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Earth Science and Applications from Space A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey (2012) / Chapter Skim
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5 Looking Ahead: Beyond 2020
Pages 65-67

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From page 65...
... MAINTAINING A LONG-TERM VISION Although changes or advances in the field might necessitate alterations to the Earth science program over time, the committee believes that any future study aimed at designing a new set of missions for the Earth science program should retain a long-term focus on the program priorities that underlie the current mission queue, even as it recommends new avenues for investment based on scientific and technological progress over the time period established by such a study (e.g., a decade)
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From page 66...
... Even in a cost-constrained environment, some mission cost growth is likely, if not inevitable. The committee does not discourage rigorous cost estimation at the appropriate time during formulation, a practice that serves an important purpose -- but equally important is setting up clear budgetary decision rules that will help decision makers adjust to a changing fiscal environment and maintain the overall goals laid out in the vision put forth in any suggested future program.2 To supplement such budgetary decision rules, consideration should be given to the use of mission cost caps that would help prevent Consideration should be given to establishing relative investment levels for recommended missions rather than leaving the cost of 2 recommended missions unconstrained.
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From page 67...
... The committee also recognizes, however, that the NASA Earth science program must retain its flexibility to deal with the many shorter-term challenges and opportunities that arise over the course of a decade while community priorities are being implemented. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUTURE REVIEWS As NASA proceeds with implementation of the current decadal survey mission portfolio, there are actions that the agency can perform now to prepare for future major programmatic reviews and prioritysetting exercises.
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Key Terms

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  • mission queue
  • decision rules
  • cost estimation
  • nasa earth

  • science objectives
  • science community
  • major programmatic
  • current decadal
  • study aimed

  • future study
  • ing earth
  • national imperatives
  • seriously damage
  • recommended set

  • community consensus
  • queues drawing
  • stopped short
  • program priorities
  • makers adjust

  • mission queues
  • goals set
  • rigorous cost
  • consensus critical
  • major tasks

  • rough cost
  • necessitate alterations
  • current mission
  • goals laid
  • government policy


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