http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codez/plans/pl2000.pdf National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA NASA is an investment in America’s future. As explorers, pioneers, and innovators, we boldly expand frontiers in air and space to inspire and serve America and to benefit the quality of life on Earth . - To advance and communicate scientific knowledge and understanding of the Earth, the solar system, and the universe - To advance human exploration, use, and development of space - To research, develop, verify, and transfer advanced aeronautics and space technologies Safety NASA’s mission success starts with safety. A commitment to safety permeates everything we do. We are committed to protecting the safety and health of the general public, the NASA work force, and our high-value assets, on and off the ground. People Our greatest strength is our workforce, a team of highly qualified individuals that is representative, at all levels, of America’s diversity. We foster a culture of trust, respect, teamwork, communication, creativity, equal opportunity, and empowerment. Excellence We are committed to excellence. We continuously improve our processes, products, and services to better serve our customers. Integrity We are honest and ethical in all that we d o. We deliver on our commitments, and we are accountable for our performance. Space Science 1 Science Chart the evolution of the universe, from origins to destiny, and understand its galaxies, stars, planets, and life. 1 Structure of the universe Understand the structure of the universe, from its earliest beginnings to its ultimate fate What is the size, shape, age, and energy content of the universe? In the beginning, the universe was smooth and almost featureless, but today it is richly diverse. This diversity includes invisible “darkmatter,” black holes, and other exotic phenomena. To investigate the transition , an improved cosmic microwave background mapper soon will study how clusters of galaxies emerged in the very early universe. A joint far-infrared telescope mission with the European Space Agency (ESA) will observe dusty galaxies undergoing intensive star formation. Another space-based observatory will view cosmic x-rays to learn how clusters of galaxies evolve. 2 Gravity and Energy Explore the ultimate limits of gravity and energy in the universe The universe is filled with invisible magnetic fields and traversed by cosmic rays of unknown origin. A Space Station experiment will analyze the composition of cosmic rays, attempt to identify their origin, and derive information about the pervasive magnetic fields. NASA will, in the middle of this decade, use the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope to detect gamma rays — very short wave length electromagnetic radiation — emitted by black holes and other unidentified sources. An ambitious joint mission with the ESA will measure gravitational radiation, opening a new window on the universe. 3 The genesis and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planets Learn how galaxies, stars, and planets form, interact, and evolve How did the first condensations of matter after the Big Bang lead to today’s universe? To explore this mystery, NASA and our international partners will use new infrared satellite telescopes to investigate the formation of stars and planets and the early evolution of luminous galaxies. An aircraft-based telescope will supply complementary data. But to detect galaxies in their infancy re q u i res an even larger telescope with superb resolution. Near the end of this decade, the Next Generation Space Telescope will peer into the clouds harboring the youngest stars and planets to reveal their location, mass, chemical composition, and dynamics. 4 Life on planets of other stars Look for signs of life in other planetary systems What are the planets of other stars like? Are there many of them? Do any of them resemble Earth? With the Space Interferometry Mission, NASA will, by the end of this decade, be able to search hundreds of stars to detect planets almost as small as Earth. In the longer term, to find out whether these planets can support life, a large interferometric telescope, the Terrestrial Planet Finder, will use spectral analysis to identify planets that have warm atmospheres containing significant amounts of water or oxygen, which could indicate biological activity. 5 The formation and evolution of our solar system and the Earth Understand the formation and evolution of the solar system and the Earth within it The Earth and other bodies in the solar system formed at about the same time and from the same material—a disk of gas and dust encircling the Sun. But the outer “gas giant” planets are very different from the “rocky” planets of the inner solar system. And the inner planets, although similar in size, have dramatically differing atmospheres and surface properties. Why? Mars is the most Earth-like planet in the solar system, with a mysterious past probably very unlike its dry and airless present. It appears to have once had abundant water, a key ingredient of life on Earth. To try to confirm this, NASA will continue to pursue a long-range series of Mars orbiters and landers, including two landers in the 2003 launch opportunity and eventually a sample return. 6 The beginning of life on Earth and whether life exists elsewhere in our solar system Probe the evolution of life on Earth, and determine if life exists elsewhere in the solar system Beyond Mars, there is evidence for the presence of liquid water in the outer solar system as well . The Galileo mission’s observations of Jupiter’s moon Europa suggest there is water beneath its icy crust. To pursue this dramatic but inconclusive lead, NASA plans a Europa Orbiter and possibly eventually a Europa Lander. Scientists hypothesize that comets impacting Earth may have delivered the materials needed for the origin of life : water, atmospheric gases, and perhaps organic chemicals. To investigate this, NASA will fly missions to study the composition of asteroids, comets, and interplanetary dust. NASA’s Astrobiology Initiative probes the central questions of the origin of life on Earth by tracing the existence of biologically critical elements from the first moments of the universe to the evolution of living beings. 7 Our changing Sun and its effects throughout the solar system: Understand our changing Sun and its effects throughout the solar system NASA is conducting a series of Solar Terestrial Probe missions to understand the intrinsic nature of the Sun and its effects on the Earth, on other planets, and on the space between them. For example, NASA will examine the physics of the magnetosphere, the outermost region of the Earth’s at m o s p h e re where the solar wind collides with the Earth’s magnetic field. Other missions, including a cooperative mission with Japan, will study the basic dynamics of our Sun and the connection between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere (the atmospheric region next closest to the Earth). The Living with a Star program will study the causes of solar activity and its impact on Earth and on human exploration. Solar flares can incapacitate Earth-orbiting satellites, disrupt electrical power grids, and expose astronauts to health hazard s ; understanding them is crucial to quality of human life both on Earth and in space. 7 Our destiny in the solar system Chart our destiny in the solar system Missions to the Moon, Mars, and near-Earth asteroids will help us assess potential destinations and resources for human exploration. NASA’s strategy to realize this goal is to build on recent missions such as Lunar Prospector, which returned evidence of water on the Moon, and the Mars Surveyor program, and to develop missions to Earth-approaching asteroids to evaluate their resource potential. Mission: Discover how the universe began and evolved, how we got here, where we are going, and whether we are alone. Human beings have always tried to understand their place in the universe. How did we come to exist on Earth? What is the nature of the stars and our galaxy? How far does the universe extend? Increasingly, we are finding scientific answers to these questions. Space pro b e s, space observatories, and computer modeling are revealing a universe that our ancestors never imagined. NASA has been at the forefront of this historic quest for comprehension. The answers may not only explain our past but may also help us understand our future. NEAR TERM PLANS: -Measure fine details of microwave background - Observe structure of collapsed objects, and determine origins of gamma-ray bursts - Observe in infrared the earliest stages of stellar birth, determine composition of material between stars, and learn about early formation of galaxies and of stars in the galaxy - Analyze dust in other planetary systems, and obtain precise distances and velocities for 40 million nearby stars - Investigate Saturn, its rings, and moon Titan. Analyze the structure and composition of comets, understand the history of Mars, and return dust and solar wind samples - Conduct laboratory and field research on the origin of life on Earth (Astrobiology Initiative), and search for water on Mars - Study the dynamics of the Sun’s atmosphere and interior, research the interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere, and view solar coronal mass ejections in 3-D - Obtain images of the Earth’s magnetosphere during geomagnetic storms, search for evidence of water on Mars, and characterize the number and orbits of Near Earth Objects Space Science 2 Support Human Space Flight Use robotic science missions as forerunners to human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. 1 Mars, the Moon, and Small Bodies Investigate the composition, evolution, and resources of Mars, the Moon, and small bodies 2 Space Weather Forecasting Develop the knowledge to improve reliability of space weather forecasting To help pave the way for human exploration missions, SSE will investigate the composition, evolution, and resources of Mars, the Moon, and other potential destinations.SSE will also develop knowledge needed to improve space weather forecasting, enabling better prediction and mitigation of the radiation to which humans might be exposed. SSE partners with the Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) Enterprise to provide information essential to ensure that humans can venture safely and productively into space. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Explore the surface and atmosphere of Mars, survey the structure and composition of asteroids, and investigate the composition and structure of comets - Analyze the dynamics of the Sun’s atmosphere and interior and obtain 3-D images of solar coronal mass ejections Space Science 3 Technology Technology: Develop new technologies to enable innovative, less expensive flight missions. 1 Technical Approaches and Capabilities Acquire new technical approaches and capabilities 2 Validate Technologies in Space Validate new technologies in space 3 Application and Transfer Apply and transfer technology Advanced technologies allow NASA to conduct missions with lower mass, power, and other resource requirements. This reduces the time and cost of achieving space science goals. Advanced technologies can often also improve the probability of mission success and increase the mission’s scientific return. The SSE technology program will continue to acquire new technical approaches, validate new spacecraft capabilities, and apply and transfer technology. NEAR TERM PLANS - Develop technologies such as radiation-survivable miniaturized spacecraft avionics, advanced non-solar power sources, precision optics, planetary sampling mechanisms, bioassay technology, and sample return systems - Test two independent spacecraft flying as an optical interferometer, and demonstrate flying three subminiature spacecraft as a single system Space Science 4 Education and Public Outreach Share the excitement and knowledge generated by scientific discovery and improve science education. 1 Space Science Discoveries Share the excitement of space science discoveries with the public. 2 Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Enhance the quality of science, mathematics, and technology education, particularly at the precollege level 3 Scientific and Technical Workforce Help create our 21st century scientific and technical workforce Space science has great potential to strengthen America’s interest in science and to improve the quality of U.S. science, mathematics, and technology education. NASA aims to share the excitement of space science missions with the public, enhance U.S. education, and help create the outstanding present and future scientific and technical work force our Nation needs. Virtual exploration and the Internet now offer new dramatic, accessible ways for SSE to share its findings and activities. NASA will continue to use these and other methods to incorporate education and outreach into every SSE mission and research program, increase the proportion of space scientists directly involved in precollege education, improve access to space science information, and promote participation of under-served groups. NEAR TERM PLANS: Integrate education and enhanced public understanding of science into our missions and research programs, establish strong and lasting partnerships between the space science and education communities, and provide ready access to the products of space science education and outreach programs Earth Science 1 Understand Earth Changes Observe, understand, and model the Earth system to learn how it is changing, and the consequences for life on Earth. 1 Discern and describe how the Earth is changing 2 Identify and measure the primary causes of change in the Earth system 3 Determine how the Earth system responds to natural and human-induced changes 4 Identify the consequences of change in the Earth system for human civilization 5 Enable the prediction of future changes in the Earth system Five key science questions are at the heart of this goal: 1. How is the global Earth system changing? 2. What are the primary causes of change in the Earth system? 3. How does the Earth system respond to natural and human induced changes? 4. What are the consequences of change in the Earth system for human civilization? 5. How well can we predict future changes in the Earth system? The Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) seeks to answer these questions through data gathering and analysis. In the near term, NASA is conducting the first-ever systematic survey of practically every aspect of the Earth system. The effort relies on measurements from the Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the series of smaller, experimental Pathfinder spacecraft. Data are collected on variables including clouds, precipitation, atmospheric temperature and humidity, chemicals in the stratosphere and troposphere, radiation, land cover and vegetation, fires, volcanoes, land and sea surface temperature, ocean surface winds, and ice and snow cover. Aircraft and other field campaigns validate and supplement the satellite data. NASA then examines the data, using large-scale computer models to discern patterns and trends among variables. Near-term results will include better inputs for weather and climate prediction, and 3-D maps of the entire inhabited surface of the Earth. In the mid-term, ESE will develop even more advanced instruments and modeling techniques. Results of better observations will include interactive models of climate change impacts, vastly better identification of how human and natural forces affect Earth, and more complete data, especially global winds and precipitation. These data will both improve climate prediction and extend weather forecasts from the current 3 to 5 days to 7 to 10 ten days. To achieve these benefits, NASA is planning the suite of Earth-observing satellites that will succeed the first EOS series described above. These include a land remote sensing capability to succeed Landsat 7 and a joint satellite with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Defense (DOD). This cooperative effort will provide NASA with climate research data while demonstrating advanced instruments for future joint civilian/military weather satellites. Long-term benefits of the ESE program will include 10-day weather and pollution forecasts, 5-day volcanic eruption advance warnings, 15- to 20-month El Niño forecasts, and 10-year predictions of the regional impact of climate change. To obtain the observations needed for this level of prediction, NASA envisions an intelligent network of multiple observation types and vantage points using new technologies such as tiny, inexpensive microsatellites and nanosatellites. These systems will be reconfigurable and autonomous, with overlapping measurements for calibration and validation. ESE’s technology investment strategy over the next 5 to 10 years focuses on the instrument, spacecraft, and information technologies needed to make this future possible. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Establish a benchmark for global rainfall - Estimate uptake of atmospheric CO2 from global measurements of the terrestrial biosphere - Provide precise global measurements of atmospheric temperature and humidity - Make global measurements of cloud properties to determine Earth’s response to solar radiation - Measure global ocean winds and topography to improve accuracy and length of weather prediction and drive models of ocean impacts on climate change - Produce 3-D maps of the entire inhabited surface of the Earth Earth Science 2 Economic and Societal Benefits Expand and accelerate the realization of economic and societal benefits from Earth science, information, and technology. 1 Practical Tools Demonstrate scientific and technical capabilities to enable the development of practical tools for public and private sector decision-makers 2 Public Interest and Career Aspirations Stimulate public interest in and understanding of Earth system science and encourage young scholars to consider careers in science and technology NASA is working to help translate Earth science results into tangible benefits to help citizens in their everyday lives. For example, through its Applications, Commercial, and Education effort and the Commercial Remote Sensing Program, ESE cooperates with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and growers’ associations to apply Earth science knowledge to agriculture. ESE has partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation to apply remote sensing data to highway routing. With the Federal Emergency Management Agency ESE is mapping flood plains to reduce life and property losses from severe storms. NASA works with industry and State and local governments to help commercialize Earth science information, technologies, and products; transfer them to everyday use; educate the public about them; and train a new generation of remote sensing experts. NASA partnerships also facilitate use of Earth science technologies and results by, for example, community-based environmental organizations and multijurisdictional hazard mitigation programs. NASA envisions that over the next 5 to10 years the private sector will be able to supply increasing amounts of the Government’s remote sensing data needs. National standards will bring interoperability to the remote sensing industry. Real-time, remote sensing knowledge will become available via the Internet. Linked models of the land, ocean, and atmosphere will vastly improve resource planning in both the public and private sectors. In addition to transferring Earth science technology for practical applications, NASA is working to make Earth science information readily accessible as a standard, essential part of education. This effort comprises kindergarten through high school, colleges and universities, and adult education venues. The goal is to encourage students to consider science and technology careers and to increase the Earth science literacy of all Americans. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Demonstrate applications of geospatial data to areas such as: agriculture, forestry, and urban and transportation planning - Expand use of commercial systems in collecting Earth system science data - Collaborate with educators to develop new curricula support materials using Earth science data and discoveries Earth Science 3 Advanced Technologies Develop and adopt advanced technologies to enable mission success and serve national priorities. 1 Reduced Costs and Increased Capabilities Develop advanced technologies to reduce the cost and expand the capability for scientific Earth observation 2 Data Technologies Develop advanced information technologies for processing, archiving, accessing, visualizing, and communicating Earth science data 3 Remote Sensing Partner with other agencies to develop and implement better methods for using remotely sensed observations in Earth system monitoring and prediction NASA will improve observational capabilities through the development of small, smart detectors that require less payload space; passive systems with lower energy requirements; designs that allow simpler calibration, integration, and operation; and small self-deploying instrument packages. Strategies to achieve these advances include the Instrument Incubator Program, which competitively selects innovative instrument concepts and sponsors their maturation to the instrument designs of the future. The New Millennium Program identifies, develops, and tests in orbit promising future instrument technologies to verify whether they are ready for full-scaled employment as operational instruments. NASA is pursuing architecture improvements that include intelligent platform and sensor control, better space/ground communications, linking multiple data sets to view the Earth as a system, and increasing the number of data providers and data users in Government and the private sector. A key strategy for achieving NASA’s Earth Science objectives is to forge partnerships with service providers who develop NASA discoveries into new products and services for the Nation. NASA has traditionally pioneered experimental spacecraft and instruments and then turned them over to operational agencies. Perhaps the best example of this is NASA’s long partnership with NOAA. For decades, NASA has developed the Nation’s weather satellite technologies and then transitioned them to NOAA to provide the space-based weather observations used in national forecast models. NASA is now developing instruments for the future converged DOD/NOAA weather satellite system mentioned above. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Implement satellite formation flying to improve science return, and New Millennium Program to validate revolutionary technologies in space - Explore new instrument concepts for next decade missions - Employ high-performance computing to address Earth system modeling challenges - Collaborate with operational agencies in mission planning, development, and operations Biological and Physical Research 1 Habitation of Space Conduct research to enable safe and productive human habitation of space. Space flight exposes humans to physiological and psychological health risks from radiation, reduced gravity, and isolation. BPR will coordinate research in the physical and biological sciences with biomedical applications to develop methods that will reduce these threats to human health in space and planetary environments. BPR will use results from the continuum of research, from fundamental through applied, to design strategies to maintain health, safety, and performance in the hostile environment of space. In addition to controlling the physical changes that seriously threaten space travelers’ health, this Enterprise will conduct research to develop the means to remotely provide crew medical care. BPR will also conduct research on technology for efficient, self-sustaining, life-support systems to provide safe, hospitable environments for space exploration. NASA will team with other research agencies, the private sector, and academia to establish the scientific foundation for cutting-edge, molecular-scale biomedical technologies for use on Earth and in space. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Identify mechanisms of health risk and potential physiological and psychological problems to humans living and working in space, and begin developing and testing countermeasures - Conduct research in analog test beds and on orbit to enhance medical care for human space flight - Test and validate technologies that can reduce the overall mass of human support systems by a factor of 2 (compared to 1990’s levels) - Begin developing interdisciplinary knowledge (e.g., biology, physics, materials) to support safe, effective, and affordable human/robotic exploration Biological and Physical Research 2 Space as a Laboratory Use the space environment as a laboratory to test the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology. The space environment offers a unique laboratory in which to study chemical, physical, and biological processes. Researchers will take advantage of this environment to conduct experiments that are impossible on Earth. For example, most combustion processes on Earth are dominated by the fact that hot gases rise. In space, this is not the case, and hidden properties of combustion emerge. Results from this research promise to improve fire safety, fuel efficiency, and pollution control. Materials scientists will study the role of gravity in important industrial processes. Their results may lead not only to the formation of new materials impossible to produce on Earth, but also to better control of Earth-based processes to obtain improved products. Physicists will take advantage of microgravity to study exotic forms of matter that are better handled in space. Biological research will investigate the role of gravity in life processes. The Enterprise will conduct research to integrate our understanding of the role of gravity in the evolution, development, and function of living organisms and in basic biological processes. The knowledge derived from BPR’s diverse research will not only inform and expand scientific understanding, but will also contribute fundamental knowledge NASA needs to achieve its strategic goals. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Conduct scientific and engineering research and enable commercial research activities on the ISS to enrich health, safety, and the quality of life on Earth - Establish dynamic research partnerships with the scientific community to open new fields of research in chemical, biological, and physical processes, including: Gravity effects on cellular genomics and mechanisms, Structure of biological materials, Safe and efficient combustion processes, Atomic physics investigations probing relativity and new forms of matter - Working with the HEDS Enterprise, identify important science objectives for 100-day class human missions Biological and Physical Research 3 Commercial Research Enable and promote commercial research in space. 1 Industry Involvement Assure that NASA policies facilitate industry involvement in space research 2 Basic Research Knowledge Systematically provide basic research knowledge to industry 3 Technical Support Provide technical support for companies to begin space research 4 Space Station Foster commercial research endeavors with the International Space Station and other assets The Enterprise will provide knowledge, policies, and technical support to facilitate industry investment in space research. NASA has designated 30 percent of ISS resources for commercial utilization. NASA will continue to enable commercial researchers to take advantage of space flight opportunities for proprietary research. The commercial sector will grow to become the premier mechanism for applying space knowledge to benefit the American people. Commercial applications of space knowledge will generate new products, new jobs, and new spin-off companies. At the same time, commercial investment will play an ever-increasing role in enabling the exploration and development of space. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Provide periodic reports on potential applications of space knowledge and possibilities for industry partnerships - Review and make recommendations for changes to NASA commercial policies - Advocate policy, legislative, and engineering actions to facilitate privately funded commercial space development - Create new approaches to collaborative partnerships with the private sector for the development of future BPR Enterprise capabilities Biological and Physical Research 4 Academic Achievement and Quality of Life Use space research opportunities to improve academic achievement and the quality of life. 1 Public Engagement Engage and involve the public in research in space 2 Knowledge Sharing Advance the scientific, technological, and academic achievement of the Nation by sharing our knowledge, capabilities, and assets BPR seeks to use its research activities to encourage educational excellence and to improve scientific literacy from primary school through the university level and beyond. The Enterprise delivers value to the American people by facilitating access to the experience and excitement of space research. NASA seeks to engage the commercial sector in exploiting the economic benefits of space. We also strive to involve society as a whole in the transformations that will be brought about by research in space. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Expand public and K–12 educational access to mission research information - Work with colleges and universities in the conduct of biological and physical space research Human Exploration and Development of Space 1 Space Exploration Explore the Space Frontier 1 High-Leverage Technologies Invest in the development of high-leverage technologies to enable safe, effective, and affordable human/robotic exploration 2 Space Station Research Conduct engineering research on the International Space Station to enable exploration beyond Earth orbit 3 Robotic Missions Enable human exploration through collaborative robotic missions 4 Innovative Approaches Define innovative human exploration mission approaches 5 Partnerships Develop exploration/commercial capabilities through private sector and international partnerships NASA is working to establish safe, self-sustaining systems enabling humans to live and work independent from Earth for extended periods in space, and in the long-term, on other planets and their moons. NASA is establishing the interdisciplinary knowledge base needed for safe, effective, and afford able robotic and human exploration. The Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) Enterprise will utilize Biological and Physical Research Enterprise research in biology, physics, and materials necessary to reduce threats to human health from space radiation, low gravity, and the psychological effects of isolation and remoteness from Earth. Working with the Space Science Enterprise, HEDS will obtain data needed to design future space vehicles and infrastructures, including information on the space environment in general and on the resources, environment, and weather of potential landing sites. NASA plans to establish continuing robotic operations at key sites (“outposts”) to acquire data and conduct experiments before human explorers arrive. Other key strategies for exploration include a continuing emphasis on technological innovation to reduce mission costs and cooperation with industry to identify aspects of missions having commercial potential. NASA will work with industry and other partners including international space agencies to develop affordable mission technologies. In the long term, HEDS envisions human-robotic missions with international partners to outposts beyond low-Earth orbit. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Obtain key data for human mission design decisions from collaboration with robotic science missions - Identify and evaluate candidate approaches for 100- to 1000-day human missions capable of a 5- to 10-fold cost reduction * — while increasing safety and effectiveness - Develop and validate competing technologies for human missions beyond Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) in cooperation with other Agencies, international partners, and U.S. industry* compared with 1990’s studies Human Exploration and Development of Space 2 Permanent Habitation of Space Enable Humans to Live and Work Permanently in Space 1 Access to Space Provide and make use of safe, affordable and improved access to space 2 Space Station Operate the International Space Station to advance science, exploration, engineering, and commerce 3 Health, Safety, and Performance Ensure the health, safety, and performance of humans living and working in space 4 Sustenance with Low Costs Meet sustained space operations needs while reducing costs NASA is working to enable and establish a permanent, productive human presence in space, in which new technologies and new ways of doing business afford unprecedented commercial and scientific opportunities. As a first step, NASA will upgrade the Space Shuttle to improve safety and reliability and will continue to transition it from Government to contractor operations. At the same time, HEDS will work with the Aerospace Technology Enterprise and with industry to develop technologies for future launch and in-space transportation. The aim is to advance systems for both commercial and Government use that are much safer and more economical than current capabilities. While developing future space transportation mechanisms, NASA will in the next few years complete, with international participation, the International Space Station (ISS), and initiate the Station-based scientific research efforts described above. A key HEDS strategy is to eventually commercialize ISS. NASA will continue to design strategies to maintain health, safety, and performance in the hostile environment of space. NASA will also develop efficient, self-sustaining, life-support systems providing safe, hospitable environments for space exploration. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Complete transition of the Space Shuttle to Space Flight Operations Contract (SFOC) and undertake needed upgrades - Complete ISS development and pursue creation of a non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to simplify processes for and/costs of access to space - Conduct exploration and engineering research — and enable scientific and commercial research — activities on the ISS to enrich health, safety, and the quality of life on Earth Human Exploration and Development of Space 3 Commercial Development Enable the Commercial Development of Space 1 Improved Accessibility of Space Improve the accessibility of space to meet the needs of commercial research and development 2 Commercial Endeavors Foster commercial endeavors with the International Space Station and other assets 3 New Capabilities through Partnerships Develop new capabilities for human space flight and commercial applications through partnerships with the private sector NASA is working to formulate and advocate the policy, legislative, and engineering framework needed to facilitate privately funded commercial space activities. This includes both removing barriers and providing incentives. One strategy to achieve this is creation of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to facilitate commercial activities. Through the NGO, HEDS will offer a significant and increasing share of U.S. payload accommodations to commercial ventures so that ISS can function as a genuine commercial research and development (R&D) test bed. NASA has released a pricing policy, structure, and schedule for these commercial activities. Over time, the public share of costs of ISS endeavors will decrease until ISS becomes a commercially operated scientific laboratory and business venue. In the far term, NASA plans to transfer responsibility for all human space flight systems in Earth orbit to the private sector and purchase needed services commercially as NASA turns its focus to the higher-risk farther reaches of the space frontier. Throughout this process, NASA will work with industry to identify the commercial potential of future missions and to conduct cooperative projects to develop new capabilities and reduce Government costs. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Formulate and advocate policy, and legislative and engineering actions, to facilitate privately funded commercial space development - Identify jointly with industry the commercial potential of concepts for 100-day class missions and establish cooperative R&D to develop candidate technologies - Create new approaches to collaborative partnerships with the private sector for the development of future HEDS Enterprise capabilities Human Exploration and Development of Space 4 Discovery Share the Excitement and Benefits of Discovery 1 Public Engagement Engage and involve the public in the excitement and the benefits of — and in setting the goals for — the exploration and development of space 2 More Value to More People Provide significantly more value to significantly more people through exploration and space development efforts 3 Knowledge Sharing Advance the scientific, technological, and academic achievement of the Nation by sharing our knowledge, capabilities, and assets Human space flight has for decades inspired young people to undertake careers in science and technology, benefiting both themselves and our Nation. NASA is working to engage the public in the excitement and benefits of space, both by providing opportunities to participate “firsthand” in missions and by improving education related to exploration, science, and technology. NASA plans to use telepresence and virtual reality technologies to allow the public to travel along to robotic “outposts” and with astronauts on missions beyond Earth orbit. NASA is committed to improving the scientific literacy of all Americans and reaching groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences and technology. Strategies include bringing “firsthand” mission participation to the classroom, collaborations with museums, and helping educators strengthen curricula by incorporating more science, mathematics, technology, and engineering. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Expand public access to HEDS mission information (especially from ISS) by working with industry to create media projects and public engagement initiatives - Work with colleges and universities in the conduct of HEDS research and technology for future exploration Aerospace Technology 1 Revolutionize aviation Enable the safe, environmentally friendly expansion of aviation. 1 Increase Safety Make a safe air transportation system even safer 2 Reduce Emissions Protect local air quality and our global climate 3 Reduce Noise Reduce aircraft noise to benefit airport neighbors, the aviation industry, and travelers 4 Increase Capacity Enable the movement of more air passengers with fewer delays 5 Increase Mobility Enable people to travel faster and farther, anywhere, anytime NASA aims to improve global civil aviation by improving passenger safety, throughput, and mobility and by reducing aircraft emissions and noise. Increase Safety: The projected increase in the number of air travelers will make the need for improved aviation safety even more pressing. AST aims to reduce the aircraft fatal accident rate such that, even with air traffic growth, the number of accidents will decline. Strategies to achieve this objective include technologies to identify, understand, and correct aircraft system problems before they lead to accidents, technological interventions to address specific accident causes such as human error and weather, and aircraft modifications to minimize injury in the event of an accident. These efforts will rely on NASA partnerships with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aviation community. Reduce Emissions: NASA is committed to helping the aviation community achieve significant reductions in nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. Without effective action, carbon dioxide emissions from aviation are projected to increase, and potentially accelerate climate change. Similarly, nitrogen oxides generated during airport operations are a suspected cause of ground-level ozone, contributing to air pollution problems. NASA’s goal is to reduce the impact of aviation-related emissions even given the projected increase in aircraft operations. Strategies center on developing more energy-efficient aircraft, engines, and air traffic management tools. Reduce Noise: Aircraft noise is a quality-of-life issue to millions living near airports. Noise-related concerns constrain the aircraft industry by inhibiting airport construction and expansion, preventing full use of U.S. aerospace products in the world market, and rendering some aircraft obsolete. Noise concerns also limit available flights, which affects consumer choice, convenience, and cost. NASA’s strategies for noise reduction focus on quieter airframes and engines and on improved procedures such as glide slopes and flight paths that reduce ground-level noise. NASA will continue working with the FAA and industry to accelerate technology development and adoption for a win-win solution, for both the aviation and airport neighbor communities. Increase Capacity: NASA is working to safely move significantly more passengers through the Nation ’s air transportation system with fewer delay. This is critical if the U.S. is to accommodate the continued increases in air travel that are projected. Key strategies for achieving this objective include: improvements to aircraft and the air traffic control system to enable the movement of passengers more quickly and reliably, day and night in all weather conditions without compromising safety; better information exchange across the national airspace system; new aircraft and airport configurations that would make it possible to transport more people without requiring new infrastructure; and new concepts for better use of the airspace itself. This effort employs close collaboration with the FAA and U.S. air carriers to integrate NASA technologies into actual operations. Increase Mobility: NASA aims to improve the mobility of U.S. citizens by reducing travel time for both short and long journeys. This requires a wide range of innovations and improvements. For example, NASA is working on methods to integrate small aircraft and all public use landing facilities into the National Air Transportation System to significantly reduce travel time into and out of every community. This will require improvements to both aircraft and the network of small airports. For long journeys, affordable supersonic travel will be essential, but the technological challenges are significant. NASA is working to resolve specific technology problems such as sonic booms, engine noise, and emissions, as well as assessing new vehicle-design concepts. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Develop technologies to reduce the aviation fatal accident rate - Demonstrate technologies to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions - Demonstrate technologies to reduce noise impact by 5 decibels (dB) - Complete near-term advancements in terminal area productivity, and support the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airspace System modernization - Develop technologies for general aviation aircraft and infrastructure improvements and - Explore new innovative supersonic technologies Aerospace Technology 2 Advance space transportation Create a safe, affordable highway through the air and into space. Exploring and developing the space frontier will require safer, more affordable, and much faster space transportation capabilities. NASA is coordinating all of its space transportation efforts under a single investment strategy — the Integrated Space Transportation Plan (See Cross-Enterprise Synergies). The Plan supports technical risk reduction activities in partnership with industry. These activities will lead to a competition in 2005 for full-scale launch vehicle development. These vehicles, combined with NASA-unique hardware, will enable NASA to meet all of its launch needs using commercially competitive, privately owned and operated Earth-to-orbit launch vehicles by 2010. NASA’s space transportation technology objectives are as follows. Mission Safety: NASA’s objective is to make space travel as safe as today’s air travel, moving space travel out of the realm of the extraordinary into the mainstream. NASA is working to reduce the risk of crew loss by designing crew escape systems and by developing for inherent vehicle safety and reliability through fewer parts and more robust subsystems. Developing tools to enable end-to-end computer design and testing of an entire vehicle and its mission, including life cycle risk assessment, will dramatically increase mission safety. In addition, integrating intelligence into vehicle systems will result in improved vehicle health management and self-repair. Safe space launch and travel will help make space accessible to all and will enhance development of the commercial space sector. Mission Affordability: NASA aims to reduce the cost of taking payloads to orbit without compromising safety or reliability. This will require improved concepts for reusable launch vehicles as well as advanced launch systems and launch operations. NASA’s strategy is to accelerate progress toward a second generation reusable launch vehicle in the near-term while fostering the development of more advanced commercial launch systems in the longer term. Opportunities for near-Earth operations and commercialization will be made available by new propulsion systems, improved materials and structures for lightweight, durable in-space transportation vehicles, and reusable systems for traveling between Earth orbits. Both afford ability and safety are essential if we are to realize a dynamic, productive space market. By developing capabilities for both medium/heavy and small payloads, including systems to transfer payloads between Earth orbits, NASA will create a true “Highway to Space.” Mission Reach: This objective aims to develop light, fast space propulsion systems that will reduce travel times. Technology focuses include small systems for deep space missions conducted by the Space Science Enterprise, missions to other planets, and breakthrough propulsion technologies to allow us to eventually reach other stars within a human’s lifetime. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Develop processes and technology improvements for safer crewed launches - Complete technology risk reduction to enable U.S. industry to significantly reduce the cost of launches to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) - Develop advanced space transportation concepts, and initiate enabling technology programs Aerospace Technology 3 Pioneer Technology Innovation Enable a revolution in aerospace systems. Engineering Innovation: NASA is working to enable air and spacecraft designers to know with a high degree of confidence that their revolutionary designs will be safe and will achieve their mission objectives before they begin the costly process of fabricating and testing prototypes. To achieve this, NASA will develop advanced engineering tools and techniques that support “virtual” design processes. These include improved computer simulations to speed design cycles, intelligent networked information handling that enables designers at different locations to collaborate, development of radically new design cycle processes, and use of experimental aerospace vehicles to validate new concepts and technologies. Technology Innovation: NASA intends to develop and apply cutting edge technologies that will accelerate progress and change the definition of what is possible in aerospace. NASA will increasingly look to fields such as biotechnology, information technology, and nanotechnology to create advanced performance characteristics in structures and systems. The ability to build new aircraft and spacecraft structures at the molecular level, atom by atom, will enable greater strength, lighter weight, and lower costs. Miniaturized sensors and actuators embedded throughout vehicles will be able to detect, monitor, and even repair anomalies or failures. Combinations of these technologies may allow vehicles to change their shape. This “morphing” capability will permit better handling, reconfiguration of vehicles for different missions, and “self healing” in response to damage or component failure during flight. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Develop advanced engineering tools, processes, and collaborative teaming environments - Pioneer basic research in revolutionary technologies, such as nanotechnology, information technology, and biotechnology Aerospace Technology 4 Commercialize Technology Extend the commercial application of NASA technology for economic benefit and improved quality of life. NASA technologies benefit not only aerospace but also numerous other industries such as surface transportation and medicine. It is essential that NASA technology continue to be made available to U.S. industry to augment our economy and benefit the public. To accomplish this, NASA provides the U.S. aerospace industry access to its unique facilities and expertise and establishes partnerships with the private sector and State and local governments. A continuing strategy to promote nontraditional applications for NASA technology is the NASA Commercial Technology Network. This network consists of NASA-affiliated organizations across the U.S. that help American enterprises in the transfer, development, and commercialization of NASA-sponsored technology. We seek to ensure the widest application of NASA-developed technology to benefit the Nation. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Increase the number and quality of technology partnerships with U.S. industry, and facilitate increased private sector access to NASA technical expertise and facilities Crosscutting Processes 1 Sound Management Decisions and Practices Enable the Agency to carry out its responsibilities effectively, efficiently, and safely through sound management decisions and practices. 1 Safety and Health Protect the safety of our people and facilities and the health of our workforce Safety is critical to NASA’s quest to expand frontiers in aeronautics and space. Safety is one of our four core values. NASA intends to become the Nation’s leader in work force safety and occupational health and the safety of the products and services we provide. Our strategy is to ensure that safety permeates every aspect of NASA work and that we routinely incorporate safety and health principles and practices into our daily decision making. By focusing on the safety of NASA’s mission and operations, we will also improve quality and decrease costs and schedules over the long run. Our safety priorities are safety for the public, astronauts and pilots, employees, and the high-value equipment in our care. The primary means by which we will achieve safety across these priorities are the following : - Management commitment and employee involvement in preventing mishaps - System and worksite hazard analysis - Hazard prevention and control - Safety and health training We will also further develop our use of risk management practices to identify, analyze, plan for, track, and control risks, both to improve safety and to enhance the likelihood of mission success. As part of this effort, we intend to develop the U.S. Government’s premier Probabilistic Risk Assessment capability. 2 Information Technology Management and Planning Enhance the security, efficiency, and support provided by our information technology resources The Manage Strategically Crosscutting Process includes NASA’s Information Technology (IT) planning. This effort aims for optimal use of NASA’s IT resources to achieve Agency goals and objectives. NASA’s IT planning is built around four focus areas: Safety and Security (security and software management), Cost-effective Common Infrastructure and Services (services and solutions, architecture and standards), Innovative Technology and Practices (knowledge management, work force challenge, and IT research and pilots), and Emerging IT Areas (e-business and e-government). NASA is undertaking an Agencywide IT security effort encompassing: incident response and reporting, auditing and monitoring, penetration testing, risk assessments, security planning requirements, technology application, improved policy and procedures, and education and training. 3 Fiscal Management Manage our fiscal and physical resources optimally To effectively manage our financial resources and evaluate Agency, Enterprise, and program-level performance, NASA is continuing to develop a new integrated financial management system. This system and other initiatives such as full-cost accounting will improve our financial and resource management. 4 Physical Resource Management NASA’s physical assets represent a significant investment of the American taxpayers. Good physical resources management supports NASA’s vision and mission to further America’s aeronautics and space programs. Our strategies to effectively optimize Agency investment strategies include: partner ng, value engineering, outsourcing, performance-based contracting, energy conservation, recycling, and pollution prevention. This optimization dramatically increases the return on investment of NASA’s scarce resources. 5 Acquisition Management Achieve the most productive application of Federal acquisition policies NASA continues to improve the way we work with our contractors and to streamline acquisition regulations. Performance-based contracting and other initiatives are assigning contractors more program integration responsibility and accountability. Moving more NASA civil service employees from detailed operations management to review of contractor work allows us to enable the aerospace business instead of direct it. We continue to work to fully integrate small, small disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses into the competitive base from which we purchase goods and services, encouraging prime contractors to forge long-term, mutually beneficial business relationships with small firms. 6 Human Capital Invest wisely in our use of human capital, developing and drawing upon the talents of all our people Our human capital investment strategy begins with the recognition that employees are our most important resource. We must align management of that resource to best achieve our strategic goals and objectives. We will instill diversity in all that NASA does. As part of this effort we are working to attract and retain a world-class work force with the necessary skills and competencies. Our strategies will include a combination of traditional hiring, more flexible employment arrangements, and nontraditional partnerships and collaborations. We will also encourage continual learning, including an emphasis on technical training, change management, leadership development, and career management. To ensure that we retain a strong, skilled, creative, and effective human resources capability, we will periodically assess the effectiveness of our human capital policies, practices, and tools. Our human capital planning efforts strive to anticipate future challenges and work force issues as NASA continues to move from operations toward more research and development work. The Manage Strategically Crosscutting Process: Through NASA, the American people have invested in an irreplaceable public aerospace research and development infrastructure consisting of a unique combination of physical resources and human talents. Managing these resources effectively and strategically is critical to achieving Agency goals and objectives. If a high-performance organization is to achieve its strategic objectives, it cannot simply practice good management; it must manage strategically. Ordinary good management entails responding to constituencies and customers, minimizing costs, seeking efficiencies, and investing in resources for maximum returns. By integrating these general management practices with management of our strategic processes we seek to manage strategically. Managing Strategically means that all parts of the organization proceed together coherently, comprehensively, and expeditiously toward the achievement of a single set of strategic goals. This requires that we leverage our limited resources; standardize processes where it makes sense to do so; streamline processes for timely results; and ensure rapid, reliable, and open exchanges of information. Crosscutting Processes 2 Delivery of Products and Services Enable NASA’s Strategic Enterprises and their Centers to deliver products and services to our customers more effectively and efficiently 1 Program Safety and Mission Success Enhance program safety and mission success in the delivery of products and operational services 2 Technology Planning, Development, and Integration Enable technology planning, development, and integration driven by Strategic Enterprise customer needs 3 Technology Insertion and Transfer Facilitate technology insertion and transfer, and utilize commercial partnerships in research and development to the maximum extent practicable 4 Engineering Capability Improve NASA’s engineering capability to remain as a premier engineering research and development organization 5 Engineering and Technological Best Practices Capture engineering and technological best practices and process knowledge to continuously improve NASA’s program/project management The Provide Aerospace Products and Capabilities Crosscutting Process: Through this process, NASA’s Strategic Enterprises deliver systems (aeronautics, space, and ground), technologies, data, and operational services to NASA customers so they can conduct research, explore and develop space, and improve life on Earth. The process addresses the fundamental question: “ What cutting-edge technologies, processes, techniques, and engineering capabilities must we develop to enable our research agenda in the most productive, economical, and timely manner?” The process strives to determine how we can most effectively and efficiently provide aerospace products and capabilities to our customers. Crosscutting Processes 3 Knowledge of Science and Engineering Extend the boundaries of knowledge of science and engineering through high quality research. 1 Acquisition of Advice Improve the effectiveness with which we acquire advice from diverse communities 2 Research Priorities Improve the effectiveness with which we plan and set research priorities 3 Selection, Funding, and Conduct of Research Improve the effectiveness with which we select, fund, and conduct research programs 4 Analyses, Publication, and Archival Improve the effectiveness with which we analyze and archive data and publish results The Generate Knowledge Crosscutting Process This is the process by which NASA acquires new scientific and technological knowledge from exploring Earth, the solar system, and the universe, from researching biological, chemical, and physical processes in the space environment, and from aeronautics and astronautics activities. This process seeks to ensure that the science and technology funded by NASA is of the highest caliber. Customers for the product of this research include scientists, engineers, technologists, natural resource managers, policy makers, educators, and the general public. Generating knowledge is central to NASA’s mission and is the primary means through which we seek the answers to our fundamental questions. *** To achieve the goals and objectives for this process, we will evaluate our research programs to ensure NASA’s leadership in science and technology. We will collaborate with old and new partners. We will work with other Federal agencies, universities, and U.S. industry to complement and support our activities. NASA will continue to pursue mutually beneficial cooperative activities in aeronautics and space with other nations, strengthening American competitiveness, yet remaining consistent with the directive to encourage peaceful international cooperation contained in the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (the “Space Act”), 42 U.S.C. 2451, et seq. Crosscutting Processes 4 Timely and Useful Information Ensure that NASA’s customers receive information from the Agency’s efforts in a timely and useful form 1 Knowledge Sharing Share with the public the knowledge and excitement of NASA’s programs in a form that is readily understandable 2 Dissemination of Information Disseminate scientific information generated by NASA programs to our customers 3 Technology Transfer Transfer NASA technologies and innovations to private industry and the public sector 4 Education Support the Nation’s education goals The Communicate Knowledge Crosscutting Process: The Communicate Knowledge process is the means by which NASA coordinates, manages, and shares information and experiences related to the content, relevance, results, applications, and excitement of NASA’s mission. The Space Act mandates that NASA “provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the results there of.” The knowledge generated by NASA’s activities is without purpose if it is not shared with those who can use it. This includes scientists and technologists around the world, companies and innovators, science and technology communicators such as educators, publishers, museums, and the media, and every citizen of the United States and the world. NASA is a recognized leader for its innovative and comprehensive communication abilities. However, as an organization that focuses much of its attention on the successful completion of its programs and projects, we must remember that this is only part of our task. Our communication objectives are not secondary. Particularly as we strive to do more with less, NASA is committed to ensuring that we provide sufficient resources and attention to the vital task of transferring our discoveries outside of the Agency. *** To achieve these objectives, we partner with the educational community and industry to inspire America’s citizenry and create increased learning opportunities. We involve the educational community in our endeavors to inspire America’s students, create learning opportunities, and enlighten inquisitive minds. We seek to share the experience of expanding the frontiers of air and space with the broadest array of America’s citizenry. We will inform, provide the status of, and explain the results of NASA’s programs. We will ensure consistent, high-quality, external communication. In our communication efforts, we will seek to deliver content with value for our customers, not merely to promote our programs. We will constantly seek to understand what our customers value, rather than assume that we already know. Another strategy we will pursue is to better integrate the work of our communication professionals and our scientists and engineers. We will also leverage our information technology resources for knowledge management practices to enhance our communication efforts.