NASA Watch
Independent blog tracking NASA programs and space sector news, often with insider commentary and analysis.
Small Bodies Assessment Group: 34th SBAG Meeting Draft Findings
The Small Bodies Assessment Group released draft findings from its 34th meeting, urging NASA to preserve a regular cadence of planetary missions to sustain the expert workforce and avoid destabilizing the exploration portfolio. It calls for tighter coordination of ground‑based, space‑based, and spacecraft observations of high‑priority small bodies, especially upcoming Apophis missions. The group flags critical gaps in planetary radar capability after Arecibo’s loss and recommends a comprehensive Deep Space Network capacity audit as Artemis missions increase demand. These recommendations aim to safeguard planetary defense and scientific leadership.
The Future of Extraterrestrial Materials Analysis Group (ExMAG)
NASA’s Planetary Science Division announced it will cease formal support for all Analysis and Assessment Groups, including ExMAG, effective May 2026. Despite losing PSD funding, the Extraterrestrial Materials Analysis Group pledges to keep serving as the conduit between the sample‑science...
NASA’s Astrobiology Program Is Ignored By NASA Astrobiology Missions
NASA’s Juno spacecraft recently measured the thickness of Europa’s ice shell, data that will inform the upcoming Europa Clipper and ESA’s JUICE missions. The findings highlight Europa’s potential habitability, a core focus of NASA’s three‑decade‑old Astrobiology Program. However, the official...
Empowering NASA’s Earth Science Fleet
Jon Mikel Walton, former NASA Earth public‑engagement lead, urged Administrator Jared Isaacman on LinkedIn to fully fund and protect NASA’s Earth‑science fleet. The essay stresses the fleet’s unique ability to track climate, water, ice and ecosystem changes, delivering vital data...
No More Support For NASA SMD Planetary Science Division Analysis and Assessment Groups
NASA’s Planetary Science Division announced it will end formal financial support for the eight Analysis and Assessment Groups (AGs) by the end of April 2026. The AGs, historically funded through a Lunar and Planetary Institute grant, have provided community consensus,...
Current / Former NASA Planetary Science Analysis Groups
NASA’s Planetary Science Division relies on eight community‑driven analysis groups—ExMAG, LEAG, MAPSIT, MEPAG, MExAG, OPAG, SBAG and VEXAG—to gather scientific input for mission planning. These groups operate outside the Federal Advisory Committee Act, providing feedback rather than formal recommendations. Each...
Isaacman Prime Directive: Recognize, Reward, Inspire
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman issued a Workforce Directive on Jan. 14, 2026 titled “Recognize, Reward, Inspire.” The memo outlines four cultural pillars—duty, mission urgency, ownership, and a recalibrated risk framework—and mandates concrete actions to overhaul recognition, performance evaluation, and reward programs. Within...
Diving Catch To Save U.S. Science
The Senate passed a bipartisan FY 2026 minibus appropriations bill that preserved funding for NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) after the Trump administration proposed drastic cuts. NASA’s budget was set at...
New NASA A.I. Effort For Mars Exploration Ignores The Search For Life (E.g. Astrobiology)
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate announced the Foundational Artificial Intelligence for the Moon and Mars (FAIMM) program, a ROSES‑2025 amendment that funds open‑source foundation models for planetary science. The initiative invites researchers of any background to develop AI applications such as...
Planetary Science Caucus Statement
The U.S. House passed the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act with a 397‑28 vote, preserving core NASA funding and rejecting most OMB‑proposed cuts. The bill sustains the NASA Science Mission Directorate...