Space Studies Board (SSB) was established in June 1958 and previously known as the Space Science Board. The SSB provides external and independent scientific and programmatic guidance to NASA and other government agencies in the basic subdisciplines of space research. It oversees a constellation of standing committees and ad hoc task groups, which produce long-range strategic research plans and prioritization of goals, as well as progress assessments. The SSB, its committees, and ad hoc task groups document their work through peer-reviewed reports and letters. In addition, the Board may comment, based on its publicly established opinions, in testimony to Congress. The SSB is part of the Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Applications (CPSMA) of the National Research Council, the principal operating agency of the National Academies.