Planetary Science Institute enters new era under Amanda Hendrix | News

The Planetary Science Institute is entering a new chapter under the leadership of Director and Chief Executive Officer Amanda Hendrix, who took over the Tucson-based nonprofit in May 2025 following nearly two decades of previous leadership.

Founded in 1972, the Planetary Science Institute, or PSI, conducts planetary and space science research while also leading STEM education and community outreach programs. The organization employs scientists working across the country and internationally on projects related to the solar system, exoplanets and NASA missions.

Hendrix, who joined PSI as a senior scientist in 2012, relocated from Boulder, Colorado, to Tucson ahead of assuming the leadership role.

“I love PSI, and it’s a great institute,” Hendrix said. “I love planetary science, and I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

Her transition into leadership came during a turbulent period for federally funded science programs. Hendrix said proposed budget reductions for NASA and the National Science Foundation created new challenges for institutions like PSI, which relies heavily on federal research grants.

“With the new administration in the White House, there’s been a shift in thinking about funding of science,” Hendrix said. “It has presented this whole backdrop of a big challenge to deal with to get science done.”

Despite the uncertainty, Hendrix said one of her first priorities was creating a fresh strategic plan for the institute. The process focused on reevaluating PSI’s mission, identifying organizational strengths and planning for the next five to 10 years.

Part of that effort included revitalizing PSI’s fundraising and public engagement initiatives. The institute recently launched “Planetary Partners,” a membership-style program that allows supporters to engage more directly with PSI through newsletters, events and outreach opportunities.

PSI also unveiled the Hartmann Art Collection earlier this year, featuring more than 100 space-themed works created by institute co-founder William Hartmann over the last six decades. The collection is housed at the Tucson institute and includes both in-person and online galleries.

“We’re working on cataloging all of his artwork,” Hendrix said. “Some of the pieces are in museums, some are owned by individuals, and we’re trying to make sure we’ve got a good handle on all of his pieces.”

The institute plans to open the collection to school groups and the public through monthly events and educational programs.

Hendrix said community engagement remains central to PSI’s mission. In addition to conducting scientific research, the institute hosts star parties, teacher workshops and outreach events throughout Tucson and beyond to encourage interest in science and space exploration.

“We meet people every day who love science,” Hendrix said. “The kids love it, the adults love it, and it’s just so important that people know about what is out there and what is possible for them.”

PSI scientists are also heavily involved in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon and eventually support missions to Mars. Four PSI scientists currently serve on the Artemis science team, helping plan future lunar surface activities.

“We provide the expertise to help implement all of the missions that are going to happen,” Hendrix said.

Hendrix said one of the biggest ongoing challenges remains the federal funding environment for science research. Proposed reductions in NASA science funding have forced PSI to expand fundraising efforts, pursue partnerships and advocate for continued investment in space science.

“If the country is choosing to spend fewer dollars on science, that’s a bad choice for the country,” Hendrix said. “You really have to put your money where your mouth is.”

Even amid those challenges, Hendrix said she remains inspired by the institute’s scientists and the discoveries still ahead.

“Each mission answers a lot of questions, but then it produces even more questions,” Hendrix said. “That is really fun and interesting for me to think about.”