The National Space Society (NSS) is a pro-space group formed in April 1987 as a result of a merger between the National Space Institute NSI) and the L5 Society. The NSI was an organization founded by officers of the National Space Club to maintain public support for the United States space program; its first president was Wernher von Braun. The NSI was initially incorporated as the National Space Association in June 1974, but was renamed in April 1975.

 

Based in Washington, DC, the National Space Society has an extensive network of local chapters. The NSS supports a general agenda of space development and human space presence, sponsors a major annual space development conference, and publishes the bimonthly magazine Ad Astra. It is associated with the political lobbying organizations Spacecause and Spacepac.

 

Spacecause

Spacecause is a pro-space political lobbying organization, based in Washington, DC, affiliated with the National Space Society. Active in supporting pro-space legislation, it arranges meetings with political leaders, interacts with legislative staff, and publishes a bimonthly newsletter, Spacecause News.

 

Spacepac

Spacepac is a political action committee, based in Washington, DC, that is affiliated with the National Space Society. Spacepac carries out research on issues, policies, and candidates aimed of favorably influency policy with respect to space and each year updates The Space Activist's Handbook. While Spacepac does not have a membership, it does have regional contacts to coordinate local activity. Operating primarily in the election process, it contributes funds and volunteers to pro-space candidates.