The newly launched Decadal Survey for Earth Science and Applications from Space is asking scientists, industry, and the public for input to help define priorities for federal Earth-observing activities from 2028 through 2037. The National Academies’ request consolidates both scientific and implementation guidance into a single call for white papers and comments, departing from the separate processes used in the previous decade.
Integrated request aims to align science and implementation
The 2028–2037 survey will build on the 2018 decadal assessment and is intended to identify an "innovative, fiscally realistic strategy" for addressing the highest-priority Earth science and applications challenges over the coming decade, according to the survey announcement. Organizers say the combined request for information (RFI) covers:
- science and applications priorities — the most pressing research questions and societal needs that satellite observations should address;
- observational needs — what measurements, sensors and platforms are required to meet those priorities;
- implementation approaches — realistic strategies for deploying missions within likely fiscal constraints;
- workforce, education and data infrastructure — issues that support long-term capacity to use and manage Earth-observation data.
How to participate and key deadlines
The survey team requests white papers through a single submission form. Submissions must be received by Aug. 24, 2026, and white papers should be no longer than 7 single-spaced pages. The consolidated RFI differs from the prior decade’s approach by simultaneously soliciting both broad scientific input and specific measurement and implementation suggestions.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Survey period | 2028–2037 |
| Submission deadline | Aug. 24, 2026 |
| White paper length | Up to 7 single-spaced pages |
Why this matters
Decadal surveys have historically shaped federal investment in Earth science, influencing the design and timing of satellite missions, the allocation of research funding, and priorities for data systems that support weather, climate, hazard response and environmental management. By combining requests for scientific priorities with measurement and implementation guidance, the 2028–2037 process aims to produce recommendations that are both ambitious and achievable within expected budgets.
Organizers encourage input from the broad Earth-observing community — including academic researchers, federal and state agencies, industry partners and civil-society stakeholders — to ensure the resulting strategy reflects diverse needs for observations and applications.
Questions about the RFI can be directed to the survey contact provided by the National Academies. The timeline and submission requirements are intended to give stakeholders a single, focused opportunity to influence policies that will govern U.S. Earth-observation activities for the next decade.
