U.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics Managing an Integrated Program (2001) / Chapter Skim
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4 Findings and Recommendations
4 Findings and Recommendations
Pages 34-46
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From page 34... ...
Responding to each challenge will require a coordinated approach combining the strengths and resources of all three major astrophysics-related agencies NSF, NASA, and DOE as well as other participants. The recent profound changes in the field of astronomy and astrophysics cited in Chapter 1 of this report and in the findings below raise questions as to whether the management structures that were in place throughout the latter part of the 20th century are still appropriate for the first part of the 21st century.
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From page 35... ...
Observations have given rise to deep theoretical insights about planets, stars (including the Sun) , galaxies, and the history lithe committee's findings are generally consistent with the policy conclusions of the most recent decadal survey committee.
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From page 36... ...
Recent observations of the Sun have helped scientists understand better how it interacts with Earth and have revealed much of its inner workings (forcing particle physicists to confront and test the fundamental nature of neutrinos)
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From page 37... ...
The blessing comes because these projects, which could not have been built by NSF alone, have allowed the United States to stay abreast of the state of the art. A burden arises domestically because it appears that a contribution to the costs of the operation and/or instrumentation of the private observatories by NSF is a key to optimizing the scientific return from these facilities and to providing access to them for the broader U.S.
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From page 38... ...
It has proved difficult for the Astronomical Sciences Division to negotiate the detailed terms of agreement under past versions of this program, but it is currently discussing the parameters of this new program with the university community. Whether a government agency can leverage the large private and state investment to the benefit of the entire field by providing effective coordination of a group that includes independent entities remains to be seen, but the proposition cannot be tested unless NSF can provide sufficient incentives.
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From page 39... ...
Policy and Structural Issues in NASA and NSF NASA's policy with respect to future investments in ground-based observations rests primarily on the relevance of these observations to planned space missions. As NASA increasingly commits to science-based criteria in measuring the success of its activities, it can maximize the scientific output and cost-effectiveness of its missions by recognizing the increased importance of utilizing the growing power and resolution of ground-based observatories for precursor and follow-up measurements.
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From page 40... ...
However, the committee found that the NSF lags other agencies in establishing transparent standards and systematic processes to define and develop large projects, assess readiness for construction, measure project performance, and manage the transition to operation.2 In other words, NSF, through its contracting organizations, has been generally successful in completing major construction projects despite its lack of a clear, systematic approach to managing such projects. Nevertheless, a systematic and transparent approach would help NSF to avoid common pitfalls in large project management in the future especially as new projects grow in size and complexity and it would certainly improve NSF's ability to convey project status to stakeholders and to other concerned and responsible parties (especially those in the Congress and the Executive Branch)
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From page 41... ...
astronomical and astrophysical research effort. While developing an integrated plan might be easier within a single agency, denying NSF a key independent role in astronomy and astrophysics would seriously weaken the intellectual roots of the discipline and undermine support for the combination of teaching with research that is essential to educating the nation's future scientists.
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From page 42... ...
Input to the planning board from the scientific and engineering community should be provided by a joint advisory committee of outside experts that is well connected to the advisory structures within each agency. The recommended interagency Astronomy and Astrophysics
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From page 43... ...
NSF should manage its program in astronomy and astrophysics to that plan, ensuring the participation of scientifically relevant divisions and offices within NSF. To help generate this plan, NSF should reestablish a federally chartered advisory committee for its Astronomical Sciences Division to ensure parity with the NASA advisory structure.
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Implement operational plans to provide continuity of support for the talent base in astronomy and astrophysics should critical space missions suffer failure or be terminated.
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From page 45... ...
d. Cooperate with NSF in developing a coordinated public information program for astronomy and astrophysics.
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From page 46... ...
greater than 10 times that of the NSF investment over a comparable period, and more than 3 times that of the combined federal, state, and private investment. The international optical/infrared capabilities are characterized by Japan's 8-meter 46
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