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.
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