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Press Release

Planetary Society Statement on Alan Stern’s Resignation from NASA

"We are sorry to learn of Alan Stern’s resignation from his position as NASA Associate Administrator for Science.   During his tenure, Alan made significant changes that have helped restore the importance of science in NASA’s mission.  This was especially true in the 2009 budget proposal, which included two overdue Earth science missions and an outer planets flagship mission.   He also worked to un-do the separation that had occurred between science and exploration in previous years, and redirected the Mars program to focus on Mars sample return.

"We appreciated these initiatives and complimented Dr. Stern in our recent congressional statement.  At the same time, he was working under extraordinarily difficult budget constraints, dealing with many issues beyond his control.   We wish him the best in his future work."

Louis Friedman, Executive Director of The Planetary Society

About the Planetary Society

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Planetary Society has inspired millions of people to explore other worlds and seek other life. Today, its international membership makes the non-governmental Planetary Society the largest space interest group in the world. Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman founded The Planetary Society in 1980.