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C. M. Pieters (Brown University), M. Bullock (Southwest Research Institute), R. Greeley (Arizona State University), B. Jolliff (Washington University), A. Sprague (University of Arizona), E. Stofan (pv.cnslt)
Formulation and discussion of science issues for the inner planets are the principal responsibilities of the Inner Planets Panel in the decadal assessment of science priorities for solar system exploration being carried out by the NRC/NAS. We will prepare recommendations on priorities for Mercury, Venus, and the Moon (a subset of COMPLEX will recommend priorities for Mars). Our initial questions focus on the most important results and discoveries of the last few decades and we still are open to input on this query. These clearly need to be highlighted in the report. Looking to the future, our overarching theme is evolving into using the planetary bodies of the inner solar system to understand constraints for forming a habitable world (past, present, and future). From the planetary perspective, what led to the unique character of the planet on which we live? How do Earth-like planets work? What do the inner planets tell us about the future habitability of Earth? How do such questions map into missions that lead to major discoveries or new breakthroughs in understanding? We welcome [URGE!] community input into this discussion. White papers can be posted on the community website [http://www.aas.org/~dps/decadal/] and/or sent by email as a Word attachment to Carle Pieters, the IPP Chair. We are progressing at a rapid pace, and in order for the IPP to absorb and discuss additional community input, we recommend all material be received well before the end of November 2001.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: carle[underscore]pieters@brown.edu