Call for Participants: ASGSR Gravitational and Space Research – Technical Analysis Group

Dear Colleagues,

The ASGSR Governing Board is pleased to announce the establishment of the Gravitational and Space Research – Technical Analysis Group (GSR-TAG). The primary purpose of the Analysis Group is to create a community-based forum for providing coordinated perspectives on a variety of timely matters related to the future directions of gravitational and space research across biological and physical science disciplines as well as exploration science. The GSR-TAG will compile its findings from the community, publish as-appropriate, and communicate them to the Biological and Physical Sciences Division Director, within the Science Mission Directorate, and to other offices within NASA, and other stakeholder groups as requested.

The goal of the GSR-TAG is to enable direct communication between NASA and the scientific community to deliver scientific, technical and strategic input to inform decision-making. We envision that the Analysis Group’s work will include commenting on critical NASA space exploration, technology, and science documents, developing community-based priorities for the direction of space research, and conducting technical assessments related to the study, exploration, and commercial development of exploration locations.

But we need your support!

Nominations are now open to join the inaugural GSR-TAG and we are accepting nominations for both Analysis Group leadership and member roles. If you are interested in serving on the GSR-TAG, please read this section carefully for information on expectations, eligibility criteria, and the nomination process.

GSR-TAG Responsibilities:

The GSR-TAG, in coordination with the ASGSR Executive Committee, will identify critical topics requiring community input and will organize community-wide or discipline-specific meetings, as appropriate, to collect feedback. The GSR-TAG will synthesize this feedback into written and oral reports that can be shared with NASA and other key stakeholders. While the majority of the work is expected to be conducted virtually, the GSR-TAG will meet in-person at least once per year, during ASGSR’s Annual Conference and/or at other times and locations as deemed necessary by the ASGSR Governing Board, to carry out the responsibilities of the Committee.

GSR-TAG Committee:

The Committee will consist of a Chair, Co-Chair and up to 12 Members that represent the breadth of the ASGSR community, primarily including space biological sciences, physical sciences, fundamental physics, and industry. The ASGSR Governing Board will review nominations and appoint the initial cadre of GSR-TAG Committee leadership and members with the expectation that these people will serve between 2-4 years on the Committee. Similar to the ASGSR Governing Board, the leadership of the Committee will serve a 2-year term (one as Co-Chair and one as Chair) and members will serve between 2-4 years until standing committee member rotation is established (3-year term).

Eligibility Requirements:

Chair/Co-Chair:

• Full member of ASGSR in good standing
• Demonstrable contributions of high achievement and significance to the advancement of gravitational and space science
• Experience in leading or participating in analysis groups, National Academies Panels, or similar efforts

Analysis Group Members:

• Full member of ASGSR in good standing
• Demonstrated commitment to furthering the goals of ASGSR (e.g. active committee members, previous service on Governing Board etc.)
• Active participation in the BPS Community

If you are interested in participating in the GSR-TAG as either Chair/Co-Chair or as a Committee Member, please fill out the interest form by April 20, 2026.

To learn more, please visit https://asgsr.org/committees. Additional calls to participate in community meetings will be forthcoming later this year, so watch your e-mails and the ASGSR newsletter for more details.

This is a critical time for the future of biological and physical sciences and thus it is more important than ever to establish the GSR-TAG to proactively and rapidly respond to emerging documents, roadmaps, and directives for our entire community.

ASGSR Gravitational and Space Research – Technical Analysis Group (GSR-TAG) Group Interest Form

Dr. Jeffrey Smith
ASGSR President

Dr. Jennifer Barrila
ASGSR President-Elect

Ellen Gertsen
ASGSR Executive Director

Astrobiology, Space Biology, Space Life Science,