Explore This Section
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD)/Earth Science Division (ESD) periodically conducts reviews of on-orbit missions in extended operations to maximize the scientific return of the Earth Science mission fleet within finite resources, a process called the Senior Review for Extension of Earth Science Operating Missions. NASA uses the findings from these reviews to define an implementation strategy and give programmatic direction and budgetary guidelines to the missions and projects concerned for the next three fiscal years. The 2026 ESD Senior Review call describes the objectives and process for the review, including the scope, schedule and evaluation criteria, the 2026 ESD Senior Review panel, and provides instructions for the preparation and submission of proposals and in-person presentations to the review panel.
2026 ESD Senior Review Schedule (Tentative):
Draft Call Letter/Notification of Exclusion to Missions December 19, 2025Mission Pre-Proposal BriefingJanuary 14, 2026Reclama Due for Excluded MissionsJanuary 15, 2026Final Call LetterJanuary 16, 2026National Interests “Fact Sheet” from ProposersFebruary 13, 2026National Interests Survey Sent to Participating OrganizationsFebruary 16, 2026Proposal Presentations DueMarch 27, 2026SR Panel (Mission Presentations)April 13-17, 2026SR Chair Briefing to ESDApril 21, 2026SR Panel ReportMay 2026PPBE2028/Senior Review Budget DecisionsMay-July 2026SR Results and Mission Management Team Recommendations to ESD May 2026Guidance Letters to MissionsAugust 2026Mission ResponseSeptember 2026
Contact
For further information, please contact the Senior Review Program Officer:Jamie WicksEarth Science DivisionScience Mission DirectorateNASA HeadquartersWashington DC [email protected]
…