Decadal Survey
Biological and Physical Sciences in Space
Decadal Surveys are community-driven, bottom-up studies produced by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) that aim to formulate a community consensus about the most compelling science questions for the decade ahead in each of the disciplines. This process provides a rare opportunity for scientists and engineers to share their insights and help shape the scientific endeavors of the next decade.
NASEM has established a Decadal Survey Committee and has issued a solicitation for white papers for the second Decadal Survey in the areas of Biological and Physical Sciences. For the first time, the Survey includes a request for ideas for "research campaigns," which may integrate multiple missions and multiple disciplines to tackle an overarching scientific or exploration goal. Thus, academic researchers, government agencies and commercial industries are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues and submit proposals.
All materials shared with the committee must be publicly releasable. If your white paper contains unpublished data, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) controlled and/or other sensitive information, please remember that all white papers received will be posted on a publicly accessible website. Please edit your white papers accordingly.
For more information about the Decadal Survey and how to get involved:
Whitepapers Submitted for 2023-2032
- List of submitted whitepapers
- Official NASEM website for the Decadal Survey, includes Statement of Task: Decadal Survey (NASEM) [Deadline passed]
- Preliminary input invited by the Committee on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space (NASEM)
Connect with Colleagues
- Follow #BPSDecadalSurvey on social platforms
- American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR)
Announcements
- Call for Whitepapers Announced [June 17, 2021]
- Committee Co-Chairs Announced [April 20, 2021]
Upcoming Events
- November 9-12, 2022: American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Annual Meeting
Past Events & Resources
- Report Series: Committee on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space: Using Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) to Achieve Lunar Biological and Physical Science Objectives
- Webinar: Biological and Physical Sciences in Space Decadal: Early-Career Webinar #2 Writing Effective White Papers [September 14, 2021]
- Webinar: Biological and Physical Sciences in Space Decadal: Early-Career Webinar #1 What is a Decadal Survey and Why It's Important [September 2, 2021]
- Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences Research in Space 2023-2032 (Meeting #1) Virtual Meeting: Recordings & Presentations
- Lunar Surface Science Workshop - Space Biology [January 20-21, 2021]: Resources & Recorded Presentations
- Commercial Lunar Payload Services Technology and Implementation Processes Seminar [January 14, 2021]:
- Reddit AMA: Nov 13, 2020 AskScience AMA Series Thread
- Workshops: American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Decadal Survey Workshops
- Sep 29, 2020 Webinar Materials and Recording:
- Decadal Surveys Website: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM)
- Report: 2011 Decadal Survey in Life and Physical Sciences Research
- Report: 2011 Decadal Survey in Life and Physical Sciences Research Midterm Assessment