NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) Update

Keith’s note: The Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) has issued this update: “Dear Colleagues, The SBAG steering committee wishes to share a “save the date” for the next SBAG meeting. SBAG 35, which will be a fully virtual meeting, will take place within the window of June 8–11, 2026. The specific timeslots within those dates will be shared in the coming weeks.” More below

These past few weeks, and indeed the coming months leading to SBAG 35, have been and will be a time of change for SBAG in light of NASA’s shift away from financial support of all 8 planetary science Assessment Groups (collectively the “AGs”, see PSD Director Dr. Louise Prockter’s January letter). Since this announcement, the steering committee has received and appreciates questions and opinions from the community concerning the plans and purpose of SBAG moving forward.

Though the situation continues to evolve, SBAG meetings provide unique benefits to the small bodies community, which is why the Steering Committee is moving forward with SBAG 35. As Dr. Prockter says in her letter, “the community input of the AGs to SMD remains valuable,” and we intend for SBAG to continue to serve as a focal point for building consensus and fostering community.

In the coming months, the Steering Committee will review and revise SBAG’s Terms of Reference, the document that provides guidance for SBAG activities. These revisions will be open to community feedback, so keep an eye out for further communication about this soon. Additionally, stay tuned for information about migrating SBAG’s website from its current LPI hosting to ensure uninterrupted access to up-to-date information. In the meantime, we thank the community for their continued engagement and look forward to preparing an exciting and impactful meeting this summer.

Sincerely,

SBAG Steering Committee