Task Force 1 Selections

The NASA Astrobiology Program selected 15 members for Task Force 1 of the 2025 NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES).

Focus Areas Identified by RFI Synthesis

These nine major focus areas were identified by Task Force 1 in response to 130 community whitepapers submitted to a Request for Information and refined at a community workshop in May 2025. They were refined by the community in phase 3 of NASA-DARES. These are the archival decks presented at the RFI Findings workshop.

1. Protometabolism and Synthesis/Function of Macromolecules in Planetary Environments
2. Abiotic Organic Production and Chemical Evolution within Planetary Environments
3. Co-Evolution of Biospheres, Worlds, and Planetary Systems
4. Comparative Planetology to Understand Habitability
5. Detecting Signs of Living Environments and Living Worlds
6. Astrobiology-Focused Mission Approaches and Technology Development
7. Investment in Astrobiology Physical and Digital Architecture
8. Workforce and Early Career Support
9. Astrobiology in Society

Meeting Recordings