Senate Passes Kelly, Moran, Cornyn Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Asteroid Day and Strengthening Planetary Defense Awareness

The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by Arizona Senator and retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, alongside Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and John Cornyn (R-TX), recognizing June 30^th, 2026, as Asteroid Day and reaffirming the importance of planetary defense, scientific innovation, public engagement, and international cooperation in addressing near-Earth object threats. This is the first time the United States Senate has passed a resolution recognizing Asteroid Day.

The resolution highlights advances in asteroid detection, tracking, and deflection capabilities, as well as the growing role of public participation and international coordination in protecting Earth from potential asteroid impacts. The resolution also recognizes upcoming planetary defense milestones, including preparations for the close Earth flyby of asteroid Apophis in 2029. Kelly was among the original signatories of the 100X Declaration that launched global Asteroid Day in 2015 alongside fellow astronauts, scientists, and Nobel laureates.

"Asteroid Day is a reminder of why planetary defense matters, but it's also an opportunity to get young people excited about science and exploration," said Kelly. "By recognizing Asteroid Day in the United States Senate, we're helping spark the same curiosity about space that inspired me as a kid. Someday, it'll be these young people who are designing, operating, and improving the systems that help keep Earth safe."

"Advancing space exploration plays an important role in national security and future innovation," said Moran. "Designating Asteroid Day will help raise awareness of scientific research while encouraging the next generation of Americans to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields."

"I have seen it firsthand in Arizona, in classrooms across the United States, and at Asteroid Day events in Luxembourg. The moment asteroid science truly lands with someone, young or old, something lights up. This Senate resolution is an invitation to create that moment everywhere, and that is an extraordinary thing," said Nicole Stott, retired NASA astronaut.

"America built the greatest space program in history because we refused to leave the future to chance. Planetary defense is that same instinct applied to one of the most consequential challenges we face. This Senate resolution sends the right message: that the United States is serious about understanding asteroid risk, investing in the science, and leading the world in keeping Earth safe," said Steve Smith, retired NASA Astronaut and former Deputy Chief, Astronaut Office.

"Asteroids represent both a risk to life on Earth and one of humanity's greatest opportunities for discovery and exploration. At B612, we have spent two decades building the science and tools to address both. This Senate resolution gives educators at every level the national backing to bring that story into their classrooms and inspire the next generation to take it seriously," said Danica Remy, President B612 Foundation.

"Asteroids have shaped our solar system, seeded life on Earth, and yes, posed a threat to it. They are objects of genuine wonder and genuine consequence. This United States Senate resolution honors both of those truths, and I hope it inspires people everywhere to look up, ask questions, and join the effort to understand and protect our extraordinary planet," said Dr. Brian May, Astrophysicist, Founding Member of Queen, and Co-Founder of Asteroid Day.

"Protecting Earth from asteroid impacts is not something any one nation can do alone. It requires cooperation, coordination, and shared commitment. This Senate resolution signals that the United States understands that, and the Secure World Foundation is proud to see that leadership," said Cynda Collins Arsenault, Co-founder and Board Chair, Secure World Foundation.

"Asteroid impacts are the only major natural disaster humans have the potential to prevent. Public awareness matters because planetary defense requires sustained investment, scientific leadership, and international collaboration. Asteroid Day is an annual reminder that we can and should be doing the hard work to protect our shared home," said Jennifer Vaughn, Chief Executive Officer, The Planetary Society.

"The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is proud to have conceived, built and delivered NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which demonstrated that defending our planet from the threat of asteroid impact is possible. Increasing public awareness of asteroids and planetary defense activities by designating June 30, 2026 as Asteroid Day is a critical component of improving public understanding of asteroids and feasible planetary defense strategies," said Dr. Nancy Chabot, chief scientist for the Space Exploration Sector at Johns Hopkins University.

Background:

Asteroid Day is a global event intended to educate the public about the role of asteroids in our solar system, their potential for resource utilization, and their significance in understanding the origins of the universe. It also promotes awareness of the science and technology being developed to detect, track, and mitigate potential asteroid threats, including advances in planetary defense capabilities led by NASA and its partners.

Officially recognized by the United Nations in 2016, Asteroid Day has become a focal point for public engagement in asteroid science and planetary defense. As scientists prepare for the close Earth flyby of asteroid Apophis in 2029 and expand efforts to identify and monitor near-Earth objects, communities across Arizona including Meteor Crater and Lowell Observatory continue to play an important role in advancing public understanding of asteroid research and planetary defense.

Read the full resolution here.