Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science Day of Action 2026: Rejoining the fight to save NASA science
May 6, 2026
Philip Shane, multi-year Day of Action veteran and podcast host, Jason Cerundolo, CEO of Colossus Computing building spacecraft supercomputers, and Gabe Segarra, human factors and health researcher. They discuss advocacy and civic participation, NASA-supported startup paths and entrepreneurship, and links between human health research and NASA science. The conversation captures the energy and stakes of returning to Capitol Hill.
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Use Training And Mentors To Advocate Effectively
- Jenn Vaughn urges advocates to use Planetary Society trainings and veteran mentors to confidently meet with Congressional staffers.
- She notes half the Day of Action attendees were new and training made them feel supported and effective in 280 meetings that day.
Charter Member Finally Visits Capitol Hill
- David Johnson described joining the Planetary Society as a charter member and finally coming to Capitol Hill after 46 years of membership.
- He recalled big Planetary Society events like the Spirit landing celebration and an eclipse trip that fueled his lifelong involvement.
Human Factors Tie Space Research To Everyday Health
- Gabe Segarra links human factors research to both healthcare safety and NASA spacecraft design, highlighting shared methods.
- He gave Velcro and Artemis 2 physiological studies as tangible examples connecting space research to everyday and medical benefits.