AAS-DPS Launches 2026 Planetary Science Survey
The biennial effort updates data on researcher representation and educational background from the 2020 baseline.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Space
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The American Astronomical Society Division of Planetary Science (AAS-DPS) has launched its 2026 workforce survey to assess the demographics and backgrounds of planetary scientists. Led by Julie Rathbun, the effort continues a recurring five-year data collection cycle initiated to understand the composition of the field.
Why it matters
The survey aims to provide a comprehensive look at the planetary science talent pipeline by identifying the training and professional backgrounds of researchers. These insights help contextualize the current state of mission teams, which prior surveys identified as having specific underrepresentation.
The study maintains a five-year reporting interval established by the 2020 survey. Researchers are evaluating the employment experiences, education, and representation of the current workforce.
The players
American Astronomical Society Division of Planetary Science
A professional society dedicated to the study of solar system objects and planetary formation through rigorous scientific inquiry.
Julie Rathbun
The lead researcher responsible for overseeing the 2026 planetary science workforce survey.
The details
The survey utilizes a standardized data collection method to map the demographics, educational pathways, and employment history of scientists across the field. By tracking these metrics every five years, the AAS-DPS identifies shifts in the professional makeup of planetary science mission teams. Previous findings highlighted persistent gaps in representation for non-white, disabled, and LGBTQ+ scientists, as well as women, particularly in lead investigator roles.
Timeline
The 2020 workforce survey established the prior data benchmark.
The 2026 survey officially launched on October 27, 2026.
The Tech Race
This survey provides the comparative data necessary to measure progress against the gaps identified in the 2020 report. It serves as the primary instrument for tracking representation trends within the professional planetary science community.
Professional planetary scientists and researchers in the academic pipeline are the primary participants for this ongoing data collection effort. The results will eventually influence how mission teams are structured and how training programs are managed across the field.
The takeaway
The AAS-DPS survey continues its five-year tracking cycle to measure shifts in representation and professional background among planetary scientists. Readers should watch for the forthcoming summary report, which will quantify whether the disparities documented in the 2020 survey have narrowed.
Further reading
For broader trends in research, visit the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cornell University News Service.
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