NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA astronauts appear before a variety of groups to inform the general public about the U.S. Space program. Typically, presentations are made to high schools and universities, community organizations, businesses and associations, or military organizations.

Unfortunately, due to the extensive training requirements for astronauts and the high demand for astronaut appearances, we can respond favorably to only a limited number of appearance requests, and many valid requests must be declined.

Incoming requests are evaluated carefully to ensure that astronauts appear at events organized to educate a large audience. Sponsors are advised that unforeseen events, mission priorities, or operational commitments can cause the cancellation of a confirmed appearance.

1. Requests for astronaut appearances should be submitted in writing.

2. Requests should be submitted to the Astronaut Appearances Office no earlier than six months before the event.

3. Lead times for local, domestic, and international requests are as follows:
Local (Houston, Texas area) – 6 weeks
Domestic (continental United States) – 8 weeks
International – 10 weeks.
This amount of time is necessary to allow for completion of all required NASA Legal documentation and arrangement of astronaut travel. The request may be declined if it does not meet these lead times.

4. The request letter must be written or typed on the letterhead of the sponsoring organization and must be signed by an official representative of that organization.
The letter should contain the following information:

a) Date and time of appearance
b) Location (city, state, and country)
c) Approximate number of people expected to attend the event
d) Name and a brief summary of the program or event
e) Description of astronaut’s proposed role at the event. Examples include presentation, keynote speaker, or autographs
f) Description of publicity plans, especially those that encourage media coverage of the event
g) Statement indicating if the sponsoring organization is willing to accept any astronaut if the specific astronauts requested are not available
h) Statement indicating whether the request is from a profit or nonprofit organization
i) Name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address of contact person
j) Statement indicating if the sponsoring organization has a NASA Contract, Grant, or Space Act Agreement
If so, indicate if funding from these sources will be used to pay expenses for the appearance
k) Statement indicating that the sponsoring organization assumes responsibility for all expenses associated with an appearance

EXPENSES:

Unrestricted round trip air fare from Houston, Texas

Meals

Ground transportation (on both ends)

Accommodations

5. If the request is for an appearance outside the continental United States, the following information is also required:

a) Recommended hotel accommodations in the area of the appearance including hotel name, physical address, and phone number. A reservation is not required at the time of initial request.
b) Preliminary agenda including the astronauts expected or desired role.

RESTRICTIONS:

Astronaut Travel - The duration of the appearance (including travel time) within the continental United States should be less than 48 hours. For appearances outside the continental United States, travel should last no more than one week.

The following information concerning airline tickets/reservations is of special importance: Reservations must be made to accommodate the astronaut’s time schedule, which may preclude booking the most economical flights. Therefore, unrestricted airline tickets are required.

Event Planning - We encourage development of the event for maximum efficiency, defined as reaching the most people in the shortest amount of time. Too many events in one day is not efficient, so we suggest the largest venue possible to minimize total individual events. For instance, visiting many classrooms in a school is not efficient. It is much better to bring all the students into one auditorium to hear the astronaut speak. As a guideline, each day should include no more than 3 events, including receptions and meals if the astronaut will be expected to interact with others. Additionally, each day should contain no more than 8 hours of public appearance activities. It is encouraged to promote media coverage for the event. We would be delighted to assist with suggestions for agendas and for media promotion.

Discrimination - The appearance must not unlawfully segregate or unequally treat participants because of Race, Sex, Color, National Origin, Disability, Religion, Age, Sexual Orientation, or Status as a Parent.

Fundraising - A long-standing policy prevents NASA from participating in any activity that is associated with fundraising, promotional activities, or endorsements, either directly or indirectly.

Honoraria - Astronauts are not allowed to accept honoraria. Many organizations wish to thank the astronaut with a small memento or gift; however, federal regulations prevent astronauts from accepting gifts valued greater than $20.

For more information about astronaut appearances, please send an e-mail message to the following address: jsc-astroapp@mail.nasa.gov or call 281-244-8866.

To submit your request,

Fax to:
Astronaut Appearances Office
281-244-8863

or

Mail to:
Astronaut Appearances Office
Mail Code CB
NASA Johnson Space Center
2101 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058-3696