A Day of Action to save NASA science

Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

On October 6, 2025, hundreds of space advocates from across the United States joined The Planetary Society and 20 partner organizations on Capitol Hill to deliver one clear message: protect NASA’s science budget.

We begin with Ari Koeppel, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow and Space Policy Intern at The Planetary Society, who shares why this moment matters for scientists facing uncertainty about their future. Then Britney Schmidt, planetary scientist at Cornell University and member of The Planetary Society’s Board of Directors, calls in from Washington, D.C., to share what it’s like on the ground as hundreds of advocates come together to defend the future of space science.

Next, we take you to the press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, featuring Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society, Representative Glenn Ivey of Maryland’s 4th District, Marcel Agüeros, president-elect of the American Astronomical Society, and Brandon Jones, President of the American Geophysical Union. Together, they urge Congress to restore NASA’s science funding and maintain the United States' leadership in discovery.

We close with Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, reflecting on the power of grassroots advocacy and what comes next for the Save NASA Science campaign.

Finally, in What’s Up, Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society’s chief scientist, joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed to look ahead, exploring the great mysteries we could solve in the coming years if we continue to invest in space science.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-day-of-action-for-nasa-science

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