Articles

The Downlink

We’re always learning more about the worlds of the outer Solar System, and even those beyond.

The Downlink

The Soyuz spacecraft have been helping humans get to and from space for decades, but that’s nothing compared to the billions of years that microorganisms have been making life on Earth possible.

The Planetary Society

An interview with environmental policy expert Eric Roesch about what made the April 2023 Starship test launch so environmentally harmful, and why the Federal Aviation Administration may ultimately be to blame.

Casey Dreier

NASA's planetary budget is historically high, but it's still beset by challenges.

The Downlink

The Moon casts shadows on itself and on Earth, environmental concerns overshadow a test launch’s success, and exoplanets are awesome (beyond a shadow of a doubt).

The Planetary Society

When the Psyche mission missed its launch date in 2022, it caused a ripple-effect of delays and budget woes for other JPL-led missions. Dr. Laurie Leshin, JPL's new director, shares her insights into the unique challenges facing her team and what she's doing to change JPL for the better.

The Downlink

Meet the Solar System’s five official dwarf planets, celebrate two major launches, and find out why planets sometimes seem to go backwards across the sky.

Casey Dreier

The Planetary Society's all-virtual advocacy event was a success, with more than 1,500 advocacy actions taken.

The Downlink

Detailed Mars maps, insights into the Venusian surface, and views of Uranian rings all have one thing in common: they don’t happen without public support for space.

Casey Dreier

The changing fortunes of planetary defense.

The Downlink

VERITAS would peer through Venus’ clouds to study its surface like never before, but it needs your help.

Casey Dreier

In a joint effort led by The Planetary Society, major organizations and academic institutions are calling on Congress to save the Venus Emissivity, Radio science, InSAR, Topography And Spectroscopy (VERITAS) mission by establishing a 2029 launch date, a 2-year delay from the original baseline schedule.

Casey Dreier

NASA's first mission to Venus in decades is in danger. This is why VERITAS is worth saving.

The Downlink

A planet shows its pole, another shows possible volcanic activity, and the Moon keeps surprising us with more water.

The Downlink

New discoveries from Ryugu, material heading our way from Bennu, and anticipation for a mission to Psyche.

The Downlink

Learn all about the possible volcanic activity found on Venus, the facts about a hyped-up near-Earth asteroid, Jupiter’s newest moons, and what space images sound like.

Casey Dreier

The requested $27.2 billion would keep all major human and robotic initiatives going forward, though most of it would be offset by inflation.

Casey Dreier

If public space agencies don't settle space, who will? And what values will they carry with them?

The Downlink

Finding asteroids before they hit Earth not only protects us from harm, it can also yield beautiful photos.

The Downlink

When we combine data sources, collaborate with each other, and invite artistic perspectives, we can better understand the Universe we live in.