Blogs
Casey Dreier's blogs from 2013
NASA's MAVEN Mission Spared from Shutdown
Launch preparations will resume
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/10/03 04:40 CDT | 3 comments
Launch preparations will resume for NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, due to launch to Mars on November 18th. Work had previously been suspended, potentially causing the spacecraft to miss its once-every-26-month launch opportunity.
Origami Nanosats: The Future of Space Telescopes?
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/10/01 05:04 CDT | 1 comments
We interview Dr. Franck Marchis from the SETI Institute about nanosats that can unfold in space to create sensitive telescopes that are orders of magnitudes cheaper than current hardware.
[Updated] A Government Shutdown Could Delay MAVEN's Launch to Mars
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/09/30 05:17 CDT | 2 comments
NASA confirmed that a government shutdown could affect pre-launch processing of the MAVEN spacecraft, currently scheduled to launch to Mars on November 18th.
Plutonium-238 is Crucial for Space Exploration – and it's Running Out
The Planetary Society works to maintain plutonium availability for deep space missions
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/09/20 11:29 CDT | 3 comments
Plutonium-238 provides electricity to deep space missions, but NASA only has a little bit left. A new article in Wired highlights the disastrous consequences of no plutonium for use in space, something the Planetary Society is currently fighting for in Washington, D.C.
The Energy Department is Full of Hugely Wasteful Spending, But Can't Afford to Make Plutonium for NASA
Congressional Energy Committees Should Focus More On Waste, Less on Making NASA Pay
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/09/13 11:49 CDT | 2 comments
A recent report shows that major programs within the Department of Energy are billions of dollars over budget due to lax oversight, yet the congressional committees responsible for the Department
Our Debt to NASA - Fighting the Pernicious Myth of NASA as Unnecessary
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/09/10 04:08 CDT | 9 comments
A recent article in the NY Times Sunday Magazine highlights how the pernicious myth of NASA as wasteful spending perpetuates through our culture.
A Division of Planetary Science
When Scientists Can't Agree on Priorities, Should Politicians Listen?
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/09/10 09:31 CDT | 3 comments
When scientists can't agree on priorities, will politicians listen? A reflection on a recent public policy session from the European Planetary Science Congress in London.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/09/08 05:28 CDT
The Planetary Society will cover this week's European Planetary Science Congress in London.
NASA's Europa Mission Concept Rejects ASRGs -- May Use Solar Panels at Jupiter Instead
Untested technology is too risky
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/09/05 06:41 CDT | 6 comments
The Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) is no longer an option for powering a potential Europa mission. The ASRG uses Plutonium-238 to generate electricity, but is far more efficient than past RTGs.
NASA Backs Off From Additional Planetary Cuts in 2013
Operating plan provides $1.271 billion
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/09/01 03:44 CDT | 5 comments
The final operating plan for the space agency provided $75 million more to planetary exploration than initially proposed.
SpaceNews Highlights the Planetary Society's Advocacy Work
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/08/30 06:17 CDT | 2 comments
The Planetary Society is "making a difference" in the space industry, according to SpaceNews, the world's leading newspaper covering the space business.
August Advocacy Update: Where We Stand
The House and Senate have increased funding for Planetary Science thanks to your letters and phone calls
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/08/15 07:02 CDT | 6 comments
Planetary exploration sees strong support from both parties in the current budget process, but we have a long way to go before a budget is passed this year.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/08/09 01:45 CDT | 2 comments
Both Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and CFO Beth Robinson are leaving NASA within the next few months.
One Year on Mars: My Favorite Moments from Planetfest 2012
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/08/06 04:28 CDT | 1 comments
It seems like it was just yesterday that 2000 people gathered in the Pasadena Convention Center to celebrate Curiosity's landing on Mars. All of Planetfest 2012 is online for your enjoyment.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/30 08:58 CDT | 7 comments
NASA responds to its advisory council's recommendations from April of this year.
Civil Servant Responsible for Government STEM Restructuring Identified
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/30 02:05 CDT | 2 comments
The government employee responsible for the proposed restructuring of all STEM programs in 2014 has been identified by the journal Science. The initiative faces resistance from both Congress and the scientific community, who feel that they were not consulted during the decision making process.
Remembering the Pluto Campaign: A Success Story
The Society Worked for Years to Help Launch a Mission to Pluto
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/22 02:11 CDT | 3 comments
The New Horizons mission to Pluto survived many near-death encounters with cancellation during its development. The Planetary Society worked the whole time to ensure it would launch.
The New Cosmos Series Has a Trailer
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/21 06:30 CDT | 7 comments
The remake of Cosmos, starring Neil deGrasse Tyson and airing on Fox, just released its first teaser trailer at the San Diego Comic-Con.
Congress Rejects NASA's First Operating Plan
Attempt to Raid Planetary Science Funding Stopped
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/15 11:33 CDT | 1 comments
NASA's plan to raid Planetary Science funding to pay for sequester cuts in other science programs was rejected by Congress earlier this month. NASA is now working on a new plan that has yet to be submitted for approval.
House Committee Approves Smallest NASA Budget Since 1986
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/12 12:40 CDT | 8 comments
This budget, if enacted, would be the smallest budget NASA has seen since the mid '80s, when adjusted for inflation.
Dueling Op-Eds on NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/11 01:29 CDT | 9 comments
NASA Administrator Bolden and the Chairman of the House Science Committee published opposing op-eds in The Hill newspaper today, illustrating the uphill battle NASA faces to sell Congress on this mission.
Mars 2020 Science Announcement Live-blog
NASA's next Mars rover now has a mission
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/09 01:57 CDT | 6 comments
Follow along as NASA reacts to the recommendations of the science definition team for the next Mars rover.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/07/09 12:44 CDT
Follow along as scientists work through the possibilities and problems of NASA's asteroid retrieval mission.
We Need Space-Based Detection of Threats, but NASA Shouldn't Pay for It
Reports from the AGU's Science Policy Conference
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/06/27 01:03 CDT | 5 comments
Early detection is a crucial step in preventing or mitigating threats from space, but it's not NASA's job.
If we started today, how long would it take to get to Mars? With this budget, never.
Analysis of the House Science Committee Hearing on the 2013 NASA Authorization Bill
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/06/19 04:38 CDT | 6 comments
The House of Representatives held a hearing today to discuss their proposed NASA authorization bill, which would fund Planetary Science, cut Earth Science, forbid asteroid retrieval, and command NASA to pursue a path to Mars via the Moon.
Planetary Society Hangout: LaserBees, Asteroids, and Planet Vacuums
Thursday, Jun 13, noon PDT/1900 UTC
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/06/13 12:39 CDT | 1 comments
We check in with Dr. Bruce Betts, our Director of Projects, on the latest from our current programs funded by our members.
Confirmed: NASA Defies the Will of Congress by Raiding Planetary Science Funding [updated]
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/06/10 03:40 CDT | 13 comments
Despite congressional rejection of massive cuts to Planetary Science this year, NASA has found a way to implement the cuts internally and use the money for other purposes.
Download This One-Page Summary on the Threat to Planetary Science
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/06/05 07:11 CDT | 5 comments
When we visit Congress, this is what we leave them with. This one page summarizes the entire threat to continued planetary exploration at NASA in the proposed 2014 budget.
NASA Administrator Highlights Advanced Propulsion Systems at JPL
An ion engine will be used on the proposed asteroid retrieval mission
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/05/23 06:18 CDT | 6 comments
Charles Bolden stopped by JPL to highlight research being done on advanced propulsion techniques that would be used in the proposed asteroid retrieval mission.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/05/23 12:39 CDT
NASA has still not sent its operating plan to Congress. Rumors of the agency reprogramming away all of the additional funding to Planetary Science remains just rumors.
Planetary Society Hangout: Advocacy Update
Thursday, May 23, 1:30 PDT / 4:30 PDT / 20:30 UTC
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/05/23 11:40 CDT
The Planetary Society just returned from a major political advocacy trip out to D.C. what did we do and what did we achieve? What's going on with the current funding situation regarding Planetary Science and NASA at large? How does the asteroid retrieval mission help or hurt planetary exploration goals? What's the larger plan and what are the consequences if cuts continue?
Planetary Science Echoes Through the Halls of Congress
We traveled to D.C. to advocate for continued planetary exploration at NASA
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/05/21 02:12 CDT | 3 comments
The Planetary Society just returned from a big trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for continued planetary exploration. Here's what happened.
NASA Robs Planetary Science
Leaked document shows NASA funding other programs with planetary money
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/05/15 05:04 CDT | 5 comments
NASA's leaked operating plan suggests that the agency is raiding money restored to the planetary program this year by Congress.
Planetary Society Hangout: A Day in the Life of the Opportunity Rover with Emily Dean
Thursday, May 9, at noon PDT/1900h UTC
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/05/09 02:20 CDT | 1 comments
Thursday, May 9th, at noon PDT/3pm EDT/1900h UTC, we are joined by Emily Dean, who works on the camera team for the Opportunity rover on Mars.
The Planetary Society Travels to Washington, D.C. Next Week
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/05/09 01:28 CDT | 2 comments
We're storming D.C. next week to raise awareness of continued cuts to NASA's Planetary Science Division.
![Juno [DEPRECATED]](https://planetary.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/z_changeover/juno_art_at-jupiter_t92.jpg)
American Astronomical Society Criticizes NASA Planetary Science Budget
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/30 01:38 CDT
The AAS made a strong critique of proposed cuts to NASA's Planetary Science program today.
Planetary Society Weekly Hangout: 2014 NASA Budget Update and Planetary Defense Conference Recap
Thursday, Apr 25, at noon PDT/1900h UTC
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/25 12:44 CDT | 3 comments
We take your questions on the 2014 NASA Budget, the Planetary Defense Conference, and Mars One.
House NASA Budget Hearing Live-blog
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/24 12:59 CDT | 3 comments
Live blog of comments and analysis from the House Science Committee's hearing on NASA's 2014 Budget.
Twitter Accounts for Key Space Representatives
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/23 01:05 CDT
Here are the official Twitter accounts for key people in Congress associated with supporting Planetary Science.
[updated] Tweet #fundPlanetary Today and Spread the Word to Help Save Planetary Exploration
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/23 07:04 CDT | 3 comments
Congress meets this week to discuss the 2014 NASA budget. We need as many people to reach out as possible so Planetary Science is on the agenda.
Planetary Science Is Fading to Black, Claims New Op-Ed
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/22 02:35 CDT | 4 comments
A powerful new op-ed in SpaceNews traces the inevitable decline of NASA's Planetary Science missions if the current cuts to the program are implemented.
JPL's Open House Falls to the Sequester
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/18 05:11 CDT | 3 comments
JPL announced that its annual open house was suspended indefinitely on Tuesday, another victim of the arbitrary cuts known as the Sequester.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/18 10:54 CDT | 1 comments
Due to unusual travel circumstances, we won't be hosting a live hangout this week.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/11 06:22 CDT | 3 comments
NASA went on an unusual tweet-binge praising planetary science today, saying that the struggling division "thrives" and highlighting various missions mainly developed in better times. NASA made five tweets in a row about planetary science over the course of two hours.
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.
More Evidence for a Habitable Mars from EGU 2013
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/08 06:36 CDT | 3 comments
NASA's Curiosity rover has acquired further evidence that Mars's atmosphere was once dense enough to support liquid water on the surface.
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.
Covering the European Geosciences Conference in Vienna
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/04 05:50 CDT | 3 comments
Live in Vienna? Attending EGU? I'll be covering the conference next week for the Society.
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.
Planetary Society Weekly Hangout: Programming in the Sciences
Thursday, Apr 4th at noon PDT/1900 UTC
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/04/03 02:30 CDT
Thursday, Apr 4th at noon PDT/1900 UTC we continue our weekly Live Hangouts. Join us this week with Chase Million, founder of Million Concepts, a company devoted to providing high-quality code to scientists.
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.
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.
Planetary Society Hangout: March 7th, 2013 - What's Going On With Curiosity and a NASA Budget Update
Thursday at noon PST/3pm EST/20:00 UT
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/03/07 12:35 CST | 3 comments
Thursday at noon PST/3pm EST/20:00 UT we check in with Emily Lakdawalla to bring us up to speed with Curiosity's computer problems and we check in on NASA's budget status.
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.
MarsFest 2013: Mars in the Mojave
March 1st - 3rd, 2013
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/02/26 01:14 CST | 1 comments
From March 1st - 3rd I'll be representing the Planetary Society at the 2nd annual MarsFest, located in Death Valley National Park.
Planetary Society Hangout Thursday, Feb 21st at noon PST. The Sequester at NASA with Jon Morse
Thursday, Feb 21st, at noon PST/3pm EST/20:00 UT
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/02/21 02:00 CST | 1 comments
How will the Sequester effect NASA? Dr. Jon Morse, former Director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA, will help us understand the cuts, the process, and the hard decisions being made right now.
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.
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.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/02/07 02:55 CST | 3 comments
Join us this week as we feature our guest, Dr. Paul Hayne from JPL. Dr. Hayne studies snow and ice on Mars, extreme temperatures of the Moon, and is on the Cassini science team. He also founded the group Young Scientists for Planetary Exploration to help organize early-career scientists to be aware of the politics of space.
Tell Us How Planetary Science Is Cheap, Be Entered to Win
Send us your comparisons of the price of planetary science to...anything
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/02/06 07:03 CST
Submit an entry comparing the cost of Planetary Science at NASA to...anything. You'll be entered to win a prize. Exploring the solar system costs less than many people think, let's give everyone food for thought.
A New Statement on NASA's 2020 Rover Mission
A collaborative effort with various scientific organizations to emphasize a balanced program of exploration
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/01/29 06:15 CST | 3 comments
The Planetary Society remains committed to a balanced program of solar system exploration, with Mars, outer planets, and small missions all playing an important part.
Up Is the New Up
The European Space Agency's Budget Gets an Increase
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/01/28 12:34 CST | 1 comments
The European Space Agency will enjoy a 6.5% increase in funding this year, reports SpaceNews.
Advocacy Update: The Society Traveled to Washington
We continue the push to restore funding for Planetary Science at NASA
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/01/25 02:16 CST | 3 comments
The Planetary Society makes another visit to Capitol Hill to advocate for Planetary Science funding at NASA.
Planetary Society Hangout: Jan 24th, 2013 - Hunting Asteroids with Gary Hug
Thursday at noon PST/3pm EST/20:00 UT
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/01/24 12:00 CST
Gary Hug is an asteroid hunter. He scans the skies every night looking for new near-Earth objects and refining orbital measurements for existing ones. Join Casey Dreier and Dr. Bruce Betts as they interview Gary Hug about his work and his recent discovery of a new NEO on January 7th.
Planetary Society Hangout: Jan 17th, 2013 - Drilling on Mars with Joel Hurowitz
Thursday, Jan 17th, at noon PST/2000 UT
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/01/17 02:00 CST | 3 comments
Join Emily Lakdawalla and Joel Hurowitz of the MSL Curiosity sample acquisition team to talk about the upcoming "first drill" by the martian rover.
New Details on the 2020 Mars Rover
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/01/10 10:23 CST | 7 comments
The 2020 Rover will achieve its cost-savings by using $200 million of existing hardware left over from the Curiosity mission, said the Director of the Planetary Science division within NASA.
The Astronomy Budget Squeeze
It's not just NASA. All of space science feels the pinch of smaller budgets.
Posted by Casey Dreier on 2013/01/09 07:11 CST | 1 comments
It's not just the Planetary Sciences division within NASA that's under harsh budgetary times. The NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences is facing a choice between funding scientists and funding telescopes. A report from the 221st AAS meeting in Long Beach.
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