A New Era in Space: Ensuring the Future of Biological and Physical Sciences Research: A Decadal Survey for 2023–2032 (2024)
Chapter: A New Era in Space
A New Era in Space
The United States has had a continuous human presence in space for more than two decades and has learned much from this experience. Now, as we are about to send humans back to the Moon and eventually to Mars, and with expanding commercial access to, and presence in space, there are both new opportunities and new requirements to learn about the biological and physical sciences (BPS) in space. Without making scientific advances in these fields, our ability to progress and thrive in this environment will be greatly constrained.
As space travel exploration expands into the universe, increasing durations and distances from Earth, vital research questions will need to be addressed. BPS research, which deals with foundational areas of scientific research that enable human life in space, is critical to not only guiding this work but will also drive innovation on Earth and allow us to survive and thrive in space. Past research has had broad impacts, leading to the development of unique materials, changing our understanding of the universe’s physical nature, and providing insights into plant, animal, and microbial
