Several studies provided significant inputs to the work described in this report. Brief synopses of the studies are provided below.
Study: The Next Giant Leap in Space: An Agenda for International Cooperation
Sponsor: The United Nations Association of the U.S.A.
Objectives: As part of the UNA-USAs Multilateral Project, to provide an opportunity for private citizens to participate in an examination of the possibilities for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of space; to examine programs and policy options and to develop a hat of recommendations for the U.S. to pursue.
Study: The Crisis in Space and Earth Science
Sponsor: Space and Earth Science Advisory Committee, NASA Advisory Council
Objectives: To determine the nature of the changes under way in the environment of Space and Earth Science programs; to understand the implications of those changes and to make recommendations to enable NASA to proceed with a long-term, productive program in Space and Earth Sciences; to develop a more rational process for making decisions, especially concerning the selection of major new initiatives; to determine how to optimize the use of limited available resources in such a way as to construct the best possible scientific program.
Study: NASA Mixed Fleet Study
Sponsor: Office of Space Flight, NASA Headquarters
Objectives: To formulate an overall NASA mixed fleet launch strategy and policy for the periods 1988-1995 and 19952010. The tasks included an assessment of mission needs; a launch vehicle data base; launch vehicle/payload capture analysis; mixed fleet scenario definition; and mixed fleet strategy and policy.
Study: NASA Life Sciences Working Group
Sponsor: Administrator's Long Range Planning Office, NASA Headquarters
Objectives: To identify the specific questions which must be answered in the life sciences related to humans in long-duration space flight; to outline the research program required to resolve each issue; to assess NASA's program in terms of the emphasis currently given to each issue.
Study: National Commission on Space Privatization Issues
Sponsor: Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc.
Objectives: To develop criteria to decide where, in the National Commission on Space road map, industry is likely to desire privatization; to identify most attractive candidates in NCOS report for privatization; to suggest NASA actions and ground rules which will increase industry interest in privatization.
Study: U.S. Civil Space Program: An AIAA Assessment
Sponsor: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Objectives: To conduct an analysis and detailed discussion of both urgent (near-to-mid-term) and selected long-term issues affecting the U. S. civil space program. Four categories of issues were addressed: restoring momentum, maintaining space leadership, organizing and managing the civil space program, and building for the future.
Study: Task Force on Issues of a Mixed Fleet of Launch Systems
Sponsor: NASA Advisory Council
Objectives: To examine the issues and questions, and make recommendations to NASA concerning a new policy to conduct the nation's space flight program with a mixed fleet of vehicles. The Task Force addressed three principal issues: an appropriate mix of Shuttle and expendable launch vehicles; appropriate policies and practices for NASA to use in planning and providing launch services; the role NASA should play with respect to current efforts to promote further commercialization of space launch services.
Study: Assessment of the Soviet Space Program
Sponsor: Administrators Long Range Planning Office, NASA Headquarters
Objectives: To undertake a technical review of the capabilities of the Soviet space program to include transportation and launch systems, piloted programs, and space science programs.
Study: Task Force on Space Program Goals
Sponsor: NASA Advisory Council
Objectives: To assess the work conducted by NASA to respond to the National Commission on Space report and advise in the formulation of any plans, with the emphasis on nearer-term goals, objectives, program thrusts, and broad policy issues identified by the task force.
Study: Microgravity Materials Science Assessment Task Force
Sponsor: Administrators Long Range Planning Office, NASA Headquarters
Objectives: To determine NASA's role in research, technology development, and hardware development; to identify essential areas of research; to assess NASA's roles in assisting its customers interested in the STS; to develop a plan for using the Shuttle, Spacelab, free-flyers, and Space Station for microgravity processing research.
Study: A Strategy for Space Biology and Medical Science
Sponsor: Space Science Board, National Academy of Sciences
Objectives: To develop a strategy for space biology and medical science for the 1980s and 1990s; to identify and describe those areas of fundamental scientific investigation in space biology and medicine that are both exciting and important to pursue; to develop the foundation of knowledge and understanding that will make long-term piloted space habitation and/or exploration feasible.
Study: Educational Affairs Five-Year Plan
Sponsor: Educational Affairs Division, NASA Headquarters
Objectives: To develop a five-year plan to improve the quality of science, mathematics, and technology education in the nation's school systems and increase the talent pool of professional and technical personnel needed in the fields of aeronautics and space.
Study: Committee on Space Technology Needs for the Future
Sponsor: Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, National Academy of Sciences
Objectives: To identify enabling and enhancing technology required to support an aggressive civilian space program for the next 30 years, considering both mission goals and the need for reduced costs for acquisition and operations in space; review probable sets of space science, military, space applications, and piloted exploration missions; identify technologies needed to realize and support the defined missions; identify areas where new and innovative approaches are likely to produce exceptional systems, benefits, or new capabilities; define and prioritize a research and technology development program and identify projects and in-space research and technology needs to bring the necessary technology to a state of readiness.
Study: Space Science in the Twenty-First Century. 1995-2015
Sponsor: Space Science Board, National Academy of Sciences
Objectives: To identify the major directions for space science for the years 1995-2015. The study was devoted to the review of six major discipline groups: Fundamental Physics and Chemistry, Planetary/Lunar Exploration, Astronomy/ Astrophysics, Earth Sciences, Solar/Space Plasmas, and Life Sciences.
Study: OSTP Comments and Recommendations on the National Commission on Space
Sponsor: Office of Science and Technology Policy, NASA Headquarters
Objectives: To develop a strategy on how to respond to the recommendations contained in the National Commission on Space report. This is intended to include a review of the current space-related policies and directives, as well as to develop Presidential direction to appropriate agencies to examine the Report and develop potential implementation plans.
Study: Task Force on International Policy and Program Issues
Sponsor: NASA Advisory Council
Objectives: To consider the long-range plans of NASA, other nations, and international bodies, with emphasis on opportunities for cooperative activities and alternative forms of such cooperation, as well as areas of present and potential competition; consider the use of international activities as instruments of foreign policy.
Study: Life Science Strategic Planning Study Committee
Sponsor: NASA Advisory Council
Objectives: Characterize present NASA life science programs; recommend major NASA life science research goals and objectives; project foreseeable progress in relevant life sciences and technologies; determine what research and development should be supported; formulate technical and scientific strategies to accomplish the selected objectives and goals.
Study: National Space Transportation and Support Study
Sponsor: Office of Space Flight, NASA Headquarters; Department of Defense
Objectives: To study the development of a second-generation space transportation systemmaking use of piloted and automated systems to meet the requirements of all users. A full range of options will be studied, including Shuttle-derived technologies and others. The study will examine the 1995-2010 time frame.