NASA's ASTRA: Federal System Books Astronauts Like Rock Stars
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
NASA is bringing back and updating its Astronaut Appearance system, called ASTRA, which helps schools, groups, and businesses easily book astronauts for in-person, virtual, or recorded visits. This change aims to make the process smoother and less paperwork-heavy for everyone involved. If you want to share your thoughts, be sure to comment by January 20, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
NASA relaunches ASTRA booking system
NASA is reinstating and updating the Astronaut's System for Tracking and Requesting Appearances (ASTRA) to make it easier for schools, community groups, businesses, associations, and military organizations to request astronaut appearances. NASA offers three appearance options: in-person, virtual (video conference), or a recorded greeting, and the Astronaut Appearance Office at Johnson Space Center will vet and coordinate requests.
Request paperwork time and record retention
If you request an astronaut appearance, NASA estimates each response takes about 10 minutes and expects 1,600 annual responses, for an estimated total annual burden of 267 hours. NASA will maintain appearance records, including requestor contact information, for a minimum of five (5) years.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10288 — Information Collection; Architect-Engineer Qualifications (SF-330)
The government wants to keep using the Architect-Engineer Qualifications form (SF-330) for three more years to help pick the best design pros for federal projects. They’re asking architects, engineers, and the public to share thoughts by July 21, 2026, to make sure the form is useful and not too much work. No big cost changes, just a smooth extension to keep things running well.
2026-10289 — Information Collection; Privacy Training
The government agencies OFPP, DoD, GSA, and NASA want to keep their privacy training info collection going for three more years, past October 31, 2026. This affects federal contractors and employees who handle government acquisitions, making sure everyone stays sharp on privacy rules. They’re asking for your thoughts by July 21, 2026, to keep the process smooth and easy without extra costs or hassle.
2026-10287 — Information Collection; Certain Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 28 Requirements
The government agencies in charge of buying stuff—like the Department of Defense and NASA—are asking for your thoughts on keeping some paperwork rules for three more years. These rules help make sure buying processes are clear and fair, but they want to know if the paperwork is worth the effort or if it can be easier. If you’re involved in government contracts, this could affect how you report info until 2027.
2026-09882 — Name of Information Collection: Financial Assistance Awards/Grants and Cooperative Agreements
NASA is updating how it collects info from groups like nonprofits, schools, governments, and businesses that get grants or awards. They want to make the process easier and clearer while keeping track of funds properly. If you’re involved, you’ve got until July 17, 2026, to share your thoughts on these changes—no paperwork headaches, just smooth space funding!
2026-09888 — Name of Information Collection: NASA STEM Gateway (Universal Registration and Data Management System)
NASA is updating its STEM Gateway, a one-stop online hub where students, teachers, and researchers apply for cool NASA programs like internships and challenges. These changes will make signing up easier and improve how NASA reviews applications. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 17, 2026, to speak up—no cost to join, just your time!
2026-09525 — Information Collection; Contract Financing
The government agencies in charge of buying stuff—like the Department of Defense, NASA, and others—are asking to keep collecting info about contract payments for three more years. They want your thoughts on how this info helps them work better and how to make it easier to share. If you’re involved in government contracts, this could affect how you report payment details, with no new costs but a chance to improve the process.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23462 — Constellation Energy Generation, LLC; Clinton Power Station, Unit 1; License Renewal and Record of Decision
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission just renewed the license for Constellation Energy’s Clinton Power Station, Unit 1, letting it keep generating power safely for more years. This means the plant can continue providing electricity without interruption, supporting local communities and jobs. The new license was officially issued on December 16, 2025, ensuring steady energy and no surprise costs for now.
Next: 2025-23466 — Importer of Controlled Substances Application: Groff Health Inc.
Groff Health Inc. wants to become an official importer of some powerful controlled substances like psilocybin and psilocyn. People and companies involved with these drugs can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by January 20, 2026. This move could shake up the market and rules around importing these substances, so keep an eye on the deadline!