The Planetary Society and Citizen Science

Carl Sagan’s vision for space exploration was never limited to scientists, engineers, and astronauts—he believed it should be a shared human endeavor. In 1980, alongside Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman, he co-founded The Planetary Society, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering ordinary citizens to participate in space science and advocacy. The organization quickly became a hub for public involvement, raising funds for projects such as the search for near-Earth objects, the development of solar sail spacecraft, and the advancement of planetary defense strategies. It also provided educational resources, organized outreach events, and lobbied governments to maintain strong space exploration programs. Through The Planetary Society, Sagan sought to give people a direct stake in humanity’s journey into the cosmos. This democratization of exploration reflected his belief that the awe and responsibility of space travel belonged to everyone, not just a select few in positions of power. Today, the Society continues his work, engaging tens of thousands of members worldwide in building a future among the stars.