POPA Reports

The APS Panel on Public Affairs (POPA) initiates in-depth studies on topics ranging from energy and environment to national security issues. In this process, POPA takes the lead — subject to Council approval — in securing outside funding and establishing the Study Group. The final decision on the release of the study is made by the Council, with advice from POPA and from a Review Panel appointed by the Council.

Ballistic Missile Defense report cover

It was determined that Section 5 (Boost-Phase Intercept Systems) of the report contained technical errors. The authors are currently working to correct the errors. An updated report will be reviewed by an external expert prior to posting.

Prior to 2014, POPA oversaw a number of technical assessments and white papers on topics of relevance to the physics community. These documents reflect the views of the individual authors. The findings and recommendations do not necessarily represent the views of the APS Council or APS membership. They are available upon request. If interested, please contact ga@aps.org.

  • Renewing Licenses for the Nation’s Nuclear Power Plants (2013)
  • A Technical Review: The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Transformational and Applied Research Directorate R&D Program (2013)
  • Elements report (2011)
  • Integrating Renewable Electricity on the Grid (2010)
  • Nuclear Weapons in 21st Century U.S. National Security (2008)
  • Nuclear Forensics - Role, State of the Art, Program Needs (2008)
  • Readiness of the U.S. Nuclear Workforce for 21st Century Challenges (2008)
  • Consolidated Interim Storage of Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel (2007)
  • Challenges of Electricity Storage Technologies (2007)
  • Nuclear Power and Proliferation Resistance (2004)
  • The Moon-Mars Program (2004)
  • The Modern PIT Facility (MPF) (2004)
  • The Hydrogen Initiative (2004)
  • Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Study (2003)
  • The Current Energy Situation & Background Papers (1996)
  • Background Paper in Support of the American Physical Society's Statement on Conservation of Helium (1996)

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