NASA Planetary Science Division Showcases Resilience: Achievements, Mission Updates, and Advocacy Successes

NASA's Planetary Science Division hosted a webinar on December 10 at 1 PM Eastern time to review accomplishments from the past year, update Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science programs, discuss progress on decadal survey recommendations, and field questions from the planetary science community. According to Astrobiology.com, the event featured Dr. Kathleen Vander Kaaden, Director of Planetary Research Programs, and slides became publicly available afterward, though no recording was made.

Meanwhile, NASA teams are working to recover the MAVEN spacecraft, which studies Mars atmosphere and volatile evolution and went silent on December 6. Science.nasa.gov reports that commands for recovery have been sent via the Deep Space Network, with analysis of December 6 tracking data underway to pinpoint the issue. NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars attempted to image MAVEN's orbit using its Mastcam on December 16 and 20 but detected nothing. Efforts pause during Mars solar conjunction starting December 29, when Mars and Earth align on opposite Sun sides, blocking contact until January 16.

The Planetary Society's December newsletter highlights advocacy successes amid proposed budget cuts, noting Congress appears ready to reject most reductions to NASA science, including planetary programs. Jared Isaacman was confirmed as NASA administrator, and no active missions have ended, with some approved through 2026. The Society's efforts, including Capitol Hill events and data shared in Congress, earned a SpaceNews ICON Award, while the bipartisan Planetary Science Caucus pushes for strong funding.

Skywatchers note interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reaching closest Earth approach on December 19 at 170 million miles, observed by NASA's Parker Solar Probe from October 18 to November 5 using its Wide-Field Imager for Solar Probe. NASA's December skywatching tips also spotlight the Geminid meteor shower peaking December 13-14 from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, and a Moon-Jupiter conjunction on December 7.

These developments reveal patterns of resilience in US planetary science, from mission recoveries and policy wins to interstellar observations, underscoring ongoing exploration despite challenges. NASA's monthly near-Earth asteroids update on December 3 tracks planetary defense efforts, with no immediate threats noted.

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