Astronauts in Space Get to Do Something the Rest of Us Can Only Dream Of On Election Day

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have the unique ability to cast their votes in general elections from the vastness of space. But have you ever wondered how this monumental task is accomplished? The process of voting from space is made possible through the coordinated efforts of NASA and the county clerk’s office where the astronauts reside.

Typically, astronauts are encouraged to participate in absentee ballots or early voting before they embark on their journey to the ISS. However, if they are unable to do so before launch, they are still given the opportunity to vote from space. This is all made possible by NASA’s Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) program.

The SCaN program facilitates almost all data transmissions between the space station and Earth. Whether it’s video transmissions, emails, or even internet browsing, the SCaN program is at the heart of it. By leveraging this same technology, NASA is able to facilitate secure voting from space. But how does it work?

To begin the voting process from space, NASA astronauts must first receive their electronic ballots from their local county clerk. This is made possible by NASA’s digital communications network, which allows for secure transmission of sensitive data between the space station and Earth. Once the astronaut has received their ballot, they can fill it out online. However, it’s crucial to note that the internet connection on the ISS is not like the one we have on Earth. It’s much slower and is primarily useful for sending and receiving text data.

To cast their votes, astronauts use a laptop onboard the space station that is connected to the internet via a radio frequency link. The transmission of data is much like sending a long-distance email. The vote is sent from the space station to Earth, where it’s received and counted like any other absentee ballot. This process is not only convenient for astronauts but also ensures their right to vote, regardless of their location.

While voting from space may seem like an extraordinary arrangement, it’s a vital aspect of preserving American democracy. By providing astronauts with the opportunity to vote, NASA is emphasizing the significance of civic engagement, even in the most extraordinary circumstances. Whether they’re floating above the Earth or standing in line at the local polling station, Americans are exercising their rights as citizens to shape the future of the United States.