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A Constrained Space Exploration Technology Program A Review of NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program (2008) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
Pages 9-13

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From page 9...
... Committee to Review NASA's Exploration Technology Develop ment Program was asked to perform an independent assessment of NASA's restructured Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) and to offer findings and recommendations related to " the relevance of ETDP research to the objectives of the Vision for Space Exploration, to any gaps in the ETDP research portfolio, and to the quality of ETDP research [emphasis added]
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From page 10...
... about the destinations for human exploration." This phrasing implies to the committee that the technology program should be a thought-leading element of the exploration program, enabling new approaches to a sustain able campaign of exploration. • The fourth bulleted point touches on the need for the ETDP to engage the external community in technology development both commercially and internationally in order to further its interests.
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From page 11...
... The projects are these: 01 Structures, Materials, and Mechanisms 02 Ablative Thermal Protection System for the Crew Exploration Vehicle 03 Lunar Dust Mitigation 04 Propulsion and Cryogenics Advanced Development 05 Cryogenic Fluid Management 06 Energy Storage 07 Thermal Control Systems 08 High-Performance and Radiation-Hardened Electronics 09 Integrated Systems Health Management 10 Autonomy for Operations 11 Intelligent Software Design 12 Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology 13 Automated Rendezvous and Docking Sensor Technology 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
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From page 12...
... The dynamic nature of the ETDP and the Constellation Program may cause certain observations and recommendations to be overtaken by events, but within the scope of the NRC's task, one comprehensive review of the projects was all that could be performed. 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 Exploration Technology Development Program, especially in light of the significant constraints under which the ETDP operates.
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From page 13...
... ; -- The balance between near-term and far-term technology investments (Chapter 4) ; -- The metrics used for assessing progress in technology development (commented on where appropriate: Chapter 2)
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Key Terms

  • exploration technology
  • human exploration
  • advanced capabilities
  • individual projects
  • constellation program

  • etdp research
  • human research
  • human return
  • exploration program
  • robotic program

  • external community
  • precursor robotic
  • introductory text
  • stated objectives
  • capabilities theme

  • lunar precursor
  • crew exploration
  • mars exploration
  • robotic exploration
  • deliver benefits

  • exploration vehicle
  • enable nasa
  • technology develop
  • exploration missions
  • future human

  • limited budget
  • human life
  • robust space
  • ares launch
  • current nasa


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