Page 35
Appendix A
Statement of Task
The study committee will examine the nation's space technology needs for the post-2000 time frame and identify areas where early R&T could result in the creation of an enabling technology "pipeline" that could be tapped for future activities. Emphasis will be placed on identifying high-risk, high-payoff technologies that initially can be pursued within a constrained budget environment. Technologies to be considered will apply to NASA missions and to other civil and commercial uses of space. Specifically, the committee will:
I. | Characterize the space missions likely to be conducted in the post-2000 time frame in order to understand possible technology needs. |
II. | Assess which technologies have the greatest potential for improving the capabilities and reducing the cost of NASA, other government, or commercial space programs in the 2000-2020 time frame. |
III. | Determine which of these new technologies could benefit greatly from NASA long lead-time research and development and which are already being developed, or are likely to be developed, by the commercial space industry or by other government agencies. |
IV. | Suggest how NASA can be more effective in working with industry and universities to develop these technologies. |