Planetary Research Program Metrics to Enable a Vital Research Community and Achieve Decadal-Level Science

by Keith CowingOctober 14, 2026October 14, 2026

Planetary Research Program Metrics to Enable a Vital Research Community and Achieve Decadal-Level Science -- [National Academies of Sciences]

[National Academies of Sciences] Help us identify ways that the NASA Planetary Research Program can evaluate the health and effectiveness of its research and analysis program in accomplishing decadal science objectives. Submissions are due by October 30.

What does a thriving and sustainable planetary science research community look like and how is success measured? At the request of NASA, the National Academies’ Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Science (CAPS) will author a short report identifying metrics and strategies that the NASA Planetary Research Program can use to support a vital planetary research community.

The study committee is seeking input from a wide range of stakeholders across the planetary research community. Please consider sharing your thoughts by completing this form by October 30.

Astrobiology,

Keith Cowing

Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA Space Station Payload manager/space biologist, Away Teams, Journalist, Lapsed climber, Synaesthete, Na’Vi-Jedi-Freman-Buddhist-mix, ASL, Devon Island and Everest Base Camp... More by Keith Cowing