[Astrobiology (Journal)] The search for life beyond Earth presents unique challenges for science communication due to its interdisciplinary nature, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, and the inherent uncertainties involved.
Policy
![JWST Cycle 6 -- [NASA / STSCI]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JWST-Cycle-6.jpg?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Posted inPolicy
JWST Cycle 6 Call for Proposals Policy Update [China]
[NASA / STSCI] Proposals involving only investigators based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or involving only PRC-based and U.S. investigators are subject to the NASA restriction on bilateral […]
![The four pillars of cross-survey science infrastructure. Each is specified by community studies and demonstrated in prototype; none is currently funded or owned as a shared capability. -- [astro-ph.IM]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Cross-Survey.png?resize=1200%2C721&ssl=1)
Posted inReports, Roadmaps, & Plans
The Cross-Survey Decade: A Call to Action
[astro-ph.IM] By 2027, three flagship wide-field surveys will be operating simultaneously from ground and space, observing overlapping sky and representing more than $6 billion in US and European public investment.
Posted inSETI & Technosignatures
International Law and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
[Proceedings of the IAU]. The search for extraterrestrial life, especially intelligent life, is among the most profound scientific endeavors.
![Responses to questions regarding the impact on ECRs being impacted by government funding delays, and responses broken down by career level. Every group indicated > 50% of being impacted (PhD student 64%, Postdoc 76%, Junior Faculty 71%, Junior scientist 100%, and Other 62%) -- [astro-ph.IM]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Early.png?resize=1200%2C506&ssl=1)
Posted inCareer Opportunities
The Early Career Astrobiology Workforce Under Strain Survey Evidence From 2025-2026
[astro-ph.IM] A survey of self identified early career astrobiologists was organized by the NOW early career group FLOW and the Scientific Society of Astrobiology.
Posted inReports, Roadmaps, & Plans
Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences – Meeting No. 1 on Planetary Research Program Metrics
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 […]
Posted inMars
Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) Concerns
Editor’s note: The Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) has issued a summary of Acknowledgements, Findings, and Statements of Support/Concern. Full document below.
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans
Input Sought: Review of Progress Toward the Decadal Survey Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s
The National Academies’ decadal survey, Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s (Astro2020), identifies the most compelling science challenges and frontiers in astronomy and astrophysics and presents […]
Posted inMars, Missions & Hardware, Policy, Press Release
NASA Announces Public-Private Partnership to Advance Mars Science
NASA Wednesday announced a new public‑private partnership to advance Mars science by combining the agency’s scientific leadership with commercial innovation. Under this model, NASA will provide the Aeolus atmospheric‑science instrument […]
Posted inMars, Missions & Hardware, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report
Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) Memo On NASA’s Mars Exploration Program Budget
Members of the MEPAG (Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group) community, There have been deeply concerning developments in the NASA MEP budget and proposed federal R&A funding policy in the last […]