Scientific Goals and Pathways
for Exploration of the
Outer Solar System

Solar System
Exploration Roadmap

Outer Planets Assessment Group

The Outer Planets Assessment Group was established by NASA in late 2004 to identify scientific priorities and pathways for exploration in the outer solar system. The group consists of a 15-person steering committee, which actively solicits input from the scientific community and reports its findings to NASA Headquarters. OPAG provides input to NASA but does not make recommendations.

OPAG Charter

OPAG is NASA's community-based forum designed to provide science input for planning and prioritizing outer planet exploration activities for the next several decades. It is chartered by NASA's Solar System Exploration Division and reports its findings at meetings of the Solar System Exploration Sub-Committee of the NASA Space Science Advisory Committee. Open to all interested scientists, OPAG regularly evaluates outer solar system exploration goals, objectives, investigations and required measurements on the basis of the widest possible community outreach.

Indication of Interest

OPAG meeting

The next OPAG meeting will be held November 6–7 at the Four Points Sheraton in Tempe, AZ, adjacent to Arizona State University. A major topic will be the final reports from the ongoing Outer Planet Flagship studies, and this is the last opportunity for the community to hear from these studies and provide feedback before a selection is made by NASA and ESA in January. A block of rooms is available at the hotel (480– 968-3451).

Presentations from the the March meeting are now available on the website.

Outer Planet Flagship Missions - study meetings

Globes of the Galilean Satellites
Prototype globes of the Galilean satellites.