Controlling Cost Growth Of Nasa Earth And Space Science Missions

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Controlling Cost Growth of NASA Earth and Space Science Missions

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

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 : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2010-10-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309157377

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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.

Controlling Cost Growth of NASA Earth and Space Science Missions

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

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 : 77 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2010-09-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309162197

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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.

Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions

National Research Council,Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications,Space Studies Board,Ad Hoc Committee on the Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for Earth and Space Science Missions
Assessment of Mission Size Trade offs for NASA s Earth and Space Science Missions Book PDF

Author : National Research Council,Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications,Space Studies Board,Ad Hoc Committee on the Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for Earth and Space Science Missions
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 103 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2000-08-31
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309069762

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Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions by National Research Council,Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications,Space Studies Board,Ad Hoc Committee on the Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for Earth and Space Science Missions Pdf

Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions addresses fundamental issues of mission architecture in the nation's scientific space program and responds to the FY99 Senate conference report, which requested that NASA commission a study to assess the strengths and weaknesses of small, medium, and large missions. This report evaluates the general strengths and weaknesses of small, medium, and large missions in terms of their potential scientific productivity, responsiveness to evolving opportunities, ability to take advantage of technological progress, and other factors that may be identified during the study; identifies which elements of the SSB and NASA science strategies will require medium or large missions to accomplish high-priority science objectives; and recommends general principles or criteria for evaluating the mix of mission sizes in Earth and space science programs. Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions considers not only scientific, technological, and cost trade-offs, but also institutional and structural issues pertaining to the vigor of the research community, government-industry university partnerships, graduate student training, and the like.

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

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
An Enabling Foundation for NASA s Earth and Space Science Missions Book PDF

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 : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2010-03-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309148238

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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.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2010

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

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 131 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2011-01-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309217859

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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.

Principal-Investigator-Led Missions in the Space Sciences

National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Principal-Investigator-Led Missions in the Space Sciences
Principal Investigator Led Missions in the Space Sciences Book PDF

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Principal-Investigator-Led Missions in the Space Sciences
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 132 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2006-04-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309100700

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Principal-Investigator-Led Missions in the Space Sciences by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Principal-Investigator-Led Missions in the Space Sciences Pdf

Principal Investigator-Led (PI-led) missions are an important element of NASA's space science enterprise. While several NRC studies have considered aspects of PI-led missions in the course of other studies for NASA, issues facing the PI-led missions in general have not been subject to much analysis in those studies. Nevertheless, these issues are raising increasingly important questions for NASA, and it requested the NRC to explore them as they currently affect PI-led missions. Among the issues NASA asked to have examined were those concerning cost and scheduling, the selection process, relationships among PI-led team members, and opportunities for knowledge transfer to new PIs. This report provides a discussion of the evolution and current status of the PIled mission concept, the ways in which certain practices have affected its performance, and the steps that can carry it successfully into the future. The study was done in collaboration with the National Academy of Public Administration.

Earth Science and Applications from Space

National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Assessment of NASA's Earth Science Program
Earth Science and Applications from Space Book PDF

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Assessment of NASA's Earth Science Program
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 124 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2012-09-03
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309257022

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Earth Science and Applications from Space by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Assessment of NASA's Earth Science Program Pdf

Understanding the effects of natural and human-induced changes on the global environment and their implications requires a foundation of integrated observations of land, sea, air and space, on which to build credible information products, forecast models, and other tools for making informed decisions. The 2007 National Research Council report on decadal survey called for a renewal of the national commitment to a program of Earth observations in which attention to securing practical benefits for humankind plays an equal role with the quest to acquire new knowledge about the Earth system. NASA responded favorably and aggressively to this survey, embracing its overall recommendations for Earth observations, missions, technology investments, and priorities for the underlying science. As a result, the science and applications communities have made significant progress over the past 5 years. However, the Committee on Assessment of NASA's Earth Science Program found that the survey vision is being realized at a far slower pace than was recommended, principally because the required budget was not achieved. Exacerbating the budget shortfalls, NASA Earth science programs experienced launch failures and delays and the cost of implementing missions increased substantially as a result of changes in mission scope, increases in launch vehicle costs and/or the lack of availability of a medium-class launch vehicle, under-estimation of costs by the decadal survey, and unfunded programmatic changes that were required by Congress and the Office of Management and Budget. In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has made significant reductions in scope to its future Earth environmental observing satellites as it contends with budget shortfalls. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey recommends a number of steps to better manage existing programs and to implement future programs that will be recommended by the next decadal survey. The report also highlights the urgent need for the Executive Branch to develop and implement an overarching multiagency national strategy for Earth observations from space, a key recommendation of the 2007 decadal survey that remains unfulfilled.

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

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

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 : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2011-07-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309163507

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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.

Powering Science

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Large Strategic NASA Science Missions: Science Value and Role in a Balanced Portfolio
Powering Science Book PDF

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Large Strategic NASA Science Missions: Science Value and Role in a Balanced Portfolio
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 127 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 2018-01-29
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309463836

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Powering Science by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Large Strategic NASA Science Missions: Science Value and Role in a Balanced Portfolio Pdf

NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) currently operates over five dozen missions, with approximately two dozen additional missions in development. These missions span the scientific fields associated with SMD's four divisionsâ€"Astrophysics, Earth Science, Heliophysics, and Planetary Sciences. Because a single mission can consist of multiple spacecraft, NASA-SMD is responsible for nearly 100 operational spacecraft. The most high profile of these are the large strategic missions, often referred to as "flagships." Large strategic missions are essential to maintaining the global leadership of the United States in space exploration and in science because only the United States has the budget, technology, and trained personnel in multiple scientific fields to conduct missions that attract a range of international partners. This report examines the role of large, strategic missions within a balanced program across NASA-SMD space and Earth sciences programs. It considers the role and scientific productivity of such missions in advancing science, technology and the long-term health of the field, and provides guidance that NASA can use to help set the priority of larger missions within a properly balanced program containing a range of mission classes.

Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022

National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Planetary Science Decadal Survey
Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013 2022 Book PDF

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Planetary Science Decadal Survey
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 399 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2012-01-30
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309224642

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Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022 by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on the Planetary Science Decadal Survey Pdf

In recent years, planetary science has seen a tremendous growth in new knowledge. Deposits of water ice exist at the Moon's poles. Discoveries on the surface of Mars point to an early warm wet climate, and perhaps conditions under which life could have emerged. Liquid methane rain falls on Saturn's moon Titan, creating rivers, lakes, and geologic landscapes with uncanny resemblances to Earth's. Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022 surveys the current state of knowledge of the solar system and recommends a suite of planetary science flagship missions for the decade 2013-2022 that could provide a steady stream of important new discoveries about the solar system. Research priorities defined in the report were selected through a rigorous review that included input from five expert panels. NASA's highest priority large mission should be the Mars Astrobiology Explorer Cacher (MAX-C), a mission to Mars that could help determine whether the planet ever supported life and could also help answer questions about its geologic and climatic history. Other projects should include a mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa and its subsurface ocean, and the Uranus Orbiter and Probe mission to investigate that planet's interior structure, atmosphere, and composition. For medium-size missions, Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022 recommends that NASA select two new missions to be included in its New Frontiers program, which explores the solar system with frequent, mid-size spacecraft missions. If NASA cannot stay within budget for any of these proposed flagship projects, it should focus on smaller, less expensive missions first. Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022 suggests that the National Science Foundation expand its funding for existing laboratories and establish new facilities as needed. It also recommends that the program enlist the participation of international partners. This report is a vital resource for government agencies supporting space science, the planetary science community, and the public.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2014

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

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 83 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2015-04-10
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309368049

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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.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2017

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Space Studies Board Annual Report 2017 Book PDF

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 129 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2018-12-19
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309477628

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Space Studies Board Annual Report 2017 by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board Pdf

The original charter of the Space Science Board was established in June 1958, three 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 2017 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 Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 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.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2013

National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Space Studies Board Annual Report 2013 Book PDF

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 83 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2014-04-09
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309302869

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Space Studies Board Annual Report 2013 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 2013 covers a message from the chair of the SSB, Charles F. Kennel. 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.

Continuity of NASA Earth Observations from Space

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on a Framework for Analyzing the Needs for Continuity of NASA-Sustained Remote Sensing Observations of the Earth from Space
Continuity of NASA Earth Observations from Space Book PDF

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on a Framework for Analyzing the Needs for Continuity of NASA-Sustained Remote Sensing Observations of the Earth from Space
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 118 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2015-11-24
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309377461

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Continuity of NASA Earth Observations from Space by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on a Framework for Analyzing the Needs for Continuity of NASA-Sustained Remote Sensing Observations of the Earth from Space Pdf

NASA's Earth Science Division (ESD) conducts a wide range of satellite and suborbital missions to observe Earth's land surface and interior, biosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, and oceans as part of a program to improve understanding of Earth as an integrated system. Earth observations provide the foundation for critical scientific advances and environmental data products derived from these observations are used in resource management and for an extraordinary range of societal applications including weather forecasts, climate projections, sea level change, water management, disease early warning, agricultural production, and the response to natural disasters. As the complexity of societal infrastructure and its vulnerability to environmental disruption increases, the demands for deeper scientific insights and more actionable information continue to rise. To serve these demands, NASA's ESD is challenged with optimizing the partitioning of its finite resources among measurements intended for exploring new science frontiers, carefully characterizing long-term changes in the Earth system, and supporting ongoing societal applications. This challenge is most acute in the decisions the Division makes between supporting measurement continuity of data streams that are critical components of Earth science research programs and the development of new measurement capabilities. This report seeks to establish a more quantitative understanding of the need for measurement continuity and the consequences of measurement gaps. Continuity of NASA's Earth's Observations presents a framework to assist NASA's ESD in their determinations of when a measurement or dataset should be collected for durations longer than the typical lifetimes of single satellite missions.

Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration

National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board,Space Studies Board,Committee for the Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space
Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration Book PDF

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board,Space Studies Board,Committee for the Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 464 pages
File Size : 40,8 Mb
Release : 2012-01-30
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309163842

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Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board,Space Studies Board,Committee for the Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space Pdf

More than four decades have passed since a human first set foot on the Moon. Great strides have been made in our understanding of what is required to support an enduring human presence in space, as evidenced by progressively more advanced orbiting human outposts, culminating in the current International Space Station (ISS). However, of the more than 500 humans who have so far ventured into space, most have gone only as far as near-Earth orbit, and none have traveled beyond the orbit of the Moon. Achieving humans' further progress into the solar system had proved far more difficult than imagined in the heady days of the Apollo missions, but the potential rewards remain substantial. During its more than 50-year history, NASA's success in human space exploration has depended on the agency's ability to effectively address a wide range of biomedical, engineering, physical science, and related obstacles-an achievement made possible by NASA's strong and productive commitments to life and physical sciences research for human space exploration, and by its use of human space exploration infrastructures for scientific discovery. The Committee for the Decadal Survey of Biological and Physical Sciences acknowledges the many achievements of NASA, which are all the more remarkable given budgetary challenges and changing directions within the agency. In the past decade, however, a consequence of those challenges has been a life and physical sciences research program that was dramatically reduced in both scale and scope, with the result that the agency is poorly positioned to take full advantage of the scientific opportunities offered by the now fully equipped and staffed ISS laboratory, or to effectively pursue the scientific research needed to support the development of advanced human exploration capabilities. Although its review has left it deeply concerned about the current state of NASA's life and physical sciences research, the Committee for the Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space is nevertheless convinced that a focused science and engineering program can achieve successes that will bring the space community, the U.S. public, and policymakers to an understanding that we are ready for the next significant phase of human space exploration. The goal of this report is to lay out steps and develop a forward-looking portfolio of research that will provide the basis for recapturing the excitement and value of human spaceflight-thereby enabling the U.S. space program to deliver on new exploration initiatives that serve the nation, excite the public, and place the United States again at the forefront of space exploration for the global good.