Studies in Progress
Review of Near-Earth Object Surveys and Hazard Mitigation Strategies
The National Research Council Space Studies Board, in cooperation with the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, shall conduct a two-part study to address issues in the detection of potentially hazardous NEOs and approaches to mitigating identified hazards. Both tasks should include an assessment of the costs of various alternatives, using independent cost estimating. Options that blend the use of different facilities (ground- or space-based), or involve international cooperation, may be considered. Each study phase will result in a report to be delivered on the schedule provided in the contract. Key questions to be addressed during each phase of the study concern two areas: NEO Surveys and NEO Hazard Mitigation.
Rationale and Goals of the U.S. Civil Space Program
A committee will prepare a report to advise the nation on key goals and critical issues in 21st century U.S. civil space policy. The committee will identify overarching goals that are important for our national interest. Issues that are critically important to achieving these goals and ensuring the future progress of the U.S. civil space program will be identified, and options to address unresolved issues will be discussed. Using its best objective judgment and recognizing other national priorities, the committee will explore a possible long term future for U.S. civil space activities that is built upon lessons learned and past successes; is based on realistic expectations of future resources; and is credible scientifically, technically, and politically.
Radioisotope Power Systems Project
The Space Studies Board, in conjunction with the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, will appoint a study committee to assess the technical readiness and programmatic balance of NASA's radioisotope power systems technology portfolio in terms of its ability to support NASA’s near- and long-term mission plans. In addition, the study will also examine related public and private infrastructure and the effectiveness of other federal agencies involved in relevant R&D. The study will also review strategies for re-establishing domestic production of Pu-238, which serves as the fuel for radioisotope power systems.
Review of NASA’s Exploration Technology Development Program
A committee will be formed to perform an independent assessment of NASA’s restructured Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) to determine how well the program is aligned with the stated objectives of the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE), identify any gaps, and assess the quality of the research.
NASA's National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service (NAOMS) Project: An Independent Assessment
The Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, in conjunction with the Committee on Applied and Theoretical Statistics, will create an ad hoc study committee to make an independent assessment of NASA's NAOMS project. This project used a survey methodology to anonymously collect data from commercial and general aviation pilots over several years regarding aviation safety-related events. The NAOMS project contracted with Battelle Memorial Institute to design the survey and collect the data. The committee will assess the NAOMS survey methodology, and, to the extent possible, analyze the survey data. Meeting Agendas and Presentations
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