Join the NSS Leadership Team — Apply by September 20

(Washington, DC -- September 2, 2010)

NSS members are directly involved in NSS operations and thus help shape the future.  Apply now to become an active part of the Space Movement via any of our various committee or Officer positions.  We want you to be a part of the NSS leadership team.

Read the full announcement here.

NSS Calls for Reconsideration of Funding Proposed for Exoplanet Research in Astro2010 Decadal Report

(Washington, DC -- September 1, 2010)

The National Space Society (NSS) believes that exoplanet research is among the most exciting scientific efforts of our time, with tremendous potential to excite young and old alike about the space frontier. Who among us has not pondered the question whether there are other “blue marbles” out there like our own home planet? That is why NSS is highly disappointed by the lack of recommended funding for exoplanet research in the National Research Council’s (NRC) Astro2010 Decadal Survey for astronomy and astrophysics, which was published recently. The report provides a recommended prioritization of ground and space based research in astronomy and astrophysics for the next decade. While the Decadal justifiably recognizes the importance of exoplanet research as one of its top three scientific priorities, a close reading of the report reveals that this ranking is not appropriately reflected in its actual funding recommendations. As such, the Decadal seems to indicate a willingness to delay an ambitious exoplanet research agenda until the 2020s or even beyond. While NSS recognizes the significant amount of work that the NRC's Astro2010 Decadal report represents, and thanks the members of the committee for their efforts, the failure to fund dedicated exoplanet missions at this time leads to serious questions about the overall Decadal plan.

Read the full NSS statement here.

NSS Commends Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee's Unanimous Approval of the NASA Authorization Act of 2010

(Washington, DC -- July 16, 2010)

NSS commends the members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee's for their unanimous agreement on the provisions of the NASA Authorization Act of 2010.  The authorization bill, which was approved by the Committee on July 15th, calls for a balanced and sustainable space program.  The bill establishes a bi-partisan framework that provides a basis for compromise between both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as with the Executive Branch.

Read the full NSS statement here.

NSS Congratulates SpaceX on a magnificent first launch of the Falcon 9

(Cape Canaveral, Florida -- June 4, 2010)

NSS congratulates SpaceX on a successful first launch of their Falcon 9 rocket.  The launch payload for this test flight was the aerodynamic test article for the Dragon cargo and crew module.

Read Press Release here