MEPAG is NASA's community-based forum designed to provide
science input for planning and prioritizing Mars future exploration
activities for the next several decades. It is chartered by NASA's Lead
Scientist for the Mars Exploration Program at NASA HQ, and reports its
findings at FACA-sanctioned meetings of the Planetary Science
Subcommittee (PSS) of the NASA Advisory Council (NAC). Open to all
interested members of the Mars exploration community, MEPAG conducts
analyses of planning questions that are presented to it. MEPAG
regularly evaluates Mars exploration goals, objectives, investigations
and priorities on the basis of the widest possible community outreach.
NASA's Mars Program Office, located at JPL, has been directed to manage
the logistics associated with the operations of MEPAG on behalf of
NASA's Science Mission Directorate. MEPAG holds open townhall-style
meetings approximately twice per year.