The Planetary Society

Who We Are

The Planetary Society, founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman, inspires and involves the world's public in space exploration through advocacy, projects, and education. Today, The Planetary Society is the largest and most influential public space organization group on Earth. Dedicated to exploring the solar system and seeking life beyond Earth, The Planetary Society is non-governmental and nonprofit and is funded by the support of its members.

Leaders in Space Exploration

The Planetary Society leads by example: through private ventures, such as the solar sail; through public-private partnerships, such as the Mars Microphone; through promoting grand and ambitious adventures, such as human missions to Mars. We continue to find more ways for members of the public to participate directly in humanity’s evolution into a multi-planet species — as we inspire the people of Earth to explore other worlds and seek other life.

We believe that our next age of exploration will be a vital, exciting, adventurous time, with Planetary Society members involved in the adventure of making great discoveries and acquiring new knowledge about our solar system neighborhood — and about ourselves.

Our Mission

To inspire the people of Earth to explore other worlds, understand our own, and seek life elsewhere.

Our Projects

The Society sponsors novel and innovative projects that will "seed" further exploration. These projects, funded by our members — not with government support — distinguish the Society as an organization that "makes it happen."

Our Members

We come from more than 125 countries and are astronauts, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, parents, and grandparents, corporate and foundation leaders, engineers, planetarium, museum, and science directors, policy makers, and space enthusiasts — YOU.