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Fostering Visions for the Future A Review of the NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts (2009) / Chapter Skim
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4 Infusion of Advanced Concepts into NASA
Pages 37-40

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From page 37...
... An example of this approach was coordination of relevant themes for NIAC studies from across the agency's mission directorates.1 Inputs from past and present NASA managers have indicated that the closure of NIAC was consistent with a long-term trend within NASA to increase focus on nearterm missions, with corresponding reductions in support of longer-term advanced mission concepts and technologies. Examples of such dissolutions are the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology, the Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology, the Office of Space Access and Technology, and the Office of Aerospace Technology, in 1992, 1994, 1996, and 2004, respectively.
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From page 38...
... FIGURE 4-1 NASA organization. SOURCE: Courtesy of NASA, available at http://www.nasa.gov/about/ org_index.html.
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From page 39...
... Management with senior, NASA-wide perspectives and resources outside the nearterm focus of the NASA mission directorates should, based on successful Innovative Partnership Program experiences, materially increase the probability for sustained value from a NIAC2 program. Recommendation 4.1: To improve the manner in which advanced concepts are infused into its future systems, the committee recommends that NASA consider reestablishing an aeronautics and 39
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From page 40...
... Recommendation 4.3: Identification of center technical champions and provision for technical participation of NASA field center personnel in NIAC2 efforts -- participation that can be expected to increase as NIAC2 projects mature -- is recommended. Increased participation of NASA field center personnel, beyond review and management functions, may significantly enhance advanced concept maturation and infusion into NASA mission planning.
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  • successful infusion

  • mission planning
  • technology readiness
  • readiness level
  • phase iii
  • mission selection

  • wide media
  • trial basis
  • contribute thematic
  • flight visionary
  • organization responsible

  • directorates conduct
  • supported efforts
  • resources placed
  • nasa programs
  • worthy candidates

  • niac studies
  • center foci
  • management functions
  • materially increase
  • technical representative


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