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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
What are competed planetary missions?
A critical part of a balanced exploration program, competed missions are scientist-led projects that cost less and occur more frequently than large, flagship-class missions.
Psyche mission successfully launches
The spacecraft has begun its six-year journey to the same-name metal world.
The Psyche launch and its journey to a metal world: What to expect
The Psyche spacecraft is scheduled to blast off on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on Oct. 13.
The scientific truth is out there
The real science of aliens, the policy implications of ET, and new views of worlds beyond our own.
Moonshadow, Moonshadow
The Moon casts shadows on itself and on Earth, environmental concerns overshadow a test launch’s success, and exoplanets are awesome (beyond a shadow of a doubt).
What happened with Psyche?
When the Psyche mission missed its launch date in 2022, it caused a ripple-effect of delays and budget woes for other JPL-led missions. Dr. Laurie Leshin, JPL's new director, shares her insights into the unique challenges facing her team and what she's doing to change JPL for the better.
Asteroids worth getting psyched about
New discoveries from Ryugu, material heading our way from Bennu, and anticipation for a mission to Psyche.
Two pale blue dots
Reflecting on Carl Sagan’s influence on this pale blue dot we call Earth.
Sights beyond the visible
See images your eyes wouldn’t normally be able to see, and learn about what these images can teach you.
Planetary accessorizing
Planets are beautiful and fascinating enough on their own, but there’s no denying that moons and rings add a little something special.
Persevering through it all
Exploration will always face setbacks, but this week’s Downlink reminds us of the impressive human ability to persevere.
That’s so metal
Gear up for a mission to a metallic world and catch up on the latest in space news.
For every world, there is a season
When we explore space we see familiar things: seasons, ice caps, and maybe someday even plants.
Martian Ingenuity and Venusian imagination
Get a peek at the Martian moon and catch up on what the newest Mars explorer has been up to.
Want NASA to pick your space mission proposal? Two winning scientists share some tips
NASA is currently accepting proposals for its next New Frontiers-class planetary science mission. What does the agency look for in a winning proposal? The two scientists behind the ORISIS-REx and Psyche missions share some tips.
Lucy and Psyche Asteroid Missions
Last week, NASA selected its thirteenth and fourteenth missions in its low cost Discovery program.
NASA is visiting 8 asteroids in 8 years. Here are 8 things to know about the missions
NASA announced two new asteroid missions today named Lucy and Psyche that will fill important gaps in our understanding of how the solar system was formed. Here are eight things to know about the two missions.
Countdown to the Next NASA Discovery Mission Selection
If NASA’s managers hold to their schedule, we will learn sometime this month what NASA’s next planetary mission will be.
Discovery Finalists
Van Kane rounds up the missions selected to move onto the next round in NASA's Discovery proposal process.
NASA announces five Discovery proposals selected for further study
NASA announced the first-round selections for its next Discovery mission today. A total of five planetary mission concepts -- three targeted at asteroids, two at Venus -- will move to the next stage of the competition.