The Planetary Society

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

The Planetary Society provides a platform for citizens to advance space science and exploration through education, advocacy, and funding (Explore Worlds, Find Life, Defend Earth) and tangible projects like LightSail.

Target Customer

{"Space enthusiasts and members","Educators and students","Science researchers and advocates","Policy makers and government stakeholders"}

Key Differentiator

A large, member-funded nonprofit that combines public education, advocacy campaigns, and funding for space science (including citizen-funded projects like LightSail) with global donor recognition (New Millennium Committee) and direct member influence over space programs.

Implementation Timeline

{"Immediate access to membership benefits upon joining (magazine, online community, newsletters, advocacy opportunities).","LightSail milestones: LightSail 1 test/demonstration; LightSail 2 launch in 2019.","Ongoing advocacy campaigns and grant cycles (e.g., STEP grants, Shoemaker grants) as part of Fund initiatives."}

Pain Points

1Limited public funding for space science and exploration (NASA science budget concerns are highlighted on the site).
2Need for broad public advocacy to influence space policy and funding decisions.
3Gaps in funding and support for space science projects and outreach; desire to accelerate progress through citizen involvement (Planetary Fund, STEP grants, Shoemaker grants).

Key Features

1Membership programs with tiered benefits (including magazines, online community, advocacy opportunities, events, and member gifts).
2Advocacy programs and actions (Take Action, write Congress campaigns, Day of Action).
3Funding mechanisms: Planetary Fund and STEP grant program to support space science and technology projects; Shoemaker Near-Earth Object Grant Program.
4Tangible projects and programs: LightSail solar sailing project demonstration; Planetary Radio; The Planetary Report; educational outreach.
5Donor recognition and exclusive communications (New Millennium Committee; advocacy teleconferences with CEO and Chief Advocate).

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1CEO (Bill Nye)
2Chief Advocate (Casey Dreier)
3NASA Administrator (Jim Bridenstine)

Client Results

1LightSail: citizen-funded spacecraft successfully demonstrated solar sailing for CubeSats; LightSail 2 launched on June 25, 2019 aboard SpaceX Falcon Heavy.
2Advocacy program supports space policy engagement and aims to influence funding and missions (e.g., NASA science funding, NEO surveys, Artemis procurement).
3The Planetary Fund and STEP grants aim to accelerate progress in space science and exploration.

Competitive Advantages

1Large, engaged member base enabling broad public support and activism for space initiatives.
2Diversified funding streams ( memberships, The Planetary Fund, grants, donations ).
3Tangible achievements (LightSail project) that demonstrate real-space experimentation and public participation.
4Direct member influence on policy through advocacy programs and events.

Key Benefits

1Membership benefits (magazine access, online member community, events, exclusive content, and opportunities to influence space programs).

2Advocacy power to influence space policy and funding decisions through campaigns and events.

3Access to and potential participation in funding programs (Planetary Fund, STEP grants, Shoemaker Grants).

4Tangible projects and learning resources (LightSail, Planetary Radio, The Planetary Report).

5Donor recognition and exclusive communications with leadership.

Case Studies & Success Stories

LightSail solar sailing project

Case #1

Citizen-funded spacecraft demonstrated solar sailing for CubeSats; LightSail 2 launched aboard SpaceX Falcon Heavy on June 25, 2019.

Shoemaker Near-Earth Object Grant Program

Case #2

The program supports amateur observers, observers in developing countries, and professional astronomers following up potentially hazardous asteroids.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

The Planetary Society is a member-funded nonprofit organization that promotes space science and exploration through education, advocacy, and funding, including projects like LightSail and initiatives under The Planetary Fund.

Target Market

Space enthusiasts, educators, students, scientists, and policymakers interested in space exploration and science funding.

Unique Value Proposition

A citizen-driven, advocacy- and funding-focused nonprofit that combines public engagement, tangible space projects, and grant programs to advance space science and exploration globally.

Technical Requirements

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Pricing Model

Membership tiers with monthly or annual payments (e.g., Explorer $4/month, Mariner $10/month, Pathfinder $20/month, Voyager $1,650/month, New Horizons $2,500/month, and other levels up to $40+/month under New Millennium Committee). One-time or recurring donations via The Planetary Fund and other campaigns. Gift memberships available. Donations may be eligible for matching (up to $75,000).

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