WASHINGTON — In a June 26 video posted to the  Kickstarter crowdfunding website, Bill Nye announced that the Planetary Society surpassed its stretch goal of $1.24 million to fund the 2016 LightSail mission.

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Jonathan Charlton is a SpaceNews.com editorial intern who has been logging a bunch of solo hours at the controls of Aviation.com. The Boston College senior is majoring in political science with a minor in hispanic studies.