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Human Exploration of Space A Review of NASA's 90-Day Study and Alternatives (1990) / Chapter Skim
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V. Nontechnical Considerations
Pages 27-32

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From page 27...
... These include the operation of the Space Transportation System (STS) ; the conduct of a major series of Earth-orbital and planetary scientific missions, including Galileo, the Hubble Space Telescope, and Mission to Planet Earth; the operation of a major space and terrestrial communication system; the aeronautics research and development program; the development of Space Station Freedom; and a large number of smaller programs.
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From page 28...
... It is conceivable that a new federally supported center in the mold of Bellcom, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Mitre Corporation, or the Aerospace Corporation may have a role to play in various aspects of the program, although this requires further examination. Efficient conduct of the HEI will require a number of management enhancements, some of which must counter difficulties that are governmentwide.
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From page 29...
... A program of the size and scope of the extended human exploration of the Moon and Mars will severely tax a US educational system that is already strained and that is producing a declining number of trained engineers and scientists. Early in the history of the US space effort, a direct stimulus expanded the participation by universities in space activities and increased the number of graduate students studying and researching space-related subjects.
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From page 30...
... The Energy has a considerable heavy lift capability, launched from its current facility. This capability would be reduced were Earth orbit rendezvous with Space Station Freedom desired because of the power and maneuverability required to dramatically change the spacecraft orbit.
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From page 31...
... The committee believes it should be possible to return people to the Moon and establish a human presence on Mars, at a measured pace, at a relative rate of annual expenditure that is less than that of the peak Apollo commitment. NASAs current budget is between 0.2 and 0.3 percent of the GNP.
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From page 32...
... HEI will involve a continuing commitment and, for such an approach to succeed and to maintain support from the American people, it should set milestones and demonstrate visible accomplishments, for example every two to three years. A White Paper published by the National Research Council in early 1989 recommends that NASA maintain a balanced, stable base program to ensure US competence in fundamental space activities such as astronomy, planetary exploration, and Earth remote sensing.
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Key Terms

  • space station
  • federally supported
  • station freedom
  • civil service
  • base program

  • nasa budget
  • exploration initiative
  • international cooperation
  • space activities
  • space exploration

  • human space
  • heavy lift
  • undertake multiyear
  • including galileo
  • demonstrated continued

  • requirements usually
  • possibly implement
  • jet propulsion
  • federal resources
  • phased mission

  • developed considerable
  • planetary scientific
  • avoid eroding
  • relevant capability
  • return people

  • current facility
  • additional technical
  • appropriately phased
  • peak spending
  • nor daring


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