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15 June 2026
AAS Honors Reps. Don Bacon and Judy Chu with Award for Public Service to the Astronomical Sciences
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has named US Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Judy Chu (CA-28) as the 2026 recipients of the AAS Award for Public Service to the Astronomical Sciences. The award recognizes individuals who have performed outstanding public service in support of astronomy, planetary science, and related fields.
Representatives Bacon and Chu are being honored for their strong and forthright support of scientific research at NASA and other US federal agencies, within and beyond the halls of Congress. The award will be presented during the 248th meeting of the AAS in Pasadena, California.
“Representatives Bacon and Chu have shown how powerful bipartisan leadership can be in advancing the astronomical sciences,” said Andrew Baker, co-chair of the AAS's Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy. “Their work in Congress has helped build broad support for NASA science, the National Science Foundation, STEM engagement, and the research enterprise that underpins US leadership in discovery and innovation.”
Bacon and Chu have served as co-chairs of the Congressional Planetary Science Caucus since re-establishing the caucus in 2024. In that role, they have rallied strong bipartisan support for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and related federal science programs, spearheading a series of letters to congressional appropriators requesting robust funding for NASA science in fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Their fiscal year 2027 letter was signed by 101 of their colleagues in the US House of Representatives.
The two lawmakers have also spoken publicly and forcefully in support of NASA science during recent federal budget debates. As co-chairs of the Planetary Science Caucus, they have emphasized the importance of NASA’s science programs to US leadership in space exploration, scientific discovery, technological innovation, national security, and the nation’s highly skilled science and engineering workforce.
In addition to their NASA-focused efforts, Bacon has advocated for continued US investment in ground-based astronomy, including support for advancing the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Thirty Meter Telescope within the framework of the US Extremely Large Telescope Program. Chu, whose district includes Pasadena and the site of the 248th AAS meeting, has been a longstanding advocate for science, education, and public service.
The AAS Award for Public Service to the Astronomical Sciences is given at most annually to up to two individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment in the development of science policy, particularly in support of astronomical research and education. The award was first presented in 2013 to then-Senator Barbara A. Mikulski of Maryland.
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Image:
https://aas.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/BaconChu.jpg
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has named US Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Judy Chu (CA-28) as the 2026 recipients of the AAS Award for Public Service to the Astronomical Sciences. Photo credits for official portraits: Don Bacon: Brian Thorpe, House Creative Services; Judy Chu: Eric Connolly, House Creative Services.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers. Its membership of approximately 9,000 also includes physicists, geologists, engineers, and others whose interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences. The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community, which it achieves through publishing, meetings, science advocacy, education and outreach, and training and professional development.