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Executive Summary
Pages 1-3

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From page 1...
... supports a broad range of planetary science activities, including the analysis of data from past and current spacecraft; laboratory research; theoretical, modeling, and computational studies; geological and astrobiological fieldwork in planetary analog environments on Earth; geological mapping of planetary bodies; analysis of data from Earth- and space-based telescopes; and development of flight instruments and technology needed for future planetary science missions. The primary role of the PSD R&A program is to address NASA's strategic objective for planetary science and PSD's science goals, which are derived in part from the 2011 National Research Council (NRC)
From page 2...
... (Additional details may be found in the section "Proposal Decision Reconsideration" in Chapter 2.) With respect to how effectively the current R&A program elements align with PSD science goals, and whether specific research areas or subdisciplinary groups that are critical to NASA's mission are not supported appropriately in the current program, the committee makes the following recommendations: Recommendation: NASA needs to investigate appropriate mechanisms to ensure that high-risk/high payoff fundamental research and advanced technology-development activities receive appropriate consideration during the review process.
From page 3...
... With respect to whether the current R&A program adequately supports existing missions and prepares the way for future missions, the committee recommends the following: Recommendation: NASA should support the development of the technologies required to return astrobio logical and cryogenic samples to Earth and the appropriate containment, curation, and characterization facilities consistent with the Planetary Science Division's science goals and planetary protection require ments. (Additional details may be found in the section "Enable New Spaceflight Missions" in Chapter 4.)


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