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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
NASA's FY 2025 budget request is not enough
Federal spending caps and inflation take a bite out of NASA's ambitions.
The science value of Mars Sample Return
The project has the potential to transform our understanding of the Solar System and provide evidence of life beyond Earth.
Can SpaceX’s Starship save Mars Sample Return?
Though promising conceptually, Starship presents more questions than answers for NASA's Mars Sample Return needs.
The path forward for Mars Sample Return
A brief summary of The Planetary Society's policy principles and recommendations for Mars Sample Return.
How layoffs at JPL can be traced to a stalemate in Congress
A battle over the future of Mars Sample Return is taking a toll on NASA’s workforce.
What went wrong with Mars Sample Return
An edited transcript of an interview with Orlando Figueroa, chair of the independent review team that evaluated NASA's Mars Sample Return program.
The future of Mars Sample Return
An overview of the 2023 Independent Review Board report on the state and future of Mars Sample Return.
That’s a mare
An unusual lunar feature, Saturn’s shining rings, and Mars’ complex gullies.
The U.S. Senate threatens to cancel Mars Sample Return
The House has yet to weigh in. And much can still happen before this threat is realized.
The Space Advocate Newsletter, July 2023
What's going on with Mars Sample Return?
Searching the skies to keep us all alive
Astronomers around the world are working to protect the Earth from asteroid impacts, with the help of Planetary Society members and donors.
What’s going on with Mars Sample Return?
NASA's biggest science project is undergoing an unprecedented second independent review amidst growing cost estimates and daunting technical and managerial challenges.
Red hot space
This week’s roundup of space news and exploration inspiration will leave you seeing red (in the best way possible).
Your guide to water on Mars
Mars used to have oceans, lakes, and rivers. Where did the water go, how much is left, and how can we use it for science and exploration?
Tianwen-3: China’s Mars sample return mission
China's Tianwen-3 aims to be the first to collect samples from Mars and deliver them to Earth, potentially landing back home two years ahead of the NASA and the European Space Agency MSR project
Space rocks!
Rock stars love space, and who can blame them! Take a look at awesome images, exciting science, and the connection between music and exploration.
It’s a team effort
Robots, scientists, citizens, and artists team up to explore the Cosmos in this week’s Downlink.
How NASA will use helicopters to return samples from Mars in 2033
NASA's latest plans for its Mars Sample Return mission will rely on the Perseverance rover and two 'Ingenuity-class' helicopters.
Rather remarkable robots
The robotic explorers of our Cosmos are truly impressive, as showcased by several spacecraft this week.
Defend your planet
With so many asteroids out there, it’s up to us to defend our planet from impacts. Find out how you can make a difference.