http://www.planetary.org All the latest blog posts that cover space policy and issues for space exploration in the United States and the world. The Planetary Society Convio Content Management System Module en-us www.planetary.org-435528896 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130603-operating-plan-delivered.html 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. Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:40:32 -0500 www.planetary.org-436017047 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130605-download-this-one-page-summary-about-planetary-science-funding-in-2014.html 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. Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:11:53 -0500 www.planetary.org-432777170 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130523-no-nasa-operating-plan-yet.html 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. Thu, 23 May 2013 12:39:58 -0500 www.planetary.org-432758816 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130523-planetary-society-hangout-advocacy-update.html 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? Thu, 23 May 2013 11:40:57 -0500 www.planetary.org-432115037 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130520-planetary-science-echoes-in-congress.html The Planetary Society just returned from a big trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for continued planetary exploration. Here's what happened. Tue, 21 May 2013 02:12:04 -0500 www.planetary.org-430680878 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130515-nasa-steals-back-money-from-planetary-science.html NASA's leaked operating plan suggests that the agency is raiding money restored to the planetary program this year by Congress. Wed, 15 May 2013 17:04:45 -0500 www.planetary.org-428816487 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130509-the-planetary-society-travels-to-dc-for-planetary-science.html We're storming D.C. next week to raise awareness of continued cuts to NASA's Planetary Science Division. Thu, 09 May 2013 13:28:18 -0500 www.planetary.org-426639261 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/bill-nye/20130501-the-white-house-science-fair-2013.html I meet the future of science in the United States, and I speak directly to NASA Administrator Charles Bolden about my concerns for Planetary Science funding. Wed, 01 May 2013 11:53:22 -0500 www.planetary.org-426326456 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130430-aas-defends-planetarys-science.html The AAS made a strong critique of proposed cuts to NASA's Planetary Science program today. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:38:24 -0500 www.planetary.org-425521318 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/van-kane/20130426-reactions-to-the-budget.html Now that groups and individuals have had time to digest the proposed 2014 NASA Planetary Science budget, they are highlighting the impacts of the proposed cuts. We are also getting the first independent reactions to the proposal to bring an asteroid to lunar orbit as a target for human exploration. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:19:48 -0500 www.planetary.org-425389139 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2013/20130425-nac-education-committee-chair.html Lars Perkins, Chairman of NAC's Education Committee, writes a defense of NASA's Education and Outreach efforts, currently facing a major cut and restructuring in 2014. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:45:42 -0500 www.planetary.org-424716256 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130424-nasa-2014-budget-live-blog-house.html Live blog of comments and analysis from the House Science Committee's hearing on NASA's 2014 Budget. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:59:45 -0500 www.planetary.org-424374530 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130423-tweet-at-congress-for-planetary-exploration.html Here are the official Twitter accounts for key people in Congress associated with supporting Planetary Science. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:05:00 -0500 www.planetary.org-424253239 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130423-tweet-fundplanetary-this-week.html 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. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:04:06 -0500 www.planetary.org-424103566 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130423-planetary-science-is-fading-to-black.html 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. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:35:06 -0500 www.planetary.org-423148454 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130418-jpls-open-house-suspended.html JPL announced that its annual open house was suspended indefinitely on Tuesday, another victim of the arbitrary cuts known as the Sequester. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:11:26 -0500 www.planetary.org-422543614 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20130416-what-were-doing-about-nasas-fy14-budget.html All cylinders are firing here in the Society as we rev up a big response for the White House's NASA budget that proposes another $200 million cut to Planetary Science. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:43:43 -0500 www.planetary.org-421264607 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130411-nasas-planetary-doublespeak.html 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. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:22:10 -0500 www.planetary.org-420952589 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/van-kane/20130410-proposed-nasa-planetary-science-budget.html 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. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:13:07 -0500 www.planetary.org-420878204 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/bill-nye/live-nasa-budget-webcast.html 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. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:08:50 -0500 www.planetary.org-420880924 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130410-2014-nasa-budget-cuts-planetary-science-again.html NASA's new budget doubles down on cuts to Planetary Science, despite Congress rejecting a similar proposal last year. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:21 -0500 www.planetary.org-419237224 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130404-planetary-science-update-sequester.html 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. Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:11:25 -0500 www.planetary.org-419101860 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130403-the-2014-budget-comes-out-one-week-from-today.html Here are the big items to watch for when the White House proposes its 2014 budget on April 10th. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:34:51 -0500 www.planetary.org-417778095 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/bill-nye/20130328-a-major-political-victory-for-the-society.html The Planetary Society just achieved a major victory in our efforts to ensure strong funding for NASA’s planetary exploration. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:18:12 -0500 www.planetary.org-417466550 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130327-whats-going-on-with-nasa-epo.html Sequestration claims its next victim at NASA, as all Education and Public Outreach activities are suspended until further review. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:18:40 -0500 www.planetary.org-412951018 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130312-proposed-senate-bill-restores-223-million-to-planetary-science.html 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. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:15:00 -0500 www.planetary.org-415571218 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130321-a-victory-for-exploration.html 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. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 22:22:14 -0500 www.planetary.org-413785307 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130315-send-us-your-sequestration-stories.html Are you a scientist or student that has felt an impact from sequestration? Tell us your story. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:36:13 -0500 www.planetary.org-413731657 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130314-sequestrations-first-victim-at-nasa.html 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. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:18:43 -0500 www.planetary.org-412103792 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130308-rep-adam-schiff-responds-to-planetary-science-funding-questions.html Rep. Adam Schiff's response to the state of Planetary Science funding from his recent online town hall. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 12:43:10 -0600 www.planetary.org-411375389 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130305-ask-adam-schiff-about-planetary-science.html 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. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:53:05 -0600 www.planetary.org-411077553 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130304-proposed-house-budget-increases-funding-for-sls.html 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. Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:54:43 -0600 www.planetary.org-405922597 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130214-impacts-of-sequestration-at-nasa.html Brand new information about the effects of the across-the-board cuts known as Sequestration, if they were to be enacted. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:06:20 -0600 www.planetary.org-405125551 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/bill-nye/20130211-washington-update.html 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. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:12:27 -0600 www.planetary.org-403789635 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130206-planetary-science-is-cheap-contest-announcement.html 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. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 07:03:10 -0600 www.planetary.org-403698283 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/van-kane/20130205-sequestration-and-planetary-exploration.html The latest news in the United States is that a poison pill known as the Sequester is looking increasingly likely. If it happens, it will be a body blow to NASA’s planetary science program. Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:01:31 -0600 www.planetary.org-400633894 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130128-a-new-statement-on-a-balanced-planetary-science-program.html 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. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:15:59 -0600 www.planetary.org-395867814 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/2013/20130125-advocacy-update.html The Planetary Society makes another visit to Capitol Hill to advocate for Planetary Science funding at NASA. Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:16:08 -0600 www.planetary.org-391511626 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20130102-sequestration-averted-for-now.html The fiscal cliff deal delays implementation of the across-the-board cuts known as the sequester for two months. Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:28:49 -0600 www.planetary.org-389806246 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20121227-tiptoeing-towards-the-edge-of-sequestration.html NASA's Planetary Science Division looks to lose about $100 million in addition to the deep cuts already proposed for 2013. Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:09:25 -0600 www.planetary.org-385915848 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20121216-where-we-stand.html We've had a very busy year defending funding for NASA's Planetary Science division. Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:43:38 -0600 www.planetary.org-376046515 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20121114-save-our-science-update.html We've sent over sixteen thousand of emails to the president, but we need more. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:05:59 -0600 www.planetary.org-375716286 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20121113-what-were-fighting-for.html We're fighting for the restoration of NASA's planetary sciences budget to return to its 2012 level. What does that get us? New financial analysis from our sources in the scientific community provides us a glimpse. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:48:21 -0600 www.planetary.org-369667350 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20121107-write-the-president-upon-reelection.html We've had a great response to this advocacy push so far. Now that the President has been re-elected, our messages are even more important. Write today if you haven't, and spread to the word to your friends. Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:46:45 -0600 www.planetary.org-369234214 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20121017-dc-member-event-recap.html During my visit to D.C. to discuss Planetary Exploration funding with key people on the Hill, members of the Planetary Society gathered at George Washington University to hear the latest science results from NASA's Curiosity and Opportunity rovers. Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:39:28 -0500 www.planetary.org-367737854 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20121011-write-the-president-for-planetary-exploration.html We've written congress. We've written the budget staffers in the government. Now it's time to reach for the top, and get the President to hear our passion and support for Planetary Exploration. Sun, 14 Oct 2012 00:40:00 -0500 www.planetary.org-366729173 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/bruce-betts/20121005-MEPAG-report.html Bruce Betts reports on the status of the current and future Mars program and on acronyms from a meeting of NASA's MEPAG (Mars Exploration Analysis Program Analysis Group). Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:30:54 -0500 www.planetary.org-364757415 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20120926-nasas-new-direction-for-mars.html The future of the Mars Exploration Program exists as multiple mission plans straining to exist in the brutal new cost cap from the FY13 budget, pushed far into the future. Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:58:24 -0500 www.planetary.org-363573932 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20120921-writing-to-the-omb-recap.html In ten days, our members and supporters sent over 17,000 emails to staff members who create and influence NASA's planetary science budget. The public support is there. We're making difference but not letting up. Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:58:56 -0500 www.planetary.org-362515208 http://www.planetary.org/blogs/casey-dreier/20120917-sequestration-and-planetary-science.html The sequestration is coming on January 2nd, 2013. If Congress does nothing to prevent it, NASA's planetary science division stands to lose an additional $97 million to the already-proposed cut of $309 million for 2013. Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:36:07 -0500