The American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences, the largest organization of professional planetary scientists, today endorsed the decadal survey recommendations for the most important scientific and technical priorities in planetary sciences over the next 10 years. These include ground- and space-based assets and the best balance between small, medium, and large planetary space missions.
The result of a two-year effort by the decadal survey committee, the report was released publicly last evening during a special session at the 42nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in The Woodlands, Texas, by the committee chair, Dr. Steve Squyres (Cornell University).
The Division’s endorsement reads as follows:
“The Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society enthusiastically endorses the Planetary Science Decadal Survey process and the recently released report ‘Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022.’ This report is the culmination of an in-depth community-driven process and presents exciting yet realistic recommendations for the next decade. The DPS, largest international planetary science society, urges the planetary sciences community to support the findings and priorities outlined in the survey report.”
“Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022” is part of a series of surveys published every decade by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. Several past and present scientifically productive planetary missions were built based on the recommendations of the decadal survey reports.
“Planetary science exploration continues to produce astounding results on a regular basis,” says DPS chair Melissa McGrath (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center). “The Planetary Decadal Survey report provides critical strategic direction across all aspects of our discipline to help ensure that such amazing accomplishments will continue in future.”
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More information about the Planetary Sciences Decadal Survey http://sites.nationalacademies.org/SSB/CurrentProjects/ssb_052412
Division for Planetary Sciences: http://dps.aas.org/
