A Performance Assessment Of Nasa S Heliophysics Program

A Performance Assessment Of Nasa S Heliophysics Program Book in PDF, ePub and Kindle version is available to download in english. Read online anytime anywhere directly from your device. Click on the download button below to get a free pdf file of A Performance Assessment Of Nasa S Heliophysics Program book. This book definitely worth reading, it is an incredibly well-written.

A Performance Assessment of NASA's Heliophysics Program

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Heliophysics Performance Assessment
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 78 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2009-04-24
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309136563

Get Book

A Performance Assessment of NASA's Heliophysics Program by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Heliophysics Performance Assessment Pdf

Since the 1990s, the pace of discovery in the field of solar and space physics has accelerated, largely owing to NASA investments in its Heliophysics Great Observatory fleet of spacecraft. These enable researchers to investigate connections between events on the Sun and in the space environment by combining multiple points of view. Recognizing the importance of observations of the Sun-to-Earth system, the National Research Council produced a solar and space physics decadal survey in 2003, laying out the Integrated Research Strategy. This strategy provided a prioritized list of flight missions, plus theory and modeling programs, that would advance the relevant physical theories, incorporate those theories in models that describe a system of interactions between the Sun and the space environment, obtain data on the system, and analyze and test the adequacy of the theories and models. Five years later, this book measures NASA's progress toward the goals and priorities laid out in the 2003 study. Unfortunately, very little of the recommended priorities will be realized before 2013. Mission cost growth, reordering of survey mission priorities, and unrealized budget assumptions have delayed nearly all of the recommended NASA spacecraft missions. The resulting loss of synergistic capabilities in space will constitute a serious impediment to future progress.

A Performance Assessment of NASA's Astrophysics Program

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Physics and Astronomy,Space Studies Board,NASA Astrophysics Performance Assessment Committee
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 60 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2007-06-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309104906

Get Book

A Performance Assessment of NASA's Astrophysics Program by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Physics and Astronomy,Space Studies Board,NASA Astrophysics Performance Assessment Committee Pdf

While a number of remarkable discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics have taken place over the past 20 years, many important questions remain. Continued progress in these fields will require NASA's leadership. To help determine if NASA can meet this challenge, Congress, in the 2005 NASA Authorization Act, directed the agency to have "[t]he performance of each division in the Science directorate...reviewed and assessed by the National Academy of Sciences at 5-year intervals." In early 2006, NASA asked the NRC to conduct such an assessment for the agency's Astrophysics Division. This report presents an assessment of how well NASA's current program addresses the strategies, goals, and priorities outlined in previous Academy reports. The report provides an analysis of progress toward realizing these strategies, goals, and priorities; and a discussion of actions that could be taken to optimize the scientific value of the program in the context of current and forecasted resources.

A Performance Assessment of NASA's Astrophysics Program

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Physics and Astronomy,Space Studies Board,NASA Astrophysics Performance Assessment Committee
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 60 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2007-05-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309179904

Get Book

A Performance Assessment of NASA's Astrophysics Program by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Physics and Astronomy,Space Studies Board,NASA Astrophysics Performance Assessment Committee Pdf

While a number of remarkable discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics have taken place over the past 20 years, many important questions remain. Continued progress in these fields will require NASA's leadership. To help determine if NASA can meet this challenge, Congress, in the 2005 NASA Authorization Act, directed the agency to have "[t]he performance of each division in the Science directorate...reviewed and assessed by the National Academy of Sciences at 5-year intervals." In early 2006, NASA asked the NRC to conduct such an assessment for the agency's Astrophysics Division. This report presents an assessment of how well NASA's current program addresses the strategies, goals, and priorities outlined in previous Academy reports. The report provides an analysis of progress toward realizing these strategies, goals, and priorities; and a discussion of actions that could be taken to optimize the scientific value of the program in the context of current and forecasted resources.

Historical Guide to NASA and the Space Program

Author : Ann Beardsley,C. Tony Garcia,Joseph Sweeney
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Page : 422 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2016-09-09
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781442262874

Get Book

Historical Guide to NASA and the Space Program by Ann Beardsley,C. Tony Garcia,Joseph Sweeney Pdf

NASA—the National Aeronautics and Space Administration created in the wake of the Space Act—has and continues to accomplish those precepts every day. With many hundreds of satellites launched into space and close to 200 human spaceflights, NASA is a proven leader in space exploration. Most of the US space exploration efforts have been led by NASA, including the Apollo moon-landing missions, the Skylab space station, and later the Space Shuttle. Currently, NASA is supporting the International Space Station and is overseeing the development of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, the Space Launch System and Commercial Crew vehicles. NASA is also responsible for the Launch Services Program which provides oversight of launch operations and countdown management for unmanned NASA launches. The Historical Guide to NASA and the Space Program contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 500 cross-referenced entries on space missions, astronauts, technical terms, space shuttles, satellites and the international space station. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about NASA and space exploration.

Revitalizing NASA's Suborbital Program

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on NASA's Suborbital Research Capabilities
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 97 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2010-04-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309150835

Get Book

Revitalizing NASA's Suborbital Program by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on NASA's Suborbital Research Capabilities Pdf

Suborbital flight activities, including the use of sounding rockets, aircraft, high-altitude balloons, and suborbital reusable launch vehicles, offer valuable opportunities to advance science, train the next generation of scientists and engineers, and provide opportunities for participants in the programs to acquire skills in systems engineering and systems integration that are critical to maintaining the nation's leadership in space programs. Furthermore, the NASA Authorization Act of 2008 finds it in the national interest to expand the size of NASA's suborbital research program and to consider increased funding. Revitalizing NASA's Suborbital Program is an assessment of the current state and potential of NASA's suborbital research programs and a review of NASA's capabilities in this area. The scope of this review includes: existing programs that make use of suborbital flights; the status, capability, and availability of suborbital platforms; the existing or planned launch facilities for suborbital missions (including the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy); and opportunities for scientific research, training, and educational collaboration in the conduct of suborbital missions by NASA. The findings illustrate that suborbital program elements-airborne, balloon, and sounding rockets-play vital and necessary strategic roles in NASA's research, innovation, education, employee development, and spaceflight mission success, thus providing the foundation for achievement of agency goals.

An Enabling Foundation for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Role and Scope of Mission-Enabling Activities in NASA's Space and Earth Science Missions
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 76 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2010-03-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309148238

Get Book

An Enabling Foundation for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Role and Scope of Mission-Enabling Activities in NASA's Space and Earth Science Missions Pdf

NASA's space and Earth science program is composed of two principal components: spaceflight projects and mission-enabling activities. Most of the budget of NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is applied to spaceflight missions, but NASA identifies nearly one quarter of the SMD budget as "mission enabling." The principal mission-enabling activities, which traditionally encompass much of NASA's research and analysis (R&A) programs, include support for basic research, theory, modeling, and data analysis; suborbital payloads and flights and complementary ground-based programs; advanced technology development; and advanced mission and instrumentation concept studies. While the R&A program is essential to the development and support of NASA's diverse set of space and Earth science missions, defining and articulating an appropriate scale for mission-enabling activities have posed a challenge throughout NASA's history. This volume identifies the appropriate roles for mission-enabling activities and metrics for assessing their effectiveness. Furthermore, the book evaluates how, from a strategic perspective, decisions should be made about balance between mission-related and mission-enabling elements of the overall program as well as balance between various elements within the mission-enabling component. Collectively, these efforts will help SMD to make a good program even better.

An Assessment of NASA's National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board,Committee on NASA's National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service (NAOMS) Project: An Independent Assessment
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2010-01-24
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309146463

Get Book

An Assessment of NASA's National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board,Committee on NASA's National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service (NAOMS) Project: An Independent Assessment Pdf

The National Research Council of the National Academies was requested by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to perform an independent assessment of NASA's National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service (NAOMS) project, which was a survey administered to pilots from April 2001 through December 2004. The NRC reviewed various aspects of the NAOMS project, including the survey methodology, and conducted a limited analysis of the publicly available survey data. An Assessment of NASA's National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service presents the resulting analyses and findings.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2009

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 111 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 2010-01-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309154659

Get Book

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2009 by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board Pdf

The Space Studies Board (SSB) was established in 1958 to serve as the focus of the interests and responsibilities in space research for the National Academies. The SSB provides an independent, authoritative forum for information and advice on all aspects of space science and applications, and it serves as the focal point within the National Academies for activities on space research. It oversees advisory studies and program assessments, facilitates international research coordination, and promotes communications on space science and science policy between the research community, the federal government, and the interested public. The SSB also serves as the U.S. National Committee for the International Council for Science Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). The present volume reviews the organization, activities, and reports of the SSB for the year 2009.

Technical Evaluation of the NASA Model for Cancer Risk to Astronauts Due to Space Radiation

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee for Evaluation of Space Radiation Cancer Risk Model
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 86 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2012-04-19
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309253055

Get Book

Technical Evaluation of the NASA Model for Cancer Risk to Astronauts Due to Space Radiation by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee for Evaluation of Space Radiation Cancer Risk Model Pdf

NASA's current missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and potential future exploration missions involving extended stays by astronauts on the lunar surface, as well as the possibility of near- Earth object (NEO) or Mars missions, present challenges in protecting astronauts from radiation risks. These risks arise from a number of sources, including solar particle events (SPEs), galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), secondary radiation from surface impacts, and even the nuclear isotope power sources transported with the astronauts. The serious early and late radiation health effects potentially posed by these exposures are equally varied, ranging from early signs of radiation sickness to cancer induction. Other possible effects include central nervous system damage, cataracts, cardiovascular damage, heritable effects, impaired wound healing, and infertility. Recent research, much of which has been sponsored by NASA, has focused on understanding and quantifying the radiation health risks posed by space radiation environments. Although many aspects of the space radiation environments are now relatively well characterized, important uncertainties still exist regarding biological effects and thus regarding the level and types of risks faced by astronauts. This report presents an evaluation of NASA's proposed space radiation cancer risk assessment model, which is described in the 2011 NASA report, Space Radiation Cancer Risk Projections and Uncertainties-2010. The evaluation in Technical Evaluation of the NASA Model for Cancer Risk to Astronauts Due to Space Radiation considers the model components, input data (for the radiation types, estimated doses, and epidemiology), and the associated uncertainties. This report also identifies gaps in NASA's current research strategy for reducing the uncertainties in cancer induction risks.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2014

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 83 pages
File Size : 53,6 Mb
Release : 2015-04-10
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309368049

Get Book

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2014 by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board Pdf

The original charter of the Space Science Board was established in June 1958, 3 months before the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) opened its doors. The Space Science Board and its successor, the Space Studies Board (SSB), have provided expert external and independent scientific and programmatic advice to NASA on a continuous basis from NASA's inception until the present. The SSB has also provided such advice to other executive branch agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Department of Defense, as well as to Congress. Space Studies Board Annual Report 2014 covers a message from the chair of the SSB, David N. Spergel. This report also explains the origins of the Space Science Board, how the Space Studies Board functions today, the SSB's collaboration with other National Research Council units, assures the quality of the SSB reports, acknowledges the audience and sponsors, and expresses the necessity to enhance the outreach and improve dissemination of SSB reports. This report will be relevant to a full range of government audiences in civilian space research - including NASA, NSF, NOAA, USGS, and the Department of Energy, as well members of the SSB, policy makers, and researchers.

Controlling Cost Growth of NASA Earth and Space Science Missions

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Cost Growth in NASA Earth and Space Science Missions
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 76 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2010-10-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309157377

Get Book

Controlling Cost Growth of NASA Earth and Space Science Missions by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Cost Growth in NASA Earth and Space Science Missions Pdf

Cost and schedule growth is a problem experienced by many types of projects in many fields of endeavor. Based on prior studies of cost growth in NASA and Department of Defense projects, this book identifies specific causes of cost growth associated with NASA Earth and space science missions and provides guidance on how NASA can overcome these specific problems. The recommendations in this book focus on changes in NASA policies that would directly reduce or eliminate the cost growth of Earth and space science missions. Large cost growth is a concern for Earth and space science missions, and it can be a concern for other missions as well. If the cost growth is large enough, it can create liquidity problems for NASA's Science Mission Directorate that in turn cause cost profile changes and development delays that amplify the overall cost growth for other concurrent and/or pending missions. Addressing cost growth through the allocation of artificially high reserves is an inefficient use of resources because it unnecessarily diminishes the portfolio of planned flights. The most efficient use of resources is to establish realistic budgets and reserves and effective management processes that maximize the likelihood that mission costs will not exceed reserves. NASA is already taking action to reduce cost growth; additional steps, as recommended herein, will help improve NASA's mission planning process and achieve the goal of ensuring frequent mission opportunities for NASA Earth and space science.

Approaches to Future Space Cooperation and Competition in a Globalizing World

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board,Space Studies Board
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 68 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2009-07-23
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309139960

Get Book

Approaches to Future Space Cooperation and Competition in a Globalizing World by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board,Space Studies Board Pdf

Numerous countries and regions now have very active space programs, and the number is increasing. These maturing capabilities around the world create a plethora of potential partners for cooperative space endeavors, while at the same time heightening competitiveness in the international space arena. This book summarizes a public workshop held in November 2008 for the purpose of reviewing past and present cooperation, coordination, and competition mechanisms for space and Earth science research and space exploration; identifying significant lessons learned; and discussing how those lessons could best be applied in the future, particularly in the areas of cooperation and collaboration. Presentations and initial discussion focused on past and present experiences in international cooperation and competition to identify "lessons learned." Those lessons learned were then used as the starting point for subsequent discussions on the most effective ways for structuring future cooperation or coordination in space and Earth science research and space exploration. The goal of the workshop was not to develop a specific model for future cooperation or coordination, but rather to explore the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches and stimulate further deliberation on this important topic.

Assessment of a Plan for U.S. Participation in Euclid

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Physics and Astronomy,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Assessment of a Plan for U.S. Participation in Euclid
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 60 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2012-03-17
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309253840

Get Book

Assessment of a Plan for U.S. Participation in Euclid by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Board on Physics and Astronomy,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Assessment of a Plan for U.S. Participation in Euclid Pdf

NASA proposed to make a hardware contribution to the European Space Agency's (ESA's) Euclid mission in exchange for U.S. membership on the Euclid Science Team and science data access. The Euclid mission will employ a space telescope that will make potentially important contributions to probing dark energy and to the measurement of cosmological parameters. Euclid will image a large fraction of the extragalactic sky at unprecedented resolution and measure spectra for millions of galaxies. Assessment of a Plan for U.S. Participation in Euclid evaluates whether a small investment in Euclid (around $20 million in hardware) is a viable part of an overall strategy to pursue the science goals set forth in New Worlds, New Horizons in Astronomy and Astrophysics, a decadal plan for ground- and space- based astronomy and astrophysics. The top-ranked large-scale, space-based priority of the New Worlds, New Horizons is the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST). WFIRST has a broad, wide-field, near-infrared capability that will serve a wide variety of science programs of U.S. astronomers, including exoplanet research, near-infrared sky surveys, a guest observer program, and dark energy research. In carrying out this study the authoring committee's intent has been to be clear that this report does not alter New Worlds, New Horizon's plans for the implementation of the survey's priorities. Assessment of a Plan for U.S. Participation in Euclid concludes that the NASA proposal would represent a valuable first step toward meeting one of the science goals (furthering dark energy research) of WFIRST. While WFIRST dark energy measurements are expected to be superior to Euclid's, U.S. participation in Euclid will have clear scientific, technical, and programmatic benefits to the U.S. community as WFIRST and Euclid go forward. According to this report, the current NASA proposal, to invest modestly in Euclid, is consistent with an expeditious development of WFIRST and the achievement of the broader, and more ambitious, goals outlined in New Worlds, New Horizons. Knowledge gained from the Euclid project could help optimize the science return of the WFIRST mission as well. Such an investment will further the goals of New Worlds, New Horizons, be helpful to the preparations for WFIRST, and enhance WFIRST's chances of success.

Assessment of Impediments to Interagency Collaboration on Space and Earth Science Missions

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Assessment of Impediments to Interagency Cooperation on Space and Earth Science Missions
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 80 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2011-07-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309163507

Get Book

Assessment of Impediments to Interagency Collaboration on Space and Earth Science Missions by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Assessment of Impediments to Interagency Cooperation on Space and Earth Science Missions Pdf

Through an examination of case studies, agency briefings, and existing reports, and drawing on personal knowledge and direct experience, the Committee on Assessment of Impediments to Interagency Cooperation on Space and Earth Science Missions found that candidate projects for multiagency collaboration in the development and implementation of Earth-observing or space science missions are often intrinsically complex and, therefore costly, and that a multiagency approach to developing these missions typically results in additional complexity and cost. Advocates of collaboration have sometimes underestimated the difficulties and associated costs and risks of dividing responsibility and accountability between two or more partners; they also discount the possibility that collaboration will increase the risk in meeting performance objectives. This committee's principal recommendation is that agencies should conduct Earth and space science projects independently unless: It is judged that cooperation will result in significant added scientific value to the project over what could be achieved by a single agency alone; or Unique capabilities reside within one agency that are necessary for the mission success of a project managed by another agency; or The project is intended to transfer from research to operations necessitating a change in responsibility from one agency to another during the project; or There are other compelling reasons to pursue collaboration, for example, a desire to build capacity at one of the cooperating agencies. Even when the total project cost may increase, parties may still find collaboration attractive if their share of a mission is more affordable than funding it alone. In these cases, alternatives to interdependent reliance on another government agency should be considered. For example, agencies may find that buying services from another agency or pursuing interagency coordination of spaceflight data collection is preferable to fully interdependent cooperation.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2010

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 131 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 2011-01-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309217859

Get Book

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2010 by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board Pdf

The Space Studies Board (SSB) was established in 1958 to serve as the focus of the interests and responsibilities in space research for the National Academies. The SSB provides an independent, authoritative forum for information and advice on all aspects of space science and applications, and it serves as the focal point within the National Academies for activities on space research. It oversees advisory studies and program assessments, facilitates international research coordination, and promotes communications on space science and science policy between the research community, the federal government, and the interested public. The SSB also serves as the U.S. National Committee for the International Council for Science Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). This volume reviews the organization, activities, and reports of the SSB for the year 2010.