Save NASA Science Day of Action FAQ

What is the Save NASA Science Day of Action?

The Save NASA Science Day of Action is a joint effort by The Planetary Society and nearly a dozen partner organizations to facilitate direct, person-to-person advocacy in Washington, D.C., in support of NASA's science activities. This is in response to the unprecedented attack on NASA's science program in the FY 2026 White House budget request, which proposes to cut funding in half.

Why October 5th and 6th?

Congress hasn't finalized appropriations legislation by the start of the federal fiscal year since 1996. We expect this year to continue that trend, with final appropriations still unfinished and a short-term continuing resolution in place.

This provides a good opportunity to support the important work Congress has already done in preparing NASA funding legislation for 2026, which fully rejects cuts to NASA's top line and the majority of cuts to NASA science. Negotiations between the Senate and House will be ongoing, and we want ot ensure that the Senate's numbers for NASA science (which fully rejects cuts) are preserved.

Additionally, given the rumors that the Office of Management and Budget may impose mission terminations during a temporary spending period, we can push back immediately against any such moves, defend threatened missions, and ensure Congress exercises its power of the purse.

Which organizations are participating?

The following organizations are supporting the joint Day of Action:

• American Astronomical Society
• American Geophysical Union
• 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
• Universities Space Research Association

Do I need to be a member of the participating organizations?

We strongly recommend that you be a member of or join a partner organization before participating, though we do not strictly require it.

Where do I stay in Washington, D.C.? How do I get around?

We have a limited number of discounted rooms at the Holiday Inn at the National Mall. To reserve, you must use the special URL provided in your registration confirmation email.

Additionally, we have a page of recommendations for accommodations and travel tips for Washington, D.C.

What will I be advocating for?

We are focusing on rejecting the cuts to NASA science proposed in the FY 2026 White House budget request. Our primary 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.
• Continue investments in space science research, education, and outreach.

Why does it cost money to register?

The Planetary Society and its partners do not make a profit on the Day of Action, nor is it the goal to do so. We provide this event primarily as a service to our members and the broader pro-space science community. However, after years of experience, we've found that requiring a small registration fee (in this case, $24.90, and only $7.33 for students) significantly reduces the rate of no-shows and last-minute cancellations. This outcome greatly improves our reputation with congressional offices (by minimizing last-minute meeting cancellations), reduces the uncertainty and churn for our advocacy group teams, and minimizes unnecessary scheduling costs (which are paid to our service provider on a per-meeting-requested basis). In essence, it greatly improves the experience for everyone involved.

For those unable to pay the registration fee or travel to Washington, D.C., we will provide special online advocacy actions designed to support the Day of Action in October.

Please note that members of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) can register via a separate sign-up form that does not require a registration fee, which is provided by the AGU itself.

What is the time commitment to participate?

For the in-person D.C. experience, you should expect to devote about two full days to the effort, including a training session on Sunday, October 5th a full day of meetings on Monday, October 6th. We additionally ask that you participate in a 90-minute virtual training session on September 21st (this will be recorded and can be viewed at your convenience). 

Meetings can occur as early as 9 am and finish as late as 5:30 pm. They will be done with a group of fellow advocates from the same district or region, many of whom have attended prior Days of Action or similar congressional visits. We provide time to plan each meeting strategy, with the goal of providing each individual an opportunity to lead discussions, field questions, and support the effort.

The Sunday afternoon prior to the Day of Action is for a mandatory training session. Expect to spend a few hours before the training reviewing materials and preparing for your meetings in the months prior to the Day of Action itself.

For people pledging to take online actions, expect to spend less than an hour on our activities, which can be done at your discretion.

How do I prepare?

We will provide two training sessions (online and in-person) prior to your meetings. You can additionally review The Planetary Society's general talking points to Save NASA Science, read the latest updates on the cuts and congressional actions, or review the economic impacts of NASA science in your state and congressional district.

Is there a dress code?

We recommend business or business-casual. 

What's it like?

The most common experience of our participants is exhilaration. It's rewarding and fun to share your passion with the people who can make a positive difference in the future of space exploration.

Your schedule is provided via a custom web portal that provides meeting information and your schedule, participant information, and talking points. We also provide special events like exclusive mission briefings by leaders in the scientific community and member gatherings.

But don't take our word for it; you can read advocate testimonials or watch a video of prior Planetary Society Days of Action.

Do I need to be a space expert or an experienced space advocate?

No! You have a right to express your views to your political representatives regardless of your background or occupation. If you love space, you can tell your lawmakers that you'd like them to prioritize investments in space. Simple as that.

That said, we offer pathways to deepen your knowledge before the Day of Action with background materials and our free online course, Space Advocacy 101. We also provide training and opportunities to practice before your meetings so that you can effectively advocate for space.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. resident to register for the full Day of Action. Individuals living outside the United States may pledge to take action in support of our advocacy activities.

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.

If you have questions about how these rules apply to your specific situation, please consult your agency's ethics office or special counsel for guidance. Your voice still matters, and we welcome you to join the Day of Action in a way that fits both your passion for space and your obligations as a civil servant.

Will I meet directly with my member of Congress?

Sometimes. We always attempt to schedule an in-person meeting with your lawmaker, but due to scheduling complexities, you will generally meet with a high-level staff member in their Washington, D.C. office.

Is it effective?

Yes. Research by the Congressional Management Foundation shows that, for non-partisan issues like space exploration, in-person constituent advocacy has the highest impact on the decision process for lawmakers:

I have more questions!

Please reach out to Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations, if you have further questions: [email protected].