The National Space Society Welcomes You

Our Vision:  People living and working in thriving communities beyond the Earth, and the use of the vast resources of space for the dramatic betterment of humanity.

The Society publishes Ad Astra magazine and maintains an active global network of volunteers and local chapters.  Membership and participation are open to all.

Join the space movement, and help build a positive future for humanity!

NSS and Hadley Rille Books announce RETURN TO LUNA coming soon

(Washington, DC, December 1, 2008)

Stories From the Lunar Settlements. Experience the wonder of the lunar frontier, of its magnificent desolation.  Foreword by Apollo 17 Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt.  Introduction by George T. Whitesides and Eric T. Reynolds. Presenting the winning stories of the Return to Luna Contest selected by award-winning authors and editors.  Available December 2008.  Visit http://www.hadleyrillebooks.com for more information.

2009 International Space University Scholarship Applications Available

(Washington, DC, November 23, 2008)

NSS is proud to announce that scholarships up to $12,000 are available for those applying for the summer Space Studies Program at NASA Ames Research Center, offered through the International Space University (ISU). More information and scholarship application.

New Documentary Sheds Light on Space Based Solar Power

(Washington, DC, November 18, 2008)

The Futures Channel's new online documentary, "Powering the Planet," brings high school math and science students up to speed on the energy challenges their generation will face and explores solar power from space as a long-term solution. Watch the 19-minute movie here or read the full press release.

NSS Leader Featured on The Space Show

(Washington, DC, November 12, 2008)

NSS leader Marianne Dyson provides a fascinating look at space history on The Space Show. This internet radio program discusses her role in the early days of NASA as one of the first ten female flight controllers. Aired on November 11, the program is available for free download here.

National Space Society Congratulates ISRO on Successful Chandrayaan-1 Lunar Arrival

(Washington, DC, November 9, 2008)

The National Space Society, America's premier citizen's voice for space, offers its congratulations to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful orbiting of the first Indian spacecraft around the Moon on November 8. Together with the Japanese, Chinese, and (later) U.S. orbiters, Chandrayaan-1 will provide unprecedented knowledge of the Moon for the 21st century, and will broaden the community of nations exploring other worlds.

The Chandrayaan mission also demonstrates the value of cooperation in space activities, as it will carry several scientific instruments designed by NASA and other scientific institutions from around the world. The National Space Society applauds these joint ventures, and sees them as a model for future missions. We look forward to seeing the images and knowledge that Chandrayaan-1 will bring to advance the exploration of space.

San Diego Space Society publishes Fall Newsletter

(Washington, DC, November 3, 2008)

NSS chapters do amazing things in local communities, across the country, and around the world. To read about the activities of NSS's newest chapter, the San Diego Space Society, click this link. To find a chapter near you, click here.

Second Chance to Join the NSS Leadership Team — Apply by November 30

(Washington, DC, October 28, 2008)

The leadership solicitation of the NSS Executive Search Committee two months ago resulted in over 30 resumes being submitted.  We are now focusing on filling remaining open committee positions.  We would like to give those NSS members who missed the last deadline another chance to submit their resumes, while we continue to process the ones received.  Our goal is to engage every interested NSS member at some level in Society activities.

If you are motivated to become part of the exciting new developments in space, then please send a resume or bio and cover letter or message listing position(s) of interest to the email address executive-search@nss.org by Sunday, November 30.  Read the full news release for details.

NSS Educational Project Enables Nepal Sky-watching

(Washington, DC, October 27, 2008)

The Permission to Dream project has donated telescopes to students in over 20 countries.  Nepal coordinator Kedar Badu sent pictures of a star party on October 27 with local Kathmandu students.  NSS member funds have supported this valuable project, spreading knowledge of the stars and inspiration to young people around the world.

NSS is Pleased to Support Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger Recognition Symposium

(Washington, DC, October 24, 2008)

The Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger Recognition Symposium provides a forum to recognize the unique contributions made by the late Dr. Stuhlinger in four selected areas of aerospace scientific and technological advancements.

For additional information and to register please visit https://www.coned.uah.edu/jsp/stuhlingersymp.jsp

NSS Congratulates Historic Father-Son Space Pairs

(Washington, DC, October 14, 2008)

On October 14, Richard Garriott and Expedition 18 crewmembers Mike Fincke and Yuri Lonchakov docked their Soyuz vehicle at the International Space Station.  This mission marks several important space-history milestones: First, Richard Garriott has become the first American second-generation space traveler, following his father Owen Garriott's illustrious astronaut career.

At the ISS, Richard has met up with cosmonaut Sergei Volkov, the son of cosmonaut Alexander Volkov, representing the first Russian father-son space duo.  Richard and Sergei will descend to Earth together, representing the first time two second-generation space travelers have re-entered the atmosphere.  Coming just weeks after the 50th anniversary of NASA, these important milestones underscore how a generational shift is occurring in space. The members of NSS look forward to the day when people from around the world will have the opportunity to travel to space with their family members, and congratulate Richard and Sergei on their historic accomplishments.

To follow Richard Garriott's mission, please visit www.richardinspace.com

To follow ISS Expedition 18, please visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station

NSS statement on SpaceX launch

(Washington, DC, September 28, 2008)

On the occasion of the successful launch of the SpaceX Falcon 1 vehicle, the National Space Society released the following statement:

The members of the National Space Society congratulate the SpaceX team and its founder, Elon Musk, on the success of tonight's launch.  The Falcon I launch vehicle reached orbit on a picture-perfect launch from the Kwajalein launch site, a milestone for the company and for commercial space.  Private ventures such as SpaceX offer the promise of lower-cost launch, opening space to new ventures and people while enabling NASA to explore beyond.  This hard-won success demonstrates again that space can in fact be accessed by small teams and companies, and confirms the promise of a new age in space.  Congratulations to all involved and Ad Astra!

For more information, visit: www.spacex.com

A Big Month for Space: NASA's 50th, Shenzhou VII, and possible SpaceX Launch

(Washington, DC, September 28, 2008)

On the eve of NASA's 50th anniversary (officially marked on October 1), the National Space Society hails three major upcoming space milestones: On Thursday, September 25, China is expected to launch Shenzhou VII, the nation's third human spaceflight mission and its first to include a spacewalk. This week may also include a launch from Space Exploration Technologies, a private firm whose launch window is from Tuesday, September 23 to Thursday, September 25. Finally, excitement is building for the October 10 Space Shuttle mission to upgrade and repair the Hubble Space Telescope. For perhaps the last time, two Space Shuttles, Atlantis and Endeavour, are poised on their adjacent launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center. NSS members wish mission success to each of the teams preparing for these important space events.

NSS to Announce Space-Based Solar Power Breakthrough

(Washington, DC, September 10, 2008)

On Friday September 12, 2008 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, the National Space Society will hold a press conference to announce the first-of-a-kind long-distance demonstration of solar-powered Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) technology, a key to Space-Based Solar Power.  The technology demonstration will be featured in an hour-long special that evening on Discovery Channel as part of DISCOVERY PROJECT EARTH, an eight-part series on the most ambitious geo-engineering ideas to tackle global climate change and the need for new and sustainable energy sources.

Read the full Media Alert Release for details. See video of full press conference.

Join the NSS Leadership Team — Apply by September 15

(Washington, DC, August 22, 2008)

The NSS Executive Committee has established a 2008 Executive Search Committee to seek out, from throughout the community of NSS members and those who share our vision, those individuals with the qualifications, abilities, and desire to serve a two-year term as an Operating Committee Member or Chair, or NSS Officer.

If you are motivated to become a part of the exciting new developments in space, then please send a resume or bio and cover letter or message listing position(s) of interest to the email address executive-search@nss.org by Monday, September 15.  Read the full news release for details.

Read Archived News Items