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.
Senator Bennet's lack of a direct committee assignment related to space in the 119th Congress and his focus on other pressing legislative priorities like healthcare and economic challenges suggest he may not prioritize increased NASA science funding without compelling local justification. His past votes against certain spending bills also indicate a willingness to oppose broad appropriations, which could include NASA.
However, Colorado's robust aerospace ecosystem, including major NASA science contractors like Lockheed Martin and Bae Systems, and significant university research institutions receiving substantial NASA grants (over $776 million in the last three fiscal years for science activities), presents a strong case for his support. Senator Bennet has consistently advocated for this industry, explicitly supported "all of NASA's critical work, including planetary science, climate change research, and STEM education outreach," and emphasized the importance of STEM education and workforce development, all directly tied to NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
Support for Colorado's Aerospace Ecosystem: Senator Bennet consistently advocates for Colorado's aerospace industry, which includes major NASA contractors and research institutions, emphasizing the state's "dynamic aerospace ecosystem" and "robust University research" (Bennet.senate.gov, 2022-03). This ecosystem includes companies like Lockheed Martin Corp and Bae Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. in Colorado, which hold significant NASA contracts for science and exploration missions (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024).
Advocacy for NASA Science and Exploration Funding: Senator Bennet joined Senate colleagues in supporting continued funding for NASA's Human Landing System (HLS) program, part of the Artemis Program, and explicitly stated support for "all of NASA's critical work, including planetary science, climate change research, and STEM education outreach" (Bennet.senate.gov, 2021-02). This aligns with local contractors like Lockheed Martin Corp in Littleton, CO, involved in planetary science missions (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024).
Emphasis on STEM Education and Workforce Development: Senator Bennet has highlighted the importance of programs like the NASA-funded Colorado Space Grant Consortium, which equips students with skills for the innovation economy through hands-on space projects (Bennet.senate.gov, 2011-02). Recent communications from Colorado's aerospace industry to the delegation, including Bennet, also underscore the importance of NASA research grants to universities for training the skilled workforce (Colorado Aerospace Industry Letter, 2025-06).
Facilitation of Federal Research Grants: Senator Bennet's office actively assists Colorado communities and organizations in seeking federal funding through grants, recognizing Colorado as a "hub of innovation" with top-tier universities and research institutions (Bennet.senate.gov, undated). This directly supports institutions like the University of Colorado and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO, which receive NASA science grants (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024).
Bipartisan Engagement on Space Policy: Senator Bennet has demonstrated a willingness to collaborate across the aisle on broader space-related issues, co-introducing the bipartisan Quad Space Act to strengthen international space cooperation (Bennet.senate.gov, 2025-06). He also joined a bipartisan Colorado delegation statement opposing the move of Space Command headquarters, highlighting the state's critical role in the national space enterprise (Bennet.senate.gov, 2025-09).