To prepare for the analysis of diverse extraterrestrial samples in the coming decade, NASA requires information on the current capabilities of the planetary science community's analytical laboratory facilities, their future requirements, and any associated challenges. Therefore, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will assemble a committee to perform a study addressing the following questions:
• What laboratory analytical capabilities are required to support the NASA Planetary Science Division's (and partners') analysis and curation of existing and future extraterrestrial samples?
o Which of these capabilities currently exist, and where are they located (including international partner facilities)?
o What existing capabilities are not currently accessible that are/will be needed?
• Whether the current sample laboratory support infrastructure and NASA's investment strategy meets the analytical requirements in support of current and future decadal planetary missions.
• How can NASA ensure that the science community can stay abreast of evolving techniques and be at the forefront of extraterrestrial sample analysis?