Articles

Stories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.

Going the distance to get the shot

A brief history of space imaging

Out-of-this-world astronauts (literally)

Celebrating 50 years of Apollo 17, the last crewed mission to the Moon.

Much has passed in decades past

With anniversaries come reflections, and there’s a lot to look back on in the history of space.

Best space pictures of the month: November 2022

NASA's chief of exploration mission planning Nujoud Merancy walks us through a picture from the Orion spacecraft.

A year in review and a reddish hue

Get ready for a total lunar eclipse and pick your favorites from this year in space.

Best space pictures of the month: October 2022

Stunning views of Europa and the Eagle Nebula headline our roundup of space images released last month.

Your guide to water on Mars

Mars used to have oceans, lakes, and rivers. Where did the water go, how much is left, and how can we use it for science and exploration?

Tianwen-3: China’s Mars sample return mission

China's Tianwen-3 aims to be the first to collect samples from Mars and deliver them to Earth, potentially landing back home two years ahead of the NASA and the European Space Agency MSR project

Space rocks!

Rock stars love space, and who can blame them! Take a look at awesome images, exciting science, and the connection between music and exploration.

It’s a team effort

Robots, scientists, citizens, and artists team up to explore the Cosmos in this week’s Downlink.

How NASA will use helicopters to return samples from Mars in 2033

NASA's latest plans for its Mars Sample Return mission will rely on the Perseverance rover and two 'Ingenuity-class' helicopters.

NASA's InSight mission is dying. Next could come the ‘Mars Life Explorer’

If there is Martian life then it could be in ice water under the red planet’s surface. The Mars Life Explorer, included in the most recent Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey, would search for this.

Rather remarkable robots

The robotic explorers of our Cosmos are truly impressive, as showcased by several spacecraft this week.

Sights beyond the visible

See images your eyes wouldn’t normally be able to see, and learn about what these images can teach you.

A space smorgasbord

Sample the best tidbits from space exploration this week, including news from across the Solar System and beyond, and personal insights from leaders of exploration.