Setting Priorities for Space Research Opportunities and Imperatives (1992) / Chapter Skim
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Setting Priorities for Space Research: Opportunities and Imperatives (Chapter 4)
Setting Priorities for Space Research: Opportunities and Imperatives (Chapter 4)
Pages 63-70
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From page 63... ...
It is essential to concentrate on the initiatives produced by disciplines, not the disciplines themselves.2 Priorities are necessary at several levels within the national scientific enterprise and within the space program and scientific research in space file:///C|/SSB_old_web/prio1ch4.htm (1 of 9)
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From page 64... ...
Finally, within space research itself there is competition for resources between new initiatives and maintenance of the intellectual and physical infrastructure, as well as competition among the initiatives themselves. MOTIVATIONS FOR RECOMMENDING PRIORITIES There are strong motivations on three levels for creating a scientific agenda through the establishment of priorities among competing endeavors: on the national level, to ensure that national goals are served as effectively as possible; for all of science, to ensure that a share of available resources commensurate with benefits is provided; and within science, to ensure that the most worthwhile scientific endeavors are given precedence.
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From page 65... ...
The argument over whether to set priorities is a struggle between the common good and individual goals, between enterprise and risk avoidance, and, ultimately, between good science and pedestrian endeavors. Consensus in the scientific community along with effective advocacy will, in all likelihood, produce more funds and stable funding patterns and hence strengthen science and increase the opportunities for the recommended initiatives.
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From page 66... ...
But the task group believes that in arguing for initiatives, scientists should be sensitive to national goals and political realities, just as politicians in considering scientific initiatives should be sensitive to scientific merit. Since scientists expect support from taxpayers, they should be willing to explain to the public why some initiatives better serve national purposes.
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From page 67... ...
Broad categories within which separate priority lists can be prepared have been proposed.4,5 Such categories might include support for basic research and the scientific infrastructure, followed by the mandatory efforts, grand initiatives, and incremental efforts that are part of the forward march of science.6 Such schemes can then be presented as two-dimensional matrices, with the columns representing categories and containing activities listed by relative priority. The federal Committee on Earth Sciences has presented such a priority scheme for research activities for the U.S.
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From page 68... ...
Thus readiness to do scientific research in space involves a broad range of programmatic issues, including the availability of sensors and instruments, an appropriate spacecraft and launch vehicle, adequate plans for managing data and information, and the existence of a community of scientists with the talent and commitment to ensure the success of the initiative. High priority for a future initiative helps to develop readiness.
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From page 69... ...
In this context, our national goals at the highest level seem fairly clear: increase our understanding of ourselves and the world around us and contribute to national strength and the well-being of the citizens. In seeking to serve these goals through the scientific enterprise or scientific research in space, we should then consider the relative importance of more specific goals and objectives: Maintain the strength of the scientific enterprise.
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From page 70... ...
2. This point was made in a report by the Space and Earth Sciences Advisory Committee, The Crisis in Space and Earth Sciences -- A Time for a New Commitment (NASA Advisory Council, 1986)
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