Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ)

Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis. Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search. Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page. All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified. This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.

NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses

• Member, Planetary Science Caucus

Overall Summary

Senator Mark Kelly's extensive background as a retired NASA astronaut and his current leadership in advocating for $9 billion for NASA's Science Mission Directorate position him as a potential champion for increased space science funding. While the proposed 47% budget cut for FY2026 presents a significant challenge, his demonstrated opposition to cuts and membership in the Planetary Science Caucus indicate a strong personal and policy alignment with these goals.

Furthermore, Arizona's substantial receipt of NASA Science contracts and grants, particularly for major planetary science and astrophysics missions at institutions like the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, provides a compelling local economic and research incentive for his support. Despite the uphill battle against deep proposed cuts, these factors suggest Senator Kelly will likely be receptive to advocacy for robust investment in NASA's science programs.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider preparing a brief personal story about how NASA's space science has impacted you or your community, directly connecting to Senator Kelly's own deep experience as a NASA astronaut and his stated support for the Science Mission Directorate.
• Explore specific examples of how NASA science investments, particularly those at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, directly benefit Arizona's economy, jobs, and educational opportunities, aligning with Senator Kelly's emphasis on local impact.
• Look into Senator Kelly's work with the Planetary Science Caucus and his bipartisan efforts on planetary defense, identifying how increased NASA science investment can further these specific areas of interest and benefit national security.

About Mark Kelly

• Earned a BSc in marine engineering and an MSc in aeronautical engineering.
• Retired NASA astronaut; commanded two Space Shuttle missions, piloted two others.
• Flew four space missions, including delivering modules to the International Space Station.
• Served as a naval aviator and test pilot, flying 39 combat missions.
• Co-founded aerospace company World View Enterprises; served on SpaceX safety panel.

Opportunities

• Astronaut Experience: Senator Kelly's background as a retired NASA astronaut who commanded Space Shuttle missions provides him with direct experience and a deep understanding of space science and exploration. (Biography)
• Advocacy for NASA Science Funding: Senator Kelly is leading a letter to appropriators requesting $9 billion for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, actively opposing proposed cuts and emphasizing the economic and national security benefits of space science. (Payload Space, 2025-05)
• Planetary Science Caucus Member: As a member of the Planetary Science Caucus, Senator Kelly is formally aligned with a group dedicated to advancing federal policies that support space science, research, and exploration.
• Local NASA Science Investment: Senator Kelly highlights Arizona's significant role in space research, with universities like the University of Arizona and Arizona State University receiving substantial NASA contracts for planetary science and astrophysics missions, such as OSIRIS-REx and Psyche. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
• Bipartisan Planetary Defense: Senator Kelly co-introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to designate June 30 as Asteroid Day, underscoring the importance of planetary defense and public understanding of space science. (Senator Mark Kelly, 2025-06)

Challenges

• No salient risk indicators identified in the public record.

Additional Sources

[1] en.wikipedia.org

"Mark Kelly. February 21, 1964. Mark Edward Kelly (born February 21, 1964) is an American politician, retired astronaut, and former naval officer serving as the senior United States senator from Arizona, a seat he has held since 2020. He is a..." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Kelly

[2] kelly.senate.gov

"Page Title: ICYMI: Kelly Pens New York Times Op-Ed Warning Against NASA Cuts, Advocates for the Next Generation of American Innovation - Senator Mark Kelly. Publish Date: August 6, 2025. Main Textual Content:. “I’m worried that..." https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-kelly-pens-new-york-times-op-ed-warning-against-nasa-cuts-advocates-for-the-next-generation-of-american-innovation/

[3] kelly.senate.gov

"About Mark - Senator Mark Kelly. Mark Kelly has served his country as a U.S. Navy combat pilot, a NASA astronaut, and now as a U.S. Senator for Arizona. He is an independent leader who came to the Senate to serve Arizona’s working families, not..." https://www.kelly.senate.gov/about/

[4] c-span.org

"Sen. Mark Kelly, Former NASA Administrator and Others on Scientific Research Funding | Video | C-SPAN.org. This program is not available for viewing due to rights restrictions." https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/sen-mark-kelly-former-nasa-administrator-and-others-on-scientific-research-funding/662813

[5] space.com

"Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly re-elected to US Senate | Space. 12 November 2022. Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly has won re-election to the United States Senate, multiple media outlets are projecting. Mark Kelly, an incumbent Democratic..." https://www.space.com/former-astronaut-mark-kelly-re-elected-us-senate