We reached beyond the typical space-interested mediasphere to secure coverage on MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, BBC, Axios, and local outlets in nearly every state represented by our advocates. The message resonated. For one day, space science dominated the national conversation — not as an esoteric curiosity, but as a vital part of America’s future.
That’s the power of grassroots advocacy: when hundreds of people take ownership of an issue, it becomes impossible to ignore.
What happens next
It’s easy to think that this Day of Action is a one-off event, a blip on the nation’s proverbial radar. But the work of The Planetary Society and of this campaign to Save NASA Science is ongoing. We have expanded our D.C. presence with the introduction of our first-ever Policy Fellow, Dr. Ari Koeppel. We have enabled tens of thousands of people from every state and congressional district to contact their representatives about this effort. And we have deepened our partnerships with the 19 other organizations that joined us on Monday. We are ready for what happens next.
We don’t know when the shutdown will end. But once it does, the negotiations will move quickly. Our focus now is ensuring that final legislation restores NASA’s and NSF’s budgets to at least FY 2024 enacted levels, protects active and in-development missions from cancellation, and maintains the national investments that sustain research, education, and innovation.
Until then, the best thing any supporter can do is stay engaged. Visit the Save NASA Science Action Hub for updates, opportunities to contact your representatives, and tools to share this message in your community.