:

Anyone is welcome to participate, whether you're an experienced space advocate, student, scientist, or merely a fan of space and NASA. Our training will help you be the best advocate you can be.

Citizenship Requirements:

Anyone with a U.S. address is welcome to attend.

Frequently asked questions

What is the time commitment to participate?

For the in-person D.C. experience, you should expect to engage in 3 - 7 meetings throughout the day starting as early as 9 am and finishing as late as 5:30 pm. There will be a 4-hour training session on the Sunday prior, and a 90-minute online training session two weeks before the event.

Am I the right person to advocate for space?

Yes, you are. No matter your background or experience, if you are passionate about space science and exploration, you belong here. We provide extensive training, detailed talking points, and a supportive, positive environment to support all levels of experience.

Who will I meet with?

At minimum, you will meet with your two Senate offices and the office of your member of the House of Representatives. For states with very high levels of participation (Maryland and Virginia), you may be assigned as support for groups with fewer constituents.

I am a civil servant, can I participate?

Yes! As a federal employee, you have a statutory right under 5 U.S.C. § 7211 to communicate with or petition Congress individually or collectively. However, you must do so on your own time and without using government resources or presenting yourself as an agency representative.

Do you offer discounted hotel rooms?

We have a limited number of hotel rooms provided at a discounted rate of $239/night at the Holiday Inn National Mall in downtown Washington, D.C. You must use a special registration link provided in our email confirmation sent after you register for the event.

Organized by

The Planetary Society

With a global community of more than 2 million space enthusiasts, The Planetary Society is the world’s largest and most influential space advocacy organization.

Founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman and today led by CEO Bill Nye, we empower the public to take a meaningful role in advancing space exploration through advocacy, education outreach, scientific innovation, and global collaboration.

Together with our members and supporters, we’re on a mission to explore worlds, find life off Earth, and protect our planet from dangerous asteroids.

To learn more, visit www.planetary.org.

From $7.33
Oct 5 · 1:00 PM EDT