Blog Archive

The Murray-Darling river system, Australia

Australia comes of age in the satellite world

Posted by Michele Bannister on 2013/04/15 04:56 CDT | 1 comments

On April 9, the current Australian government announced the first formal Australian space policy. Astronomy graduate student Michele Bannister explains what this means for the country.

First Analysis: the NASA Planetary Science Budget for 2014

Posted by Van Kane on 2013/04/10 06:13 CDT | 7 comments

No mission to Europa, diminished funding for outer planets missions, a small bump to small spacecraft missions, and an increase for asteroid detection are part of the White House's proposal for NASA in 2014.

Bad Budget News for NASA's Planetary Exploration Program

Posted by Bill Nye on 2013/04/10 12:08 CDT | 13 comments

The Administration just released its proposed budget for 2014 and it contains some very bad news for NASA's planetary exploration program. Just three weeks ago the U.S. Congress rejected similar cuts proposed for planetary exploration last year. It was a clear statement of support by both Congress and the public: planetary exploration is an affordable national priority.

2014 NASA Budget Cuts $200 million from Planetary Science -- Again

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/10 12:00 CDT | 1 comments

NASA's new budget doubles down on cuts to Planetary Science, despite Congress rejecting a similar proposal last year.

Will the Sequester Take an Outsized Bite from Planetary Science at NASA?

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/06 09:11 CDT | 2 comments

Despite a $223 million boost from Congress this year, NASA's Planetary Science Division may not be allowed to use that money so NASA can prevent cuts in other programs.

What To Watch For In The 2014 Budget

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/03 06:34 CDT | 3 comments

Here are the big items to watch for when the White House proposes its 2014 budget on April 10th.

What's Going On with NASA Education and Public Outreach?
Sequestration claims its next victim at NASA.

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/28 12:18 CDT | 3 comments

Sequestration claims its next victim at NASA, as all Education and Public Outreach activities are suspended until further review.

[Updated] Senate Bill Restores $223 million to NASA's Planetary Science Division
A step in the positive direction, but far from certain

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/27 05:15 CDT | 4 comments

The President signed the Senate's bill to fund the government for the remainder of 2013, and it includes some positive news for NASA's Planetary Science division, which is facing a 21% cut.

A Victory for Exploration
Planetary Science Funding is Restored for 2013

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/21 10:22 CDT | 8 comments

We celebrate success as Congress passes a bill that restores funding to NASA's Planetary Science program, allowing for more missions, begins a mission to Europa, and funds Plutonium fuel development.

Send Us Your Sequestration Stories
Let's put a human face on the policy

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/15 04:36 CDT | 3 comments

Are you a scientist or student that has felt an impact from sequestration? Tell us your story.

Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2008

Sequestration Claims its First Victim at NASA
Conference travel and participation severely restricted

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/14 07:18 CDT | 4 comments

The first major effects of Sequestration were felt at NASA yesterday, with new rules severely restricting travel and scientific conference attendance by NASA scientists and contractors.

Rep. Adam Schiff Responds to Questions on Planetary Science Funding

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/08 12:43 CST | 2 comments

Rep. Adam Schiff's response to the state of Planetary Science funding from his recent online town hall.

Ask Rep. Adam Schiff About Planetary Science

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/05 06:53 CST

Rep. Adam Schiff is holding an online town hall on Wednesday, March 6th at 2:30pm PST. If you live in his district, it is a great time to ask about the status of Planetary Science funding on Twitter or his Facebook page.

Proposed House Budget Increases NASA Funding for SLS and Commercial Crew, Leaves Science Untouched

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/04 07:54 CST

The U.S. House of Representatives unveiled their new funding bill for the remainder of the 2013 fiscal year, which funds NASA at 2012 levels with the exception of its SLS and Commercial Crew programs.

Checking in with the Future of Mars Exploration at NASA

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/02/27 02:17 CST | 4 comments

Reporting from NASA's Mars Exploration Program working group on the latest updates in scientific exploration of the red planet.

The Sequester Will Cut NASA Science by an Additional $52 million

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/02/14 04:06 CST | 3 comments

Brand new information about the effects of the across-the-board cuts known as Sequestration, if they were to be enacted.

What Has NASA Done for Me Lately?

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/02/13 06:04 CST | 7 comments

NASA released its Spinoff 2012 report, detailing the numerous technology transfers, inventions, and economic impact by the U.S. space program.

JPL's Mohawk Guy Invited to Attend the State of the Union Address, Despite Cuts to Planetary Exploration

Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/02/12 01:53 CST | 1 comments

Bobak "Mohawk Guy" Ferdowsi of JPL will join First Lady Michelle Obama as a guest at today's State of the Union address.

Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson in Washington

Washington Update
Bill Nye traveled to Washington, D.C. with friend and Planetary Society board member Neil deGrasse Tyson

Posted by Bill Nye on 2013/02/11 04:12 CST | 2 comments

Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson spoke to the House Science committee about the importance of space and scientific research. Bill Nye also visited with Congressman Culberson and Congressman Wolf's chief of staffabout supporting NASA's Planetary Science Program.