Research for a Future in Space

Research for a Future in Space PDF

Author: Committee for the Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2012-07-19

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 0309261031

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During its more than 50-year history, NASA's success in human space exploration has depended on the agency's ability to effectively address a wide range of biomedical, engineering, physical sciences, and related obstacles. This achievement is made possible by NASA's strong and productive commitments to life and physical sciences research for human space exploration, and by its use of human space exploration infrastructures for scientific discovery. Research for a Future in Space: The Role of Life and Physical Sciences explains how unique characteristics of the space environment can be used to address complex problems in the life and physical sciences. This booklet also helps deliver both new knowledge and practical benefits for humankind as it embarks on a new era of space exploration. Research for a Future in Space: The Role of Life and Physical Sciences is based on the in depth report, Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: Life and Physical Sciences Research for a New Era. To learn more about the future of space exploration, visit our catalog page and download this report for free.

Assessment of Directions in Microgravity and Physical Sciences Research at NASA

Assessment of Directions in Microgravity and Physical Sciences Research at NASA PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2003-07-11

Total Pages: 123

ISBN-13: 0309086396

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For thirty years the NASA microgravity program has used space as a tool to study fundamental flow phenomena that are important to fields ranging from combustion science to biotechnology. This book assesses the past impact and current status of microgravity research programs in combustion, fluid dynamics, fundamental physics, and materials science and gives recommendations for promising topics of future research in each discipline. Guidance is given for setting priorities across disciplines by assessing each recommended topic in terms of the probability of its success and the magnitude of its potential impact on scientific knowledge and understanding; terrestrial applications and industry technology needs; and NASA technology needs. At NASA's request, the book also contains an examination of emerging research fields such as nanotechnology and biophysics, and makes recommendations regarding topics that might be suitable for integration into NASA's microgravity program.

International Spacer Station

International Spacer Station PDF

Author: Cristina T. Chaplain

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 2010-06

Total Pages: 39

ISBN-13: 1437927343

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In 2010, after about 25 years of work and the expenditure of billions of dollars, the International Space Station (ISS) will be completed. According to NASA, the ISS crew will then be able to redirect its efforts from assembling the station to conducting research. In 2005, Congress designated the ISS as a national lab.; in addition, NASA is required to provide a research management plan for the ISS National Lab. This report reviewed the research use of the ISS, and: (1) identified how the ISS is being used for research and how it is expected to be used once completed; (2) identified challenges to maximizing ISS research; and (3) identified common management practices at other national lab¿s. and large science programs that could be applicable to the management of the ISS. Charts and tables.

Assessment of Options for Extending the Life of the Hubble Space Telescope

Assessment of Options for Extending the Life of the Hubble Space Telescope PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2005-02-28

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 0309165458

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The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has operated continuously since 1990. During that time, four space shuttle-based service missions were launched, three of which added major observational capabilities. A fifth â€" SM-4 â€" was intended to replace key telescope systems and install two new instruments. The loss of the space shuttle Columbia, however, resulted in a decision by NASA not to pursue the SM-4 mission leading to a likely end of Hubble's useful life in 2007-2008. This situation resulted in an unprecedented outcry from scientists and the public. As a result, NASA began to explore and develop a robotic servicing mission; and Congress directed NASA to request a study from the National Research Council (NRC) of the robotic and shuttle servicing options for extending the life of Hubble. This report presents an assessment of those two options. It provides an examination of the contributions made by Hubble and those likely as the result of a servicing mission, and a comparative analysis of the potential risk of the two options for servicing Hubble. The study concludes that the Shuttle option would be the most effective one for prolonging Hubble's productive life.

Issues and Opportunities Regarding the U.S. Space Program

Issues and Opportunities Regarding the U.S. Space Program PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2004-03-02

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13: 0309091462

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Ever since the completion of the Apollo program, there has been a lack of consensus about the future of human spaceflight. The Columbia tragedy in February 2003 rekindled public debate about this question. In November 2003, the Space Studies Board and the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board organized a workshop to explore aspects of the question, what should be the principal purpose, goals, and priorities of the U.S. civil space program? This report presents a factual summary of that workshop, which identified past lessons learned and guiding principles for the future of the civil space program. Seven broad themes emerged from the workshop, and these themes are highlighted in the report. The report also presents discussions of strategies for the human spaceflight program and guiding principles of and boundary conditions for a 21st century space policy.

From Quantum To Cosmos: Fundamental Physics Research In Space

From Quantum To Cosmos: Fundamental Physics Research In Space PDF

Author: Slava G Turyshev

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2009-05-21

Total Pages: 764

ISBN-13: 9814468444

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Space-based laboratory research in fundamental physics is an emerging research discipline that offers great discovery potential and at the same time could drive the development of technological advances which are likely to be important to scientists and technologists in many other different research fields. The articles in this review volume have been contributed by participants of the international workshop “From Quantum to Cosmos: Fundamental Physics Research in Space” held at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, Virginia, USA, on May 21-24, 2006. This unique volume discusses the advances in our understanding of fundamental physics that are anticipated in the near future, and evaluates the discovery potential of a number of recently proposed space-based gravitational experiments. Specific research areas covered include various tests of general relativity and alternative theories, search of physics beyond the Standard Model, investigations of possible violations of the equivalence principle, search for new hypothetical long- and short-range forces, variations of fundamental constants, tests of Lorentz invariance and attempts at unification of the fundamental interactions. The book also encompasses experiments aimed at the discovery of novel phenomena, including dark matter candidates, and studies of dark energy.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2010

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2010 PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2011-01-01

Total Pages: 131

ISBN-13: 0309217857

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The Space Studies Board (SSB) was established in 1958 to serve as the focus of the interests and responsibilities in space research for the National Academies. The SSB provides an independent, authoritative forum for information and advice on all aspects of space science and applications, and it serves as the focal point within the National Academies for activities on space research. It oversees advisory studies and program assessments, facilitates international research coordination, and promotes communications on space science and science policy between the research community, the federal government, and the interested public. The SSB also serves as the U.S. National Committee for the International Council for Science Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). This volume reviews the organization, activities, and reports of the SSB for the year 2010.

Preliminary Considerations Regarding NASA's Bioastronautics Critical Path Roadmap

Preliminary Considerations Regarding NASA's Bioastronautics Critical Path Roadmap PDF

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2005-01-28

Total Pages: 46

ISBN-13: 0309095239

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Extending the spatial and temporal boundaries of human space flight are important goals for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), yet human space flight remains an endeavor with substantial risks. Potential hazards include exposure of the crew to space radiation, degraded crew performance related to human behavioral and other health changes, failure of life support systems, and the adverse effects of space flight on human biological systems. The Bioastronautics Critical Path Roadmap (BCPR) is designed to provide summary assessments of the importance of each risk, and the current state of science and technology with respect to minimizing them. Preliminary Considerations Regarding NASA's Bioastronautics Critical Path Roadmap assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the content and processes of the BCPR as applied to the missions described in the President's exploration initiative and identifies the unique challenges for accomplishing its goals and objectives.