Space Studies Board Annual Report 1998 (1999) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
4. Short Reports
4. Short Reports
Pages 102-118
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 102... ...
The NGST is a major component of NASA's 2000-2005 strategic plan for space science, The Space Science Enterprise (NASA, November 1997~. It would be sensitive to the red-shifted near-infrared radiation from the early 102
|
From page 103... ...
FIRST will be able to detect the highly luminous infrared emission associated with the high rates of early star formation in dust-enshrouded galaxies. NASA participation in the ESA Planck and FIRST missions could be crucial to realizing the full science potential of these missions, which address the top two science priorities in space astronomy identified by the Thaddeus report.
|
From page 104... ...
At its second and third meetings, the committee examined several such data sets, including sea surface temperature, atmospheric ozone and aerosols, sea surface elevation, global temperature, terrestrial vegetation, clouds, Earth's radiation budget, and ocean winds. For each time series, the committee explored issues related to sensor performance and calibration, data access, and data consistency.
|
From page 105... ...
It is clear to the Committee on Earth Studies that NASA, through its Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) , and NOAA, through its operational environmental satellite programs, fulfill important roles in Earth system research.
|
From page 106... ...
Such changes will require involvement by the science community throughout the development and operations of NPOESS, as opposed to involvement limited to the program' s initial design phases. The committee recommends that NOAA and the NPOESS IPO address the needs for climate research by: 1.
|
From page 107... ...
The committee recommends that in coordination with NASA/DES the IPO immediately extend its responsibilities to include the potential climate research and monitoring capabilities of the NPOESS satellites. This will enable a systemwide view of both NOAA and NASA missions in the context of an integrated climate-observing system.
|
From page 108... ...
Calibration and validation are essential components of Earth systems science, and the committee will investigate both the on-board and ground-based strategies that are needed. Lastly, the committee will work with other appropriate NRC committees in the area of data systems to better understand how they may be optimized to support reprocessing of long time series for climate research.
|
From page 109... ...
Carl Pitcher, science program director for NASA 's Solar System Exploration Division. · The scientific goals and objectives of NASA's Mars exploration program must be stated in scientifically valid and reasonable terms.
|
From page 110... ...
· The enabling and enhancing activities, such as the micromissions, the uncommitted payload mass, and operational tests, are fundamental to fulfilling the scientific objectives of the Mars exploration program because they can enhance the data return, enable new or unique measurements, provide flexibility to respond to new discoveries, and permit the optimization of surface operations based on experience from relevant preflight tests. In addition, the micromissions and uncommitted payload mass provide a potential means of addressing scientific goals not currently included in NASA's architecture (e.g., studies of martian climate change)
|
From page 111... ...
Rephrase the Objectives in the Goal Statement The goal statement for the Mars architecture should be phrased in a fashion that maintains both excitement and scientific integrity. The goal of NASA' s Mars exploration program is, according to the presentations received by COMPLEX, "[to]
|
From page 112... ...
As a result, maintenance of both the scientific integrity of returned samples and the public's trust demands that the program be conducted within the framework of appropriate safeguards relating to forward and back contamination.3 4 Develop Plans to Integrate the Program Elements One of the greatest strengths of the Mars exploration program is the breadth and depth of its support. The exploration of Mars is a high priority for the scientific community,5 it is a major programmatic goal for NASA,6 and it is a prime policy goal of the Clinton Adm~nistration.7 Mars is also of great interest to the public and is the next obvious target for human exploration beyond the Earth-Moon system.8 These collective constituencies support Mars exploration for different reasons, and the exploration architecture will, necessanly, be a compromise reflecting diverse goals and aspirations.
|
From page 113... ...
Integrating public outreach and educational activities. Consider Contingencies, Discoveries, Descopes, and the Role of a Science Dernihon Team Two elements of planning need to be incorporated in the implementation plan deriving from the proposed Mars exploration architecture.
|
From page 114... ...
To meet the goals of in situ determination of geomorphology, mineralogy, petrology, and chemistry for each landing site, the standard rover instrument complement for these missions should provide images of the terrain at scales ranging from panoramic to microscopic; mineralogical analysis for accurate determination of rock types; 74-75. i3Space Studies Board, National Research Council, Managing the Space Sciences, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1995, pages i4Space Studies Board, National Research Council, "Scientific Assessment of NASA's Mars Sample-Return Mission Options," letter report to Jurgen Rahe, NASA December 3, 1996.
|
From page 115... ...
This is true not only for the increased coverage provided by Mars Express, but also for the near-infrared mapping data that would not otherwise be obtained. Promote Associated Enabling and Enhancing Activities The Mars exploration architecture outlines a framework within which it should be possible to conduct a highly focused program of martian exploration.
|
From page 116... ...
Enhancements and Descope Options There is the danger that enabling and enhancing activities such as the micromissions, the uncommitted payload mass, and operational tests might be viewed as "reserves." COMPLEX views these elements as fundamental in fulfilling the scientific objectives of the Mars exploration program because they can enhance the data return, enable new or unique measurements, provide flexibility to respond to new discoveries, and permit the optimization of surface operations based on experience from relevant preflight tests. In addition, the micromissions and uncommitted payload mass provide a potential means of addressing scientific goals not currently included in NASA's architecture (e.g., studies of martian climate change)
|
From page 117... ...
Yet, the extremes of either trivial involvement or interference with scientific activities need to be addressed early in the planning in order to avoid potentially harmful complexities or unrealistic expectations by the public, educators, or the media. The planetary-science community should be actively involved in educational and public-outreach activities associated with the Mars exploration program.
|
From page 118... ...
Relevant resources must also be identified for these and related activities, such as sample- and data-analysis programs, and upgrading laboratory facilities. · The enabling and enhancing activities, such as the micromissions, the uncommitted payload mass, and operational tests, are fundamental to fulfilling the scientific objectives of the Mars exploration program because they can enhance the data return, enable new or unique measurements, provide flexibility to respond to new discoveries, and permit the optimization of surface operations based on experience from relevant preflight tests.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.