"NASA's Space Research Decadal Survey: Preparing for the Future"
NASA is awaiting the release of a new decadal survey for space research, titled "Thriving in Space," which will provide guidance on prioritizing research in space biological and physical sciences over the next decade. The survey aims to offer clear focus areas and decision rules for NASA's research pursuits. It will also address the challenge of transitioning from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial platforms, given the rapidly evolving commercial environment. NASA's BPS division has already been actively planning for this transition and is exploring initiatives like Commercially Enabled Rapid Space Science (CERISS) to involve private astronauts in research on the ISS. The decadal survey will also be expected to provide guidance on activities beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) and the division's portfolio in that regard.