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MEPAG Science Goals Document
Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2020 Version Banfield et al. (MEPAG) March 2020  
(Supplemental) Hierarchical Summary Table of Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2020 MEPAG March 2020  
(Supplemental) Cross-cutting Summary Table of Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2020 MEPAG March 2020  
         Archived Documents
DRAFT for community comments: Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2020 revisions Banfield et al. (MEPAG) January 2020  

Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2018

Banfield et al. (MEPAG)

October 2018

 
(Supplemental) High-level summary of Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2018 MEPAG October 2018  
Spring 2018 MEPAG Goals (II/Obj. A & B and III/Obj. A) – Proposed Update (including cover letter from Don Banfield, MEPAG Goals Chair) MEPAG Goals II and III reps June 25, 2018  
Spring 2018 MEPAG Goals (II/Obj. A & B and III/Obj. A) – Proposed Changes (i.e., tracked changes) MEPAG Goals II and III reps June 25, 2018  
Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2015 Active Version MEPAG June 2015  
High-level summary of Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2015 Active Version MEPAG June 2015  
Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2012 (Archive Version) Hamilton et al. Sept 2014  
Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2010 (Archive Version) Johnson et al. Sept 2010  
Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities:
(2008 archive version)
MEPAG Sept 2008  
DRAFT FOR COMMUNITY COMMENT: Goal #1 Revision MEPAG Mar 2010  
DRAFT FOR COMMUNITY COMMENT: Goal #4 Revision MEPAG Mar 2010  
Mars Scientific Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities (2005 archive version) MEPAG Aug 2005  
Mars Scientific Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities (2004 archive version) Taylor, et al. July 2004  
Mars Scientific Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities (2001 archive version) R. Greeley July 2001

MEPAG Topical Analysis Reports
Decadal Survey White Paper Summary of ICE-SAG report ICE-SAG June 3, 2020
Final Report from the ICE and Climate Evolution Science Analysis Group (ICE-SAG) ICE-SAG July 8, 2019
Appendix C: Full list of Ice and Recent Climate Science Questions considered within ICE-SAG ICE-SAG July 8, 2019
Supplemental Materials for ICE-SAG Report May 28, 2019
Report from the Mars International Collaboration Science Analysis Group (MIC-SAG) MIC-SAG March 11, 2017
Report from the Next Orbiter Science Analysis Group (NEX-SAG) NEX-SAG December 14, 2015  
Note that this report references work done by the HEO ISRU and Civil Engineering Working Group (ICE-WG). In addition to viewing its original presentation at the First Landing Site/Exploration Zone Workshop for Human Missions to the Surface of Mars (see NEX-SAG reference list), the ICE-WG slides can be found below, under "Working Group and SMD Reports".
Candidate Scientific Objectives for the Human Exploration of Mars, and Implications for the Identification of Martian Exploration Zones MEPAG HSO-SAG July 24, 2015  
     Special Regions SAG Report (SR-SAG2)
Astrobiology Cover N/A November 11, 2014
A New Analysis of Mars 'Special Regions': Findings of the Second MEPAG Special Regions Science Analysis Group (SR-SAG2) - published in Astrobiology J. Rummel, D. Beaty, et al. November 11, 2014
     Humans to the Martian System Summary of Strategic Knowledge Gaps P-SAG
Humans to the Martian System Summary of Strategic Knowledge Gaps P-SAG (jointly sponsored by MEPAG and SBAG) M. Carr, D. Beaty, et al. June 30, 2012  
     - P-SAG Appendix II M. Carr, D. Beaty, et al. May 31, 2012  
     - P-SAG Measurement Matrix M. Carr, D. Beaty, et al. July 2012
Is Mars Sample Return Required Prior to Sending Humans to Mars? M. Carr, et al. 2012  
     End-to-End International Science Analysis Group (E2E-iSAG)
Planning for Mars Returned Sample Science: Final report of the MSR End-to-End International Science Analysis Group (E2E-iSAG) S. McLennan, M. Sephton, et al. November 2011  
     - Appendix 5 to the report 'Planning for Mars Returned Sample Science: Final report of the MSR End-to-End International Science Analysis Group (E2E-iSAG)': Reference Landing Sites N. Mangold, et al. Jul 2011  
     Reports from 2006 - 2010
     Recipe for Success: Research and Technology Programs as Key Ingredients of the Mars Exploration Program V. Hamilton , et al. Jan 2010  
         Two rovers to the same site on Mars, 2018: Possibilities for Cooperative Science J. Grant, F. Westall et al. June 2010  
Mars Network Science Analysis Group (NetSAG) Final Report B. Banerdt, et al Mar 2010  
Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher (MAX-C): A Potential Rover Mission for 2018 L. Pratt, et al. Oct 2009   
Science Priorities for Mars Sample Return (Report of ND-SAG) L. Borg, D. Des Marais, et al. Mar 2008   
     - Science Priorities for Mars Sample Return - Appendix II Borg, Des Marais, et al. Mar 2008  
     - Science Priorities for Mars Sample Return - Appendix III G. MacPherson, et al. Feb 2005  
Mars Strategic Science Assessment Group (Report of MSS-SAG) S. Murchie, et. al. Feb 2008  
Planning for the Scientific Exploration of Mars by Humans (Report of HEM-SAG) J.B. Garvin, J.S. Levine, et al. Feb 2008
Report of the joint NAI / MEPAG Mars Science Laboratory Caching Working Group A. Steele et al. Feb 2008
Report from the 2013 Mars Science Orbiter (MSO) Second Science Analysis Group W. Calvin, et al. May 2007  
DRAFT - Findings of the Mars Forward Lunar Objectives Science Analysis Group D. Beaty, et al. Sept 2006  
Findings of the Astrobiology Field Lab Science Steering Group (AFLSSG) A. Steele et al. Sept 2006   
Findings of the Mars Special Regions Science Analysis Group (Report of SR-SAG) D. Beaty, et al. July 2006   
Mars Science Orbiter (MSO) SAG Report (SAG-2) B. Farmer, et al. July 2006
Science Analysis of the November 3, 2005 Version of the Draft Mars Exploration Program Plan R. Arvidson, et al. Jan 2006
     Reports from 2001 - 2005
Report of the MEPAG Mars Human Precursor Science Steering Group Technology Demonstration and Infrastructure Emplacement (TI) Sub-Group Hinners, et al. July 2005  
An Analysis of the Precursor Measurements of Mars Needed to Reduce the Risk of the First Human Mission to Mars Beaty, et al. June 2005  
Science Priorities Related to the Organic Contamination of Martian Landers (OCSSG) Mahaffy, et al. Nov 2004   
Findings of the Moon-Mars Science Linkage Science Steering Group C. Shearer, et al. Oct 2004   
Groundbreaking MSR: Science Requirements for a First Mars Surface-Sample Return Mission (MSR-SSG) G. MacPherson et al. Oct 2002  
Pathways SSG Report: Investigation-driven science pathways for Mars exploration (P-SSG) D. McCleese, R. Greeley, et al. 2002  
The First Returned Martian Samples: Science Opportunities G. MacPherson et al. July 2001

Working Group and SMD Reports
MSR Operational Scenarios Definition Team Report December 10, 2021    
Mars Sample Return Caching Strategy Steering Committee Report Caching Strategy Steering Committee March 2021  
Mars Water In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Planning (M-WIP) Study Abbud-Madrid et al. April 22, 2016  
ISRU & Civil Engineering Needs for Future Human Mars Missions Steve Hoffman, ICE-WG October 27, 2015  
     Mars Exploration Program Planning Documents
Mars, the Nearest Habitable World – A Comprehensive Program for Future Mars Exploration.
Report by the Mars Architecture Strategy Working Group (MASWG)
MASWG; B. M. Jakosky et al. Nov 2020  
     Organic Contamination Panel
Planning Considerations Related to the Organic Contamination of Martian Samples and Implications for the Mars 2020 Rover R. E. Summons, A. L. Sessions, et al. Sept 2014  
Planning Considerations Related to the Organic Contamination of Martian Samples and Implications for the Mars 2020 Rover: Appendix 9.1 R. E. Summons, A. L. Sessions, et al. Sept 2014  
Planning Considerations Related to the Organic Contamination of Martian Samples and Implications for the Mars 2020 Rover: Appendix 9.2 R. E. Summons, A. L. Sessions, et al. Sept 2014  
Planning Considerations Related to the Organic Contamination of Martian Samples and Implications for the Mars 2020 Rover: Appendix 9.3 R. E. Summons, A. L. Sessions, et al. Sept 2014  
Planning Considerations Related to the Organic Contamination of Martian Samples and Implications for the Mars 2020 Rover: Appendix 9.4 R. E. Summons, A. L. Sessions, et al. Sept 2014  
Planning Considerations Related to the Organic Contamination of Martian Samples and Implications for the Mars 2020 Rover: Appendix 9.5 R. E. Summons, A. L. Sessions, et al. Sept 2014  
     Report of the Mars 2020 Science Definition Team
Report of the Mars 2020 Science Definition Team J. Mustard et al. July 2013  
     - Appendices to the Report of the Mars 2020 Science Definition Team J. Mustard, et al. July 2013  
     - Report of the 2020 Rover SDT J. Mustard, et al. July 2013  
Report of the 2018 Joint Mars Rover Mission Joint Science Working Group (JSWG) D. Beaty, et al. Mar 2012   
Mars Science Orbiter (MSO) Science Definition Team (SDT) Update Report M. Smith et al. Mar 2009  
Science Perspectives for Candidate Mars Mission Architectures for 2016-2026 (MATT-3) P. Christensen, et al. Mar 2009  
Analysis of arguments for and against removing the sample cache hardware from MSL S. McLennan, et al. Oct 2008
Science Perspectives for Candidate Mars Mission Architectures 2016-2026 (MATT-2) Christensen, et al.. June 2008
Mars Architecture Tiger Team Results (MATT-1) Christensen, et al. Feb 2008  
Report of the NASA Science Definition Team for the Mars Science Orbiter (MSO) M. Smith, et al. Feb 2008   
Update to the Robotic Mars Exploration Strategy 2007-2016 (MAPG) D. Beaty, et al. Nov 2006  
Robotic Mars Exploration Strategy 2007-2016 (MAPG) D. McCleese, et al. Mar 2006
GTC White Paper - Growing and Strengthening the Mars Science Community D. Beaty, et al. Apr 2004  
Mars Exploration Strategy (MSPSG) D. McCleese, et al. Mar 2004
MSL Project Science Integration Group Final Report D. McCleese, J. Farmer, et al. May 2003  
The Search for Evidence of Life on Mars D. McCleese, et al. July 2001
     Science Mission Directorate Documents
Scientific requirements for a possible Mars Science Laboratory sample cache C. McKay, et al. Sept 2007
     International Mars Exploration Working Group (IMEWG)
Report of the International Mars Sample Return Objectives & Samples Team: The Potential Science and Engineering Value of Samples Delivered to Earth by Mars Sample Return - Final D. W. Beaty, M. M. Grady, et al. August 2018  
Phase 2 Report of the International Mars Architecture for the Return of Samples (iMARS) Working Group: A Draft Mission Architecture and Science Management Plan for the Return of Samples from Mars - published in Astrobiology T. Haltigin et al. April 2018  

2013 - 2023 Decadal Survey

This site contains descriptions and links to the current activities by the MEPAG and the associated Mars community in support of the Planetary Decadal Survey (http://sites.nationalacademies.org/SSB/CurrentProjects/ssb_052412).

Mars Panel Meeting Dates (Committee Membership)

Meeting 1, 9-11 September, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
Meeting 2, 4-6 November, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California (Agenda)

Apr 14, 2009 To the Mars Community  
June 4, 2009 Decadal Survey Meeting dates from David Smith  
Sept 3, 2009 Agenda for the 9-11 September meeting of the Mars Panel of the Planetary Science Decadal Survey  
     MEPAG White Papers
Title/comments Mars Panel Presentation Final Report Supporting Documents
Summary of the Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities      
Why Mars Remains a Compelling Target for Planetary Exploration      
Seeking Signs of Life on a Terrestrial Planet:  An Integrated Strategy for the Next Decade of Mars Exploration    
MARS TRACE GAS MISSION:  Scientific Goals and Measurement Objectives       
Strategic Technology Development for Future Mars Missions (2013-2022)  
Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher (MAX-C):  A Potential Rover Mission for 2018    
The Rationale for a Long-lived Geophysical Network Mission to Mars    
Relay Orbiters for Enhancing and Enabling Mars In Situ Exploration  
A Consensus Vision for Mars Sample Return  

Compiled Bibliographic Citations and Acronym Glossary for the Mars-Related White Papers Submitted to the NRC’s Planetary Decadal Survey  (Doc  PDF)

     Topical White Papers

The NRC is also interested in input on topical science areas. Self-organized science teams are welcome to provide input related to the current state of knowledge (NRC’s task #2), scientific questions (NRC’s task #3), and the science goals achievable by small spacecraft (NRC’s task #8), and anything else within the decadal survey’s charter.

To encourage and coordinate inputs, MEPAG is providing a place for the community to post their efforts. Please keep us informed if you are currently (or plan to) organize a white paper team and we can add it to the list if you desire.

Title/comments Contact Final Report List of Signatories List of References
The ionosphere of Mars and its importance for climate evolution Paul Withers (withers@bu.edu)    
Astrobiology (to be coordinated by NAI) Jack Farmer (jfarmer@asu.edu)  
Next Steps in Mars Polar Science:

In Situ Subsurface Exploration of the North Polar Layered Deposits
Mike Hecht (Michael.H.Hecht@jpl.nasa.gov)  
Atmospheric Science Research Priorities for Mars Michael Mischna (Michael.A.Mischna@jpl.nasa.gov)      
Future Mars Landing Site Selection Activities Matt Golombek (matthew.p.golombek@jpl.nasa.gov)

John Grant (grantj@si.edu)
   
Mars' Ancient Dynamo and Crustal Remanent Magnetism Rob Lillis (rlillis@ssl.berkeley.edu)  
In-situ geochronology Pan Conrad (Pamela.G.Conrad@jpl.nasa.gov)  
The Value of Landed Meteorological Investigations on Mars:  The Next Advance for Climate Science Scot Rafkin [rafkin@boulder.swri.edu]    
Dual Satellite Mars Chemistry and Climate Mission Concepts E. Robert Kursinski [kursinski@atmo.arizona.edu]    
The importance of (Noachian) impact craters as windows to the subsurface and as potential hosts of life Susanne Schwenzer [Schwenzer@lpi.usra.edu]  
Mars Polar Energy Balance Science for the Next Decade Timothy N Titus [ttitus@usgs.gov]  
Is a Resource-Mars a Stepping Stone to Human Exploration of the Solar System? Michael Max [michaelmax1@mac.com]  
Seismological investigations of Mars' deep interior Thomas Ruedas [ruedas@dtm.ciw.edu]  
Exploring the Shallow Subsurface of Mars with Imaging Radar:  Scientific Promise and Technical Rationale Bruce A. Campbell [campbellb@si.edu]  
Are There Signs of Life on Mars? A Scientific Rationale for a Mars Sample-Return Campaign

As The Next Step in Solar System Exploration
   
Seeking Signs of Life on Mars:  In Situ Investigations as Prerequisites to Sample Return Missions  
The microstructure of the martian surface  

2023-2032 Decadal Survey

     MEPAG White Papers
Title/comments Final Report References Documents Supporting Documents
Mars Next Orbiter Science Analysis Group (NEX-SAG)  
White Paper Summary of the Final Report from the Ice and Climate Evolution Science Analysis group (ICE-SAG)  
Mars as a Competitive Candidate for Inclusion in the New Frontiers Mission List: MEPAG Community Perspectives  
Mars System Science: Why Mars Remains a Compelling Target for Solar System Science    
Summary of the Mars Science Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities    
Deep Trek: Mission Concepts for Exploring Subsurface Habitability & Life on Mars: A Window into Subsurface Life in the Solar System.
Charles D. Edwards (Charles.D.Edwards@jpl.nasa.gov)
Mars Sample Return Campaign Concept Architecture
Brian K. Muirhead (brian.k.muirhead@jpl.nasa.gov)
     Topical White Papers
Title/comments Contact Final Report List of Signatories List of References Supporting Files
Mid-Latitude Ice on Mars: A Science Target for Planetary Climate Histories and an Exploration Target for In Situ Resources Ali Bramson (BramsonA@purdue.edu)
Measuring Mars Atmospheric Winds from Orbit Scott Guzewich (scott.d.guzewich@nasa.gov)
Terrestrial Planets Comparative Climatology (TPCC) mission concept Leslie Tamppari (leslie.tamppari@jpl.nasa.gov)
Why Mars Sample Return is a Mission Campaign of Compelling Importance to Planetary Science and Exploration Brandi Carrier (bcarrier@jpl.nasa.gov)
Astrobiology on Mars: Organic Chemical Evolution on an Earth-like Planet Alfonso Davila (alfonso.davila@nasa.gov)
Mars, The Nearest Habitable World – A Comprehensive Program For Future Mars Exploration Bruce Jakosky (bruce.jakosky@lasp.colorado.edu)
The case for a multi-channel polarization sensitive LIDAR for investigation of insolation-driven ices and atmospheres Adrian Brown (adrian.j.brown@nasa.gov)
Continued Use of Exogenic Materials found on Mars as Planetary Research Tools James Ashley (james.w.ashley@jpl.nasa.gov)
Mars as a Compelling Target in the Continuing Search for Signs of Extraterrestrial Life Andrew Czaja (Andrew.czaja@uc.edu)
Deep Trek: Science of Subsurface Habitability & Life on Mars: A Window into Subsurface Life in the Solar System Vlada Stamenković (Vlada.Stamenkovic@jpl.nasa.gov)
Observing Mars from Areostationary Orbit: Benefits and Applications Luca Montabone (lmontabone@spacescience.org)
A Critical Gap: In situ Measurements of Planetary Surface-Atmosphere Interactions Beyond Earth Serina Diniega
(Serina Diniega@jpl.nasa.gov)
Mars as a natural laboratory for studying surface activity on a range of planetary bodies Serina Diniega
(Serina Diniega@jpl.nasa.gov)
Current Activity on the Martian Surface: A Key Subject for Future Exploration Colin M. Dundas
(cdundas@usgs.gov)
Toward More Realistic Simulation and Prediction of Dust Storms on Mars Claire E. Newman
(claire@aeolisresearch.com)
The Mars Atmospheric and Polar Science Mission Scott Guzewich (scott.d.guzewich@nasa.gov)
Mars Ascent Vehicle needs a Sustained Development Effort, Regardless of Sample Return Mission Timelines John Whitehead (john.whitehead@alumni.caltech.edu)
Technology Development Can Lead to Smaller Mars Ascent Vehicles, for Multiple Affordable Sample Returns John Whitehead (john.whitehead@alumni.caltech.edu)
The Challenge of Launching Geology Samples off of Mars is Easily Underestimated, Due to Tempting Misconceptions John Whitehead (john.whitehead@alumni.caltech.edu)
Emerging Capabilities for Mars Exploration Charles D. Edwards (Charles.D.Edwards@jpl.nasa.gov)
Enabling Robotic and Human Exploration: A Relay Network for the Future of Mars Exploration Roy Gladden (roy.e.gladden@jpl.nasa.gov)
Mars Science Helicopter: Compelling Science Enabled by an Aerial Platform Jonathan Bapst (jonathan.bapst@jpl.nasa.gov)
High Science Value Return of Small Spacecraft at Mars Nathan Barba (nathan.j.barba@jpl.nasa.gov)
MASEX - A Dedicated Life Detection Mission on Mars Ying Lin (ying.lin@jpl.nasa.gov)

MSPG
     Report of the Mars 2020 Science Definition Team
     MSR Science Planning Group (MSPG) Reports
MSPG Workshop #1 Report: Science in Containment January 14-16, 2019  
MSPG Workshop #2 Report: Contamination Control May 1-3, 2019
MSPG Framework for Mars Returned Sample Science Management November 14, 2019
MSPG Final Summary




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