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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
The Space Advocate Newsletter, February 2021
Our recommendations for NASA to the new Biden Administration.
The ISS in perspective, and bad news for Venusians
Just how big is the International Space Station? See for yourself, and catch up on this week’s space news.
A Martian smile and an Apollo anniversary
We’re gearing up for a Mars landing, and our chief advocate takes a look at crewed Moon programs past and future.
The far reaches of the solar system and beyond
Take a look at distant worlds, far-out views of the cosmos, and even some remote possibilities with this week’s scoop on space news and solar system history.
The Space Advocate Newsletter, January 2021
A mob at the U.S. Capitol Building. A presidential transition. NASA's final FY 2021 budget. A failed SLS test.
NASA solar sails build on LightSail 2
NEA Scout will visit a near-Earth asteroid and Solar Cruiser will test the largest solar sail yet.
The companions of the planets
Turn your minds to the moons of our solar system, the missions to explore them, and the awe they inspire in us.
Solar System History 101
How did our solar system come to be? Why are the planets, asteroids, comets, and other small worlds where they are now?
Jupiter Mission by China Could Include Callisto Landing
China plans to select one of two Jupiter mission concepts that would launch in 2029 and arrive in 2035.
Processing images of the cosmos and returning to the Moon
Take a look at space image processing, and try it yourself. Plus, catch up on the week’s space news.
Seeing, feeling, and imagining the cosmos
Explore space art created by members of The Planetary Society’s community, and learn about a possible alien signal.
So long, 2020, and thanks for all the space
Look back on the year’s accomplishments and enjoy the beauty of the cosmos.
Jupiter and Saturn Great Conjunction Viewing Guide
There's still time to get outside and see Jupiter and Saturn together in the evening sky.
Congress Comes Through for NASA Science, But Not Artemis
Planetary Society priorities, including Mars Sample Return and the Roman Space Telescope, were funded by Congress in its NASA budget. But Project Artemis's human landing system received only a fraction of its requested amount, pushing a return to the Moon further into the 2020s.
Aliens at Proxima Centauri? A New Radio Signal Raises the Question
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, so here are the reasons why there may or may not be aliens in our cosmic backyard.
The great conjunction! (And how it functions)
Everything you need to know about Saturn and Jupiter’s upcoming conjunction, and more from this week in space exploration.
NASA Abruptly Delays a Critical Planetary Defense Mission
A space telescope that would find thousands of potential "city-killer" size asteroids was abruptly delayed due to unspecified and unrelated funding issues within NASA's science division.
Calibrating Mars
Two colorful calibration targets will help scientists measure what the Perseverance rover sees on Mars.
Your Impact: December Solstice 2020
We're celebrating a congressional nod, PlanetVac's upcoming trip to the Moon and Mars, and more.
The Year 2020 in Pictures
These pictures helped us find hope and perseverance during a tough year on planet Earth.