The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, educational, grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. Founded as the National Space Institute (1974) and L5 Society (1975), which merged to form NSS in 1987, NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen’s voice on space. NSS has over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The society also publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space. (From their website)
NSS website – (space.nss.org/)
Activities
The NSS has many activities and volunteer opportunities. This list isn’t comprehensive. It’s also not updated frequently so let us know if we need to add or change anything.
- Join a local Chapter – Meet like-minded people, learn new stuff, get involved, and have fun.
- Volunteer your time – Join a team (or a couple) that interests you and help out.
- Support a project
- Cislunar Explorers Project – Help NSS compete in NASA’s CubeQuest Challenge.
- Alpha CubeSat Project – Working to launch a cubesat into deep space from the International Space Station.
- Join a contest or competition – Create designs, art, or science fiction stories.
- Join the Political Action Network – They hold two events, March Storm and August Home District Blitz, where you can talk to politicians and try to educate/influence them.
- Become a Space Ambassador – Officially represent NSS and help educate the public on space issues.
Benefits
NSS members have access to several perks and benefits as well.
- Ad Astra – The NSS quarterly magazine. You’ll get the new one mailed to you and have access to all back issues since 2001 online.
- Ad Astra Downlink – Email newsletter.
- A discount on the cost of attending the International Space Development Conference (ISDC) – It’s not a lot but it’s something.
- Members can join the NASA Federal Credit Union.