The roadmaps developed by these experts will provide an excellent foundation for NASA integration of these roadmaps into a decision-making framework. We will give full consideration to their thoughtful contributions as we finalize the NASA architecture to support our future missions, programs, and budget requests.

Given our decision to accelerate the schedule, NASA will complete all roadmap effort – strategic and capability – by May 22, 2005. This revised schedule, with an architecture development effort beginning immediately, impacts the National Research Council (NRC) review of individual roadmaps, which will not take place as originally planned. The NRC, in response to separate congressional direction to review NASA science, will receive the science strategic roadmaps and will provide a report or other input to NASA by August 1, 2005. We look forward to receiving the NRC’s recommendations on the science roadmaps and to a continuing dialogue on science priorities and related issues.

To support immediate decision-making, NASA is initiating an internal Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) to determine how to accelerate development of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and reduce the gap between Shuttle retirement and CEV operations. NASA will select a preferred architecture approach this summer for lunar exploration, including CEV launch, in-space transportation, and surface operations, and develop associated requirements and budgets for implementation. This architecture study is to support the Agency’s science and exploration objectives.

We would be pleased to discuss these planning efforts and the new schedule in more detail at your convenience. Questions may be directed to the Acting Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs, Angela Phillips Diaz, at (202) 358–1948.

Cordially,

Michael D. Griffin

Administrator