Grading NASA's Solar System Exploration Program : A Midterm Report Paperback / softback

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 ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Science3 Flight Missions4 Mars5 Research and Analysis, Planetary Astronomy, and Flight MissionData Analysis6 Enabling TechnologiesAppendixesAppendix A: Statement of TaskAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and StaffAppendix C: Technology BackgroundAppendix D: NASA Technology Readiness LevelsAppendix E: Acronyms