Capabilities for the Future

Over the past 5 years or more, there has been a steady and significant decrease in NASA's laboratory capabilities, including equipment, maintenance, and facility upgrades. This adversely affects the support of NASA's scientists, who rely on these capabilities, as well as NASA's ability to make the basic scientific and technical contributions that others depend on for programs of national importance. The fundamental research community at NASA has been severely impacted by the budget reductions that are responsible for this decrease in laboratory capabilities, and as a result NASA's ability to support even NASA's future goals is in serious jeopardy. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Assessment Methodology 3 Support for Fundamental Research at NASA 4 Aeronautics Research 5 Space and Earth Science Research 6 Findings and Recommendations Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Technology Readiness Level Descriptions Appendix C: Subcommittee Members Appendix D: Laboratories and Facilities Visited by the Committee Appendix E: Biographies of the Committee Members Appendix F: Acronyms Appendix G: List of Questions Sent to NASA Centers