The Planetary Society is leading the charge to save NASA VERITAS mission to Venus, which is currently facing a delay due to budget constraints. In a joint effort with other organizations and academic institutions, The Society published a letter urging Congress to authorize the launch of VERITAS by November 2029. The mission, which aims to map the entire surface of Venus in high resolution, has faced setbacks after NASA removed funds for the project in 2022.
The Planetary Society is calling on its members and the public to support the mission by contacting their representatives and raising awareness on social media using the hashtag #SaveVERITAS.VERITAS is part of a larger campaign to study the history and climate change of Venus, and The Planetary Society is determined to rally support and ensure the mission’s success.
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The Planetary Society leads scientific community and advocates in rallying around NASA VERITAS mission
The Planetary Society’s Efforts
The Planetary Society is taking the lead in spearheading the campaign to save the VERITAS mission to Venus. Due to constrained budgets at NASA, the mission is currently facing an indefinite delay. In an effort to rally support, The Society has published a joint letter urging Congress to authorize the launch of VERITAS no later than November 2029.
To further demonstrate the importance of the mission, The Planetary Society has enlisted the support of additional signatories. The American Geophysical Union, as well as academic institutions such as the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Tulane University, and Mount Holyoke College, have all signed the letter in support of the VERITAS mission.
In addition to seeking support from organizations, The Planetary Society is rallying its members and the public to join the cause. Through advocacy efforts, members are encouraged to reach out to their representatives in Congress and express support for the mission. Social media platforms are also being utilized to raise awareness, with the hashtag #SaveVERITAS being used to amplify the message. The Planetary Society is also incorporating the VERITAS mission into its Day of Action events, both virtual and in-person, to further engage the public in supporting this vital scientific endeavor.
The Importance of the VERITAS Mission
The VERITAS mission holds significant importance in advancing our understanding of Venus. As one of the lesser-studied planets in our Solar System, Venus presents a unique opportunity for scientific exploration. By undertaking this mission, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of Venus’ history and climate change.
One of the primary objectives of VERITAS is to map the entire surface of Venus in high resolution. While similar mapping missions have been conducted on Mars and the Moon, Venus remains relatively unexplored in this regard. The last NASA mission to Venus was Magellan, which took place over three decades ago, in 1989. By mapping Venus’ surface, scientists can unlock valuable insights into the planet’s geological features and potentially uncover evidence of past water or signs of habitability.
Furthermore, the VERITAS mission enables scientists to make important comparisons to previous NASA missions to Venus. By analyzing and comparing data from different missions, researchers can deepen their understanding of Venus’ evolution and the factors that have shaped the planet over time. This knowledge is crucial in our quest to comprehend the broader processes that shape the climates and histories of other celestial bodies within our Solar System.
The Planetary Society’s History of Advocacy
Over its 44-year history, The Planetary Society has established itself as a staunch advocate for NASA’s planetary missions. The Society has actively fought against cuts to these missions, recognizing their invaluable contributions to scientific discovery and exploration. Through its advocacy efforts, The Planetary Society has been instrumental in garnering public support for space exploration and advancing the importance of scientific research in understanding our place in the cosmos.
One of the key ways in which The Planetary Society supports space exploration is by championing and supporting scientists and explorers worldwide. By providing resources, funding, and a platform for collaboration, The Society empowers scientists to make groundbreaking discoveries and further our knowledge of the universe. In doing so, The Planetary Society amplifies the voices and achievements of these individuals, bringing their work to the attention of the wider public and policymakers alike.
Additional Resources
In support of the VERITAS mission, The Planetary Society has collaborated with major organizations and academic institutions. Joint efforts led by The Society have brought together influential voices in the scientific community to call on Congress to save the mission. This collaborative approach serves to underscore the significance of the VERITAS mission and highlights the collective commitment to advancing our understanding of Venus.
For those seeking further information on the VERITAS mission, additional resources are available. The Planetary Society provides an overview of the mission, detailing its objectives and the scientific value it holds. Additionally, The Society offers insights into Venus’ past and present, shedding light on the planet’s fascinating history and current state.
About The Planetary Society
The Planetary Society is a global community of over 2 million space enthusiasts united by a shared passion for advancing space exploration. Founded in 1980 by visionaries Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman, The Society’s mission is to empower citizens worldwide to contribute to the advancement of space science and exploration.
Under the leadership of CEO Bill Nye, The Planetary Society operates through advocacy, education, and innovation. By advocating for increased funding and support for space exploration, The Society ensures that the voices of space enthusiasts are heard by policymakers. Through educational initiatives, The Society fosters a deeper understanding of the cosmos and inspires the next generation of scientists and explorers. The Society also invests in innovative projects and collaborations, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.
In conclusion, The Planetary Society’s efforts to save the VERITAS mission demonstrate its commitment to advancing scientific inquiry and exploration. By rallying support, publishing joint letters, and raising awareness, The Society is laying the groundwork for the launch of this pivotal mission to Venus. With a rich history of advocacy and a global community of space enthusiasts, The Planetary Society continues to be at the forefront of driving progress in the field of space exploration.
Related site – Planetary Society leads the charge to save NASA’s VERITAS Venus mission