Space Studies Board Annual Report 2016 (2017) / Chapter Skim
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5.2 Extending Science: NASA's Space Science Mission Extensions and the Senior Review Process
5.2 Extending Science: NASA's Space Science Mission Extensions and the Senior Review Process
Pages 47-53
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From page 47... ...
In response, the Academies created the Committee on NASA Science Mission Extensions, which met in person and via conference call several times starting in December 2015. The committee was asked to evaluate the following: • The scientific benefits of mission extensions, • The current process for extending missions, • The current biennial requirement for mission extensions, • The balance between starting new missions and extending operating missions, and • Potential innovative cost-reduction proposals for extended missions.1 NASA currently operates approximately 60 space science missions, of which approximately 45 have finished their prime mission phase and have entered their extended phase.2 Extended missions provide a substantial return on investment for NASA and U.S.
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From page 48... ...
For spacecraft missions that continue to operate beyond their prime phase, the Senior Review is a valuable peer review process for recommending future support based on assessments of the scientific accomplishments and future projections, as well as the practical utility in meeting national and related interagency needs. NASA uses Senior Review recommendations as a major consideration when deciding on mission extensions.
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From page 49... ...
At times, the Senior Review process has become too compressed, and NASA has allocated insufficient time for some of the stages that are essential for an effective Senior Review. In particular, it is essential that • The Senior Review panels have adequate time to review the proposals, • Adequate time is also allocated to formulate questions for the mission teams, and • The proposal (mission)
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From page 50... ...
Overall, the committee was impressed with the way NASA SMD conducts its mission-extension review process and how much the four SMD divisions communicate amongst themselves regarding the reviews. With respect to the membership of the Senior Review panels, the committee concluded that there are several criteria that SMD can implement and standardize across the divisions.
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From page 51... ...
(Chapter 3) Recommendation: Each of the divisions should ensure that their timelines allocate sufficient time for each stage of the Senior Review process, including a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks from distribution of proposals to the panels until the panel meets with the mission teams.
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From page 52... ...
(Chapter 3) Recommendation: NASA's Science Mission Directorate division directors should continue to commu nicate among themselves to identify and incorporate best practices across the divisions into the Senior Review proposal requirements and review processes and procedures.
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From page 53... ...
Although the committee has recommended a number of refinements, including a 3-year cadence for Senior Reviews, there is a strong consensus that NASA's approach to extended missions is fundamentally sound and merits continued support.
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