Professional Association

As the only professional association for space fliers, ASE supports the advancement of space exploration by providing opportunities for communication among space professionals at the international level. ASE works closely with other space organizations to expand and invigorate international dialogue on such issues as crew safety, operational compatibility, and the potential hazards of near earth objects. ASE regularly sponsors international discussions among astronauts and cosmonauts on space flight operations.

Education

With respect to education, ASE seeks to stimulate interest in science and mathematics and inspire in students a life-long commitment to educational excellence. ASE provides opportunities for its members to share their knowledge and experiences with the general public, and in particular with tomorrow’s leaders – the world’s children.

Environmental Awareness

ASE considers it important to provide its members with opportunities to communicate their unique perspective of Earth to help stimulate humanity’s sense of responsibility for our home planet. ASE activities in the area of environmental education include publication of the international best-selling book The Home Planet, partnership in the “Arbor Project” international forest conservation effort, and sponsorship of environmental films, projects and videos.

 

The Association of Space Explorers (ASE) is an international nonprofit professional and educational organization of over 375 astronauts and cosmonauts from 35 nations.

Founded in 1985 by small group of US, Russian and international fliers meeting in Cernay, France, ASE's mission is to:

provide a forum for professional dialogue among individuals who have flown in space;

to support space science and exploration for the benefit of all;

to promote and support education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM);

to foster environmental awareness and planetary stewardship; and

to encourage international cooperation in the human exploration of space.

 

Windows on Earth

Windows on Earth is a museum and web-delivered 3D interactive Earth visualization system with four learning goals: 1) Earth literacy – learning about Earth’s processes and understanding Earth as a dynamic, integrated system; 2) Visual literacy –working with visual information (Earth imagery) as a source of data; 3) Spirit of exploration – experiencing the joy, fascination and personally-driven curiosity that drive further Earth exploration; 4) Planetary stewardship – embracing and internalizing our connections with our home planet Earth and our individual roles in protecting it.

ASE Near Earth Objects Committee

The ASE NEO Committee promotes inter-space agency planning for NEO deflection, and is active in United Nations discussions aimed at a decision-making agreement to deal with hazardous objects.

Planetary Congress

The all-inclusive annual ASE Planetary Congress, held in a different host country each year, has a long history as the premier forum for astronauts and cosmonauts from all spacefaring nations to meet and exchange information about their respective space agencies, human spaceflight operations and future plans for exploration beyond low earth orbit.

The ASE Challenges

Launching Imaginations! | ASE Scholarship Fund

Astronaut Appearances

Schools/nonprofit organizations | Other Appearances

 

ASE offers several unique astronaut and cosmonaut signed collectibles.

AstroNotes: Send the Gift of Inspiration!

AstroNotes offers a personalized inscription and autograph – a valuable and historic collectible appropriate for any special oocasion – from the very few in human history who have viewed the Earth from space. AstroNotes supports ASE's global scientific and education outreach activities, from Near Earth Object (NEO) hazard mitigation to ASE scholarships for students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Please join ASE in inspiring tomorrow's explorers, scientists, and innovative thinkers!

ASE Congress Commemorative Posters

The ASE Planetary Congress posters feature the authentic and original signatures of the astronauts and cosmonauts who attended that Congress. These unique and extremely rare posters are part of a series of limited Collector's Edition posters that have been signed at each ASE Congress since the association was founded in 1985. Some editions contain the signtatures of well-known space travelers such as Buzz Aldrin, Pete Conrad, Scott Carpenter, Charlie Duke, Alexei Leonov, Jim Lovell, Tom Stafford, Valentina Tereshkova and many others!

 

 

ASE plays an important role in this period of uncertainty about the future of human space flight. Major decisions any single nation will define the path and resources for future international exploration.

ASE’s role as the primary forum for professional exchange among astronauts and cosmonauts will be increasingly relevant, and necessary, as we leverage international capabilities to fly beyond low Earth orbit. With your support, ASE will continue to contribute both leadership and vision as humanity moves outward from our home planet and toward the stars.

ASE is grateful for the generous support of its individual and corporate contributors. ASE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution today!

Contributions can be mailed to:

Association of Space Explorers
600 Gemini Avenue
Houston, TX 77058

Or you can contribute online, via Paypal:

Thank you!

 

(April 17)

ASE and the Marshall Spaceflight Center Retirees Association have signed an MOU to co-fund an annual NASA-MSFC-ASE Scholar at the University of Alabama - Huntsville.

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(April 15)

China has announced its intent to host the XXVII ASE Planetary Congress in 2014.

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(April 12)

Best wishes to all on Cosmonautics Day!

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(April 8)

ASE welcomes Jim Voss as a Life Member of the Association!

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(March 5)

ASE welcomes Mike Bloomfield as a Life Member of the Association!

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(February 28)

ASE welcomes Stan Love as a Life Member of the Association!

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(February 27)

ASE welcomes Bill Oefelein as a Life Member of the Association!

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(February 19)

ASE NEO Committee participates at UN/COPUOS in Vienna, Austria