Human Exploration / Spaceflight Study

1 2010 NASA Authorization Act 2010

SEC. 204. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON HUMAN EXPLORATION OF SPACE.

(a)IN GENERAL.—In fiscal year 2012 the Administrator shall contract with the National Academies for a review of the goals, core capabilities, and direction of human space flight, using the goals set forth in the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, the goals set forth in this Act, and goals set forth in any existing statement of space policy issued by the President. (b)ELEMENTS.—The review shall include— (1) a broad spectrum of participation with representatives of a range of disciplines, backgrounds, and generations, including civil, commercial, international, scientific, and national security interests; (2) input from NASA’s in terna tiona l par tner discuss ions an d NASA’s Human Exploration Framework Team; (3) an examination of the relationship of national goals to foundational capabilities, robotic activities, technologies, and missions authorized by this Act; (()4) a review and prioritization of scientific , en gineerin g, economic, and social science questions to be addressed by human space exploration to improve the overall human condition; and (5) findings and recommendations for fiscal years 2014 through 2023.

2 Status

• Following April ASEB/SSB mtg, planning group developed and iterated white papers for HSF study approach • Met June 9 with NASA on draft of HSF white paper and initiation study, received suggestions for changes, agreement in principle on initiation activity • After consultation with planning group, the current white paper for HSF study and task statement for initiation activity were sent to NASA on June 27 • Task Statement for initiation activity approved by NRC Governing Board on July 13. • Continued to receive commentary, articles, from various parties interested in the study, former NASA officials, Aerospace Corp., etc. • Sept. 6 – SSB chair and staff met with NASA Administrator and Deppyuty Administrator to discuss currently proposed task approach. • Recently had one of our regular meetings with Senate staff where we discussed the general approach. • Have been promised NASA reaction to June 27 paper and hope to meet again with

Lori Garver soon to discuss next steps. 3 Proposed Approach to Human Spaceflight Study

A. Initiation Activity • identify options for full study, expertise, potential participants and stakeholders needed • host a planning meeting of various stakeholders that will include key NASA officials, Congressional staff, and a cross section of relevant experts from the research and industrial communities B. Phase 1 (Committee and panels 1 and 2) • Obtain and assess broad stakeholder and public input on enduring questions • preliminary feasibility review • Interim report – describes rationale for human spaceflight program, describe value of program, provides examples of pathways (none recommended) C. Phase 2 (Committee and panel 3) • Includes cost and technical review of pathways • Final report ‐ assesses current program with respect to possible pathways, describes the set of most promising pathways and lists prioritized destinations and capability needs for each pathway, describes science and technology that must be pursued needed for each pathway, recommends decision rules to guide planning

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