Skip to main content

Toward a New Era in Space Realigning Policies to New Realities (1988) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

A STREAMLINED AND REVITALIZED NASA
Pages 17-19

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 17...
... Other aspects of the planned space infrastructure, such as orbital maneuvering and transfer vehicles, upper stages for deep-space missions, and tracking and data relay satellites should be carefully and continually evaluated in the context of both NASA's base program of science and applications missions and those special initiatives that are actually pursued. In short, the nation must avoid investing in unneeded capabilities while ensuring the availability of the capabilities required for mission success.
Read the entire page →
From page 18...
... Strengthen Headquarters Management Capabilities Although steps have been taken in recent years to address some of NASA's institutional problems, the agency has had great difficulty in attracting and retaining people of experience and capability into Washington for Headquarters positions, a situation due in part to competition with private industry, noncompetitive civil service salary levels, and restrictions on employment after leaving government. This has led to major weaknesses in program management, institutional management, and conduct of external affairs, all areas in which the Headquarters must be strong and competent to be effective in leading the centers and managing the affairs of the agency.
Read the entire page →
From page 19...
... Converting other NASA centers into government-owned, privately operated institutions would afford them a degree of autonomy similar to that of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Lincoln Laboratory, or the National Center for Atmospheric Research and would provide them flexibility to hire and retain outstanding people by offering more attractive salaries -- without increasing overall expenditures. However, any attempt at such conversion should be thoughtfully planned to ensure that commitments can be kept and research is not disrupted.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • nasa field
  • nasa centers
  • planned space
  • space infrastructure
  • space station

  • space transportation
  • civil service
  • jet propulsion
  • management capabilities
  • semiautonomous status

  • propulsion laboratory
  • microgravity research
  • nasa nasa
  • heavy lift
  • service regulations

  • station program
  • organization capable
  • base program
  • relay satellites
  • conversion process

  • service salary
  • attract capable
  • require legislative
  • nasa programs
  • atmospheric research

  • industrial laboratory
  • additional microgravity
  • advanced technologies
  • technical university
  • outstanding people


    • 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.