The Planetary Society's political advocacy program educates and encourages policymakers to invest in space science and exploration. It enables and requires the participation of tens of thousands of Planetary Society members and supporters who take civic action in support of space.

Advocacy work is the complementary, active implementation of The Planetary Society's Space Policy Program.

Current Advocacy Priorities

While The Society's overall goals are outlined by its policy principles, the organization is reactive to and focused on the specific political situation faced by NASA each year. The following items are the organizational priorities for the calendar year 2021.

For NASA's fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget:

• Increase the Planetary Defense Program budget by $46 million to accelerate the NEO Surveyor mission toward a 2026 launch date.
• Grow NASA's Science Mission Directorate to pursue new mission opportunities.
• Support the Mars Sample Return project.
  
• NASA budget of at least $24.5 billion in order to support these science priorities and maintain the momentum behind Project Artemis.

As an organization based in the United States and dedicated to space science and exploration, our advocacy work is focused on the U.S. government and civil space issues. However, we seek out and share opportunities with our members around the world to take action where appropriate.

Background and Context

The resources below provide additional background regarding our current advocacy priorities.