There was a kick-off telecon with NASA and all Probe PIs this last Tuesday (March 28). In the telecon NASA gave some details about the management of the studies.

NASA manages the Probes through two Program Offices, at Goddard and JPL. Our's is at JPL.

The studies formally begin sometime in April when NASA transfers the funding it allocated (~$150k/study). Studies are expected to produce a report in Fall 2018. The report will be forwarded to the decadal panel. Information about the format of the report will be decided and relayed later. More information about NASA's planning for the decadal, and the Probe Studies is available here.

JPL has assigned Amy Transgrud as our Study Manager. Amy will facilitate the interface with JPL resources including Team-X. Team-X will help with the mission design and produce a cost estimate. Welcome, Amy!

The Probe's Steering and Executive Committees will have their first telecon this week.