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Planetary System Formation Focus Group Activities
The most important near-term task for the NAI PSFFG is to provide input for the ongoing National Academy of Science (NAS) Decadal Surveys of Astronomy and and Astrophyiscs (Astro2010) and Planetary Science (Planet2011). These surveys are used by NASA and OMB to decide the fate of major NASA missions. The Astro2010 Decadal Survey is expected to be critical for the future of two missions of great astrobiological significance, the Space Interfermetry Mission (SIM) and the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF). SIM is planned to be able to detect Earth-like planets around nearby stars, and TPF is planned to be able to characterize the planets discovered by SIM as well as discover other planets in these and other systems.
The PSFFG held a splinter meeting during the January 2009 American Astronomical Society meeting at Long Beach, California, where the principal investigators of a wide range of existing and proposed space telescopes of interest to Astrobiology described how their missions would address the goals of the 2008 NASA Astrobiology Roadmap. The PSFFG then wrote a White Paper (web link here) which assessed the degree to which these missions would achieve the relevant goals and objectives of the 2008 Astrobiology Roadmap. This White Paper was then submitted to the Astro2010 Decadal Survey for consideration during their deliberations.
The PSFFG is currently performing a similar assessment intended to result in a White Paper for submission to the Planetary2011 Decadal Survey. These White Papers are expected to be due at the Planetary2011 web site by 1 September 2009. A first draft of the new White Paper has been produced and is being revised. Any comments and suggestions about this second White Paper are welcome and should be sent to the lead author (boss@dtm.ciw.edu).
White Papers
Astrobiology Research Priorities for Giant Planets and Exoplanets (Last Updated: May 28, 2009)
Achieving the Goals and Objectives of the 2008 NASA Astrobiology Roadmap
