Advancing Planetary Exploration and Education
The Planetary Science Institute (PSI) is an esteemed private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation passionately committed to advancing the exploration and understanding of the Solar System. Established in 1972, we have been at the forefront of groundbreaking research, making significant contributions to the fields of planetary science, space exploration, and education.
Based in Tucson, Arizona, PSI serves as a global center for a diverse and talented community of scientists, educators, and researchers. Our dedicated team is actively engaged in numerous NASA and international missions, delving into the mysteries of Mars, Earth, the Moon, asteroids, comets, and interplanetary dust. We explore captivating subjects such as impact physics, the origin of the Solar System, extra-solar planet formation, dynamics, and the potential for life beyond Earth.
At PSI, we firmly believe in the transformative power of exploration, discovery, and knowledge-sharing. Our team conducts fieldwork on all continents, gaining profound insights into our own planet and leveraging this understanding to unravel the secrets of other celestial bodies. We are deeply committed to science education and public outreach, ensuring that the wonders of the universe are accessible and inspiring to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Through engaging school programs, captivating children’s books, enlightening popular science books, thought-provoking podcasts, and artistic expressions, we strive to ignite curiosity and cultivate a love for space exploration.
As the largest non-governmental employer of planetary scientists worldwide, PSI proudly brings together brilliant minds from 28 states across the United States and several countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, New Zealand, Russia, Serbia, and the United Kingdom. Our diverse and inclusive team of experts fosters a rich and collaborative research environment, propelling us to the forefront of scientific discovery.
Recognized for our commitment to workplace efficiency and flexibility, PSI nurtures a positive and supportive work culture that empowers our staff members to thrive both professionally and personally. We take immense pride in our dedication to gender diversity, with 43 percent of PSI Principal Investigators being women.
In 2021, PSI was honored with a recognition award in the Top Work Places survey conducted by AZCentral, part of the USA Today Network. This esteemed recognition celebrates our unwavering commitment to cultivating an exceptional workplace culture and developing exceptional leaders.
We warmly invite you to explore our website to delve deeper into PSI, our groundbreaking research initiatives, transformative educational programs, and the remarkable achievements of our immensely talented team. Join us in our resolute mission to unlock the mysteries of the universe and inspire the next generation of visionary space explorers.
For media inquiries, please follow this link to our Media Contact page.