The main objective of EuroPlaNet, launched on January 1st 2005, is to achieve a long term integration of Planetary Sciences in Europe through the networking of the European research groups involved in this field. During four years EuroPlaNet will develop and coordinate synergies between space observations, Earth-based observations, laboratory research, numerical simulations and databases development through six networking activities in addition to the overall project Management. It is funded by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programme.

The Europlanet RI consortium is a large and wide-spread consortium. It is made up of 27 beneficiaries (contractors) from 16 countries, out of which 13 EU Member states. Various beneficiaries assemble several research teams: this means that in practice, 41 research laboratories and space agencies unite their efforts within the Europlanet RI consortium.
Europlanet Outreach has 76 participant member institutions spread across 17 European countries. A further 45 institutions are associate members from both European and non-European countries, including Russia and the USA.

Planetology is the study of all aspects of planetary systems, including the structure and composition of planets, moons, comets and asteroids. It is a multidisciplinary science that combines astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology and exobiology.