Technology Priorities guide NASA shortfall ranking for lunar and Mars missions

NASA is asking U.S. industry, academia and other government agencies to rank consolidated technology shortfalls through Feb. 20, 2026, and has condensed 187 earlier shortfalls into 32 broader categories for stakeholder feedback.

NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate is inviting U.S. industry, academic institutions, and other government agencies to help prioritize technology needs that support long-duration lunar missions and future Mars exploration. Stakeholders may join virtual meetings, provide feedback, and submit ranked shortfalls. The initiative builds on a 2024 exercise and aims to make the prioritization process more efficient. The agency consolidated earlier detailed shortfalls into broader categories to simplify participation. Key details: - Lead: NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) is coordinating the effort and communicated the invitation through agency channels. - Deadline: Input and shortfall rankings are being accepted through Feb. 20, 2026. - Consolidation: Participants in 2024 ranked 187 civil space shortfalls; those have been grouped into 32 broader, integrated categories for the current exercise. - Participation: Stakeholders can join virtual meetings, submit feedback, and rank shortfalls for aggregation by NASA. - Outcomes: NASA will analyze and publish aggregated priority lists by stakeholder group and will use the results to review and adjust its technology development portfolios; the process may also inform future investments and partnerships. Summary: The prioritization process is intended to guide how NASA directs technology development for upcoming Moon and Mars missions and to align agency efforts with stakeholder needs. NASA will analyze submitted rankings, publish priority lists for each stakeholder group, and use them to evaluate existing portfolios. STMD plans to hold feedback sessions and workshops every three years to keep the process updated and collaborative.