The Planetary Society is the world’s largest space advocacy organization. Renowned scientists started it, and Bill Nye leads it today.
This nonprofit has over 2 million members around the globe. They focus on advancing space science through education, research funding, and policy advocacy.
Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman kicked things off in 1980. These three saw a huge gap between public enthusiasm for space and what governments were willing to fund.
NASA’s budget kept shrinking back then. The founders wanted regular people to have a way to support space exploration directly.
They started the organization as a response to declining government investment in space programs. Sagan brought his fame from “Cosmos,” while Murray offered deep experience from leading NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Friedman brought spacecraft engineering chops and knowledge of planetary missions. Together, they built a platform for space lovers everywhere to get involved in pushing space science forward.
The group grew from a small advocacy effort into a global movement. Today, Bill Nye serves as CEO and works to keep the founders’ mission alive—making space exploration something everyone can access.
The Planetary Society works with a straightforward vision: “Know the cosmos and our place within it.” That simple idea drives everything they do.
Their mission is all about “empowering the world’s citizens to advance space science and exploration.” They want people to participate, not just sit on the sidelines.
They chase three big goals. First, they explore our Solar System by funding research projects and backing missions to planets and moons.
Second, they track objects that might come close to Earth. This means supporting asteroid detection and planetary defense efforts.
Third, they search for life beyond Earth. The Society funds projects that hunt for signs of life and support SETI research.
The Planetary Society runs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit out of Pasadena, California. Being close to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory helps them collaborate with space scientists.
Bill Nye, the well-known science communicator, leads as CEO. Members hail from over 140 countries.
With more than 2 million members, they really are the largest space interest group out there. Members’ contributions fund research, education, and advocacy.
They rely on donations and membership fees, not government funding. This keeps them independent and free from political strings.
Inside the organization, you’ll find research divisions, education outreach, and policy advocacy teams. Each group focuses on getting more people involved in advancing space science and exploration.
The Planetary Society stands on principles of science education, public engagement, and political advocacy. They rally tens of thousands of members through grassroots campaigns and keep a direct line to Washington DC.
The Society turns space fans into active advocates. Carl Sagan helped set this up in 1980, and the group still creates real ways for people to get involved in space science advancement.
Members use the Action Center to access advocacy tools. The platform links space enthusiasts with elected officials and offers resources for talking about space policy.
Members can:
Members come from all over the world, forming a truly international network. They all care about planetary exploration, the search for life, and defending Earth from near-Earth objects.
When you join, you get trained in policy advocacy. Members learn to explain tough space science ideas to policymakers in ways that make sense.
Since 2019, the Society has organized nearly 1,000 meetings between members and politicians. Members have sent hundreds of thousands of emails to Congress and the White House.
Every year, the Day of Action brings members together for coordinated advocacy. They contact their representatives about specific space policy issues during these campaigns.
Grassroots activities include:
Before advocacy meetings, members get detailed briefings. The Society hands out talking points, background info, and funding requests to share with officials.
Local chapters host community events to get more people interested in space exploration. These efforts help grow support beyond the core group of space enthusiasts.
Jack Kiraly, the Society’s main Washington rep, meets with elected officials about 100 times a year. This steady effort keeps space science funding on lawmakers’ minds.
Recently, the Society led a coalition to push back against deep cuts to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. They teamed up with industry groups, scientific societies, and advocacy organizations to send a joint letter to Congress.
They focus on:
The Society’s advocacy aims to keep the U.S. leading in space exploration. Representatives lay out specific funding needs for missions, asteroid detection, and technologies to search for life.
By building coalitions, the Society makes their voice louder. They work with aerospace companies, universities, and advocacy groups to push for strong space funding.
The Planetary Society’s leadership mixes legendary space advocates with today’s science experts. Bill Nye is CEO, and Carl Sagan’s founding vision still shapes the group’s mission.
Carl Sagan co-founded the Society in 1980 with Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman. He wanted people everywhere to play an active part in space exploration. Sagan’s style made complex space science accessible to the general public.
He brought planetary science to millions through books and TV. His work on NASA’s Voyager mission gave the Society credibility in the space world. Sagan always felt public support was crucial for ambitious space exploration projects.
His founding principles still guide the Society. They keep bridging the gap between scientists and regular folks. Sagan’s focus on education and advocacy remains at the heart of everything.
Bill Nye leads the Society as CEO. He spent years on the board before stepping into the top spot. Nye’s background in science communication makes him a great fit.
He’s helped the Society support over 50,000 members in more than 100 countries. Nye advocates for smart space policy and helps people understand space science. He collaborates with NASA and other agencies on exploration priorities.
With his engineering and science education experience, Nye keeps the Society relevant for new generations. He follows the founders’ lead by making space exploration something everyone can join. He also speaks out about planetary defense and Mars missions.
The Board of Directors has 11 elected members who meet twice a year. Dan Geraci is Chairman, and planetary scientist Bethany Ehlmann serves as president. The board includes astronauts, scientists, and industry leaders.
Notable members are former NASA astronaut John Grunsfeld and planetary researcher Britney Schmidt. Actor Robert Picardo brings entertainment industry support. The board’s diversity brings different skills and perspectives.
The Executive Committee features Bethany Ehlmann, Jim Bell, Heidi Hammel, and Lon Levin. Board members get picked for their space knowledge and leadership. Many have worked directly on NASA missions or space tech projects.
The Planetary Society connects more than 2 million space fans worldwide through membership programs and digital platforms. Members get exclusive educational content, advocacy opportunities, and ways to engage with real space missions.
The Society offers several membership levels, starting at $4 a month. Explorer membership gives you instant access to core benefits and community features.
New members get a personalized card and a donor badge for social media. If you join at Explorer level or higher, you’ll get an official Planetary Society T-shirt.
Membership links people directly to ongoing space missions. Sometimes, members’ names even get sent to space, making the experience feel more real.
Carl Sagan helped build this group so space fans could play a real part in exploration. The membership model reflects that—people from all backgrounds and incomes can take part.
Members receive The Planetary Report magazine every quarter, either digitally or in print. The magazine covers current space missions and discoveries.
Members also get access to the online Member Community platform. This digital space features live virtual events, free classes, and opportunities to connect with experts and other enthusiasts.
Advocacy participation is a key perk. Members have influenced space programs through campaigns that led to nearly 1,000 meetings with politicians since 2019. The Society’s Washington rep meets with officials about 100 times a year.
Special events include Planetary Radio Live and global travel programs. These give members direct access to space industry pros and unique learning experiences.
The digital Member Community is the main spot for members to interact. Space enthusiasts use it to connect, join discussions with experts, and talk with Society staff.
Members log in with the same info as their Account Center. The platform works on web browsers and mobile apps.
Global collaboration takes things beyond online chats. The Society has networks of volunteers and partners around the world, creating a real movement for space exploration.
Live events and educational classes happen regularly in the community. Members can learn about current missions, ask experts questions, and talk about the latest in space exploration.
The Planetary Society has launched groundbreaking technology demos, shaped space policy, and educated millions through creative programs. Their work has directly supported NASA missions and pushed planetary science research forward.
The Planetary Society built LightSail as the first citizen-funded solar sail mission.
This small spacecraft actually uses sunlight pressure to move, showing off a pretty revolutionary technology for deep space travel.
LightSail 1 went up in 2015 as a test flight.
The mission showed that small organizations could build and run spacecraft without needing government agencies.
LightSail 2 launched in 2019 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
The spacecraft pulled off controlled solar sailing in Earth orbit.
It proved solar pressure could raise the craft’s orbit—no fuel needed.
Key achievements include:
This technology could open the door to low-cost missions to asteroids and other planets.
NASA has started using similar solar sail concepts for its own exploration plans.
The Planetary Society pushes for robotic missions that advance planetary science.
They lobby Congress and work with NASA to secure funding for exploration.
The Europa mission really stands out as a big advocacy win.
The Society spent years promoting a mission to Jupiter’s icy moon, and NASA eventually funded Europa Clipper, which should launch sometime in the mid-2020s.
The Pluto campaign also showed how effective their advocacy can be.
The Society backed New Horizons from its earliest days to launch, and in 2015, the spacecraft gave us humanity’s first close-up images of Pluto.
Current advocacy priorities include:
The Congressional Planetary Science Caucus works with lawmakers directly.
This bipartisan group highlights the benefits of planetary exploration for industry and academia.
Planetary Radio connects with global audiences through weekly broadcasts.
The show has brought space news and interviews for over 20 years.
Episodes feature NASA scientists, mission managers, and researchers who study other worlds.
The Bruce Murray Space Image Library gives free access to space photos and videos.
You’ll find images from lots of space agencies plus some amazing amateur-processed pictures.
Many of these images aren’t available anywhere else.
Educational initiatives include:
The Society funded the first development of SETI@home.
More than 5 million people pitched in their computer power to help search for intelligent life signals.
Gene Shoemaker grants go to amateur astronomers who track potentially hazardous asteroids.
The program helps spot objects that could threaten Earth.
Advanced amateur observers get equipment and training so they can really contribute to planetary defense.
The Planetary Society moves space science forward through direct research support and mission advocacy.
They fund innovative projects and work with NASA and international partners to expand our understanding of planets, moons, and everything else out there.
The Society backs three main areas of solar system research.
Scientists dig into planets and moons to figure out how they formed.
They track asteroids and comets that might get a little too close to Earth for comfort.
They also search for signs of life beyond our planet.
The organization funds specific projects that government agencies just can’t support.
These projects often use new tech to make discoveries.
LightSail missions test solar sailing technology in space.
This could power future spacecraft to other planets—pretty wild, honestly.
The Society also backs ground-based telescopes to watch for dangerous asteroids.
The 100 Earths project at Lowell Observatory hunts for Earth-like planets around other stars.
This work helps us ask: is there life out there?
Research teams study data from Mars rovers and Jupiter missions.
They analyze rock samples and atmospheric readings.
Bit by bit, this builds a picture of how our solar system works.
The Society pushes for new NASA missions to worlds we haven’t explored yet.
They lobby Congress to fund planetary science programs.
They argue these missions create jobs and keep America leading in space.
The Society picks out the most important science targets for future exploration.
Europa and Enceladus are high on their list since these moons might have life.
Mars sample return missions could bring Martian rocks back to Earth for close study.
They work to build public support for big, expensive missions.
They explain why exploring Venus or the outer planets matters.
When citizens get it, they reach out to their representatives in Congress.
The Society teams up with international space agencies as well.
Joint missions let countries split costs and share expertise.
This kind of collaboration makes bigger missions possible.
The Society connects researchers worldwide through conferences and workshops.
Scientists share their latest findings at these events.
Young researchers get to learn from experienced planetary scientists.
The organization gives grants to grad students and early-career scientists.
These research grants support work that might not get government funding.
A lot of new ideas seem to come from these smaller projects.
The Society publishes research results in formats anyone can understand.
They turn complex scientific papers into clear explanations for the public.
This helps more people get what scientists are discovering about other worlds.
Digital platforms link citizen scientists with professionals.
Volunteers help analyze Mars images or classify galaxies.
This teamwork speeds up discovery and brings more people into the space community.
The Planetary Society leads several big research efforts to advance our understanding of life beyond Earth.
They fund bold astrobiology research, support large-scale planetary surveys, and partner with top observatories to spot potentially habitable worlds.
The Society backs groundbreaking research through its LIFE Projects initiative.
These projects pull together international experts to study how life might survive in extreme environments across the universe.
Scientists funded by the Society investigate extremophile organisms right here on Earth.
These studies help researchers figure out what kinds of life might survive elsewhere.
The Society also supports research into biosignatures.
These are chemical signs that living organisms leave in planetary atmospheres.
Recent projects have looked at methane and oxygen signatures in exoplanet atmospheres.
The James Webb Space Telescope has even detected these compounds on several distant worlds.
The Society’s research grants target underfunded areas of astrobiology.
This lets scientists explore new theories about where life might exist in the cosmos.
The 100 Earths Project stands as one of the most ambitious planet-hunting efforts out there.
This program aims to find 100 Earth-like exoplanets in our galaxy.
Debra Fischer leads this research at Yale University.
Her team builds advanced instruments to detect small, rocky planets in habitable zones around nearby stars.
The project relies on precise radial velocity measurements to find planets.
This method picks up the tiny gravitational wobbles planets cause in their host stars.
Fischer’s team has built specialized spectrographs with incredible precision.
These instruments can measure changes in stellar motion as small as 10 centimeters per second.
The 100 Earths Project focuses on red dwarf stars, the most common kind in our galaxy.
These dim stars could host billions of potentially habitable worlds.
The Society keeps a strategic partnership with Lowell Observatory in Arizona.
This collaboration boosts both ground-based observations and space-based planet detection missions.
Lowell Observatory offers crucial telescope time for Society-funded research.
The facility’s dark skies and advanced instruments make it perfect for exoplanet observations.
The partnership includes developing new detection technologies together.
These tools help astronomers spot smaller, more Earth-like planets around distant stars.
Observatory staff work directly with Society researchers on data analysis.
This teamwork has led to several confirmed exoplanet discoveries lately.
The partnership also supports public outreach.
These programs help visitors learn about the latest developments in exoplanet science and astrobiology.
The Planetary Society runs education programs that reach over 7 million space fans worldwide.
Digital platforms, educational materials, and community engagement keep people connected to space discoveries.
Their outreach connects the public to space science through accessible content and hands-on learning opportunities.
The Society creates educational content that helps people learn about space exploration.
Their materials reach everyone from students to adults who just love space science.
They develop curriculum materials that turn complex missions into understandable lessons.
Teachers get ready-to-use lesson plans about planetary exploration, asteroid research, and space tech.
Their educational approach sticks to current space missions and discoveries.
Students hear about active spacecraft—rovers on Mars, probes in the outer solar system.
The Society works with schools to bring specialized content into classrooms.
Science educators get updated materials that reflect the latest in planetary science.
Space enthusiasts can dig into detailed explanations of mission goals, spacecraft design, and scientific instruments.
These resources bridge the gap between technical space science and what the public can really understand.
The Society hosts events that bring space science right to local communities.
These gatherings offer a chance for researchers and space fans to connect in person.
Scientists present their latest findings at public lectures and symposiums.
People get to learn about new discoveries from Mars missions, asteroid studies, and planetary atmospheres.
The Society organizes viewing parties for big space events—launches, planetary alignments, eclipses.
These events help build a sense of community among space enthusiasts.
Local chapters set up regional events for specific areas.
Members join stargazing nights, museum trips, and talks from space industry pros.
Educational workshops offer hands-on learning for all ages.
Participants get to try out space science concepts through interactive activities.
Digital platforms are the main way the Society reaches millions of space science fans.
They keep up a strong presence across multiple online channels to boost public engagement.
Their weekly newsletter, The Downlink, brings space news and mission updates to subscribers.
Readers stay in the loop about current developments in planetary exploration and space tech.
Social media channels post real-time updates from ongoing missions.
Followers get images, data, and explanations straight from spacecraft.
The Society’s website features detailed articles about missions, discoveries, and technical topics.
Content covers everything from basic planetary science to advanced engineering.
Podcast programming reaches folks who prefer audio.
Episodes include interviews with scientists, mission updates, and space policy discussions.
Online educational tools offer interactive simulations and virtual mission experiences.
These digital resources let users explore spacecraft operations and planetary environments from home.
The Planetary Society produces regular publications and media to share space science discoveries and planetary exploration news with members worldwide.
Their flagship magazine reaches thousands of readers each quarter, and their radio program delivers weekly space science content across multiple platforms.
The Planetary Report stands out as the flagship magazine of The Planetary Society, recognized around the world. This quarterly magazine bursts with full-color photos and articles about discoveries on Earth and beyond.
Members get in-depth coverage of planetary missions, spacefaring nations, and the explorers who make it all happen. The magazine digs into controversies in planetary science and highlights the latest findings from Solar System exploration.
Planetary Society members across the globe receive the publication. Each issue packs in 212 pages, covering nearly four decades of space exploration.
Key topics include:
You can now find the entire archive of past issues online. Both members and non-members have access to decades of planetary science reporting through the Society’s digital platform.
Planetary Radio brings weekly space science programming to anyone curious about planetary exploration and astronomy. The show invites scientists, engineers, and space policy experts for interviews.
Episodes dive into breaking news from NASA, the European Space Agency, and private space companies. Listeners can learn about asteroid research, Mars missions, and studies of the outer planets, all from expert guests.
The show reaches its audience through podcasts and streaming services. Regular segments feature mission updates, space policy chats, and listener questions about planetary science.
The Planetary Society keeps a strong media presence through press releases, scientific papers, and conference talks. Staff scientists publish in peer-reviewed journals and speak at space conferences worldwide.
Journalists can find up-to-date info on Society events, programs, and leadership in the press room. Media contacts receive news about universe exploration and scientific breakthroughs.
Society experts often appear on TV, radio, and online to discuss new developments in planetary science. These appearances help explain complex space topics to the public across different media.
The Planetary Society forms strategic partnerships with major space agencies, research institutions, and private companies to move space exploration forward. These relationships range from direct mission work with NASA to educational programs with observatories and international scientific teamwork.
The Planetary Society works closely with NASA on a variety of missions. Since 1980, they’ve taken part in over 20 space exploration missions, offering both funding and public outreach.
NASA’s commercial crew program benefits from the Society’s advocacy. Members regularly reach out to Congress to support NASA’s funding. Their Washington representative meets with elected officials about 100 times a year to promote space exploration budgets.
The Society also teams up with NASA for educational projects. They worked with the U.S. National Parks Service and NASA to create Junior Ranger materials for the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, distributing these books in national parks along the eclipse path.
Their support goes beyond advocacy. The Society funds specific NASA projects and instruments, helping speed up mission timelines and boost scientific capabilities.
The Society works with observatories to focus on public education and outreach. They team up with ground-based facilities to promote astronomical discoveries and space science learning.
Lowell Observatory stands out as a key partner. Scientists at Lowell lend their expertise to Society educational programs and public engagement efforts.
Educational collaborations include:
These partnerships give members access to professional astronomers and new research. Observatory scientists help make complex discoveries understandable for everyone.
The Society connects with space agencies and research institutions worldwide through international partnerships. The Global Collaboration program brings together members, volunteers, and partners from different countries.
Scientists from around the globe contribute to Society projects. This network includes researchers from European space agencies, Japanese institutions, and new space programs.
The cooperation focuses on:
Corporate partners expand the Society’s reach. Companies like Intel and Hypergiant Industries work on artificial intelligence for space exploration, bringing new tech to space science education.
The Planetary Society has built impressive cultural influence through big-name endorsements and a strong media presence. Celebrity supporters and partnerships with the entertainment industry have brought space advocacy to wider audiences.
Star Trek actors have given some of the Society’s strongest endorsements. The cast members behind Captain Kirk, Sulu, Uhura, Riker, Data, Janeway, and Tuvok have all backed the organization’s mission. Even Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek’s creator, believed in their vision for space.
These endorsements connect with Star Trek’s hopeful vision of humanity’s future in space. The actors see how The Planetary Society shares this dream of moving past Earth’s differences to explore the cosmos.
Hollywood figures like Paul Newman, Steven Spielberg, and John Rhys-Davies have served on the Advisory Council and Board of Directors. Their support brings space advocacy to the entertainment world.
Endorsements also come from famous scientists and writers. Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury supported the Society, and Neil deGrasse Tyson keeps that tradition going.
Carl Sagan co-founded The Planetary Society and left a lasting mark on culture. When he appeared on The Tonight Show in 1976 to talk about solar sailing, it sounded like science fiction. But the Society later made it real with the LightSail mission.
Bill Nye’s leadership since 2010 has taken the Society’s reach even further. As “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” he’s used his fame to promote advocacy campaigns and space missions to younger audiences. His involvement blends education and policy in a way that’s hard to ignore.
The Society’s media partnerships have reached huge audiences. Their work with Lego brought space themes to Mars mission marketing. The National Park Service handed out their eclipse guide to millions of national park visitors.
Children’s books published with Lerner have reached hundreds of thousands of students across the country. This educational outreach helps inspire the next generation of space advocates.
The Planetary Society stands as the world’s largest space advocacy group, founded by Carl Sagan and now led by Bill Nye. Members get exclusive benefits, educational resources, and a chance to shape space policy while supporting missions that push planetary science forward.
The Planetary Society pursues three main goals to move space exploration ahead. The group empowers citizens to influence space science through advocacy, education, and scientific innovation.
Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman founded the Society in 1980 to influence government space programs. They push for more funding and support for NASA and planetary exploration.
The Society also focuses on public understanding. They create educational programs and content that make space topics easier for everyone to grasp.
Scientific innovation is a core part of their mission. The Society funds and develops technology demonstrations that help advance space exploration.
The Society helps space exploration by directly funding innovative projects and tech demonstrations. They support missions that government agencies might overlook.
They provide key advocacy for NASA’s science programs. The Society organizes campaigns to influence Congress and government officials on space policy.
Educational outreach trains the next generation of space scientists and engineers. The Society creates resources for teachers, students, and the public to learn about space.
Members can even send their names to space on select spacecraft, giving supporters a personal connection to exploration.
LightSail is one of the Society’s biggest technology demonstrations. This project tested solar sailing using small CubeSat spacecraft to prove the concept.
The Society supports planetary science missions with funding and advocacy. They work to keep missions studying Mars, Jupiter’s moons, and other planets going strong.
They run advocacy campaigns like Save NASA Science Day of Action, bringing organizations together to support NASA’s science activities and connect with Congress.
The Society funds research to improve planetary defense capabilities, helping identify and track asteroids that could threaten Earth.
Membership options start at $25 for students and go up to $30,000 a year for premium levels. The Explorer level costs $4 a month or $50 a year and comes with core benefits.
All members get a personalized membership card and The Planetary Report magazine, available in digital or print.
Members can join exclusive advocacy campaigns and get invited to special events, like Planetary Radio Live broadcasts.
Higher membership levels add perks like official merchandise, space image prints, and special recognition. The New Millennium Committee honors donors who give $500 or more annually.
Monthly payments cost a bit less than annual payments, rewarding those who stick with the Society for the long haul.
The Planetary Society creates educational resources to make space science accessible for everyone. They develop materials for teachers to use in classrooms.
Special membership rates help students and educators engage with space exploration. The Curiosity Team membership is for students, and educator rates help teachers get resources.
The Society publishes The Planetary Report to share the latest space science discoveries, reaching members worldwide with expert insights and mission news.
They host events where members can meet space scientists and mission specialists. These gatherings give the public a chance to connect directly with space professionals.
Digital platforms expand their educational reach with websites and online content. Members get access to exclusive info and behind-the-scenes looks at space missions.
The Planetary Society runs direct advocacy efforts that target Congress and government officials.
They focus their campaigns on keeping, or even boosting, funding for NASA’s science programs.
The team works with partner groups to make their advocacy messages louder. Events like the Save NASA Science Day of Action pull together several space organizations for joint lobbying.
Some higher-level members get to join exclusive advocacy calls with Chief Advocate Casey Dreier and CEO Bill Nye. These sessions give a behind-the-scenes look at policy changes and what’s top of mind for the group.
The Society keeps an eye on legislative changes that might impact space exploration funding. When the timing’s right, they let members know how to get involved and speak up on important policy choices.
Their advocacy doesn’t stop at the U.S. border. The organization also pushes for international space cooperation, backing joint missions and shared exploration goals between nations.
