Planetary Research 2025: Year in Review

Planetary Research 2025 Year in Review Enabling Discovery: Reflections on a Productive Year of Planetary Research and Review Efforts Kathleen Vander Kaaden, Ph.D. Director of Planetary Research Programs December 10, 2025 2 2 3 •Leadership: •Kathleen Vander Kaaden, Director •Aaron Burton, Associate Director •Meagan Thompson, Program Executive •Goodbyes this year: oAdrian Brown oMajd Mayyasi oMichael Kelley oNalin Ratnayake •New Team Members: •Tahira Allen and Daniella Scalice, Communications and Engagement Leads for Planetary Research •Adelle Helble, Acting Program Manager Near Earth Observations Office Team Updates in 2025 PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION Director of Planetary Research Program ExecutiveAssociate Director C&E Lead PM NEOOC&E Lead 4 2025 Theme: Implementing a lean, agile, and strategic framework for Planetary Research 5 Foundational Principle: Missions and Planetary Research... ...are inextricably and synergistically linked 6 ROSES Wrapped Year in Review 7 https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/ PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 8 here here this webpage The current Progress Report template for PSD is here (Section 5). All Progress Reports must be submitted here. All No-Cost-Extensions must be requested utilizing this webpage. Reminders for Grants PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION •Grants Management Services (GMS) •Awards that are supported through the NSSC •For R&A, these are typically grants and cooperative agreements Examples: Universities Non-Profits APL (some awards) 9 • General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) Integrated Award Environment announced that it has retired the use of FSRS.gov and transitioned subaward reporting functions to SAM.gov, effective March 6, 2025. •NASA grant recipients must use iEdison for new technology reporting. •Only a NASA Grant Officer, or their delegate, may provide the initial notification to an entity that their grant or cooperative agreement proposal has been selected for funding. •The initial selection notification will be made via the issuance of a signed Notice of Award (NOA), and NOAs may only be issued after the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) has completed a pre-award risk assessment and obtained documentation of required Official-in-Charge (OIC) and Senior Appointee approvals. •New grants and cooperative agreements require the approval of executive leadership and a non-career Senior Appointee. Processes established to comply lengthen the time it takes from peer review to award issuance. Significant Changes in Support of Executive Orders PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 16 By the Numbers: Calendar Year 2025 Advancing our understanding of the energy balance of CO₂-rich planets via CO₂–CO₂ absorptions What is the science question? Quantify how much infrared light gets absorbed by carbon dioxide molecules due to their mutual interaction (collision-induced absorption), a process important to understand the energy balance of planetary atmospheres but still not properly quantified beyond Earth’s temperatures. What were the findings? We measured the most important collision-induced absorption band of CO2 (Fermi dyad, bottom figure) in the temperature range 300 K – 500 K and found that it its intensity to monotonically decrease with temperature. What was the impact? First, the measured absorption coefficients have been included in HITRAN, the most used spectroscopic database for planetary atmospheres. These measurement will improve the energy balance modeling of hot, dense CO2rich atmospheres like Venus. Second, an experimental apparatus (top figure) has been successfully developed for this project and ready for other gas species/mixtures. Why does it matter to non-scientists? Collision-induced absorption plays an important role in Earth’s energy balance (e.g., H2O-N2, H2O-O2). Moreover, this absorption process has been recently used to develop of compact, responsive, and cost effective sensors for industrial hydrogen monitoring. Terragni, J., Kohler, E., Kofman, V., Anderson, S., Villanueva, G. L., & Faggi, S. (2025). New measurements of high-temperature CO2–CO2 collision-induced absorption in the 1100–1800 cm− 1 range. Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer, 109595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jqsrt.2025.109595 Top: The High-Temperature High-Pressure (HTHP) environmental cell placed in the sample compartment of the FTIR spectrometer. Bottom: The Fermi dyad absorption coefficient and the linear relation between its intensity and the gas squared number density. Credit: NASA / Jacopo Terragni The CO2-CO2 v1/2v2 (Fermi dyad) collision-induced absorption from 500 psi to 800 psi The Life Detection Knowledge Base (LDKB) The LDKB: A framework to help map astrobiology knowledge into mission planning •Goal:Develop a comprehensive framework to guide testing and evaluation of in situ and remote biosignatures, including assessments of potential false positives and false negatives (NASEM 2019 recommendation) •Solution:Significant community involvement resulted in a web-tool designed to synthesize and critically analyze peer-reviewed literature concerning potential biosignatures (https://lifedetectionforum.com/ldkb) •Output:The current web tool provides rigorous, evidence-based assessments of potential biosignatures within specific planetary environments based on content created by subject-matter experts. •Knowledge gaps: Early use of the LDKB highlighted a significant knowledge gap that led to the 1st “Abiotic Background Workshop for Life Detection” (workshop report in prep.) A two-part special issue in Astrobiology* details the LDKB framework, community involvement, and content examples. https://www.liebertpub.com/toc/ast/25/7 AI-Driven Life Detection Knowledge Base (AI_LDKB) for Biosignature Assessment The next version of the LDKB under development incorporates AI tools to complement and expand human-curated content. •Function:The AI_LDKB autonomously synthesizes and critically evaluates peer-reviewed literature on potential biosignatures tailored to specific planetary environments. •Method:Integrates systematic literature retrieval, from a curated corpus, by AI agents with balanced biotic and abiotic analysis. Merges new knowledge with human-curated content. •Output:Produces defensible, traceable Analysis Reports for mission and research use (next slide). •Standard:All AI reasoning is strictly grounded in published science that is curated and made accessible to AI models. •Evaluation: AI_LDKB will be evaluated for accuracy and reproducibility against legacy LDKB human-curated content Researchers submit a biosignature × planetary context query. AI performs systematic literature review, retrieving all relevant publications Evidence examined through the LDKB framework, explicitly evaluating potential false positives and negatives. 1. 2. 3. Mission Relevance: Directly supports biosignature assessment and risk-informed life detection strategy. AI_LDKB Analysis Reports: From Literature to MissionReady Confidence Each AI_LDKB Analysis Report Delivers: •Concise Scientific Background: Contextualizes the biosignature in current planetary science. •Comprehensive Knowledge Synthesis: A comprehensive knowledge summary synthesizing findings from the literature, specifically evaluating potential false positives and false negatives to assess a biosignature's robustness. •Human and AI Synergy: Expands human-curated content following the LDKB debate structure. •Full Provenance Metadata: Direct traceability to underlying peerreviewed papers. •Continuous update: System evolves as the scientific literature grows. New Biosignature Publication! New Publication Model Update Continuous Recalibration Impact: The AI_LDKB transforms fragmented biosignature literature into defensible, mission-ready scientific confidence. 21 Progress Towards Decadal Recommendations Year in Review 22 •Solar System Science •Exoplanets Research Program Encouraging Cross-Disciplinary Research •Astrobiology Program (AB) •Planetary Exploration Science Technology Office (PESTO) •Office of the Chief Science Data Officer (OCSDO) •Exploration Science Strategy and Integration Office (ESSIO) •Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) •Flight Programs Integrating Closely and Mindfully •FINESST •Early Career Award •Lunar Mapping Program Supporting the Next Generation •Lucy-L4-PSP •HERA PSP •Artemis 3 PSP Enabling Mission Participation Planetary Research Portfolio Budget Part of a Whole PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION Rec 17 - 1 23 Planetary Research Program – Budget Over Time Planetary R&A Portfolio •Includes all activities funded under the R&A budget line (bottom wedge in figure) •Core Programs, Astrobiology Programs, Technology Programs, Directed Work Planetary Research Program (PRP) •Includes all research activities •Includes activities funded under R&A and those funded through mission lines •DAPs, PSPs •Includes both openly-competed and closedcompeted research PSD priority to protect R&A and work towards OWL recommendations to achieve a minimum annual funding level of 10 percent of the PSD total annual budget by mid-decade PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION update Rec 17 - 1 24 •SSERVI is an important opportunity for the PSD community, and we plan to retain this program and release a future Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN). •CAN5 has been delayed for various reasons, but we are currently planning to release it in 2026. •We are continuing to work with ESDMD as we build towards the next CAN, which, like previous CANs, will seek a balance of science and exploration objectives. SSERVI Update PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION Rec 17 - 4 25 32 287 proposals submitted prior to the end of day on September 15, 2025. ~20% of proposals report relevance to more than one SMD division ~82% of proposals report relevance to more than one decadal survey priority topic ~31% of proposals report relevance to more than one discipline ~47% of proposals were sent for panel discussion after assessment of pre-panel reviews Quick stats about 9/15/25 cutoff date for S3 PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 33 https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20250000721 ROSES-23 completed the full third year of the No Due Date experiment in select Planetary Science Division Programs A review was conducted in conjunction with the Deputy AA for Research Office and Data Analyst team All results were presented at a virtual townhall on December 4, 2024 Full slides can be found here: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20250000721 No Due Date Programs PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION Rec 17 - 9 34 No Due Date Flexible Due Date No Due Date real or perceived Specific submission cut -off dates to facilitate timely reviews and selections Reviews held irregularly when a critical mass of proposals has been received Reviews held on a regular cadence as described in Table C.2 - 1 Spike at the end of the ROSES year not originally anticipated Anticipating three spikes in proposal submissions Allows flexibility for proposers to work on a proposal and submit it when they are ready Assumes the same programs will run year after year with no gaps Enables flexibility in programs anticipated to be solicited from year to year No Due Date vs. Flexible Due Date PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION Rec 17 - 9 35 Proposal Submission Date Estimated Review Anticipated Award Start Date On/before September 15, 2025 Winter 2025 April 2026 On/before December 31, 2025 Spring 2026 July 2026 On/before March 31, 2026 Summer 2026 October 2026 Flexible Due Date Program PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION Proposals may be submitted at any time through March 31, 2026, but will be reviewed a few times a year: At the September 15, 2025 proposal submission date, S3 received 287 proposals. Review of proposals has been completed. Decisions are underway. Rec 17 - 9 36 Active NASA-NSF Collaborations Ocean Drilling Project Fieldwork Best Practices Antarctic Research Activities Meteorite Steering Group and 3-Agency Agreement Rec 17 - 12 PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 37 EVOLUTION OF THE PROTOPLANETARY DISK ACCRETION IN THE OUTER SOLAR SYSTEM ORIGIN OF EARTH AND INNER SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES IMPACTS AND DYNAMICS SOLID BODY INTERIORS AND SURFACES SOLID BODY ATMOSPHERES, EXOSPHERES, MAGNETOSPHERES, AND CLIMATE EVOLUTION PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION GIANT PLANET STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION CIRCUMPLANETARY SYSTEMS INSIGHTS FROM TERRESTRIAL LIFE DYNAMIC HABITABILITY SEARCH FOR LIFE ELSEWHERE EXOPLANETS Decadal Priority Science Questions 38 R-23 and R-24 Selections PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 39 •A NASA-funded team has won a prestigious 2025 R&D 100 Award for a breakthrough nanocrystalline magnetic material known as VulcanAlloy •A new class of extreme-environment soft-magnetic (easily magnetized/de-magnetized) alloys capable of operating at high frequencies and high temperatures (above 500ºC) – far beyond limits of conventional soft magnetic materials •Originally designed for electronics applications on the Venus surface •Produced through a scalable and elegant manufacturing process pathway •With adjustable magnetic properties and exceptional thermal stability, VulcalnAlloy can replace multiple materials in components like inductors, transformers, motors, and sensors – and reduces the need for bulky cooling systems •High promise for use in multiple applications, including in aircraft, defense, and aerospace systems, and potential to transform electrified cars, grid infrastructure, industrial power systems, and data centers Testing of high-temperature inductors using VulcanAlloy technology in the NASA Glenn Extreme Environments Rig (May 2025) Team wins 2025 R&D 100 Award for VulcanAlloy PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION VulcanAlloy was developed under NASA’s High Operating Temperature Technology (HOTTech) Program, through a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh, NASA, CorePower Magnetics, and Raytheon Technologies 40 2026 Theme: Maximizing Impact Through Strategic Funding 41 •Selections made for ROSES-25 Programs •Release of ROSES-26 •Timeline TBD •Solar System Science will continue with feedback from R-25 incorporated •Anticipating consolidated planetary technology program •Continue to enhance the scientific return on mission investments •Continue to utilize the research-mission cycle to ensure NASA’s exploration builds strategically upon its established investments and past findings. •Continue to fund meritorious science in line with the Planetary Science Division and Agency priorities Sneak Peek at 2026 PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 48 Demographic data can be found Research and Analysis Yearbook (https://science.nasa.gov/roses2021yearbook/). The next rendition of these yearbooks will include ROSES 2022 and ROSES 2023 demographic survey datasets and provide new analyses. The team welcomes feedback about the data products provided in the ROSES 2021 version of the Yearbook via email ([email protected]) that would make the upcoming editions more useful to SMD’s scientific communities. How have demographics changed for submitted and accepted proposals in the past year? How do these numbers compare to previous years? PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 49 As always, we will make as many selections of meritorious research in line with the Divisions’ priorities as possible given the budget we are provided. Are more ROSES-25 selections expected to be made than initially advertised, now that the budget is not as bad as the PBR? Will the expected award funding bins for SCUBED be adjusted in ROSES-26 (eg more large awards)? At this time we have not yet decided if the expected award funding bins for Scubed will be adjusted in ROSES-26. It is likely that they will not be. PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 50 Keep an eye on the following proposing opportunities: •F.5 Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology: TBD •C.5 Planetary Science Early Career Award: Due January 12, 2026 Important documents to review: • “The Twelve Priority Science Questions” in Table 3.1 of OWL •NASA Planetary Science Strategic Objectives 1.2 and 1.3 of the NASA Strategic Plan 2022 • The goals of the Planetary Science Division as described in NASA’s Science Strategy From a grad student / early career perspective, what are some upcoming areas of interest that prove especially exciting? PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 51 It has not yet been decided if the restrictions on other federal agencies receiving funding from R&A Programs will remain in ROSES-26. When a decision has been made, it will be communicated to the community through traditional methods (e.g., ROSES release, NSPIRES listserv). Will the restrictions on other federal agencies like USGS receiving funding from R&A programs remain in place for ROSES-26? PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 52 Are you planning to release ROSES-26 in February 2026? At this time, the timing of the ROSES-26 release is TBD. PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 53 At this time, there is no estimate available for the release of FINESST-2025 or the exact submission due date. Any release will be provided with no fewer than 60 days in advance of the proposal due date. Please ensure that you are signed up for NSPIRES announcement emails to remain up to date with the most recent information. Can you provide an update on the status of the NASA FINESST 2025 call? Will FINESST open for spring 2026 submissions? PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 54 Consistent with the "Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking" Executive Order dated August 7, 2025, a senior appointee has been designated to provide final approval on discretionary grants to ensure they align with agency priorities and the national interest. It is important to emphasize that this compliance review occurs only after a proposal has successfully passed the traditional scientific merit review process. The goal of this additional step is to certify that scientifically meritorious projects also meet high-level policy objectives, such as "Gold Standard Science" and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds. The political appointee(s) will not be reviewing PSD proposals but rather assessing PSD’s recommended selections. Is there a political appointee who will be reviewing PSD proposals? PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 55 The NSSC team is working diligently to implement new processes and requirements and get awards and increments made as quickly as possible. If you have a question about a new award or the timeline of an increment, please reach out to your program officer via the shared inbox for that program. They will be able to provide you more information. How has NASA/NSSC staffing changed with the last shutdown and what are the impacts to timelines of grant awards, increments, reporting, etc.? PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 56 •SSERVI is an important opportunity for the PSD community, and we plan to retain this program and release a future Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN). •CAN5 has been delayed for various reasons, but we are currently planning to release it in 2026. •We are continuing to work with ESDMD as we build towards the next CAN, which, like previous CANs, will seek a balance of science and exploration objectives. Will there be a SSERVI call in FY26? PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION 57 Absolutely! We recognize that this is a new program element with significant changes from past practices. We’re continuously soliciting feedback from our internal HQ team, panelists, reviewers, and proposers to determine if any changes are necessary moving forward. It is unlikely that any substantial modifications will be made to the ROSES-25 program element, but we will utilize this feedback to implement modifications to the ROSES-26 program element. If you have feedback to share, please pass it along to our SCUBED leadership team: HQ[email protected]ov. Are you considering changes to S3 to reflect the community feedback from both proposers and reviewers? PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION