Standing Committee

Space Studies Board

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.

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Search for Life Should Be Top Science Priority for First Human Landing on Mars, Says New Report

News Release

When astronauts set foot on Mars, it will be one of humanity’s greatest milestones, marking the start of a new era of discovery on another planet. A new National Academies report identifies the highest priority science objectives for the first human missions to Mars and says searching for evidence of existing or past life on the planet should be the top priority.

Dec 9, 2025

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A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

Consensus

2025

When astronauts set foot on Mars, it will be one of humanity's greatest milestones. These first steps will be the result of decades of research, engineering, and imagination coming together, marking the beginning of a new era of discovery on another planet. A Science Strategy for the Human Explorati...

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