Flaglets for Discovery: A Coordinated Fleet Approach to NASA Astrophysics

Speaker

Regina Caputo, NASA/GSFC

Abstract

The transformative science priorities set forth by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey demand a bold, multi-faceted observational strategy—one that no single mission can deliver alone. Our Science Task Group (STG) analysis reveals a compelling case: the most pressing decadal science questions are optimally addressed through a coordinated fleet of ~$1–2B "flaglet" missions. By deploying a diverse suite of capabilities across wavelength regimes, incorporating a robust guest investigator program, and operating concurrently with flagship missions, this fleet approach unlocks something greater than the sum of its parts: truly comprehensive, simultaneous, multi-messenger views of the universe. We present our STG findings and make the case that strategic investment in coordinated flaglet missions is the smartest, most efficient path to maximizing NASA astrophysics science return in the coming decades.

Regina Caputo (NASA GSFC, Astroparticle Physics Laboratory) will present the results of the study. The talk will be followed by a panel discussion featuring some of the study's co-authors. The panelists represent the various science areas covered in the study and include: Francesca Civano (NASA GSFC, X-ray Laboratory), Dave Leisawitz (former NASA GSFC, Observational Cosmology Laboratory) Avi Mandell (NASA GSFC, Planetary Systems Laboratory), Judy Racusin (NASA GSFC, Astroparticle Physics Laboratory),  Joshua Schlieder (NASA GSFC, Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory) and Jennifer Wiseman (NASA GSFC, Senior Astrophysicist).

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