Priorities in Space Science Enabled by Nuclear Power and Propulsion (2006) / Chapter Skim
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7 Applications of Nuclear Power and Propulsion in Astronomy and Astrophysics: Background
7 Applications of Nuclear Power and Propulsion in Astronomy and Astrophysics: Background
Pages 83-90
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From page 83... ...
APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR POWER AND PROPULSION IN ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS: BACKGROUND 83 7 Applications of Nuclear Power and Propulsion in Astronomy and Astrophysics: Background SCIENTIFIC AND PROGRAMMATIC CONTEXT The Goals of Astronomy and Astrophysics How did the universe begin and evolve? How did we get here?
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From page 84... ...
84 PRIORITIES IN SPACE SCIENCE ENABLED BY NUCLEAR POWER AND PROPULSION · Study the formation of stars and their planetary systems, and the birth and evolution of giant and terrestrial planets; and · Understand how the astronomical environment affects Earth. As discussed below, new discoveries since the publication of the AAp decadal survey motivated the development of a subsequent report on the interface between physics and astrophysics, Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos.3 High-Priority Missions in the AAp Decadal Survey To achieve the priority goals listed above, the AAp decadal survey selected as its highest priorities a number of ground- and space-based initiatives, grouped according to cost as major, moderate, and small.a The major space-based initiatives recommended are, in priority order, as follows: 1.
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From page 85... ...
Many physicists have thus become convinced that astronomical studies hold keys to the future development of fundamental physics. The Interface Between Fundamental Physics and Astrophysics Recognition of the increasing importance of the close interplay among astronomy, astrophysics, and fundamental physics led to the publication in 2003 of Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos,4 a report that made recommendations and defined priorities for the field, informed by the developments since the release of the AAp decadal survey.
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From page 86... ...
The report of the Aldridge Commission,7 charged to define a plan for implementing the initiative, proposes a notional science agenda that is consistent with the science goals outlined in NASA's Beyond Einstein roadmap.8 Nevertheless, members of the astronomy and astrophysics community are concerned that current and future budgetary pressures will impact the implementation of the science priorities in the AAp decadal survey and in Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos.9 Why a Diversity of Missions Is Needed As indicated above, the diverse contents of the universe span a vast range of brightness and distance and emit an enormous diversity of radiation, only narrow bands of which can penetrate Earth's atmosphere. Other objects of interest may not be visible at all and can be studied only through detection of their gravitational radiation or their influence on the surrounding medium.
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From page 87... ...
APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR POWER AND PROPULSION IN ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS: BACKGROUND 87 Many of the important scientific priorities in astronomy and astrophysics can be addressed most easily through small, low-cost, focused space missions. An excellent example is the tremendous success of WMAP in revolutionizing understanding of the early evolution of our universe.
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From page 88... ...
88 PRIORITIES IN SPACE SCIENCE ENABLED BY NUCLEAR POWER AND PROPULSION -- Geometrical parallax. Telescopes separated by many tens to hundreds of AU can potentially improve the astronomical distance scale.
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From page 89... ...
? - aSource of NRC recommendation: 1 -- AAp decadal survey 2001; 2 -- AAp decadal survey 1991; and 3 -- Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos.
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From page 90... ...
4. National Research Council, Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos -- Eleven Science Questions for the New Century, The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C., 2003.
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