Powering Science : Nasa's Large Strategic Science Missions

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences; Space Studies Board; Committee on Large Strategic Nasa Science Missions: Science Value and Role in a Balanced Portfolio

ISBN 10: 0309463831 / ISBN 13: 9780309463836

Published by National Academies Press, 2017

About this Item

Unread book in perfect condition.

Seller Inventory # 30714446

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Powering Science : Nasa's Large Strategic Science Missions
• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication Date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309463831
• ISBN 13: 9780309463836
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: As New

About this title

Synopsis

NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) currently operates over five dozen missions, with approximately two dozen additional missions in development. These missions span the scientific fields associated with SMD's four divisions—Astrophysics, Earth Science, Heliophysics, and Planetary Sciences. Because a single mission can consist of multiple spacecraft, NASA-SMD is responsible for nearly 100 operational spacecraft. The most high profile of these are the large strategic missions, often referred to as "flagships."

Large strategic missions are essential to maintaining the global leadership of the United States in space exploration and in science because only the United States has the budget, technology, and trained personnel in multiple scientific fields to conduct missions that attract a range of international partners. This report examines the role of large, strategic missions within a balanced program across NASA-SMD space and Earth sciences programs. It considers the role and scientific productivity of such missions in advancing science, technology and the long-term health of the field, and provides guidance that NASA can use to help set the priority of larger missions within a properly balanced program containing a range of mission classes.