NASA is an investment in America's future. As explorers, pioneers,
and innovators, we boldly expand frontiers in air and space to
inspire and serve America and to benefit the quality of life on
Earth.
NASA's unique mission of exploration, discovery, and innovation
has preserved the United States' role as both a leader in world
aviation and as the preeminent spacefaring nation. It is NASA's
mission to:
The outcomes of NASA's activities contribute significantly to
the achievement of America's goals in four key areas:
To fulfill NASA's mission of exploration, discovery and innovation,
NASA sets the following overarching goals to take its science
and aeronautics program proudly into the 21st century:
The President's civil space policy, released in September 1996,
underscores NASA's role as the lead Federal agency for civil space
R&D. It features NASA's strengthening of its focus on cutting
edge R&D and deemphasis on operational activities. The policy
highlights priorities in human space flight (permanent human presence
in space), science (Earth observation, continuous robotic presence
on Mars surface, celestial sample returns and search for other
Earth-like planets), and space technology (reuseable launch vehicles
and smaller, cheaper space missions). It also underscores NASA's
leveraging of industry through purchases of launch services, spacecrafts,
data products, communication services, and new technology; and
continued close coordination with DoD and NOAA.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING OUR GOALS
The framework for achieving these goals is embodied in the NASA
Strategic Plan, which separates key NASA activities into
four distinct Strategic Enterprises. They are:
Each Enterprise, similar to the strategic business units employed
by the private sector, has a unique set of strategic goals, objectives,
and concerns, and a unique set of primary external customers.
NASA also provides capabilities that are required for each Enterprise
to achieve its goals and meet the needs of their customers. These
agency-level activities serve multiple Enterprises and the strategies
of these functions are driven primarily by the strategic plans
of the Enterprises. The fundamental values of excellence, responsibility,
teamwork, trust, and honor form the bedrock of all of NASA's activities.
NASA's Strategic Plan transcends its organizational structure.
Each of the Strategic Enterprises seeks to respond to a unique
customer community. Each of the Enterprises has its own set of
technology needs which are closely linked to performing future
planned missions while reducing the cost and technical risk.
At the same time, there is considerable synergy between the
Enterprise activities which strengthens the activities of each.
A broad description of the focus of each Strategic Enterprise
follows:
Mission to Planet Earth - The activities which comprise
this Enterprise are dedicated to understanding the total Earth
system and the effects of humans on the global environment. This
pioneering program of studying global climate change is developing
many of the capabilities which will be needed indefinitely, for
long-term environment and climate monitoring and prediction. Governments
around the world need information based on the strongest possible
scientific understanding. The unique vantage point of space provides
information about the Earth's land, atmosphere, ice, oceans, and
biota as a global system, which is available in no other way.
In concert with the global research community, the Mission to
Planet Earth Enterprise is developing the understanding needed
to support the complex environmental policy decisions that lie
ahead.
Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology
- NASA, and its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for
Aeronautics, have worked closely with U.S. industry, universities,
and other Federal agencies to give the United States a preeminent
position in Aeronautics. The Aeronautics program will pioneer
the identification, development, verification, transfer, application
and commercialization of high-payoff aeronautics technologies.
Future U.S. competitiveness in aeronautics and access to space,
including the continued safety and productivity of the Nation's
air transportation system, is dependent upon sustained NASA advances
in aeronautics research and technology. Activities pursued as
part of this Enterprise emphasize customer involvement, encompassing
U.S. industry, the Department of Defense, and the Federal Aviation
Administration.
The Space Transportation Technology program will develop new technologies
aimed at revitalizing access to space. The technologies targeted
will reduce launch costs dramatically over the next decade, increase
safety and the reliability of current and future generation launch
vehicles. Additionally, new plateaus of performance for in-space
propulsion will be established, while reducing cost and weight.
The Reuseable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program is pursuing technology
development and concept definition activities in support of next-generation
reuseable launch systesm. The Advanced Space Transportation Program
is developing key technologies to dramatically reduce space transportation
costs across the mission spectrum, particularly advances with
the potential of reducing launch costs beyond RLV goals. Programs
in support of the effective transfer of NASA technology to the
commercial sector are included in this Enterprise.
Human Exploration and the Development of Space -
Human Space Flight serves as a foundation for much of what NASA
does. Activities pursued as part of the Human Exploration and
Development of Space Enterprise seek to bring the frontiers of
space fully within the sphere of human activities for the benefit
of America and all humankind in this and future generations. It
will open the space frontier by exploring, using, and enabling
the development of space. NASA was propelled into the space frontier,
by an international political challenge born of the Cold War.
With the Cold War behind us, we seek to work with other nations
in our current and future activities, and to lay the foundations
for human development of space.
Space Science - The activities of the Space Science
Enterprise seek answers to fundamental questions, such as understanding
the origin of the universe and our solar system, how they have
evolved, and whether the Earth is unique, if there are planets
around other stars and if life exists elsewhere. The quest for
this information, and the answers themselves, maintains scientific
leadership, excites and inspires our society, strengthens education
and scientific literacy, develops and transfers technologies to
promote U.S. competitiveness, fosters international cooperation
to enhance programs and share their benefits, and sets the stage
for future space ventures.
The Strategic Enterprises comprise an integrated national effort.
Synergism of broad purposes, technology requirements, workforce
skills, facilities, and many other dimensions was the basis for
amalgamating these activities in NASA in the National Aeronautics
and Space Act in 1958, and the benefits remain strong today.
PLANS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The NASA budget request for FY 1998 is reflected in four
appropriations:
The NASA Space Science program has achieved impressive successes
this past year -- possible indications of primitive life on Mars;
new discoveries about the origin of the universe; identification
of planets around neighboring stars; and intriguing possibilities
of liquid water on Jupiter's moon Europa. To capitalize on these
enormous successes during the past year, the NASA budget request
for FY 1998 highlights the Origins program. The Origins program
is focused on answering fundamental questions regarding the creation
of the universe and planetary systems and the possibility of life
elsewhere beyond Earth. A strategy for addressing these questions
would involve returning surface samples from Mars; visiting comets
and other planetary bodies; and deploying powerful telescopes
to detect Earth-like planets elsewhere in our galaxy. NASA's Origins
program is responsive to the President's new civil space policy
and is a vital component of the Administration's investment strategy
in science and technology.
The NASA budget request for FY 1998 continues the commitment by
the President to invest in the future. This budget request recognizes
the enormous potential for investments in the civil space and
aeronautics program to benefit this country. The President's Space
Policy, issued in September 1996, outlined a strong and stable
program in space that will ensure America's role as the world's
space leader. The Space Policy reaffirmed the United States' commitment
to the International Space Station, to the next generation of
launch vehicle programs, to an aggressive space science program,
and to the continuing commitment to a long-term program of environmental
monitoring from space. The President's strategy for investing
in science and technology, encompassing goals which emphasize
world leadership in science, mathematics and engineering, economic
growth, improved environmental quality, and harnessing information
technology continues as the framework for development of federal
science and technology policy. The President's budget request
for NASA for FY 1998 is fully supportive of these goals.
The emphasis on cheaper, more capable science missions is continued
in the FY 1998 budget request. These programs experiment with
new innovative management and procurement practices, promote smaller
affordable missions and enforce strict adherence to performance
criteria and a cost cap.
In order to achieve significant savings in the cost of space missions,
the cost of going to orbit must be reduced by orders of magnitude.
The Reusable Launch Vehicle program is addressing, in partnership
with the private sector, the new and innovative technologies that
are needed to meet the challenges and lower the costs of future
space missions. Phase II of the X-33 program, encompassing both
ground and flight tests, is underway, and is expected to lead
to a decision by the government and our industry partners whether
full-scale development of an RLV should be pursued. This program
utilizes an innovative management approach, based on industry-led
cooperative agreements. The government is acting as partners and
subcontractors, reporting costs and manpower to the industry team
leader as would any other subcontractor. This approach allows
a much leaner management structure, lower program overhead costs
and increased management efficiency.
NASA's ability to inspire and expand the horizons of present and
future generations rests on the success of these efforts to maintain
this nation's leadership in space within the reality of the fiscal
constraints facing the federal budget. In order to ensure the
stability to manage and execute programs within budget and schedule,
NASA is seeking multi-year appropriations for selected space projects
-- the International Space Station, the Space Infrared Telescope
Facility (SIRTF), the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
(SOFIA), the X-33, and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)
Replenishment spacecraft.
NASA has been at the forefront of the Administration's efforts
to reshape the federal government, to make it smaller, cut costs,
and be more responsive to the ultimate customer, the taxpayer.
During 1996, recommendations from the Zero Base Review continued
to be implemented and real infrastructure changes were made to
meet NASA's commitment to lower budget runout targets.
NASA continues to be a leader in responding to the challenge of
reducing the federal deficit and the goals of the National Performance
Review. Over the past several years, NASA has undergone a thorough
scrutiny of its mission, organization and activities. The Zero
Base Review, which involved a difficult introspective examination
of NASA's activities and workforce, resulted in recommendations
which are being implemented at every NASA field center, including
Headquarters. A strengthened program management system has been
implemented and the Program Management Council regularly
reviews the technical, schedule and financial status of NASA's
major activities. A disciplined process has been established for
the early identification of problems, and guidelines for addressing
a solution. This process has resulted in senior management attention
focused on program performance. The FY 1998 budget proposes mulit-year
appropriations for development of the Space Infrared Telescope
Facility (SIRTF), the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
(SOFIA), and the X-33 Experimental Launch Vehicle technology demonstrator.
The multi-year funding will ensure the stability to manage and
execute these programs within their budget and schedule commitments.
A new Strategic Management process has been put in place to provide
a continuous process for NASA to make critical decisions about
its long-term goals, near-term activities, and institutional capabilities
that are in alignment with customer requirements. A fundamental
goal of NASA's Strategic Management process is to ensure that
the Agency provides its customers with excellent products and
services in the most cost-effective and timely manner.
This appropriation encompasses all human space flight activities,
including development of the Space Station and the safe and efficient
operation of the Space Shuttle. The International Space Station
is the culmination of the redesign work begun in FY 1993 to reduce
program costs while still providing significant research capabilities.
Space Station partners include NASA, the Russian Space Agency
(RSA), European Space Agency (ESA), the Canadian Space Agency
(CSA), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA).
The partnerships significantly enhance the capabilities of the
International Space Station, and ensure compatible interfacing
elements. The program is led by a single contractor, Boeing,
which has total development and integration responsibilities.
A streamlined program office at the Johnson Space Center has primary
management responsibility for the program, and is structured around
integrated product teams with responsibility for bringing the
systems and elements into integrated launch packages.
The Administration continues to be strongly committed to development
of the International Space Station, and the preservation of the
partnerships between the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan
and Canada. The proposed budget provides multi-year funding for
the complete development of the Station within the $2.1 billion
ceiling and the $17.4 billion development constraints, with Station
assembly beginning in late 1997 and finishing by 2002. The Administration
continues to monitor progress through this crucial development
period and will consider future funding, schedule, or content
adjustments if they prove necessary to minimize program costs,
maintain international participation, and ensure a Station capable
of continuous scientific and technological research and permanent
human presence in space. During the past year, the Space Station
program has focused on the continued qualification testing and
manufacture of flight hardware as the program readies for first
element launch in November 1997. Production of flight hardware
continued in earnest during FY 1996. At the end of 1996, nearly
140,000 pounds of flight hardware had been completed. Major work
has been completed on the FGB, the nodes, U.S. laboratory, and
the subsystems needed for outfitting. The program has completed
a system-level preliminary design review for the hardware and
systems necessary for the first six U.S. flights, as well as preliminary
design reviews for flights six through twelve. International efforts
continued with negotiations on the International Space Station
agreements to reflect the addition of Russia to the partnership.
Agreement was reached between NASA and the Russian Space Agency
on the Memorandum of Understanding. The International Space Station
partners are well into the manufacturing phase for their hardware
contributions.
During FY 1997, the major program focus will be manufacturing
and testing flight hardware to support first element launch (FEL)
in November of 1997 and subsequent launches throughout early 1998.
Major preparation will be made in support of the FGB, node 1,
truss segments, the U.S. laboratory, and the subsystems to support
these elements. The international partners will continue development
of flight hardware with the functional cargo block (FGB) flight
article assembly completion and delivery to Baikanour, the start
of the Space Station remote manipulator system (SSRMS) performance
test, and the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) critical design
review (CDR)-2 . The Mission Control Center (MCC) at the Johnson
Space Center (JSC) will be the prime site for the planning and
execution of integrated system operations of the Space Station,
with exclusive command and control authority. The MCC at JSC and
the MCC at Kalingrad form the unified command and control center
for the Space Station. The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
has responsibility for the payload integration and operations
process. The payload integration process has been streamlined
and shortened significantly from procedures used on the Space
Shuttle. Standardized payload accommodation and an express rack
concept have been incorporated for later payload manifesting.
A Payload Operations Integration Center and user support facilities
will be located at the MSFC as part of existing facilities that
support the Shuttle/Spacelab activities.
Beginning in FY 1998, funding for all elements of the $2.1 billion
Space Station program is included in the Human Space Flight appropriation.
This will allow maximum flexibility in providing a balanced program,
especially as program activities intensify in support of FEL.
Program elements now included in the International Space Station
budget are: Space Station Development, Operations, and the Research
Program, including research facilities under development by the
Offices of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications and
the Mission to Planet Earth and the flight support component of
the Russian cooperation program to Mir. Program reserves are being
closely monitored to maintain as high a level as possible to address
technical issues that are expected to inevitably occur during
this peak period of Space Station engineering and development.
The highest priority of the Shuttle program remains the safe launch,
operation and return of the orbiter and crew. Funding is included
to continue modifications that will significantly improve the
Space Shuttle's overall safety, including modifications to the
Main Engine and the Orbiter, as well as to initiate a program
of upgrades to increase reliability and maintainability.
In addition, funding for investments to improve Shuttle performance,
such as the Super Lightweight External Tank, is included in order
to satisfy space station requirements. Transition to a consolidation
of Space Shuttle operations contracts into a single prime contractual
arrangement was accomplished in October 1996. Transition activities
will continue over the next 2 years. It is expected that
this consolidation will achieve the challenge of finding additional
cost savings in the outyears. These savings have been incorporated
into NASA's budget planning.
During 1996, valuable experience was gained in docking procedures
during three Space Shuttle flights to the Russian Space Station
Mir. U.S. astronauts maintained a continuing presence on the Mir,
highlighted by the record setting stay of 181 days by astronaut
Shannon Lucid. This experience is allowing NASA to gain valuable
experience in the long term effects of weightlessness, as well
as allowing the United States and Russia to work closely together
in as Space Station partners. In 1997, an American astronaut will
be continuously on board the Mir Space Station, performing scienctific
experiments. Currently, nine joint U.S. visits to the Mir
are planned, which will provide approximately 24 months of on-orbit
time to test science hardware planned for the Space Station. In
FY 1996 and in FY 1997, American astronauts will spend 12 months
aboard the Mir conducting research. U.S. - Russian cooperation
in space and aeronautics extends across the NASA programs.
The Space Shuttle continues to provide its unique capabilities.
In FY 1996, eight missions were completed, including three missions
to the Mir Space Station. Seven missions are planned for FY 1997,
including three missions to the Mir Space Station and a Hubble
Space Telescope servicing mission. Seven missions are planned
for FY 1998, including the first assembly flights for the International
Space Station, the final two flights to the Mir Space Station
and the AXAF deployment. Spacelab flights focusing on life sciences
and materials sciences will be conducted during FY 1997 in preparation
for operations using the International Space Station. The Spacelab
program will terminate in FY 1998 following the Neurolab mission.
SCIENCE, AERONAUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
Space Science
The Space Science program is designed to expand our scientific
understanding of the Sun, solar system, and universe beyond Planet
Earth. It seeks answers to fundamental questions, such as understanding
the origin of the universe and our solar system, how they have
evolved, and whether the Earth is unique; if there are planets
around other stars; and, if life exists elsewhere. In 1996, several
scientific discoveries rocked fundamental theories and opened
discussions of long-held beliefs. The discovery of evidence in
a meteorite believed to come from Mars that may indicate life
began on Mars early in its history; the discovery of a possible
subsurface ocean on Jupiter's moon Europa; and the possible discovery
of deep frozen lakes on the south pole of the Earth's moon are
among the highlights. To capitalize on these enormous successes
the past year, the NASA budget request for FY 1998 highlights
the Origins program. The Origins program is focused on answering
fundamental questions regarding the creation of the universe and
planetary systems, and possibility of life elsewhere beyond Earth.
A strategy for addressing these questions would involve returning
surface samples from Mars; visiting comets and other planetary
bodies; and deploying powerful telescopes to detect Earth-like
planets elsewhere in our galaxy. NASA's Origins program is responsive
to the President's new civil space policy and is a vital component
of the Administration investment strategy in science and technology.
The Space Science program has assumed management responsibility
in the FY 1998 budget for those elements of the Spacecraft
and Remote Sensing program which support unique space science
technology requirements, and which develop crosscutting technology
for future space science, Earth observing, and human exploration
spacecraft systems. These new technologies are expected to reduce
costs and increase preformance to enable new and more flexible
missions for all of NASA's enterprises. This program was formerly
conducted by the Office of Space Access and Technology, which
was disbanded in 1996. Program elements specific to other NASA
programs were transferred to those offices.
The Space Science program continues a robust program of flight
development activities. The first two Discovery missions, the
Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission and the Mars Pathfinder
were launched in 1996, both on Delta II launch vehicles.
A Discovery mission development cost (phase C/D through launch
plus 30 days) must be less than $150 million (FY 1992 dollars)
and the mission must be launched within 3 years from start of
development. These missions are designed to ensure a continuous
stream of new planetary science data and more frequent access
to space - both of which are critical requirements for a robust
science program in the future. Funding is included to continue
the Discovery program, with the next mission, the Lunar Prospector
mission, planned for launch in September 1997. The first
spacecraft in the Mars Surveyor program, Mars Global Surveyor,
was launched in November 1996, Funding for the
Mars Surveyor Program, initiated in FY 1995 continues. Mars Surveyor
is a series of small missions designed to resume the detailed
exploration of Mars following the loss of the Mars Observer mission
in 1993; subsequent missions are to be launched at two year intervals,
due to the orbital periods of Earth and Mars. Funding is included
to complete development activities and begin flight operations
on the Cassini mission to Saturn, scheduled for launch in October
1997 on a Titan IV launch vehicle. Development activities on the
Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) continue, with launch
by the Shuttle scheduled for August 1998. With its unprecedented
capabilities in energy coverage, spatial resolution, spectral
resolution and sensitivity, the AXAF will provide unique and crucial
information on the nature of objects ranging from nearby stars
like our sun to quasars at the edge of the observable universe.
Definition activities on the final "Great Observatory",
the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) are planned for
completion in FY 1997; funding to initiate development of the
spacecraft is included for FY 1998. The other "Great Observatories",
include the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, the Hubble Space Telescope,and
the AXAF.
Funding is requested to continue the New Millennium Program, which
will develop and demonstrate revolutionary new spacecraft technologies
to enable more frequent, less costly missions on smaller spacecraft.
This program is addressing key technology advancements -- including
communications, navigation and attitude control, power, propulsion,
avionics, instrumentation, rover technologies, operations and
ground control. The smaller, more intelligent, less expensive
spacecraft resulting from these technology advancements will not
only revolutionize NASA's exploration programs, but have beneficial
payoffs for the commercial spacecraft industry as well. Funding
is included for continued development of the first two technology
demonstrations missions, Deep Space (DS)-1 and DS-2, as well as
definition of future New Millennium missions. Independent Product
Development Teams and Science Working Groups have been selected
and are developing roadmaps and selected technologies for the
Deep Space missions. Funding is initiated in FY 1998 to support
development of revolutionary technologies required for a new generation
of outer planetary missions, with an ultimate goal of a "spacecraft
on a chip". These new technologies are regarded as too high
risk for industry investment at this stage in their development
and include advanced microelectronics and avionics, power generation,
micro-devices, and telecommunications, all to be designed and
fabricated on a single chip as opposed to larger subsystem "black
boxes". Funding is also included, within the Space Science
Supporting Research and Technology program, beginning in FY 1998,
to undertake an aggressive technology development effort to enable
new missions to the outer planets, and to search for Earth-like
planets around nearby stars. New technologies are also being pursued
to enhance our capability to explore our own Solar System robotically,
and perhaps to confirm the past or current presence of life on
other planets or their moons.
Funding is included in FY 1997 to complete final definition
and preliminary design of the Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere
Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) mission and to initiate hardware
development; funding is included in FY 1998 to continue hardware
development toward a targeted launch date in January 2000.
Funding is also included for the continued development of the
Gravity Probe-B mission and for Explorer missions, which conduct
investigations of an exploratory or survey nature, as well as
for a number of instruments and payloads to be used on international
satellites or on Spacelab missions. In Explorers, the Fast Auroral
Snapshot (FAST) mission was launched in August 1996. Development
activities continue on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)
for launch in 1997 and on the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopy Explorer
(FUSE) for launch in 1998. Selection of a prime contractor to
develop and operate the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy (SOFIA) was made in early FY 1997. SOFIA is a cooperative
program with Germany that will replace the retired Kuiper Airborne
Observatory. (KAO). Together with data from the Hubble Space Telscope
(HST) and the SIRTF, these programs will launch a new era in infrared
astronomy.
Results from the refurbished HST continued to dominate the world
of astronomy through 1996. The results from Hubble continue to
touch on some of the most fundamental astronomical questions of
the 20th century, including the existence of black holes, the
age of the universe and the formation of planets around stars.
Funding for the science data management, archiving, and science
networking is continued. Funding is included to support ongoing
servicing support and new instrument development for the HST.
The HST Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and Near Infrared Camera and
Multi-object Spectrometer (NICMOS) are being developed for the
second servicing mission, scheduled for flight in 1997. Funding
is included to continue development of the Advanced Camera for
flight in 1999.
Results from initial data received from the Galileo mission to
Jupiter are challenging scientists to reexamine long-held
theories on the environment of this largest planet in our solar
system and providing startling new details concerning Jupiter's
moons. Galileo's atmospheric probe was released in July 1995 and
successfully entered Jupiter's atmosphere shortly before Galileo
was successfully inserted into Jupiter orbit December 7, 1995.
The Orbiter is partially through its 23 month study of the Jovian
system, and will orbit the giant planet 11 times. Galileo completed
the return of the probe data as well as new science and images
from Jupiter and encounters with the four Galilean satellites,
Io, Ganymede, Europa and Callisot in 1996. Among the most important
discoveries are:
In situ measurements during the Galileo probe's descent into Jupiter's
atmosphere in December 1995 produced a wealth of results. The
most significant are that there is much less water vapor than
expected, and that winds persist much deeper into the atmosphere
than expected. Galileo has also provided images of Europa that
indicate the possibility of liquid water on that moon. Additional
information on Europa will be provided in the data from the December
1996 Galileo fly-by, the closest encounter to date with Europa.
Funding to continue mission operations and data analysis activities
is included.
Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications
The Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications program uses
the space environment to understand the response of biological
and materials systems to weightlessness. Six Shuttle missions
involving materials and life sciences experiments were conducted
in 1996, includeing two Spacelab missions and three NASA/MIR missions.
In addition to conducting basic and applied research, these missions
have provided the opportunity to refine the definition, design,
and development of experiment hardware planned for use on the
International Space Station. These research activities
will continue during FY 1997 as U.S. astronauts continue their
visits to the Mir. Three joint Russian/U.S. flights were conducted
in FY 1996, and three flights are planned for FY 1997.
In addition to the Mir missions, the Materials Sciences Laboratory
(MSL-1) mission is planned. In 1998, the NASA/NIH Neurolab mission
is planned, which will continue the agency's efforts to expand
its collaborative activities with the National Institutes of Health
and other federal agencies to maximize the return on science investments.
Funding for development of the International Space Station payloads
is included in the Human Space Flight appropriation beginning
in FY 1998.
Mission to Planet Earth
The Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) program seeks to improve the
scientific understanding of the Earth system, including the mechanisms
that drive the climate and ecology of Earth, and how human activity
is affecting the environment. NASA's base program combines ground-based
measurements , laboratory studies, data analysis and model development
with a progressive series of satellite missions to study cloud
climatology, Earth radiation budget, ozone levels, atmospheric
chemistry, changes in land cover and ocean circulation. This is
just a first step. The capability to model and predict the consequences
of global change is the ultimate objective.
The ongoing Mission to Planet Earth program is making critical
near-term contributions to understanding the Earth as an integrated
system as well as environmental issues, such as global warming
and ozone depletion. Data from satellites and instruments in orbit,
such as Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), the NASA Scatterometer
on the Japanese Advanced Earth Observing System, the Upper Atmospheric
Research Satellite (UARS) and Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon,
and the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) are being used
in multidisciplinary studies focused on understanding various
aspects of the global environment.
The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a key element in the Administration's
U.S. Global Change Research Program, and NASA's major contribution
to this effort. The EOS is a series of spacecrafts designed to
provide long-term data sets for use in modeling and understanding
global processes. The Earth Probes provide data in specialized
areas, such as tropical rainfall, ocean wind speed and direction,
and global ozone concentrations. The EOS Data Information System
(EOSDIS) will provide the processing, storage, and distribution
of the EOS science data and resulting scientific products. Funding
for the continued development of the Landsat-7 spacecraft, instruments
and ground system is included. Landsat-7 is scheduled to launch
in 1998. After launch and check out, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be responsible for Landsat-7
operations.
Funding requested for FY 1997 and FY 1998 supports the continued
development of the EOS program, including a robust science program.
The first EOS satellites, Landsat-7 and EOS AM-1, will be launched
in 1998. Preceeding launch of the EOS satellites, a number of
individual satellite and Shuttle based missions are helping to
reveal basic processes. Complementing EOS will be a series of
small, rapid development Earth System Science Pathfinders missions,
and an aggressive technology development program to provide for
the infusion of innovative new technologies into the second and
third series of EOS measurements. Funding is also included to
initiate a data purchase program designed to acquire from private
sources data sets that are necessary to accomplish broad research
goals of Earth system science. Funding is also included to support
three initiatives which will further contribute to a robust science
program and to technology infusion. These initiatives include:
an uncrewed aerial vehicle-based scientific research program to
make detailed temporal changes by staying over a target area for
extended periods of time; an instrument incubator for enabling
rapid deployment of new, less costly and less resource-intensive
scientific instruments; and, an initiative for concept/technology
studies of the application of the latest technology to the development
of small, compact, geostationary satellites to reduce operations
costs.
Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology
The Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology program
provides high payoff, critical technologies with effective transfer
of design tools and technology products to industry and government.
A new Headquarters program office was established in FY 1997 to
reflect the incorporation of the Advanced Space Transportation
and Commercial Programs activities into the Office of Aeronautics,
following the dissolution of the Office of Space Access and Technology
in 1996.
The Aeronautics program provides a broad foundation of
advanced technology to strengthen the United States' leadership
in aviation, an industry which plays a vital role in the economic
strength, transportation infrastructure and national defense of
the United States. The NASA Aeronautics program provides the nation
with leadership in high payoff critical technologies which are
transferred to industry, the Department of Defense, and the Federal
Aviation Administration for application to safe, superior and
environmentally compatible U.S. civil and military aircraft, and
for a safe and efficient National Aviation System. NASA's unique
research capabilities contribute to the strengthening of America's
aviation industry in many ways, and the FY 1998 program continues
important investments required to pursue the high leverage technologies
required to support both the subsonic and high-speed civil transport
economic viability. The Advanced Subsonic Transport (AST) program
continues to make substantial progress in the development of high-risk,
high-payoff technologies for a new generation of environmentally
compatible, economic subsonic aircraft and a safe, highly productive
global air transportation system. The AST program is refocused
to emphasize technologies which will signficantly enhance the
safety of the aviation system, improve the environment through
noise and emissions reductions, and increase the capacity for
a highly productive global air transportation system. Funding
is included to continue development of high payoff technologies
enabling a safe, highly productive global air transportation system
with reduced environmental impact. Phase II of the High
Speed Research program, begun in FY 1994, is directed at developing
and verifying, in cooperation with U.S. industry, the high leverage
technologies essential for economic viability in addition to environmental
compatibility. A preliminary conceptual definition of a supersonic
transport technology configuration was selected and efforts to
develop these technologies continue. NASA is an active
participant in the High Performance Computing and Communications
(HPCC) program, and has pioneered the application of design and
simulation software on parallel machines and developed the most
widely accepted performance evaluation/tuning software for applications
on parallel machines. Research activities conducted within the
Research and Technology Base provide a foundation for longer-term
technology development for application by industry and are organized
around customer-driven discipline areas. As part of the HPCC program,
the President's FY 1998 budget proposes $100 million each year
for the next three years to support a new Next Generation Internet
initiative whose goal is to develop a research network capable
of achieving speeds of 100 to 1,000 times faster than today's
Internet and large gains in the quality of service. This initiative
will involve several Federal agencies including Defense, National
Science Foundation, Energy, Commerce, and NASA. NASA's contribution
to this effort is $10 million.
The Space Transportation Technology program leads NASA's efforts
to develop advanced space technologies critical to the economic,
scientific, and technological competitiveness of the U.S. New
technologies critical to revitalizing access to space have been
targeted for their potential to reduce launch costs dramatically
over the next decade, and increase safety and the reliability
of current and future generation launch vehicles. In 1996, the
Reuseable Launch Vehicle program continued to pursue technology
development and concept definition activities in support of next
generation reusable systems, focusing on the X-34 and X-33 flight
demonstrators. In 1996, the Administration approved the decision
to proceed with Phase II of the X-33 program. Funding is included
to continue technology development in preparation for flight of
the technology demonstrators. Funding is also included to continue
the Advanced Space Transportation Program (ASTP), to develop key
technologies to dramatically reduce space transportation costs
across the mission spectrum. The ASTP program will focus on technological
advances with the potential of reducing launch costs beyond RLV
goals, as well as supporting technology development required to
support NASA strategic needs not addressed by RLV.
Funding for the Commercial Technology Program is continued, to
support development of commercial partnerships with industry.
In FY 1997 and FY 1998, emphasis will be on increasing commercial
partnerships with industry and continued refinement of a technology
and partnership database.
Academic Programs
Science and mathematics achievement is an integral element of
the National Education Goals, and NASA's efforts in the education
arena strongly support making U.S. students first in the world
in science and mathematics achievement by the year 2000. NASA's
programs at the pre-college, college and graduate levels use NASA's
unique mission and results to capture and channel student interest
in science, mathematics and technology, as well as enhance teacher
and faculty knowledge and skills related to these subjects. At
the undergraduate and graduate level, programs are geared to providing
opportunities for students and faculty to participate in NASA-sponsored
research activities at NASA field centers.
NASA has made a commitment to playing a leadership role in strengthening
the capabilities of minority universities and to increasing opportunities
for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and
Other Minority Universities, primarily Hispanic-serving institutions
and Tribal Colleges, to participate in and benefit from NASA's
research and education programs. The FY 1998 budget request
for the Minority University Research program continues this commitment
through funding for initiatives which are underway.
Mission Communication Services
Support which is most directly related to NASA's science and aeronautics
programs, including ground network support, mission planning for
robotics spacecraft programs, suborbital mission support, support
to aeronautics test programs, and technology development activities
to improve the state of space communications technology, is included
in the Science Aeronautics and Technology appropriation.
Safety, Reliability, Maintainability and Quality Assurance
NASA is committed to providing leadership in quality management
of science and engineering programs. The Office of Safety and
Mission Assurance (OSMA) is responsible for the development and
implementation of risk management practices and Safety, Reliability,
Maintainability and Quality Assurance (SRM&QA) practices into
all NASA activities. The funding requested will continue a wide
range of activities underway through which SRM&QA practices
are integrated into the earliest phases of development for space
and aeronautics programs. The Office of the Chief Engineer provides
a focus for NASA's engineering discipline, oversees applications,
and improves NASA's practices and capabilities through targeted
initiatives in the Engineering programmatic area.
Space Communications Services
Funding for the operation, sustainment, and replenishment of NASA's
Space Network is in NASA's Mission Support appropriation. This
program supports the operation of the Tracking and Data Relay
Satellite (TDRS) System, the ground terminals at White Sands,
New Mexico, and the NASA Control Center at the Goddard Space Flight
Center. Funds for services provided to non-science users of the
TDRSS are included under this program. The NASA Communications
(NASCOM) system and the Program Support Communications Network
(PSCN) are also funded by this appropriation. Planning is underway
to consolidate and streamline major support contract services
in order to optimize space operations. In FY 1996, as an interim
measure, a voluntary contractor partnership between the major
incumbents, AlliedSignal Technical Services Corporation and Computer
Sciences Corporation was formed. A new contract is required in
FY 1998. At that time, transition to a performance-based space
operations contract, or possibly, a privatized or commercialized
operation will be decided. The FY 1998 budget proposes multi-year
appropriations for development and launch of three Tracking and
Data Relay satellite (TDRS) replenishment spacecraft. The multi-year
funding will support NASA's plans for the TDRS fixed price spacecraft
contract with industry.
Research and Program Management
The NASA workforce is the foundation underpinning the successful
achievement of NASA's goals. Funding for the salaries, travel
support and other personnel expenses for the entire NASA workforce
is included. Funding for support activities to the NASA workforce
and physical plant is also included in Research and Program Management.
NASA's workforce in the year 2000 will be focused on the crucial
research and development that will keep this country even with
the incredible pace at which the global economy is changing. The
largest segment of savings resulting from the Zero Base Review
is achieved from reductions in planned levels of civil service
staffing and support. Current planning supports a civil service
workforce of around 18,000 by FY 1999. This workforce will
be technically outstanding to meet the challenges of NASA's diverse
and highly technical programs, and will be engaged in activities
which keep NASA at the forefront of cutting edge technology development.
Construction of Facilities
Funding is included for discrete projects to repair and modernize the basic infrastructure and institutional facilities, the minor repair, rehabilitation and modification of existing facilities, minor new construction projects, environmental compliance and restoration activities, the design of facilities projects, and the advanced planning related to future facilities needs.
| BUDGET PLAN (Thousands of Dollars) | FY 1996 | FY 1997 | FY 1998 |
| HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT | 5,710.4 | 5,674.8 | 5,326.5 |
| SPACE STATION | 2,143.6 | 2,148.6 | 2,121.3 |
| US/RUSSIAN COOPERATION | 100.0 | 100.0 | -- |
| SPACE SHUTTLE | 3,143.8 | 3,150.9 | 2,977.8 |
| PAYLOAD AND UTILIZATION OPERATIONS | 323.0 | 275.3 | 227.4 |
| SCIENCE, AERONAUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY | 5,670.4 | 5,453.1 | 5,642.0 |
| SPACE SCIENCE | 2,175.9 | 1,969.3 | 2,043.8 |
| LIFE AND MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES AND APPLICATIONS | 304.2 | 243.7 | 214.2 |
| MISSION TO PLANET EARTH | 1,360.8 | 1,361.6 | 1,417.3 |
| AERONAUTICS AND SPACE TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY | 1,270.1 | 1,339.5 | 1,469.5 |
| MISSION COMMUNICATION SERVICES | 449.5 | 418.6 | 400.8 |
| ACADEMIC PROGRAMS | 109.9 | 120.4 | 96.4 |
| MISSION SUPPORT | 2,487.3 | 2,564.3 | 2,513.2 |
| SAFETY, RELIABILITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE | 39.0 | 38.8 | 37.8 |
| SPACE COMMUNICATION SERVICES | 255.4 | 277.7 | 245.7 |
| RESEARCH AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT | 2,047.9 | 2,092.5 | 2,070.3 |
| CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES | 145.0 | 155.3 | 159.4 |
| INSPECTOR GENERAL | 15.9 | 17.0 | 18.3 |
| 13,884.0 | 13,709.2 | 13,500.0 |
| 13,881.0 | 13,697.0 | 13,594.0 |
| TOTAL | |||||
| FISCAL YEAR 1996 | 13,884.6 | 5,456.6 | 5,928.9 | 2,483.1 | 16.0 |
| FY 1996 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT (P.L. 104-134) APPROPRIATIONS TRANSFER AUTHORITY | 0.0 | 50.0 | -50.0 | -- | -- |
| LAPSE OF FY 1996 UNOBLIGATED FUNDS | -0.6 | -- | -- | -0.5 | -0.1 |
| TOTAL FY 1996 BUDGET PLAN | 13,884.0 | 5,506.6 | 5,878.9 | 2,482.6 | 15.9 |
|
FISCAL YEAR 1997 | |||||
| VA-HUD INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, FY 1997 (P.L. 104-204) | 13,704.2 | 5,362.9 | 5,762.1 | 2,562.2 | 17.0 |
| OMNIBUS CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT (P.L. 104-208) | 5.0 | -- | -- | 5.0 | -- |
| VA-HUD INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, FY 1997 (P.L. 104-204) APPROPRIATIONS TRANSFER AUTHORITY | 0.0 | -- | 177.0 | -177.0 | -- |
| TOTAL FY 1997 BUDGET PLAN | 13,709.2 | 5,539.9 | 5,590.1 | 2,562.2 | 17.0 |
(Thousands of Dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Johnson Space Center | 3,548,062 | 3,535,168 | 3,380,330 | 3,073,329 | 3,094,300 | 2,966,000 | 103,969 | 75,138 | 64,030 | 370,764 | 365,730 | 350,300 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Kennedy Space Center | 1,214,942 | 1,189,989 | 1,176,330 | 935,249 | 921,100 | 904,300 | 28,334 | 29,439 | 31,430 | 251,359 | 239,450 | 240,600 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Marshall Space Flight Center | 2,465,676 | 2,565,991 | 2,343,615 | 1,502,684 | 1,519,200 | 1,306,900 | 609,852 | 677,321 | 638,015 | 353,140 | 369,470 | 398,700 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Stennis Space Center | 161,662 | 170,064 | 119,100 | 53,300 | 42,200 | 35,300 | 69,067 | 79,914 | 33,000 | 39,295 | 47,950 | 50,800 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ames Research Center | 590,740 | 522,871 | 563,649 | 26,296 | 19,900 | 27,300 | 390,835 | 323,501 | 355,049 | 173,609 | 179,470 | 181,300 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dryden Flight Research Center | 136,164 | 168,379 | 181,874 | 5,600 | 5,400 | 5,900 | 86,697 | 101,449 | 114,074 | 43,867 | 61,530 | 61,900 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Langley Research Center | 607,805 | 636,827 | 648,320 | 5,167 | 9,300 | 4,900 | 390,138 | 411,477 | 419,320 | 212,500 | 216,050 | 224,100 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lewis Research Center | 694,425 | 621,540 | 671,501 | 44,136 | 18,100 | 26,600 | 428,097 | 368,220 | 383,901 | 222,192 | 235,220 | 261,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goddard Space Flight Center | 2,511,355 | 2,723,809 | 2,763,979 | 10,365 | 7,400 | 7,600 | 1,975,293 | 2,162,869 | 2,291,979 | 525,697 | 553,540 | 464,400 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Jet Propulsion Laboratory | 1,069,945 | 1,002,499 | 1,045,110 | 2,600 | 200 | 2,800 | 1,037,248 | 970,559 | 1,014,710 | 30,097 | 31,740 | 27,600 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Headquarters | 848,893 | 531,163 | 560,192 | 51,674 | 37,700 | 38,900 | 550,870 | 253,213 | 296,492 | 246,349 | 240,250 | 224,800 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Undistributed: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction of Facilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Various locations | 18,470 | 23,900 | 27,700 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 18,470 | 23,900 | 27,700 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Inspector General | 15,863 | 17,000 | 18,300 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL NASA | 13,884,002 | 13,709,200 | 13,500,000 | 5,710,400 | 5,674,800 | 5,326,500 | 5,670,400 | 5,453,100 | 5,642,000 | 2,487,339 | 2,564,300 | 2,513,200 | ||||||||||||||||||
Notwithstanding the limitation on the availability of funds appropriated for "Human space flight", "Science, aeronautics and technology", or "Mission support" by this appropriations Act, when [(1)] any activity has been initiated by the incurrence of obligations for construction of facilities as authorized by law, [or (2) amounts are provided for full-funding for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) replenishment program.] such amount available for such activity shall remain available until expended. This provision does not apply to the amounts appropriated in "Mission support" pursuant to the authorization for repair, rehabilitation and modification of facilities, minor construction of new facilities and additions to existing facilities, and facility planning and design.
Notwithstanding the limitation on the availability of funds appropriated for "Human space flight", "Science, aeronautics and technology", or "Mission support" by this appropriations Act, the amounts appropriated for construction of facilities shall remain available until September 30, [1999] 2000.
Notwithstanding the limitation on the availability of funds appropriated for "Mission support" and "Office of Inspector General", amounts made available by this Act for personnel and related costs and travel expenses of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall remain available until September 30, [1997] 1998 and may be used to enter into contracts for training, investigations, cost associated with personnel relocation, and for other services, to be provided during the next fiscal year.
[Upon the determination by the Administrator that such action is necessary, the Administrator may, with the approval of the Office of Management and Budget, transfer not to exceed $177,000,000 of funds made available in this Act to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the International Space Station between "Science, aeronautics and technology" and "Human space flight", to be merged with and to be available for the same purposes, and for the same time period, as the appropriation to which transferred; Provided, That such authority may not be used unless for higher priority items than those for which originally appropriated; Provided further, That the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall notify the Congress promptly of all transfers made pursuant to this authority.] (Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997.)