Origins, Worlds, and Life

The next decade of planetary science and astrobiology holds tremendous promise. New research will expand our understanding of our solar system's origins, how planets form and evolve, under what conditions life can survive, and where to find potentially habitable environments in our solar system and beyond. Origins, Worlds, and Life: A Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023-2032 highlights key science questions, identifies priority missions, and presents a comprehensive research strategy that includes both planetary defense and human exploration. This report also recommends ways to support the profession as well as the technologies and infrastructure needed to carry out the science. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction to Planetary Science, Astrobiology, and Planetary Defense 2 Tour of the Solar System: A Transformative Decade of Exploration 3 Priority Science Questions 4 Question 1: Evolution of the Protoplanetary Disk 5 Question 2: Accretion in the Outer Solar System 6 Question 3: Origin of Earth and Inner Solar System Bodies 7 Question 4: Impacts and Dynamics 8 Question 5: Solid Body Interiors and Surfaces 9 Question 6: Solid Body Atmospheres, Exospheres, Magnetospheres, and Climate Evolution 10 Question 7: Giant Planet Structure and Evolution 11 Question 8: Circumplanetary Systems 12 Question 9: Insights from Terrestrial Life 13 Question 10: Dynamic Habitability 14 Question 11: Search for Life Elsewhere 15 Question 12: Exoplanets 16 State of the Profession 17 Research and Analysis 18 Planetary Defense: Defending Earth Through Applied Planetary Science 19 Human Exploration 20 Infrastructure for Planetary Science and Exploration 21 Technology 22 Recommended Program: 20232032 23 The Future Appendixes Appendix A: Letter of Request, Statement of Task, and Other Guidance Appendix B: White Papers Received Appendix C: Technical Risk and Cost Evaluation of Priority Missions Appendix D: Missions Studied But Not Sent for TRACE Appendix E: Panel Missions Not Selected for Additional Study Appendix F: Glossary and Acronyms Appendix G: Biographical Information for Committee Members