Policy is the prime mover of space exploration. It sets in motion government resources, defines regulatory requirements, and releases funds from national treasures. Good policy is, therefore, critical for success in space.

The Planetary Society participates in the process of developing space policy by providing original analysis, releasing policy recommendations, and generating useful data for public and academic use.
 

Featured Reports

Space Policy Recommendations for the Second Trump Administration

The Planetary Society believes that by embracing a clear and unwavering commitment to exploration, discovery-based science, and the unique capabilities of public and private space sectors, NASA can help maintain technology leadership, promote an open and inquisitive culture, and enable ongoing economic prosperity. We have a solid foundation from which to work. And by embracing the unique role of NASA and its responsibility to the nation, the path forward will endure for years to come.

The Search for Life as a Guidepost to Scientific Revolution (PDF)

In this submission to the 2023 - 2032 planetary science decadal survey, The Planetary Society argued for the importance of the search for life, not just as an inspiring goal, but as a means to achieve a scientific revolution within biology and medicine. Unlike past revolutions, searching for life presents a clear pathway for success: we know how to do it, and we know where to look.

Datasets

The Planetary Exploration Budget Dataset

The cost per mission, per year, for every robotic planetary exploration effort in NASA's history.

Project Apollo Historical Cost Dataset

A rich data set tracking the costs of Project Apollo, free for public use. Includes unprecedented program-by-program cost breakdowns, facilities construction, salaries, and related programs.

How Much Did it Cost to Create the Space Shuttle?

Between 1972 and 1982, NASA spent approximately $10.6 billion to develop the space shuttle and its related facilities.

Your Guide to NASA's Budget

How big is NASA's budget right now? What was it like in the past? How does it compare to the rest of government spending? These answers, as well as charts, raw data, and original sourcing, are contained within.

Latest Articles and Analysis

Amidst Cuts to NASA, Mars Sample Return May Finally Happen

The President's Budget Request for NASA in 2020 would start a Mars Sample Return mission and ramp up efforts to send humans to the Moon. But it would still kick off the first year of a new decade with a half-billion dollar cut to the space agency.

NASA just got its best budget in a decade

After months of unrelated political turmoil, multiple stop-gap spending bills, and an unprecedented government shutdown, NASA's 2019 budget was finally signed into law.

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Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition

The Planetary Society's Chief Advocate, Casey Dreier, hosts this monthly podcast that engages the world's experts in space policy and history to share the behind-the-scenes stories of how space exploration actually happens. Available on major podcast providers, learn how to subscribe.

Space Policy Edition: Was the Space Shuttle a policy failure?

Though the Space Shuttle program lasted 30 years and built the ISS, it fell short of NASA's goals for cost, reusability, and reliability. Can a program be both a worldly success and a policy failure? In this Space Policy Edition, we dissect a classic space policy paper and debate its relevance today.

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How We Work: Space Policy & Advocacy

Space exploration doesn't just happen—it requires a vigilant and educated public to demand support for this unique program. Be one of them. We'll show you how.

Space Agencies

A look at some of the agencies that make space science and exploration possible.