Planetary Science Institute Email Format
Research ServicesArizona, United States51-200 Employees
The Planetary Science Institute conducts research aimed at exploring the Solar System. Its scientists contribute to NASA and international missions and study a broad range of topics—from the surfaces of Mars and the Moon to asteroids, comets, and interplanetary dust, as well as the origins and formation of planetary systems. The organization conducts fieldwork on all continents and is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona; it was established in 1972 as a private nonprofit. Its work supports space missions and the broader scientific community while also engaging in science education and public outreach through school programs, books, popular science titles, and related activities. In May 2026 the institute added Erica Jawin as a Research Scientist, reflecting ongoing expansion of its research staff.