The society has a long history of supporting space exploration through scholarships.

[1] AAS members include: engineers, scientists, administrators, institutions and corporations working in support of the nation's space activities, as well as military space specialists, physicians, lawyers, educators, historians, journalists, artists and other professionals.

Members meet with leaders in their field and in related disciplines, exchange information and ideas, discuss career aspirations and expand their horizons.

The AAS sponsors professional, scientific and engineering meetings and maintains a publications program.

In the past, it has included policy speeches by NASA officials and reprints of articles from other sources that are relevant to its membership.