Managing the Space Sciences (1995) / Chapter Skim
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5 Research Prioritization: Analysis and Findings
5 Research Prioritization: Analysis and Findings
Pages 48-61
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From page 48... ...
A specific implementing methodology proposed in a second reports for effecting this broadened pnontization, on the other hand, was not as well accepted as the underlying principles laid out in the predecessor report. The present committee's task group on research prioritization therefore set out to reexamine the existing process of priority setting for science programs within NASA, with special attention to the roles of advisor groups and the agency's management organization.
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From page 49... ...
PRIORITIZATION OF SCIENCE AT NASA Defining the Problem The space sciences, like any natural science, begin with scientific ideas and goals that are transtormed into research programs4 the means of carrying out the necessary experimental or observational research. In space science, though, the cost and complexity of many missions are much greater than in most other areas of science.
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From page 50... ...
| MTPEAC | ''Office of Space Science Office of Mission to Planet Earth I NASA Science Council LMScMC 1 Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications complete the loop with a general knowledge of technology options and "ballpark" estimates of cost. But before final decisions are made within the NASA program offices, this loop has to be closed in great detail.
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From page 51... ...
In the classical space sciences (astronomy, planetary science, space physics) , on the other hand, the scientific goals and the designs of missions are tightly bound, and the scientific community must conduct at least the initial trade-offs all the way down to "Prioritize Missions." In the case of the "Great Observatories," prioritization of some scientific goals takes place even after launch when user time on the instruments is allocated.
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From page 52... ...
Planetary Science Uses both remote-sensing and in situ techniques; almost entirely dependent on NASA; requirements for interplanetary flight and planetary capture or landing lead to mission complexity. Life Science Laboratory science; NASA supports only a very small part of the total research field; this small part includes operational support (e.g., long-term effects of spaceflight on human biology)
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From page 53... ...
Disciplinary level A field in which there is a communicating body of scientists who understand the scientific and technical aspects of one another's fields of research, who could not necessarily easily trade places in the research they perform, but who can readily understand one another's work and can easily cooperate in joint research. (Note: In the NASA lexicon, the "discipline" of microgravity is, strictly speaking, inconsistent with this definition, but it can be accommodated.)
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From page 54... ...
NRC Participants Space Studies Board and its discipline committees- Mirroring NASA's historical administrative structure, the Space Studies Board (SSB) has divided space science into six disciplines: astronomy and
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From page 55... ...
NASA Management Participants Associate administrators The associate administrators have the responsibility for managing the entire scientific program within their purview. In the Office of Space Science and the Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications, this involves setting priorities across disciplines.
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From page 56... ...
The Chief Scientist tracks the choices made within the science programs of NASA and, with the Science Council, provides a forum for their coordination and balance. Administrator-The Administrator of NASA makes final decisions that not only incorporate the best scientific and technical advice that has come up through the previous channels, but also reflect NASA strategy, national goals, and policy direction provided by the Administration and Congress.
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From page 57... ...
Management must face the task of canceling programs or projects that are failing or whose priority has dropped. 7NRC, Space Studies Board, Setting Priorities in Space Research: An Experiment in Methodology, National Academy Press, 1995.
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From page 58... ...
An innovative proposal typically suggests a pilot project designed to explore a scientific or technological idea that falls outside contemporary frameworks of inquiry or design. In principle, applying a criterion for scientific merit such as "Potential for New Discoveries and Understanding, and Uniqueness" in a rigorous, systematic way would ensure high rankings for highly innovative research.
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From page 59... ...
Space science projects must always be alert to new technology that might make missions more effective scientifically and less expensive. Define missions With an understanding of science priorities, overall program structure, and technology options, it should be possible to devise an optimal set of missions to carry them out.
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From page 60... ...
· Science advocacy technology committees · Initial technical options · NAC committees evaluation · NASA program associate administrators Cross-discipline · Prioritize scientific · NAC advisory · Scientific merit · Science advocacy goals (interleave committees · Programmatic end challenge disciplines) · NASA program merit · Management review · Define programs and associate prioritize missions administrators · Evaluate technology · NASA Chief Scientist feasibility, costs · NASA Science Council Agency · Prioritize and select · NASA Administrator · Scientific merit · Science advocacy missions · NASA Chief Scientist · Programmatic and challenge · NASA Science merit · Program advocacy Council · Political and and challenge social merit · Management review NOTE: At each level the process deals only with propositions that have the heritage of scientific merit from earlier reviews.
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From page 61... ...
Recommendation 5-12: Within NASA Headquarters, there must be a capable scientific staff to support management priority setting in order to help ensure compatibility of program content and science priorities. These scientists must also interface with field center managers and external investigators to ensure science program integrity.
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