Grading NASA's Solar System Exploration Program

The NASA Authorization Act of 2005 directed the agency to ask the NRC to assess the performance of each division in the NASA Science directorate at five-year intervals. In this connection, NASA requested the NRC to review the progress the Planetary Exploration Division has made in implementing recommendations from previous, relevant NRC studies. This book provides an assessment of NASA's progress in fulfilling those recommendations including an evaluation how well it is doing and of current trends. The book covers key science questions, flight missions, Mars exploration, research and analysis, and enabling technologies. Recommendations are provided for those areas in particular need of improvement.Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Science 3 Flight Missions 4 Mars 5 Research and Analysis, Planetary Astronomy, and Flight Mission Data Analysis 6 Enabling Technologies Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff Appendix C: Technology Background Appendix D: NASA Technology Readiness Levels Appendix E: Acronyms