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Stories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
Why We Don't Know When the Europa Mission Will Launch
NASA has been vague about when the new mission to Europa will launch. There's a reason for that, and it's not just orbital mechanics.
Here Are the Science Instruments NASA Will Use to Explore Europa
NASA just announced the science instruments that will be used to understand the enigmatic ocean moon of Europa. The mission is planned to launch sometime in the early 2020s.
[Updated] House NASA Funding Bill Proposes a Fantastic Budget for Planetary Science
The House Appropriations Committee released their vision for NASA's 2016 budget this week, which includes significant increases for the SLS and Planetary Science, but cuts Commercial Crew and Earth Science funds.
[Updated] Good Planetary Support in A Flawed NASA Bill
Casey Dreier gives a brief summary of the House draft bill released the other day that would authorize NASA funding for the years 2016 and 2017.
A New Path to Mars?
A new advocacy initiative for the Society: let's get humans to Mars.
Slides from the LPSC 2015 Session on the Community Response to NASA's Budget Request
The Planetary Society helped organize a community response to the latest NASA budget at the 2015 meeting of the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
Is the Opportunity Rover a Mission 'Whose Time Has Passed'?
The NASA Administrator declared that the Opportunity rover is a mission 'whose time has passed' and will be defunded next year. Will Congress act to save it?
A First Time for Everything: Blitzing Congress for Space
There is a first time for everything. Riding a bike, stargazing, and yes, even lobbying Congress. Jack Kiraly describes his first Legislative Blitz with Michael Briganti and Casey Dreier on Capitol Hill last week.
Space Advocates Descend on Capitol Hill
The Space Exploration Alliance wrapped up its most recent 'legislative blitz' last week. Nearly 70 individuals participated in the democratic process, speaking to nearly 168 difference offices in Congress. Nearly half of those individuals were Planetary Society members.
Highlights from our reddit Space Policy AMA
The space policy and advocacy team at The Planetary Society held an AMA (ask me anything) on reddit, here are some of the highlights.
Why We Write to Congress
It's time to write to Congress in support of planetary exploration. Why? Because it works.
2016 Budget: Great Policy Document and Much Better Budget Plan
Van Kane gives a summary of the 53-page proposed Fiscal Year 2016 NASA Planetary Science budget.
NASA Budget Lists Timelines, Costs and Risks for First SLS Flight
NASA will set the Space Launch System's inaugural flight date at the end of this year, according to the agency's 2016 budget request, which was released on Monday.
It's Official: We're On the Way to Europa
NASA's 2016 budget request increases the space agency's budget by $519 million, starts a new mission to Europa, increases funds to Commercial Crew, and threatens some long-running planetary missions.
How NASA's Yearly Budget Request Comes Together
It takes a year to make, and is the starting point for all coming debate by Congress. It's the President's Budget Request, and understanding how it comes together is an important part of being an effective space advocate.
The President's 2016 Budget Is Coming
The 2016 budget cycle for NASA kicks off on Feb 2nd, when the White House releases the President's Budget Request. Here's what to look for.
Here's How Planetary Science Will Spend Its $1.44 Billion in 2015
The story of NASA's 2015 budget ended on December 16th, when President Barack Obama signed the massive omnibus spending bill into law. NASA's increased budget is locked in, as is the increase to Planetary Science. Here's how Planetary spends its additional money.
[Updated] NASA's 2015 Budget Increase is Confirmed
Senate passes the CRomnibus spending bill with an $18.01 billion NASA budget, which includes an increase to planetary science and Europa. The legislation now moves on to the President for his signature.
NASA's Budget Increase Is A Step Closer to Reality
By a narrow vote, the House of Representatives passed the 2015 'CRomnibus' spending bill, which includes an increase to NASA and its Planetary Science Division. It now moves on to the Senate.
[Updated] The CRomnibus Comes Through for NASA and Planetary Science
The U.S. budget cycle for fiscal year 2015 is coming to an end. Should Congress pass the so-called CRomnibus bill as-is, NASA would see its highest funding level since 2011 and a great increase to its Planetary Science Division.