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Science in NASA's Vision for Space Exploration (2005) / Chapter Skim
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1 The Impetus to Explore
Pages 4-7

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From page 4...
... ELEMENTS IN A VIBRANT APPROACH TO EXPLORATION What approach to exploration will now serve the nation well? The issue of how to proceed in space exploration following the Columbia accident was the subject of an NRC workshop on national space policy held in November 2003.1 In contrast to the dramatic strides in understanding made in recent decades as a result of the robotic science program, progress in human space exploration has been limited, with astronauts confined to low Earth orbit, circling Earth without a clear long-range direction for further exploration.
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From page 5...
... In agreement with views expressed at the workshop, the committee believes that aspects of the robotic science program's planning and execution are applicable to the human spaceflight program, and the committee recommends that successful aspects of the robotic science program-especially its emphasis on having a clear strategic plan that is executed so as to build on incremental successes to sustain momentum, use resources efficiently, enforce priorities, and enable future breakthroughs -- should be applied in the human spaceflight program. Workshop participants also argued that human space exploration conducted synergistically with robotic exploration would produce the best possible overall space program.
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From page 6...
... The behavior of fluids in microgravity will require special attention; the reliability and predictability of materials exposed for long periods to the conditions of space must be investigated; both the medical and the psychological issues related to humans engaging in long-duration spaceflight need to be better understood; and countermeasures for the effects of exposure to radiation and reduced gravity will have to be developed. These essential tasks pose new engineering and science challenges that require fundamental discoveries through basic research across multiple traditional disciplines.
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From page 7...
... of such enabling science must be available and current so as to support timely engineering and programmatic decisions that will allow humans to go into space with the greatest assurance of success at the minimum possible risk.
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Key Terms

  • human spaceflight
  • human exploration
  • spaceflight program
  • robotic science
  • space policy

  • human space
  • enabling science
  • national space
  • nrc workshop
  • human presence

  • exploration program
  • robotic exploration
  • clark expedition
  • space program
  • resources efficiently

  • universe beyond
  • spacecraft missions
  • scientific exploration
  • exploration missions
  • river valley

  • reinvigorated human
  • views expressed
  • remote operations
  • american migrations
  • particles interact

  • complex dimensions
  • characteristics defined
  • defined independently
  • pursuing space
  • essential enabling


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