The Next Decade in Planetary Science

The planetary science community's plans for the next decade of planetary science was announced at the 42nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston. The 410-page report -- Visions and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013 - 2022 -- outlines a comprehensive strategy that continues to build on recent planetary sciences advances in the coming decade. This special edition of great shots offers a few snapshots from the conference and links to key documents. Hint: The good stuff in the decadal report -- the science questions and the missions -- are in chapters three and nine. Photos by JPL's Doug Ellison and Alice Wessen:

Dr. Steven Squyres, chairman of the decadal steering committee, answers questions about the survey.

The first in a series of mission that could return samples from the surface of Mars was chosen as the highest priority for a flagship class mission. Click on the image to download a presentation showing the decadal selection process.

Dr. James Green, Director of Planetary Science at NASA Headquarters, discusses the release of the decadal survey.

A variety of missions will be selected for the Discovery and New Frontiers, NASA's small and medium-cost mission programs.