Space Studies Board Annual Report 1997 (1998) / Chapter Skim
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3 Summaries of Major Reports
3 Summaries of Major Reports
Pages 33-56
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From page 33... ...
The solar magnetic field, generated in the Sun's interior, holds many of the keys to understanding these variations that influence Earth' s space environment and its climate. i"Summary of CSSP/CSTR's Science Strategy" reprinted from AnAssessment of the Solar and Space PhysicsAspects of NASA 's Space Science Enterprise Strategic Plan, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1997, pp.
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From page 34... ...
2Space Studies Board and Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, A Science Strategy for Space Physics, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1995.
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From page 35... ...
on planetary protection policy, the purpose of which is to preserve conditions for future biological and organic exploration of planets and other solar system objects and to protect Earth and its biosphere from potential extraterrestrial sources of contamination. In October 1995 the NRC received a letter from NASA requesting that the Space Studies Board examine and provide advice on planetary protection issues related to possible sample-return missions to near-Earth solar system bodies.
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From page 36... ...
Such an exploration program, while likely to greatly enhance our understanding of Mars and its potential for harboring life, nonetheless is not likely to significantly reduce uncertainty as to whether any particular returned sample might include a viable exogenous biological entity at least not to the extent that planetary protection measures could be relaxed. RECOMMENDATIONS Sample Return and Control Recommendation.
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From page 37... ...
Samples returned from the martian surface, unless returned from sites specifically targeted as possible oases, are unlikely to harbor life as we know it, and there may be some pressure to reduce planetary protection requirements on subsequent sample-return missions if prior samples are found to be sterile. Presumably, however, subsequent missions will be directed toward locations on Mars where extant life is more plausible, based on data acquired from an integrated exploration program, including prior sample-return missions.
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From page 38... ...
To be effective, planetary protection measures should be integrated into the engineering and design of any sample-return mission, and, for an oversight panel to be in a position to coordinate the implementation of planetary protection requirements, it should be established as soon as serious planning for a Mars sample-return mission has begun. For the panel to be able to review and approve any plans for a Mars sample-receiving facility, the panel should be in place at least one year before the sample-receiving facility is established.
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From page 39... ...
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From page 40... ...
But at a critical phase in NASA's planning cycle and midway between decadal surveys, the list of unexecuted consensus missions was too small to serve as the foundation for NASA's next strategic plan for the space sciences. Accordingly, in December 1995, NASA's Office of Space Science (OSS)
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From page 41... ...
A systematic study of black holes across the spectrum is extremely timely and, in the judgment of TGSAA, should be a central theme in space research during the coming decade. Detailed justifications for TGSAA's recommended priorities are given in Chapters 2 through 5, each of which was contributed by one of TGSAA's four panels, and in the concluding Chapter 6.
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From page 42... ...
, a European Space Agency project with possible U.S. participation, are both dedicated to studying the anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background radiation.
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From page 43... ...
Science missions usually begin with the basic objective of advancing scientific knowledge rather than enhancing national prestige or promoting societal benefits. This approach to mission objectives, preferred by scientists, may not demonstrate clearly the value of the public investment to nonscientists or provide a basis for articulating national space science policy.
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From page 44... ...
Defining how much quality is needed, or how much "science" is enough, is fundamental to holding down mission costs and avoiding unnecessarily restrictive requirements. Requirements of a program to deliver space science research at a reduced cost may include a "cost cap."2 However "For a cost not to exceed $150 million, what is the best science that can be done?
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From page 45... ...
Lower-cost space science is achievable if program managers have the authority to make decisions such as choice of the launch vehicle, whether to make or buy, contracting for services, and whether to participate in joint programs with other agencies (e.g., DOD, international)
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From page 46... ...
. programs 1nvo vlng space science missions.
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From page 47... ...
Committee on the Future of Space Science, Space Studies Board. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.
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From page 48... ...
For the most part, within its constrained lunar science objectives, Clementine was successful. Because of various factors, Clementine's costs were significantly less than most comparable space science missions might be.
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From page 49... ...
in 1989 to examine the general question of the space science component of a future human exploration program. The first CHEX report, Scientific Prerequisites for the Human Exploration of Space,2 addressed the question of what scientific knowledge is required to enable prolonged human space missions.
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~ 6. The offices responsible for human exploration and for space science should jointly create a formal organizational structure for managing the enabled science component of a human exploration program.
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From page 51... ...
Microgravity combustion research within the MRD especially studies on fire safety research at the fractional gravity levels found on extraterrestrial bodies or studies under Microgravity as encountered in spacecraft environments during deep-space transit is critically needed to ensure safety on future HEDS missions, where crew egress might not be an option. Such research includes studies on flammability limits, smoldering, flame spread, and flame stability all of which contribute both to scientific knowledge and to the engineering know-how needed for successfully pursuing the HEDS goals.
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From page 52... ...
Although not all of the technological advances needed for HEDS missions will be the direct result of basic research, the unfolding knowledge base and collective experience of microgravity investigators focused within the MRD program will continue to represent unique NASA resources with which to approach the scientific questions underlying many of the barriers to space exploration. · MRD should be prepared to stimulate and support critical microgravity research to help discriminate among competing HEDS technologies, specifically providing information so that NASA can make informed choices among them.
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From page 53... ...
· In view of the normally long time-scale needed for the evolution of basic scientific concepts into practical applications, MRD should begin now to study and understand the scope and long-term implications of microgravity research areas relevant to accomplishing HEDS goals. Any adjustments to the emphasis or scope of MRD research must then be carefully assessed with respect to overall program balance, scientific merit, external interest, and HEDS mission relevance.
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missions (TRACE and IMAGE, respectively) address high-priority scientific issues fully consistent with the current primary science goals of the solar and space physics discipline, as identified by the NRC Science Strategy report (SSB, 1995~.
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From page 55... ...
mode space physics Explorers (such as Solar and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer [SAMPEX] and Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer [FAST]
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From page 56... ...
1-2. 2Space Studies Board, Radiation Hazards to Crews of Interplanetary Missions: Biological Issues and Research Strategies, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1996.
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