Artemis II reminded us that watching humans push beyond Earth stirs a rare, shared pride and hope, and that spirit is the spark behind Astronauts for America. Two former NASA astronauts have launched a nonpartisan effort grounded in duty to defend the Constitution and the rule of law. We want leaders who deliver results and preserve the institutions that make this country exceptional.
Seen from a rocket or from orbit, differences fade and a sense of unity grows. Between the two of us we’ve flown millions of miles and felt firsthand how teamwork and responsibility carry a mission forward. That perspective shapes everything we say about public service and civic duty.
We swore an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and we take it seriously. This is not rhetorical; it is the foundation for limited government, individual liberty and the rule of law that conservatives defend. On April 21 we launched a fresh, patriotic mission to protect those principles and to back leaders who will put America first.
We have brought together more than a hundred former NASA astronauts to form Astronauts for America, a group united by service rather than ideology. Our membership spans Republicans, Democrats and Independents, and our focus is duty over partisan scorekeeping. We want to make sure those who seek office understand what it takes to defend freedom and get things done.
NASA’S ARTEMIS FOLLOW-UP MISSION ‘RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER’ AFTER SUCCESSFUL LUNAR FLIGHT is a reminder that big national projects succeed when people work across differences to achieve practical goals. The moon missions are proof that American grit, engineering and steady leadership produce results. That’s the kind of leadership we want in Washington.
One of us served more than 30 years in the Air Force and as a test pilot and astronaut at NASA, while the other spent 95 days aboard the International Space Station and later worked at SpaceX building American capability. We both joined NASA because it represents the best of what this nation can do when we apply science, discipline and common purpose. Those experiences taught us to value competence and accountability over cheap politics.
We’re not in the business of politicking for its own sake; spaceflight rewards mission-focus and clear communication. Despite long missions and confined quarters, politics rarely surfaced among crew—we argued about procedures, not polling. Only recently did we learn that one of us is a registered Republican and the other is a registered Democrat, and that only confirmed our belief that service unites more than it divides.
NASA CHIEF JARED ISAACMAN SAYS ARTEMIS II WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE ‘IF IT WASN’T FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP’ captures how leadership choices matter to big national endeavors. Strong executive support, smart policy and private-public partnership get rockets off the pad and keep programs on schedule. That simple truth applies equally to defending the Constitution and ensuring secure, prosperous futures for American families.
Democracy is not a spectator sport, and conservatives should be out front defending civil order and free speech for all citizens. We must push back on the culture of intimidation and stand for schools where kids can speak up without fear of violence or ostracism. At the same time we should encourage every child who dreams of representing America in space to pursue excellence and responsibility.
Those who strap into rockets or wear the uniform know what it means to be tested and to rely on one another under pressure. The same standard should apply to public servants: rise to the occasion, lead with courage and protect the institutions that protect our liberty. We believe Americans working together, guided by principle and common sense, can meet this moment and preserve the promise of the republic.
