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Stories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
The OMB Didn't See This Coming
In ten days, our members and supporters sent over 17,000 emails to staff members who create and influence NASA's planetary science budget. The public support is there. We're making difference but not letting up.
Sequestration and Planetary Science
The sequestration is coming on January 2nd, 2013. If Congress does nothing to prevent it, NASA's planetary science division stands to lose an additional $97 million to the already-proposed cut of $309 million for 2013.
What if the Senate had a hearing on Mars and no one came?
Today there was a Senate hearing on the future of Mars exploration, title
A Bittersweet Day for Planetary Exploration
A new Mars mission was announced today, which is cause for celebration. But two other exciting missions where not selected, why? Money, or lack thereof. All we need is a little bit more, and we could be exploring the solar system, not just Mars.
Astronomy Is Cheap, Too
There was upsetting news today, as the National Science Foundation's Division of Astronomical Sciences released a report that recommended divesting from several highly successful radio telescopes. The money in question, as usual, amounts to almost nothing. The effects, however, are massive.
Curiosity and the Media: A Response
Wherein I address a particular comment on my previous post calling me out for a lazy attack on
Curiosity Comes Cheap - Why the latest Mars rover (and all planetary exploration) is a steal
Along with any NASA mission comes the inevitable repetition of its cost and questions of its worth, Curiosity is no exception. This tired media narrative must end. The real question is not,
Planetfest 2012 Was a Huge Success
Planetfest 2012 ended in the best possible way: the Curiosity rover touched down safely on the surface of Mars. In our ballroom, almost two thousand people leapt to their feet and provided thunderous applause to accompany the joyous celebration at mission control.