Review of Goals and Plans for NASA's Space and Earth Sciences

Both the President's commission on how to implement the President's space exploration initiative and Congress asked the NRC undertake an assessment and review of the science proposed to be carried out under the initiative.

An initial response to that request was the NRC February 2005 report, Science in NASA's Vision for Space Exploration.

While that report's preparation, NASA created capabilities and strategy roadmapping efforts which became the object of the next phase of the NRC review.

The new NASA administrator modified that NASA activity resulting in changes in the NRC review effort.

This report provides a review of six science strategy roadmaps: robotic and human exploration of Mars; solar system exploration; universe exploration; search for earth-like planets; earth science and applications from space; and sun-earth system connection.

In addition, an assessment of cross-cutting and integration issues is presented. Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction and Background2 Robotic and Human Exploration oF Mars3 Solar System Exploration4 Universe Exploration and the Search for Earth-Like Planets5 Earth Science and Applications from Space6 Sun-Solar System Connection7 Cross-Cutting and Integration IssuesAppendix A Letters from NASAAppendix B Acronyms and AbbreviationsAppendix C Biographies of Panel Members and StaffAppendix D Missions in NASA Strategic Roadmaps