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APPENDIX A LETTER FROM JAMES FLETCHER AND STATEMENT OF WORK 63
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration Washington. DC 20546 Office of the Administrator SEP I 9 BBS Dr. Frank Press Chairman National Research Council Washington, DC 20418 Dear Frank: As you know, the executive and legislative branches have had a keen interest in an independent assessment of the viability and characteristics of a Commercially Developed Space Facility. For the past several weeks, we have been working toward developing a study plan to address this issue. The study plan reflects the informational requirements of both the executive and legislative branches in their consideration of this important initiative. The study plan includes a proposed Statement of Work for the study requested to be performed by the National Research Council, as well as a proposed Statement of Work for a parallel study to be performed by the National Academy of Public Administration concerning cost. I, therefore, take this opportunity to make a formal request of the National Research Council to undertake, as expeditiously as possible, the proposed study outlined in the enclosure and to provide a final report by April 10, 1989. I appreciate the willingness of the Council to carry out this important analysis. Sincerely, Enclosure ames C. Fletcher Administrator cc: NRC/Dr. Robert M. White 65
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION STATEMENT OF WORK NRC STUDY The NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (NRC) shall conduct an independent study of the Commercially Developed Space Facility (CDSF) that addresses the following issues: (1) The scientific and commercial benefit to the nation of developing a commercially developed space facility prior tof0MMAHfcsPace ^tation operations. (2) Definition of the criteria for optimum use. (3) The technical characteristics of a CDSF that would enable its optimum use. The study shall include the following assessments: - The planned and anticipated microgravity research and manufacturing requirements of the federal government and commercial users prior to(||| 4IMMHHMBHMMHIIBB space station operations. Power, duration, micro G level shall be evaluated. Some indication of the quantity or percentage of the total that requires long duration in the FY 92 to 97 time period shall be assessed to identify unique requirements for a free flyer. Issues such as automation, re-entry G level, etc. shall be considered. - How and to what extent existing, planned, and proposed capabilities and infrastructure could support these requirements. This shall include an assessment of the capabilities, and potential benefits of a CDSF, Spacelab, Spacehab, Extended Duration Orbiter, free-flying spacecraft, Expendable Launch Vehicles, and any feasible combination of these capabilities and infrastructure. - The state of space automation technology and its relevance to the capabilities for a CDSF. - A comparison of the microgravity research requirements projections based on the maintenance of the Space Station Program's currently planned schedule.. 66
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION STATEMENT OF WORK NRC STUDY (CONTINUED) - The relationship of a CDSF to other proposed facilities of a similar nature. - The effect a commitment to the CDSF would have on the current space transportation system launch schedule. - The benefit to the nation of providing an orbiting microgravity research and manufacturing capability as early as possible. The study shall be completed and conclusions and recommendations provided to the Administrator of NASA on or before April 10, 1989. Documentation of the study details, conclusions, recommendations and findings are required in a final report. ENCLOSURE 67
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION STATEMENT OF WORK NAPA STUDY The NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (NAPA) shall conduct an independent study of the Commercially Developed Space Facility (CDSF) that: - Provides an estimate of the development, operations, and other costs to the government associated with the CDSF, and the estimated lease cost per year for five years which must be paid by the government to meet investment criteria for a viable business. - Assesses the likelihood that a CDSF would become commercially self-sustaining and an estimate of when that could occur. - Considers, per the lease option, the practicability of reducing on a yearly basis the level of government lease operations during the years of operation of a CDSF, instead of providing for a flat level of lease obligations. - Considers, per the lease option, the practicability of making the minimum levels of government lease options in the years of operation of a CDSF contingent on the attainment by the CDSF operator, of certain minimum levels of firm contract commitments with entities other than the United States Government. - Assesses how a decision by the government to lease facilities on a CDSF might effect the viability of other existing or proposed commercial microgravity facilities. Periodic progress and status briefings are required. The study shall be completed and conclusions and recommendations provided to the Administrator of NASA on or before April 10, 1989. Documentation of the study details, conclusions, recommendations and findings are required in a final report. ENCLOSURE *2 68
