- More information
- August 5, 2026 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (EDT)
This is an open session meeting of the Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences to discuss its task on metrics for the Planetary Research Program.
The Statement of Task for this study is as follows:
The Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences (CAPS) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will prepare a short report to identify metrics by which the NASA Planetary Research Program can evaluate the health and effectiveness of its research and analysis program in accomplishing decadal science objectives.
The Committee will address the following questions:
- Is the most recent planetary science and astrobiology decadal survey, Origins, Worlds, and Life (OWL) recommended budget allocation of 10% of the NASA Planetary Science Division (NASA-PSD) to the Planetary Research Program adequate as a metric to describe a thriving scientific community?
- Beyond percentage-based budget allocation, are there other qualitative or quantitative metrics or indicators that can be used to measure the health of the planetary research program on the 1-year, 5-year, or 10-year timescale? These Potential metrics could include, but are not limited to: – proposal selection rates, – total number of investigators supported, or – funding balance between mission-specific funding and the core research program.
- What would a healthy, sustainable, and thriving planetary science research community look like when evaluated using these identified metrics and indicators?
- What communications strategies and best practices could be used to effectively convey these metrics, indicators, and outcomes to stakeholders in the science community?
- Would the health and vitality of the planetary research community be improved through targeted investments in areas such as: – new scientific capabilities and technology development – interdisciplinary research – high-risk/high-reward investigations, or – targeted research opportunities.
For the purposes of this evaluation, the committee should assume - a baseline Planetary Research Program budget of $150 million annually. and
- incremental funding increases of $25 million up to a maximum program budget of $250 million annually.
This meeting will be focused on discussions with NASA on this Statement of Task. An agenda will be posted closer to the meeting date.
Astrobiology,
