A resolution designating June 30, 2025 as "Asteroid Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 302
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-25: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S3534)
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-10T17:02:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to designate June 30, 2025, as "Asteroid Day" to raise global awareness about the risks and scientific potential of asteroids, while promoting education on planetary defense (efforts to protect Earth from asteroid impacts).
Key Provisions
- Designates June 30, 2025, as "Asteroid Day" in recognition of the 10th anniversary of its official global celebration.
- Encourages the public to learn about asteroid threats, their role in scientific exploration, and the need for research and defense strategies.
- Highlights historical context, such as the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor event in Russia, which injured over 1,400 people and released energy equivalent to 30 atomic bombs, and the United Nations' 2016 recognition of Asteroid Day.
- Acknowledges the leadership of organizations like the Association of Space Explorers in initiatives such as the International Asteroid Warning Network (a global system for detecting and warning about near-Earth asteroids) and the Space Missions Planning Advisory Group.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or enforceable requirements. It does not amend or alter any existing U.S. laws, statutes, or regulations; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to support ongoing educational and awareness efforts.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May increase public knowledge about asteroid risks through events, media, or educational programs, fostering greater interest in space science without direct obligations.
- On government agencies: Could indirectly support agencies like NASA by endorsing planetary defense initiatives, potentially leading to more funding or collaboration, though no new mandates are imposed.
- On international relations: Reinforces U.S. alignment with global efforts, such as those by the United Nations and international space groups, promoting cooperation on shared threats like asteroid detection and mitigation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- General public: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness and education on asteroid hazards.
- Scientific and space communities: Researchers, astronauts, and organizations like the Association of Space Explorers, who advocate for asteroid-related initiatives.
- Government entities: U.S. Senate (as the sponsoring body), NASA, and other space agencies that handle planetary defense.
- International partners: United Nations and global networks focused on asteroid monitoring and response.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only Senate approval and has no effect on federal law or budgets; it cannot be vetoed by the President.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy positions and raise awareness on matters of national and global interest, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by Senators Kelly and Cornyn) for science education and international collaboration, potentially boosting U.S. leadership in space policy amid growing interest in planetary threats.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-25: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S3534)
- 2025-06-25: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating June 30, 2025 as Asteroid Day. — issued 2025-06-25 — PDF (2 pages)