Browse and search white papers and mission & technology studies received by the Planetary Science Decadal Survey. Click here for basic user instructions.

Title: Astrobiology Research Priorities for Primitive Asteroids
Primary Author: Dante S. Lauretta
Secondary Author(s): Paul Abell, Carlton Allen, Ariel Anbar, Olivier Barnouin-Jha, M. Antonella Barucci, E. Beau Bierhaus, Richard P. Binzel, William F. Bottke, Steven R. Chesley, Beth E. Clark, Edward Cloutis, Harold C. Connolly, Jr., Michael J. Drake, Jason P. Dworkin, M. Darby Dyar, Jack Farmer, Rebecca Ghent, Daniel P. Glavin, Nader Haghighipour, Vicky E. Hamilton, Carl W. Hergenrother, Kip Hodges, Lindsay P. Keller, Detlef Koschny, John Marshall, Scott Messenger, Steven Mielke, Keiko Nakamura-Messenger, Joseph A. Nuth, Dennis Reuter, Frans J. M. Rietmeijer, Kevin Righter, Waddell Robey, Michal Rozyczka, Nicolaus Copernicus, Farid Salama, Scott A. Sandford, Daniel J. Scheeres, Everett Shock, Steve Vance, Brian D. Wade, Kosei E. Yamaguchi
Institution: University of Arizona
Date: September 1, 2009
Summary: Study of primitive asteroids is fundamental to understanding the origin, distribution, and evolution of volatile and organic compounds in the early Solar System. This paper outlines six major research focus areas and recommends three mission concepts, which are listed in priority order.
Panel Selection: Primitive Bodies: Asteroids, comets, Phobos, Deimos, Pluto/Charon and other Kuiper belt objects, meteorites, and interplanetary dust.
Download File

Return to Index

These documents have been prepared in coordination with the National Academies of Science in support of the National Academies Planetary Science Decadal Survey. These documents are being made available for information purposes only, and any views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of NASA, JPL, or the California Institute of Technology.