Current Studies

Heliophysics Performance Assessment

The Space Studies Board has established a committee to study the alignment of NASA's Heliophysics Science Division with previous NRC advice - primarily the relevant NAS decadal survey, "The Sun to the Earth-and Beyond." The review will not revisit or alter the scientific priorities or mission recommendations provided in the 2002 decadal survey, but may provide guidance about implementing the recommended mission portfolio in preparation for the next decadal survey.

Science Opportunities Enabled by NASA's Constellation System

The Space Studies Board, in conjunction with the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, has established a committee to assess potential space and earth science mission concepts that could take advantage of the capabilities of the Constellation system of launch vehicles and spacecraft that is being developed by NASA. The committee will first analyze mission concepts provided by NASA, and later mission concepts submitted in response to a Request for Information from the committee to the space and earth science communities.

The Societal and Economic Impacts of Severe Space Weather Events: A Workshop

A committee, operating under the auspices of the Space Studies Board, is convening a public workshop that will feature invited presentations and discussion to assess the Nation's current and future ability to manage the effects of space weather events and their societal and economic impacts. The workshop will be held in May 2008.

Workshop on U.S. Civil Space Policy

The Space Studies Board, in collaboration with the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, organized a public workshop in November 2007 for the purpose of encouraging broad national discussion about future directions of the U.S. civil space program. The workshop reviewed developments since the two boards held a similar workshop in 2003. The workshop will also revisit aspects of the question "What are the principal purposes, goals, and priorities of U.S. civil space?" A summary report will be published in spring 2008.

A Strategy to Mitigate the Impact of Sensor De-scopes and De-manifests on the NPOESS and GOES-R Spacecraft

A committee is conducting an assessment and preparing a report that will: (1) Prioritize capabilities, especially those related to climate research, that were lost or placed at risk following recent changes to NPOESS and the GOES-R series of polar and geostationary environmental monitoring satellites. These include capabilities that were lost or degraded as a consequence of alterations in the planned constellation of spacecraft and/or the removal or reduction in scope of remaining instruments; and (2) Present strategies to recover these capabilities. The report is expected to be released in February 2008.

New Opportunities in Solar System Exploration: An Evaluation of the New Frontiers Announcement of Opportunity

A committee s analyzing the issues that relate to NASA's next New Frontiers Announcement of Opportunity (AO) and providing criteria and guiding principles to NASA for determining the list of candidate missions. The report is expected to be released in March 2008.

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Completed Studies.