FR 2021-02159

NASA has issued a notice regarding a meeting of the Planetary Science Advisory Committee (PSAC), aimed at gathering scientific insights for future program planning. The meeting is set to occur virtually on March 1 and 2, 2021, through WebEx and teleconference. This meeting will cover topics like updates from the Planetary Science Division and its Research and Analysis Program.

General Summary

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is engaging with the scientific community and other interested parties through a virtual meeting of the Planetary Science Advisory Committee. The primary focus is to solicit scientific and technical information that aids in shaping the agency's program planning. Attendees are encouraged to participate using the provided WebEx link and teleconference details. The meeting is part of NASA's efforts to keep the public and interested stakeholders informed and involved in their scientific endeavors.

Significant Issues and Concerns

While the notice makes the meeting accessible through virtual means, there are several issues that may need addressing:

1. Lack of Financial Details: The document does not specify any budget or spending associated with this meeting. While it may simply be a procedural gathering, understanding financial implications can be crucial for public transparency and accountability.

2. Complex Technical Language: The document includes technical terms and acronyms, such as ‘PAC’ and ‘MTID’, without any explanation. This may make the document less accessible to individuals who are not familiar with such jargon, potentially limiting broader public engagement.

3. Technical Access Complexity: The WebEx link provided is notably long and complex. A simplified or shortened link might help in making it more user-friendly, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.

4. Limited Public Participation Guidelines: Although the document provides contact details, it does not outline how the public can actively participate during the meeting or ask questions. This could affect the meeting’s transparency and inclusiveness, as the public's role is not clearly defined.

5. Role of the Contact Person: Ms. Karshelia Henderson is listed as a contact person, yet there is no additional information regarding her role or how she can assist attendees. Additional context could enhance understanding for those seeking further information or clarification.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

For the broader public, this notice represents NASA's commitment to inclusive program planning, although improvements could be made concerning accessibility and public engagement. By offering virtual access, NASA aims to engage a wide audience, but without clear instructions on participation, the public may feel excluded from active involvement in the discussion.

On the stakeholder level, including scientists and contributors from the academic community, this meeting offers a significant opportunity to contribute to and influence NASA's program planning. The focus on updated discourse in planetary science could lead to novel research opportunities and collaborations. However, stakeholders might find navigating the technical access instructions a bit challenging due to the complexities involved.

Overall, the notice reflects a proactive approach by NASA to maintain transparency and involvement but underscores areas where communication and accessibility could be enhanced to ensure broad and meaningful public and scientific engagement.