Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s (2023) / Chapter Skim
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This is the seventh in a sequence of decadal survey studies in this field from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This survey examines the program of record, providing advice on the major projects from prior surveys that are yet to be completed.
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Going forward, this survey lays out a strategy for federal investments aimed at paving pathways from the foundations of the profession to the bold scientific frontiers. Large Programs That Forge the Frontiers These scientific visions -- Pathways to Habitable Worlds, New Windows on the Dynamic Universe, and Unveiling the Hidden Drivers of Galaxy Growth -- require the major recommended investments in large projects to begin design and construction in the coming 10 years (see Tables S.5 and S.6; Figure S.1)
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Last, neutrino observations are important to understanding some of the most energetic processes in the universe, and the IceCube Generation 2 (IceCube-Gen2) observatory will make advances in important astrophysics questions, although it is beyond the charge of this survey to recommend it.4 Programs That Sustain and Balance the Science Turning to medium-scale missions and projects, the scientific richness of a broader set of themes -- exploring New Messengers and New Physics, understanding Cosmic Ecosystems, and placing Worlds and Suns in Context -- as well as the need to capitalize on major existing investments and those coming online in the next decades drive the essential sustaining projects (Tables S.5 and S.6)
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The survey also strongly endorses investments in technology development for advanced gravitational wave interferometers, both to upgrade NSF's Laser Interferometer GravitationalWave Observatory (LIGO) , and to prepare for the next large facility.5 Foundational Activities A successful decadal survey strategy requires serious attention to the smaller but vital investments in the foundations of the research.
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Optimizing the cadence of major facilities and developing them in a sustainable way that ensures the appropriate level of maturity prior to a decadal or agency commitment and tighter control on ultimate project costs requires new, enabling programs and approaches. The Great Observatories Mission and Technology Maturation Program would provide a new approach for developing large space strategic missions.
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Chapter 3 Faculty diversity, and early-career faculty awards NSF Augmentation of $2.5 million: 3.3.2 NASA $1 million NSF; $1 million NASA; $0.5 DOE million DOE Workforce development/diversity, bridge programs NSF Augmentation of $4.5 million: 3.3.4 and Minority Serving Institutions partnerships NASA $1.5 million NSF; $3 million NASA Undergraduate and graduate "traineeship" funding NSF Augmentation of $3 million: 3.3.4 NASA $1 million NSF; $1 million NASA; $1 DOE million DOE Independent postdoctorate fellowships NSF Augmentation of $1 million: 3.3.4 NASA $0.5 million NSF; $0.5 million NASA Treat discrimination and harassment as professional NSF Not applicable (N/A) 3.3.5 misconduct NASA DOE Collect, evaluate, and report demographic data and NSF Augmentation of $1 million: 3.3.6 indicators pertaining to equitable outcomes NASA Split NSF/NASA Include diversity in evaluation of funding awards NSF N/A 3.3.6 NASA DOE Establish community astronomy model for Community N/A 3.4.1 observatory sites Mitigation of radio frequency and optical NSF TBD after evaluation 3.4.2 interference from sources including satellite NASA constellations Climate change mitigation actions Community N/A 3.4.3
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depending 4.5.1 supported by NSF and NASA NASA on outcome of study Data pipeline development, archiving for NSF TBD depending on plan 4.5.1 ground-based telescopes Augmentation and improved coordination of NSF Augmentation of ~$2 million/yr, 4.5.5 laboratory astrophysics funding NASA TBD after plan is developed TABLE S.3 Sustaining the Operating Portfolio Cross-Reference: Budget Section Number, Recommendation Topic Agency (FY 2020$) Chapter 5 New MREFC facilities contingent on NSF N/A 5.1.1 development of plan for supporting operations and maintenance costs NSF to establish regular cadence of portfolio NSF N/A 5.1.2 reviews of operating facilities End Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared NASA No impact if adopted 5.2.1 Astronomy (SOFIA)
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Review NASA's balloon program for optimal NASA TBD depending on outcome of 6.2.1.1.1 balance review TABLE S.5 New Medium and Large Initiatives: Space Programmatic Cost Appraisal Cross-Reference: Section Recommendation Topic Function (FY 2020$) Number, Chapter 7 Great Observatories Mission and Technology Enabling future $1.2 billion this decade 7.5.1 Maturation Program for Infrared/Optical/ frontier projects Ultraviolet (IR/O/UV)
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program, followed $3.2 billion project cost) share $73 million/yr by construction if possible Augmentation of Mid-Scale Sustaining Ramps up to $50 million/ Operations in total 7.6.2 Program: open and strategic yr total for Mid-Scale program funding calls Innovations Program and Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure Technology development Enabling N/A N/A (not NSF Division 7.6.3.1 for Laser Interferometer development program of Astronomical Gravitational-Wave Observatory for future frontier Sciences [AST]
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