Planetary Society members rally in Washington, D.C., urge Congress to protect NASA science

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2025

Contact
Danielle Gunn
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1-626-793-5100

Washington, D.C. (March 24, 2025) — In response to unprecedented threats to NASA’s budget and workforce, more than 100 members of The Planetary Society have traveled to Washington, D.C., today to advocate for the agency’s unique science and exploration capabilities.

The Planetary Society, the world’s largest independent space advocacy group, facilitates this annual event, called the Day of Action, to bring space enthusiasts face-to-face with their elected officials. This year’s gathering took on heightened urgency after reports surfaced that the White House may be considering upwards of a 50% cut to NASA’s science activities.

“We could be facing the most serious threat to NASA’s science program in decades,” said Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society. “And our members are stepping up. Each one traveled here on their own time and at their own expense because they know what’s at stake. It’s inspiring, and yet another example of how the public supports NASA’s unique contributions to the nation.”

While 105 members are advocating on Capitol Hill, thousands more are taking action online. The Planetary Society has launched a grassroots campaign urging U.S. residents to contact their representatives and oppose cuts to NASA science.

The Planetary Society has led its members in the Day of Action since 2018; it is the largest citizen space advocacy effort of its kind.
 

Press Resources

Planetary Society Day of Action 2025
Planetary Society Day of Action 2025 Members of The Planetary Society gather in Washington, D.C., to meet with their representatives in support of NASA science funding on March 24, 2025.Image: Tushar Dayal for The Planetary Society

About The Planetary Society

The Planetary Society is the world's largest and most influential space interest organization. Founded in 1980 by astronomer Carl Sagan with Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit is led today by CEO Jenn Vaughn and championed by Chief Ambassador Bill Nye. Members and donors fund programs in science and technology, public outreach, and advocacy. This work advances the exploration of space, the search for life beyond Earth, and the defense of our planet from dangerous asteroids and comets. Learn more at planetary.org.

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