NASA's Planetary Science Division Faces a Transformative Crossroads: The Future of Analysis and Assessment Groups
The future of NASA's Planetary Science Analysis and Assessment Groups (AGs) is at a pivotal juncture. On January 16, 2026, Dr. Louise M. Prockter, Director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, shared a letter outlining the evolving dynamics of these groups. The letter highlights the current NASA Planetary Science Analysis Groups, which are:
- Extraterrestrial Materials Analysis Group (ExMAG)
- Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG)
- Mapping and Planetary Spatial Infrastructure Team (MAPSIT)
- Mars Exploration Analysis Group (MEPAG)
- Mercury Exploration Assessment Group (MExAG)
- Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG)
- Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG)
- Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG)
These AGs, alongside the Planetary Advisory Committee (PAC), play a crucial role in providing feedback to NASA's Planetary Science Division (PSD). Notably, they are community-driven groups, not mandated by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), offering valuable insights but stopping short of formal recommendations.
In a letter dated January 16, 2026, Dr. Prockter addressed colleagues, reflecting on the past year's changes within NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and PSD. Among these changes was Dr. Prockter's appointment as PSD Director in April 2025. She emphasized her commitment to the planetary science community, a field she has long been a part of. A key focus has been charting a new course for the PSD Analysis and Assessment Groups, clarifying their relationship with the PSD.
For years, these eight AGs have been the backbone of interdisciplinary collaboration within the planetary science community. They have facilitated open dialogue, consensus-building, and strengthened connections across the field. Their value to NASA, particularly PSD and the Explorations Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), is multifaceted:
- Communication Bridge: AGs serve as trusted channels for two-way communication between NASA and planetary scientists.
- Agility in Action: They enable the swift formation of Special Action Teams and technical assessments on NASA's priority topics.
- Community Development: AGs nurture a community of scientists, including early-career researchers, who understand NASA's inner workings, fostering future leaders.
- Consensus Repository: They organize and house the community's consensus opinions and assessments.
Currently, the AGs function under NASA-approved Terms of Reference, found on their websites, and receive financial support for various activities. However, recent developments within NASA have made sustaining this support model challenging. These changes encompass Executive Orders, the disbandment of formal Advisory Committees (including the Planetary Science Advisory Committee), alterations in grant administration, and a tight PSD budget.
Given these circumstances, PSD has been exploring alternatives for the AGs, striving to preserve their core value while adhering to legal and policy frameworks and reducing PSD's financial commitment. Despite the acknowledged importance of the AGs, PSD can no longer provide formal support.
The grant mechanism funding AG activities will end around April 2026, but PSD plans to allocate funds for specific community engagements that are highly valuable to PSD and NASA. This could include supporting community gatherings or workshops through competitive funding applications. Dr. Prockter also intends to maintain open communication with the community at conferences and meetings. Additionally, PSD may request scientific analyses and assessments from the community as needed, utilizing alternative funding sources to support selected group members.
Dr. Prockter expressed gratitude to the community, particularly the AG Chairs and Steering Committees, for their input and feedback, which guided this transition. She also thanked the Lunar and Planetary Institute for their logistical support of the AGs in recent years.
And here's where it gets intriguing: This shift doesn't necessarily mean the end for the AGs. They have the opportunity to reinvent themselves as self-sustaining entities, continuing to contribute to planetary exploration. While change can be unsettling, the AGs have laid a robust foundation. Dr. Prockter believes in the community's resilience and creativity to reshape the planetary science landscape, making it more responsive to NASA's priorities while remaining inclusive.
The final NASA-sponsored AG meetings will take place by April 2026. Dr. Prockter looks forward to connecting with many colleagues at these gatherings or other events. She also intends to provide regular updates via emails and virtual meetings throughout the year, ensuring ample opportunities for dialogue.
But what does this mean for the future of planetary science collaboration? Will the AGs adapt and thrive in their new form? How will NASA's priorities and the planetary science community's needs align in this evolving landscape? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. The journey ahead promises to be both challenging and exciting as we navigate the future of planetary exploration together.
