Space Studies Board Annual Report 2000 (2001) / Chapter Skim
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5. Congressional Testimony
5. Congressional Testimony
Pages 146-161
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From page 146... ...
Utilizing an expert committee, focused workshops, and specialized task groups, the NRC carried out a comprehensive review of the status of research in eleven disciplines of space life sciences, surveyed the broader scientific fields in which those disciplines reside, and identified the most useful directions for future research both within and across those disciplines. The resulting report lays out a prioritized research agenda for fields ranging from plant biology to bone physiology, and is intended to guide NASA in planning the direction of life sciences research aboard the International Space Station (ISS)
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From page 147... ...
An example of a more focused assessment is the recently released SSB/NRC report Future Biotechnology Research on the International Space Station, which reviewed NASA's plans for research in protein crystal growth and in cell science on the ISS. I'll talk in a little more detail about the findings of this report, as I understand it is of special interest to this subcommittee.
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From page 148... ...
The report recommends priorities in areas of basic research that could pay off in terms of improving space technology design over the next one to three decades, for example, characterization of the complex behaviors of fluid and vapor in space-based systems. I would like to close by addressing the subcommittee's final question about Space Studies Board recommendat~ons on improving NASA's management of life and microgravity research funds to optimize the scientific return of missions.
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From page 149... ...
Letter from Space Studies Board Chair Claude R Canizares, Committee on Space Biology and Medicine Chair Mary Jane Osborn, and Committee on Microgravity Research Chair Martin E
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From page 150... ...
A complete bibliography of SSB reports for the past 3 years is appended to my statement. Included in the recent reports of the Space Studies Board are several studies regarding strategies for managing space research and making decisions about the appropriate portfolio of mission sizes for space research, and on the development of new technologies.
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From page 151... ...
Specifically, it found a number of positive aspects of the FBC approach, including the following: · A mixed portfolio of mission sizes is crucial in virtually all Earth and space science disciplines to accomplish the various research objectives. The FBC approach has produced useful improvements across the spectrum of programs regardless of absolute mission size or cost.
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From page 152... ...
Consequently, we recommend that NASA should transfer appropriate elements of the FBC management principles to the entire portfolio of space science and Earth science mission sizes and cost ranges. But we also recommend that the management approach of each project should be tailored to the size, complexity, scientific value, and cost of the mission.
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From page 153... ...
missions in a given discipline. We recommend that NASA encourage international collaboration in all sizes and classes of missions, so that international missions will be able to fill key niches in NASA's space and Earth science programs.
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From page 154... ...
When applied to technology tasks, the concept of competitive peer review must be broadened to include not only peer experts in the specific technologies being addressed, but also expert engineering generalists who can provide a broad perspective on the overall relevance of technology development proposals to NASA's future needs. In addition, competitive peer review of NASA in-house Cross-Enterprise Technology Development Program activities should be conducted by experts both inside and outside the centers.
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From page 155... ...
If the Centers are to have essentially non-overlapping responsibilities in the development of new technologies, then it is essential that Headquarters management understand the status of the various projects to balance funding allocations in a manner that achieves a maximum number of significant enhancements to the science missions. Full Cost Accounting Full cost accounting is necessary to permit proper program management, and it will revolutionize the way NASA does business.
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From page 156... ...
COMPLEX was particularly pleased to see that: · High priority is placed on Mars exploration and that a new initiative relating to Mars sample handling and analysis was proposed; · Attention is paid to the Discovery program and the Europa Orbiter and Pluto/Kuiper Express missions; · A prominent place is given to a comet nucleus sample-return mission the highest priority mission advocated by COMPLEX; · The proposed program of planetary exploration attempts to systematically address key physical and chemical processes rather than merely cataloging and classifying planetary environments; and · An appropriate balance is struck between the broad thematic goals of solar system exploration advocated by the SSB understanding the origins and evolution of planetary systems and life, and understanding the complex interplay of physical and chemical processes which create the diverse planetary environments seen in the solar system. These positives aside, COMPLEX had a number of concerns about particular aspects of the Roadmap and the program of solar system exploration that it advocates.
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From page 157... ...
Because many of these criticisms result from shortcomings in the Roadmap's structure and format, they should not detract inordinately from the many favorable aspects of the program of planetary exploration missions and supporting activities advocated by NASA. STRATEGIC PLAN OF THE OFFICE OF SPACE SCIENCE You also asked me to comment on the Space Studies Board's review of the draft revision of the NASA Office of Space Science (OSS)
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From page 158... ...
Other small program priorities are the Advanced Cosmic-ray Composition Experiment for the Space Station, augmentation of the NASA Astrophysics Theory Program, the Laboratory Astrophysics Program, the National Theory Postdoctoral Program, and the Ultra-Long-Duration Balloon Program. The estimate
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From page 159... ...
APPENDIX Space Studies Board Reports 1998-2000 Published in 2000 Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium Federal Funding of Astronomical Research Future Biotechnology Research on the International Space Station Issues in the Integration of Research and Operational Satellite Systems for Climate Research: I Science and Design Preventing the Forward Contamination of Europa
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From page 160... ...
Weller, associate administrator for NASA's Office of Space Science (June 1, 2000) Published in 1999 Institutional Arrangements for Space Station Research Radiation and the International Space Station: Recommendations to Reduce Risk A Science Strategy for the Exploration of Europa A Scientific Rationale for Mobility in Planetary Environments Size Limits of Very Small Microorganisms: Proceedings of a Workshop Space Studies Board Annual Report 1998 U.S.-European-Japanese Workshop on Space Cooperation: Summary Report "On Antarctic Astronomy," letter to Dr.
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From page 161... ...
He is a former member of the NASA Advisory Council, is former chair of the Space Studies Board of the National Research Council, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Associated Universities Inc. and the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, and formerly chaired NASA's Space Science Advisory Committee.
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