Update: you can ask your Senators and Representative to join the caucus—we've made it easy to write them with the request.

I'm excited to share with you a major step forward for the support of space exploration in the U.S. Congress: the official formation of the new Planetary Science Caucus.

A caucus is a formal interest group made up of members of Congress. Having a caucus allows legislators form new relationships and organize a core voting block of political support for an important issue, in this case, planetary science and space exploration.

According the caucus' official charter, its goals are to:

"Find life in our lifetimes," by advancing federal policies that support the search for life in our solar system and beyond.

Raise awareness of the benefits to the U.S. economy and industrial base resulting from federal investment in space science, technology, exploration, and STEM education.

Support private industry, academic institutions, and nonprofits that support space science and exploration.

This is the first caucus devoted to planetary science in the history of the U.S. Congress. And I'm very proud to say that The Planetary Society played an active role in its creation.