Keith’s 18 April later update: NASA PAO finally started to post updates 24-36 hours after the rest of the world was reading about these discoveries everywhere except at NASA. Keith’s 17 April note: Two big Astrobiology/Space Science stories came out today based on NASA missions: JWST observations reveal possible exoplanet biosignatures (all over the news globally). Curiosity rover makes the cover of Science Magazine for carbonate discoveries on Mars. No mention of either is made at NASA.gov, astrobiology.nasa.gov, @NASA, @NASAAstroBio, or @NASASpaceSci. Everyone is worried about possible science cuts at NASA yet Public Affairs is utterly incapable of putting its own good news out for policy makers to see and consider. Baffling. Keith’s 18 April update: someone added a link about the Mars story to the NASA.gov page – but NASA Science Mission Directorate has not said anything about JWST biosignatures or Mars carbonates.

Keith’s note: Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro just gave a plenary overview of NASA science at NAS Space Science Week [audio] This was a clear snapshot of what NASA science is, how the agency leads the world in this endeavor, its importance as an economic multiplier, and its value as an enabling tool for all forms of exploration. Of course, no details were offered on budgets, personnel, etc. Petro said “While I cannot speculate on decisions that have not been made yet, I can tell you this: NASA’s commitment to scientific excellence has never waivered and it will not waiver now.” “NASA is and will continue to be the global leader in space exploration and scientific discovery”. Of course, this is all moot if the White House/OSTP/OMB/OPM/DOGE says “Yea, yea, yea. So what. You’re still cut.”

Keith’s note: a large group of space scientists have put together a group letter that has large number of signatories: “To NASA leadership and our elected representatives: We write as members of the space science community who are dismayed by the impact of recent events on taxpayer-funded, NASA-supported science, missions, and communities. Many of us chose this profession motivated by a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible and widen our understanding of the universe, and to do so in the public interest. Space science research has inspired generations of scientists and engineers, while pushing U.S. innovation forward. … Recent events and actions directly damage our ability to do the work we value. We wish to call attention to several occurrences that have unfolded over the past weeks. … We also recognize that even in times of upheaval, all of us have the power to stand up for our values, for each other, and for the work we believe in. We hope you will join us in advocating for broadening access to publicly funded science, empowering NASA-funded projects to recruit strong, diverse teams, and building a future in which scientific progress truly benefits all of us. The American people deserve nothing less.” Full letter

Keith’s note: Forget about all those Decadal science plans. The future of NASA and all American space activities will be forced into compliance with Project 2025 and implemented with the loyalty and political ideology screening contained within Schedule F.

via Planetary Exploration Newsletter: Mike passed away on Monday, May 29, 2017, at his home in University Park, MD. He had a deep love of science and gregarious nature, always able to make a positive difference in whatever he did. An obituary will be forthcoming. Mike was the beloved husband of Maxine C. A’Hearn; father of Brian J. (Zlata) of Oxford, UK, Kevin P. (Kanlayane) of Vienna, VA, and Patrick […]

Most of the people in this room are addicted to big, expensive satellites since that is what @NASA continues to ask them to build #v2050 — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) February 28, 2017 Now someone asks "why do missions cost so much?" Doubtful anyone here can or will answer since cost is mostly personnel #v2050 — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) February 28, 2017 No one here can answer the "what is the […]

New National Research Council Report Presents Research Program for Solar and Space Physics Over the Next Decade “A new report from the National Research Council presents a prioritized program of basic and applied research for 2013-2022 that will advance scientific understanding of the sun, sun-Earth connections and the origins of “space weather,” and the sun’s interactions with other bodies in the solar system. This second decadal survey in solar and […]

Telescope debacle devours NASA funds, Florida Today “Alan Boss, an astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington who chairs NASA’s independent advisory committee on astronomy research, worries the project could eat up a growing share of the nation’s funding for astronomy and space science. He’s gone so far as to call the telescope’s woes “NASA’s Hurricane Katrina.” NASA has since removed the project from its astrophysics budget, making […]

Earth and space science missions have fewer risks if conducted by a single government agency “Earth and space science missions developed and implemented by federal agencies in collaboration typically result in additional complexity and cost and increased risks from divided responsibilities and accountability, says a new report from the National Research Council. Federal agencies should not partner in conducting space and earth science missions unless there is a compelling reason […]

What’s next for NASA?, Mario Livio, Baltimore Sun “In recent days, some of those criticizing NASA’s proposed budget have tried to paint a picture of an agency without a vision. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. NASA’s far-reaching ambitions in space science have been, and will continue to be, truly inspiring” Keith’s note: While Livio does make a number of cogent points about space science, I find […]