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Standing Committee

Space Studies Board (SSB)

The Space Studies Board brings space science and applications and other related expertise together to address space science and space policy issues of national importance.

In progress

News and Updates

Explore exciting breakthroughs in space science with The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at Space Science Week 2026 on March 23-27

Update

Each year, Space Science Week brings together leaders across the space science disciplines to explore the latest developments and discuss the future of the field. This year will feature a plenary session with updates from leaders at NASA and an array of international space agencies, a joint session about leveraging AI for space science research, and a public lecture with singer Jewel on the intersection of art and science.

Mar 10, 2026
Partial solar eclipse above the curvature of the Earth in the foreground.

New Interactive:  A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

Update

When astronauts set foot on Mars, it will mark a new era of discovery shaped by decades of research, engineering, and imagination. A new interactive overview of our report A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars offers a high-level outline of options for future human-led campaigns and how these missions can advance the highest-priority science objectives, from searching for signs of life to understanding how planets evolve and preparing for sustained human exploration.

Apr 15, 2026
cover art for A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

Recently completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Human and Biological Science

Other

Recently Completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Lunar and Planetary Sciences

Other

Recently Completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Heliophysics, Physics, and Physical Science

Other

Recently Completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Applied Sciences

Other

Recently Completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Atmospheric Science and Space Physics

Other

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Geosciences

Other

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Astrobiology

Other

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Biological and Physical Sciences and Human Factors

Other

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed
Cover art for A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars.

Projects

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Lunar and Planetary Sciences

Other

Recently Completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Applied Sciences

Other

Recently Completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Heliophysics, Physics, and Physical Science

Other

Recently Completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Human and Biological Science

Other

Recently Completed

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Biological and Physical Sciences and Human Factors

Other

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Astrobiology

Other

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Atmospheric Science and Space Physics

Other

Recently Completed

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Geosciences

Other

Recently Completed

Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences: Proposed Science Themes for NASA’s Fifth New Frontiers Mission

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed
Cover art for A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars.

Space Science Week

Educational/Outreach Activity

In Progress
Partial solar eclipse above the curvature of the Earth in the foreground.

Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space: Assessment of Commercial Space Platforms for Earth Science Instruments

Consensus/Advisory Activity

In Progress

Review of Progress Toward Implementing the Decadal Survey-Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics) 2024-2033: Panel on the Physics of the Sun and Heliosphere

Other

Completed
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