Summary: SRES 228 – A resolution supporting May 2, 2025 as "National Space Day"

Overview

SRES 228 is a Senate resolution introduced on May 14, 2025, that designates May 2, 2025, as National Space Day. The measure is non-binding and serves to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the United States’ aerospace community to space applications, exploration, scientific research, and national security partnerships.

Purpose and Intent

• To designate May 2, 2025, as National Space Day.
• To acknowledge the significance of the entire aerospace community in the United States, spanning government agencies, Federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), industry and education partners, entrepreneurs, and others.
• To recognize the broad range of contributions to space-related applications, exploration, and scientific research.
• To highlight important partnerships between the aerospace industry and the U.S. Armed Forces in protecting and defending the nation.

Key Provisions

The measure enumerates four core acknowledgments:
1) Support for the goals and designation of National Space Day on May 2, 2025.
2) Recognition of the importance of the entire aerospace community (government, FFRDCs, industry, education partners, entrepreneurs, and others).
3) Recognition of contributions to space applications, exploration, and scientific research.
4) Recognition of the important partnerships between the aerospace industry and the Armed Forces.

Scope and Impact

• This is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution. It does not create new law or authorize spending.
• The resolution signals bipartisan recognition of the aerospace sector’s impact on national interests, science, education, and national security, and it aims to raise public awareness and appreciation.

Legislative History and Timeline

• Introduced in the Senate on May 14, 2025.
• Considered and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent on May 14, 2025.
• Senate actions reflect unanimous support, with the measure proceeding under standard Senate consent procedures (reference to CR S2931/S2934).

Sponsors

• Primary sponsor: Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS).
• Co-sponsor: Senator John W. Hickenlooper (D-CO).

Practical Notes

• As a resolution, SRES 228 serves to commend and recognize rather than mandate policy changes.
• The designation aligns with broader efforts to celebrate scientific and technological achievements in space and to reinforce collaborations among government, industry, academia, and the military.