Overview
- The coalition, unveiled Tuesday, lists 103 retired astronauts as signatories and names Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey as co-chairs.
- The group plans voter education tools, including scorecards that rate national candidates on adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law.
- Leaders say they will meet with federal policymakers to promote decisions based on data and to encourage stronger checks and balances in Congress.
- Membership spans Republicans, Democrats and Independents, includes Ellen Ochoa, Scott Kelly and Apollo 9’s Rusty Schweickart, and remains independent of NASA with participation limited to retirees.
- In an open letter, members cited years of eroding norms and rising polarization as their cause for action, with Reisman pointing to an immigration raid he witnessed as a personal spur.