1. Physics of the Cosmos Program Analysis Group John Nousek Penn State University International Workshop on Astronomical X–Ray Optics Prague, Czech Republic 9 December 2014

2. 2 Talk Overview Physics of the Cosmos Program AnalysisGroup (PhysPAG) *** Astrophysics Implementation Plan *** Near Term Strategy *** Potential US Contributions to Athena *** PhysPAG Support for Decadal 2020

3. Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS): Scientific and Technical Stewardship for future missions  Provide scientific and technical stewardship for decadal-survey recommended missions within the framework of the Astrophysics Implementation Plan:  Of the six highly-ranked large and medium space-based priorities in NWNH, THREE fall within the PCOS science program:  LISA  IXO  Inflation Probe (medium-scale)  NOTE: WFIRST is located within the Exoplanet Program and the science of dark energy is within PCOS Courtesy - Ann Hornschmeier

4. PhysPAG Charter  PhysPAG is responsible for soliciting and coordinating community input in the development and execution of NASA’s Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS) Program  PhysPAG serves as a community-based forum for analysis in support of PCOS objectives, architecture planning, and activity prioritization.  PhysPAG formally presents findings of its analyses to NASA SMD through the NASA Advisory Council (NAC).  The Chair of the PhysPAG is drawn from the membership of the NAC Astrophysics Subcommittee  The PhysPAG Chair is assisted by an Executive Committee that supports planning and activities of the group

5. Astrophysics Imp. Plan – Starting Point: Decadal Survey (2010) New Worlds, New Horizons prioritized Large, Medium and Small Scale activities: PriorityActivityScience 1WFIRSTDark Energy; Exoplanets; IR Survey 2ExplorersRapid Response to Science Opportunities 3LISAOpen Grav. Wave Detection Window; Test GR 4IXOBlack Hole Accretion; Matter/Energy Life Cycles LARGE PriorityActivityScience 1New Worlds Tech.Preparation for Planet Imaging Mission (>2020) 2Inflation ProbeCosmic Microwave Background tech (>2020) MEDIUM

6. Near Term (2014 & 2015)  Congress has not appropriated money for Astrophysics (incl JWST)  Budget requested by President is $1.33B for FY14, $1.25B for FY15  Difference is ~$85M for SOFIA  Both bills in Congress include SOFIA (but add differing amounts)  Astrophysics priorities maintain:  JWST fully funded for early FY19 launch (Oct2018?)  New mission formulation costs in FY14/15 – WFIRST/AFTA  New Explorers underway (TESS, NICER) + participation in Euclid etc  Discussing contributions to ATHENA & L3 Gravitational Wave mission  New Explorer opportunities: SMEX Dec 2014, EX 2017  Impacts include:  Unless Congress authorizes more money SOFIA will be shelved

7. Budget Status (2015)  Administration request is $607M for Astrophysics; $645M for JWST  House bill includes:  Recommendation is $680M for Astrophysics (an increase of $73M) and $645M for JWST  Restores $5M reduction in Hubble operations  Rejects SOFIA termination; appropriates $70M (an increase of $58M)  Provides $30M (an increase of $15M) for EPO  Senate bill includes:  Recommendation is $750M for Astrophysics (an increase of $143M) and $645M for JWST  Restores $23M reduction in Hubble operations  Provides $56M for WFIRST (an increase of $42M)  Rejects SOFIA termination; appropriates $87M (an increase of $75M)  Provides $42M (an increase of $27M) for EPO  Continuing Resolution through December 11, funds first 10 weeks of FY15 at same levels as FY14

10. Astrophysics Near-term Strategy Astrophysics Implementation Plan (CY2012) Astrophysics Roadmap (CY2013) ESA’s L2/L3 process Identified SDT studies: Versions of WFIRST (2012) Exoplanet probe(s) (2013) X-ray probe (2013 TBC) Spring 2015: CAA study of all SDT reports resulting in a NRC letter report Spring 2013: Continue AFTA study pending Administrator’s approval Spring 2014: Interim SDT reports to NASA and CAA Winter 2015: Final SDT reports to NASA and CAA; CATE on each

11. PhysPAG Preparation of 2020 Decadal Survey  Current plan is to finish JWST (2019), then do next mission (presumably WFIRST/AFTA)  JWST finishes 2000 plan, WFIRST finishes 2010 plan  Successor mission is less clear than situation in either 2000 or 2010 Decadals  PAGs called upon to identify candidate missions for priority in studies to prepare for next (i.e. 2020) Decadal Survey  Studies will refine cost and risk estimates to provide sounder basis for judgements affecting 2020 conclusions