What Is 2013 Planetary Science Decadal Survey

Overview

The 2013 Planetary Science Decadal Survey is a strategic roadmap developed by the U.S. National Research Council to guide NASA’s planetary science missions over the decade 2013–2022. Officially titled 'Visions and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013–2022,' it was released in March 2011 after extensive input from scientists, engineers, and the broader research community.

This survey prioritized scientific questions about the solar system and identified missions that would deliver the greatest scientific return. It played a critical role in shaping NASA’s budget requests, mission selections, and long-term exploration strategies, especially for Mars, the outer planets, and small bodies like asteroids and comets.

• Mars Sample Return was ranked as the highest-priority large mission, aiming to bring Martian soil and rock samples back to Earth by the early 2030s for detailed analysis.
• The survey recommended a Europa Clipper mission to assess the icy moon’s habitability, leading to NASA’s approval of the spacecraft now set to launch in 2024.
• It emphasized the need for continued exploration of icy moons, particularly those with subsurface oceans, as prime targets in the search for extraterrestrial life.
• The report urged balanced funding across mission sizes, including support for medium-class (New Frontiers) and small-class (Discovery) missions to maintain scientific diversity.
• Planetary defense was formally recognized, recommending enhanced tracking of near-Earth objects (NEOs) to assess impact risks and develop mitigation strategies.

How It Works

The Decadal Survey process involves hundreds of scientists and experts who evaluate proposed space missions based on scientific value, technical readiness, and cost. Conducted every ten years by the National Academies, it ensures that U.S. planetary science remains focused on the most pressing questions.

• Process Duration: The survey took nearly two years to complete, from initial community input in 2009 to final publication in March 2011, involving over 150 white papers and workshops.
• Steering Committee: A 20-member panel of experts, chaired by Mark S. Robinson, synthesized input and drafted the final recommendations after extensive peer review.
• Community Input: Over 300 scientists contributed through town halls, white papers, and panel discussions, ensuring broad consensus on priorities.
• Mission Tiering: Missions were categorized as large, medium, or small, with cost caps of $2.5 billion, $800 million, and $500 million, respectively, to guide budget planning.
• Scientific Themes: The survey identified three core themes: habitability, planetary processes, and solar system origins, shaping mission objectives.
• NASA Influence: While not binding, NASA and Congress heavily rely on its recommendations; missions like Europa Clipper and MAVEN were directly shaped by its guidance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key mission recommendations from the 2013 survey and their current status as of 2024:

The survey successfully guided near-term missions like MAVEN and OSIRIS-REx, while long-term goals like a Neptune orbiter remain aspirational due to budget constraints. It demonstrated how prioritization enables steady progress in planetary exploration, even amid fiscal limitations.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Decadal Survey provided a unified vision that helped NASA align its scientific, technical, and budgetary resources effectively. Its influence extended beyond individual missions to shape agency culture and long-term planning.

• It established Mars Sample Return as a generational goal, driving international collaboration with ESA and long-term funding commitments.
• The emphasis on Europa led to the development of radiation-hardened instruments and trajectory designs now used in the Europa Clipper.
• It elevated small-body exploration, contributing to missions like OSIRIS-REx and Psyche, expanding knowledge of early solar system materials.
• By recommending balanced mission portfolios, it prevented overreliance on flagship projects and preserved opportunities for innovative, low-cost science.
• Its focus on planetary defense helped justify funding for NEO surveys like NEOWISE and the upcoming NEO Surveyor mission.
• The survey also highlighted the need for technology development in areas like sample containment and autonomous navigation for future deep-space missions.

Ultimately, the 2013 Planetary Science Decadal Survey served as a foundational document that continues to influence space exploration strategies well into the 2020s.