Jason Davis • February 09, 2017
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.
Erin Greeson • February 07, 2017
The London Science Museum, one of the world’s leading science centers, has welcomed our citizen-funded spacecraft into its halls.
Larry Crumpler • February 06, 2017
Several sols ago, Opportunity made it up and past the steepest section of its climb out of Endeavour crater.
Bryan J. Rodriguez-Colon • February 06, 2017
Earth possesses amazing biological diversity. Every corner of this planet—no matter how bizarre the place—is inhabited by microorganisms. This includes impact craters.
A.J.S. Rayl • February 04, 2017
2017 got off to a start that was unprecedented in every good way: Opportunity completed her 13th Earth year of surface operations and drove the first overland expedition of the Red Planet into its 14th year.
Emily Lakdawalla • February 03, 2017
Since my last update, the Curiosity mission has developed a better understanding of the problem that prevented them from drilling at Precipice, but its intermittent nature has slowed the development of a workable solution that will allow them to use the drill again. In the meantime, the rover has driven onward, making good use of its other instruments.
Marc Rayman • February 01, 2017
Dawn has moved into its sixth orbital phase, with a new sun angle that provides an opportunity to gain a new perspective on the asteroid Ceres.
Van Kane • February 01, 2017
For the third time in less than a decade, scientists have proposed a multiple-flyby mission to explore the habitability of Saturn’s ocean moons Titan and Enceladus.
Donna Stevens • January 27, 2017
The Winter 2016 issue of The Planetary Report is on its way to members’ doors, showcasing the stunning year in pictures.
Jason Davis • January 26, 2017
NASA's current human spaceflight goal is Mars, but the Trump administration could change that to the Moon. Is that a good idea? Here's an in-depth look at the differences in science gain, the arguments for and against a potential commercial market, and whether or not the technological and operational challenges required to reach the Moon apply to Mars.
Anatoly Zak • January 25, 2017
Russia's workhorse Proton rocket may be grounded until June or July, dealing another blow to the country's launch infrastructure, which has been plagued by brain drain, mismanagement, poor quality control and corruption.
Kevin Gill • January 25, 2017
Amateur space image processor Kevin Gill shares some of his stunning 3D images of Mars, created from real spacecraft data.
Emily Lakdawalla • January 24, 2017
Four years ago, I announced that I was writing a book about Curiosity, describing the mission from its inception through its nominal mission. I am still not done, so am taking a three-month break from other work -- including this blog -- in order to focus and finish. I'm seeking scientists and engineers to serve as guest bloggers.
Emily Lakdawalla • January 19, 2017
Behold: Daphnis, the tiny, 8-kilometer moon that orbits within a ring gap, gently tugging on the edges of the gap to create delicate scallops.
Jason Davis • January 19, 2017
This Friday, Charles Bolden resigns as NASA administrator after a stint of 2,744 days. Robert Lightfoot, the agency's highest-ranking civil servant, will take over as acting admin. How long will Lightfoot serve? If history serves as a guide, it could be a while.
Jason Davis • January 13, 2017
The Planetary Society is launching a new webpage showcasing LightSail academic papers, schematics, parts and imagery.
Bill Gowan • January 12, 2017
Last February, a group called the Space Exploration Alliance held their annual "legislative blitz," walking the halls of Congress to sway lawmakers toward increased support for NASA's 2017 budget.
John Noonan • January 11, 2017
What is it like behind the scenes before, during, and after the launch of a spacecraft?
Emily Lakdawalla • January 10, 2017
Go see Hidden Figures, and bring your kids. Despite its serious subject matter, the movie is joyful, often funny, and, in the end, triumphant.
Jason Davis • January 10, 2017
SpaceX says they fixed a problem with the helium pressurization system that destroyed a Falcon 9 rocket last year. The company pushes the boundaries of rocket science, creating an occasional jaw-dropping fireball in the process. But will the risk-reward equation change when SpaceX starts flying astronauts?
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