January 19, 2020

Solar system Events

"Being a Solar System Ambassador has changed my life for the better. I have met so many wonderful and inspiring people, travelled to some awesome places and have made a mark in my community that established me as an active contributor to our little town's life. I'm so proud to be a member of this program and hope I can contribute for many more years to come!" -Beate Czogalla, Milledgeville, Georgia

Who We Are

The Solar System Ambassadors Program (SSA) is a public outreach program designed to work with motivated volunteers across the nation. These volunteers communicate the excitement of JPL's space exploration missions and information about recent discoveries to people in their local communities.

For 2016, there are 700 Ambassadors in 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Guam bringing the excitement of space to the public. Ambassadors are space enthusiasts from various walks of life who are interested in providing greater service and inspiration to the community at large.

The Solar System Ambassadors Program builds on and expands the outstanding efforts undertaken by the Galileo mission since 1997. Because of the success of the original Galileo Ambassadors program, JPL missions exploring Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Asteroids, Comets, Earth, the Sun and the Universe now come together to expand the program's scope to the Solar System and beyond.

To arrange for a Solar System Ambassador event in your community, click the Directory tab, select your state or territory and review the entries. Ambassadors furnish short biographical statements for the purpose of detailing their areas of interest and expertise. Following the biography is a list of past events conducted by the Ambassador to further aid in decision making. Inquiries about an Ambassador's availability should be made by sending an email directly to the individual.

Check the Event Calendar as well to see if an Ambassador event will be occurring in your local community. For a listing of Solar System Ambassadors by name, visit the Directory of Ambassadors.

Applications to become a Solar System Ambassador are accepted once a year during the month of September. Successful candidates begin their one-year, renewable term of service the following January 1. The Announcement of Opportunity and application form will be posted on this site on September 1.

The Solar System Ambassadors Program is sponsored by the JET PROPULSION LABORATORY in Pasadena, CA, an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a lead research and development center for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).