Skip to main content

Currently Skimming:

Summary
Pages 1-8

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 1...
... The committee found that in 20 of the 22 ETDP projects, corrective action leading to project improvement was either warranted or required. However, the committee believes that the ETDP contains a range of technologies that will, in principle, enable the realization of many of the early endeavors currently imagined in the Exploration Systems Architecture Study.2 The committee concluded that the ETDP, if adequately and stably funded and executed in a manner consistent with the planning process, would likely make available the required technology on schedule to its customers in the Constellation Program.
From page 2...
... These actions could have important consequences for aspects of the VSE beyond the initial, short-duration lunar missions -- including an extended human presence on the Moon and human exploration of Mars and beyond. With respect to the management of the ETDP, the program incorporates good processes for tracking Constel lation Program requirements, for dealing with the mechanics of formal technology transfer, and for managing the programmatic risk of its own technology developments.
From page 3...
... TABLE S.1 Summary of the Committee's Ratings for Each ETDP Project with Regard to Quality, Effectiveness in Developing and Transitioning Technology, and Alignment with the Vision for Space Exploration Project Name Quality Effectiveness Alignment 1 Structures, Materials, and Mechanisms 2 Ablative Thermal Protection System 3 Lunar Dust Mitigation 4 Propulsion and Cryogenics 5 Cryogenic Fluid Management 6 Energy Storage 7 Thermal Control Systems 8 High-Performance and Radiation-Hardened Electronics 9 Integrated Systems Health Management 10 Autonomy for Operations 11 Intelligent Software Design 12 Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance 13 Automated Rendezvous and Docking Sensors 14 Exploration Life Support 15 Advanced Environmental Monitoring and Control 16 Fire Prevention, Detection, and Suppression 17 Extravehicular Activity Technologies 18 International Space Station Research 19 In Situ Resource Utilization 20 Fission Surface Power 21 Supportability 22 Human Robotic Systems/Analogs Totals Gold star 1 0 1 Green flag 12 5 12 Yellow flag 10 16 9 Red flag 1 3 0 Key: Gold star: Quality unmatched in the world; on track to deliver or exceed expectations. Green flag: Appropriate capabilities and quality, accomplishment, and plan.
From page 4...
... The integration of human-related requirements and engineering is essential for ensuring mission success and safety. However, none of the presentations given to the committee called out as design drivers the detailed human health/human factor risks or requirements identified in what NASA regards as controlling documents (such as the Human Research Program Requirements Document6 or the NASA Space Flight Human Systems Standards7)
From page 5...
... Finding: The ETDP is operating within significant constraints. These constraints include the still-dynamic nature of the requirements handed over from the Constellation Program; the constraints imposed by a limited budget, both from a historical perspective and relative to the larger exploration goals; the aggressive timescale of early technology deliverables; and the desire within NASA to fully employ the NASA workforce at its "ten healthy centers." These constraints have posed many management and programmatic challenges, which in some cases have impeded the efficiency and effectiveness of the ETDP.
From page 6...
... Finding: The ETDP is currently focused on technologies at or above TRL 3, a focus driven by the need to bring together all of the available resources of NASA to reduce nearer-term Constellation mission risk and at the same time reduce potential Constellation Program schedule slippages within the assigned budget profile. Finding: Most ETDP projects represent incremental gains in capability, which is not inconsistent with the focus on projects at TRL 3 and above.
From page 7...
... Finding: Some ETDP projects have made alliances with others in the broader community that will add to the effectiveness or efficiency of the project. However, the committee observes that in general, the ETDP has not taken advantage of many external resources that could potentially reduce cost or schedule pressure, aid in the develop ment of NASA's proposed technology, and/or provide alternative and backup technologies.
From page 8...
... CONCLUSION At the conclusion of its study, the committee had developed an appreciation of the enormity of the task faced by the NASA workforce engaged in the ETDP, especially in light of the significant constraints under which the ETDP operates. These include the following: • The constraints imposed by a limited budget relative to the exploration goals, • The still-dynamic nature of the requirements handed over from the Constellation Program, • The timescale laid out to meet the requirements of the VSE, and • The desire within NASA to fully employ the NASA workforce at all of its centers.


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.