# Presentation: 669243

## MEPAG

***MEPAG***
***18 September, 2008***

***Doug McCuistion***
***Director, Mars Exploration Program***

## Agenda

- Recent Accomplishments and News
- MSL
- Where to from here?

## Slide 3

## NASA Selects Scout-13—MAVEN

**NASA Selects Scout-13—MAVEN**

- Fulfillment of a high-priority National Academy of Science Objective—Aeronomy
- Importance to Mars Exploration Program:
- Addresses key science objectives for upper atmosphere, solar wind interaction, and escape to space, as defined by MEPAG (2006) and the NRC (2003)
- Provide telecommunications infrastructure “refreshment”

-   The Mission Team:
-  CU/LASP PI: Bruce Jakosky
- GSFC Project Management
- Lockheed Martin spacecraft and Ops
- Instruments from UCB, LASP, GSFC, and CESR/France

## Miscellaneous News

- Dr. Ed Weiler replaced Dr. Alan Stern as Associate Administrator for Science in April ’08
- Mr. Chuck Gay replaced Dr. Colleen Hartmann as Deputy AA
- Mr. Mike Luther replaced Mr. Todd May as Deputy AA for Programs
- Other SMD front office changes have also occurred
- Dr. Mike Kelly appointed Program Scientist for Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)
- First set of Mars Sample Return studies culminated in ESA-sponsored Conference in July 2008
- ESA reorganization puts much of Mars exploration in the Science Directorate
- MSL cost challenges continue
- Re-evaluation of the Mars Program budget beginning with the FY10 Budget Process

## Mars Science Laboratory

- Cache--status is TBD
- Still on track for 2009 launch
- Critical deliveries are coming in!
- Overguide status
- Exceeded 15% overguide threshold of NASA Authorization Act
- NASA paying CLOSE attention to progress and cost
- Weekly and monthly reporting through to SMD AA
- HQ participation in weekly JPL reviews
- Reviews with NASA Administrator in February and May 2008
- Next review October 2008
- MSL is not out of the woods yet, but progress is being made
- Financial collateral damage is likely

## Drivers for Planning the Next Decade

- What are the driving requirements behind the Program’s baseline content?
- MEP architecture *must* be viable with or without Mars Sample Return
- MSR in 2018 is *not viable *with the FY09* *budget, or maybe any budget that can be expected in the near term
- What are the drivers for developing Program content?
- The mission portfolio must reflect methodical scientific progress and stakeholder expectations—alignment with NRC and MEPAG
- It must include missions for science and infrastructure
- How does Mars Sample Return fit in the architecture?
- Technology development must enable all missions in the portfolio

## Current and Projected MEP Budgets

## MEP Next Decade—Where to From Here?

**2013**

**2016**

**2018 & Beyond**

**2011**

**2009**

**Operational**

**MAVEN**

**ESA/ExoMars**
**Cooperation**

**Lander Mission X**

**The Era of Mars Sample Return**

**  ****Under Review**

## Conclusions

- Re-establishment of a viable Program is underway
- MSL is a significant challenge in 2008/09
- The next decade of Mars has started with the selection of MAVEN!
- Next Decade missions must support established scientific priorities—NRC and MEPAG
- The wild card is the upcoming election cycle
- Delayed FY09 budget through Congress
- New TBD Presidential priorities—FY09 budget
- Architectural decisions will be vetted through advisory structures and transition teams
- MATT helped shape the scientific priorities for 2016 and beyond
- Continue MSR studies and options for international cooperation
- Additional analyses and reviews will be necessary
- Community will remain engaged as usual!