FiscalYear

BUDGETESTIMATES

NationalAeronauticsandSpaceAdministration

www.nasa.gov
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Summary

Budget Authority, $ in million

FY 2009

Actual

Recovery 

Act

FY 2010

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

 

Science 4,503.0 400.0 4,493.3 5,005.6 5,248.6 5,509.6 5,709.8 5,814.0

Earth Science 1,377.3 325.0 1,420.7 1,801.8 1,944.5 2,089.5 2,216.6 2,282.2

Planetary Science 1,288.1 0.0 1,341.3 1,485.7 1,547.2 1,591.2 1,630.1 1,649.4

Astrophysics 1,229.9 75.0 1,103.9 1,076.3 1,109.3 1,149.1 1,158.7 1,131.6

Heliophysics 607.8 0.0 627.4 641.9 647.6 679.8 704.4 750.8

Aeronautics and Space 

Research and Technology 500.0 150.0 507.0 1,151.8 1,596.9 1,650.1 1,659.0 1,818.2

Aeronautics Research 500.0 150.0 507.0 579.6 584.7 590.4 595.1 600.3

Space Technology 0.0 0.0 0.0 572.2 1,012.2 1,059.7 1,063.9 1,217.9

Exploration 3,505.5 400.0 3,779.8 4,263.4 4,577.4 4,718.9 4,923.3 5,179.3

Exploration Research and 

Development

0.0 0.0 0.0 1,551.4 2,577.4 3,318.9 3,623.3 3,979.3

Commercial Spaceflight 0.0 0.0 0.0 812.0 1,400.0 1,400.0 1,300.0 1,300.0

Constellation Transition 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,900.0 600.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Constellation Systems 3,033.2 400.0 3,325.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Advanced Capabilities 472.3 0.0 454.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Space Operations 5,764.7 0.0 6,180.6 4,887.8 4,290.2 4,253.3 4,362.6 4,130.5

Space Shuttle 2,979.5 0.0 3,139.4 989.1 86.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

International Space Station 2,060.2 0.0 2,317.0 2,779.8 2,983.6 3,129.4 3,221.9 3,182.8

Space and Flight Support 725.0 0.0 724.2 1,119.0 1,220.6 1,123.9 1,140.7 947.7

Education 169.2 0.0 183.8 145.8 145.8 145.7 145.7 146.8

Cross-Agency Support 3,356.4 50.0 3,095.1 3,111.4 3,189.6 3,276.8 3,366.5 3,462.2

Center Mgmt & Ops 2,024.3 0.0 2,067.0 2,270.2 2,347.4 2,427.7 2,509.7 2,594.3

Agency Mgmt & Ops 921.2 0.0 941.7 841.2 842.2 849.1 856.8 867.9

Institutional Investments 293.7 50.0 23.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Congressionally Directed 

Items

67.2 0.0 63.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Construction and 

Environmental Compliance 

and Restoration 0.0 0.0 448.3 397.3 363.8 366.9 393.5 398.5

Construction of Facilities 0.0 0.0 381.1 335.2 316.3 319.5 344.6 349.0

Environmental Compliance 

and Restoration 0.0 0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5

Inspector General 33.6 2.0 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 40.5

NASA FY 2011 17,782.4 1,002.0 18,724.3 19,000.0 19,450.0 19,960.0 20,600.0 20,990.0

Year to Year Change 5.3% 1.5% 2.4% 2.6% 3.2% 1.9%
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ii
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Detail

 

Budget Authority, $ in million 

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Science 4,903.0 4,493.3 5,005.6 5,248.6 5,509.6 5,709.8 5,814.0

 

Earth Science 1,702.3 1,420.7 1,801.8 1,944.5 2,089.5 2,216.6 2,282.2

Earth Science Research 437.4 383.3 438.1 489.6 513.6 523.4 543.3

 Earth Science Research and Analysis 313.7 278.9 324.6 348.2 365.9 391.0 406.4

 Computing and Management 123.7 104.4 113.5 141.4 147.8 132.4 136.9

Earth Systematic Missions 893.7 723.4 809.3 993.9 1,120.8 1,226.8 1,223.5 

 Global Precipitation Measurement 

(GPM)

143.8 155.6 128.8 125.7 90.0 52.8 35.7 

 Glory Mission 61.0 27.1 21.9 5.5 7.7 8.3 8.6 

 Landsat Data Continuity Mission 

(LDCM)

200.9 120.6 156.8 157.9 69.5 3.1 3.1 

 NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) 42.2 104.6 64.4 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.4 

 Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 

(ICESat-2)

38.8 39.2 68.5 116.0 178.6 153.9 94.9 

 Soil Moisture Active and Passive 

(SMAP)

103.3 70.0 82.5 139.0 163.8 80.0 10.0 

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 303.6 206.3 286.5 444.7 606.0 923.6 1,065.9 

Earth System Science Pathfinder 122.1 86.0 303.8 204.3 196.4 190.1 228.9 

 Aquarius 46.9 18.3 17.0 5.4 5.2 2.4 4.6 

 OCO-2 0.0 25.0 171.0 91.0 51.0 13.0 4.0 

 Venture Class Missions 21.0 12.9 79.5 75.1 106.9 140.5 185.3 

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 54.3 29.8 36.2 32.7 33.4 34.2 35.0 

Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations 146.0 149.9 161.2 164.5 160.5 165.8 169.8

 Earth Science Multi-Mission 

Operations 146.0 149.9 161.2 164.5 160.5 165.8 169.8

Earth Science Technology 55.3 45.9 52.8 53.9 57.1 64.7 68.0

 Earth Science Technology 55.3 45.9 52.8 53.9 57.1 64.7 68.0

Applied Sciences 47.8 32.2 36.6 38.3 41.1 45.9 48.7

 Pathways 47.8 32.2 36.6 38.3 41.1 45.9 48.7

Planetary Science 1,288.1 1,341.3 1,485.7 1,547.2 1,591.2 1,630.1 1,649.4

Planetary Science Research 166.2 160.7 180.4 190.8 195.2 214.2 240.9

 Planetary Science Research and 

Analysis 135.6 132.1 131.0 139.0 142.4 147.4 150.4

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 19.5 21.4 23.9 23.7 23.4 30.2 29.0

 Education and Directorate 

Management 7.4 1.4 5.1 7.7 8.9 16.0 40.8

 Near Earth Object Observations 3.7 5.8 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7

Lunar Quest Program 69.1 103.6 136.6 136.4 131.7 109.7 110.5

 Lunar Science 28.9 33.3 74.7 77.6 108.7 105.4 103.9

 Lunar Atmosphere and Dust 

Environment Explorer 30.2 55.3 57.9 54.7 18.7 0.0 0.0

 International Lunar Network 10.0 15.0 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 6.6

Discovery 234.8 209.2 202.0 216.8 235.9 263.0 312.9

 Gravity Recovery and Interior 

Laboratory (GRAIL) 152.9 124.1 104.8 41.4 4.7 0.0 0.0

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 81.9 85.1 97.2 175.4 231.2 263.0 312.9

iii
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Detail

Budget Authority, $ in million

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

New Frontiers 279.0 264.1 223.8 229.5 237.9 247.7 258.5

 Juno 260.1 237.2 184.2 46.4 17.8 18.1 16.8

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 19.0 26.9 39.6 183.1 220.1 229.6 241.6

Mars Exploration 361.7 416.1 532.8 514.8 549.9 569.6 485.8

 2009 Mars Science Lab 229.3 204.0 231.6 91.8 42.0 38.5 0.0

 MAVEN 6.7 53.4 161.2 210.9 170.5 25.8 18.4

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 125.7 158.7 140.0 212.1 337.4 505.3 467.3

Outer Planets 104.8 98.6 103.5 157.9 152.0 144.0 155.8

 Outer Planets 104.8 98.6 103.5 157.9 152.0 144.0 155.8

Technology 72.4 89.0 106.5 101.1 88.7 82.0 85.1

 Technology 72.4 89.0 106.5 101.1 88.7 82.0 85.1

Astrophysics 1,304.9 1,103.9 1,076.3 1,109.3 1,149.1 1,158.7 1,131.6

Astrophysics Research 136.0 149.0 156.1 178.1 188.4 194.6 199.6

 Astrophysics Research and Analysis 60.0 60.0 60.2 64.7 65.8 67.4 69.1

 Balloon Project 25.6 26.7 27.1 32.4 32.7 35.3 36.8

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 50.4 62.3 68.7 80.9 89.8 91.9 93.7

Cosmic Origins 850.0 684.1 687.7 669.4 667.5 640.5 599.2

 Hubble Space Telescope (HST) 203.1 112.6 102.7 104.5 99.8 98.0 98.6

 James Webb Space Telescope 

(JWST) 466.9 440.3 444.8 379.2 335.2 259.3 119.2

 Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared 

Astronomy (SOFIA) 77.4 72.8 79.6 80.1 79.2 81.1 81.3

 Other Missions And Data Analysis 102.5 58.4 60.6 105.7 153.4 202.2 300.1

Physics of the Cosmos 111.1 116.8 103.3 114.4 151.7 176.4 202.0

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 111.1 116.8 103.3 114.4 151.7 176.4 202.0

Exoplanet Exploration 72.1 46.2 42.5 54.1 83.0 93.8 117.6

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 72.1 46.2 42.5 54.1 83.0 93.8 117.6

Astrophysics Explorer 135.7 107.9 86.7 93.3 58.5 53.3 13.2

 Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope 

Array (NuStar) 38.7 59.9 32.1 10.8 6.2 0.0 0.0

 Gravity and Extreme Magnetism 1.7 0.0 21.0 57.7 44.7 40.8 2.1

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 95.2 48.0 33.6 24.8 7.6 12.6 11.1

Heliophysics 607.8 627.4 641.9 647.6 679.8 704.4 750.8

Heliophysics Research 204.7 173.0 166.9 165.4 168.7 172.9 172.9

 Heliophysics Research and Analysis 31.5 31.0 31.7 32.2 33.0 33.8 34.2

 Sounding Rockets 45.1 65.3 48.9 49.7 51.8 53.0 53.8

 Research Range 32.3 19.2 19.6 20.1 20.6 21.1 21.4

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 95.8 57.5 66.7 63.4 63.4 65.0 63.5

Living with a Star 222.6 240.2 214.3 207.9 216.5 243.0 288.8

 Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) 154.4 129.1 140.0 92.2 30.2 22.0 9.1

 Solar Probe Plus 18.0 40.0 14.1 49.7 104.3 104.4 148.2

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 50.2 71.1 60.2 66.0 82.0 116.6 131.5

iv
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Detail

Budget Authority, $ in million

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Solar Terrestrial Probes 143.0 143.0 162.9 175.1 178.5 161.7 121.4

 Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) 115.9 118.6 143.8 155.8 158.9 141.4 96.1

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 27.1 24.4 19.1 19.3 19.6 20.3 25.3

Heliophysics Explorer Program 34.8 69.4 97.7 99.2 116.1 126.8 167.8

 IRIS 15.0 0.0 69.0 37.6 9.2 7.3 1.2

 Other Missions and Data Analysis 19.8 69.4 28.7 61.6 106.9 119.5 166.5

New Millennium 2.7 1.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 New Millennium 2.7 1.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 

Aeronautics and Space Research and 

Technology 650.0 507.0 1,151.8 1,596.9 1,650.1 1,659.0 1,818.2

 

Aeronautics Research 650.0 507.0 579.6 584.7 590.4 595.1 600.3

Aviation Safety 89.3 75.0 79.3 78.9 81.2 81.9 82.7

Airspace Systems 121.5 80.0 82.2 82.9 85.9 86.6 87.4

Fundamental Aeronautics 307.6 220.0 228.5 231.4 236.0 241.8 244.6

Aeronautics Test 131.6 72.0 76.4 76.4 75.6 77.4 78.2

Integrated Systems Research 0.0 60.0 113.1 115.1 111.7 107.4 107.4

 

Space Technology 0.0 0.0 572.2 1,012.2 1,059.7 1,063.9 1,217.9

Early Stage Innovation 0.0 0.0 298.6 304.4 300.4 305.1 314.7

Space Technology Research Grants 0.0 0.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

NIAC Phase I and Phase II 0.0 0.0 3.0 6.0 7.0 7.0 8.0

Center Innovations Fund 0.0 0.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

SBIR/STTR 0.0 0.0 165.6 168.4 163.4 168.1 176.7

Centennial Challenges 0.0 0.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0

Game Changing Technology 0.0 0.0 129.6 359.3 349.1 349.1 424.2

Game-Changing Developments 0.0 0.0 123.6 329.3 319.1 319.1 394.2

Small Satellite Subsystem 

Technologies

0.0 0.0 6.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

Crosscutting Capability Demonstrations 0.0 0.0 102.0 302.0 362.0 362.0 424.0 

Technology Demonstration Missions 0.0 0.0 75.0 265.0 325.0 325.0 387.0 

Edison Small Satellite Demonstration 

Missions

0.0 0.0 10.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 

Flight Opportunities 0.0 0.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 

Partnership Development and Strategic 

Integration

0.0 0.0 42.0 46.5 48.2 47.7 55.0 

Partnership Development and 

Strategic Integration

0.0 0.0 42.0 46.5 48.2 47.7 55.0 

v
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Detail

Budget Authority, $ in million

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Exploration 3,905.5 3,779.8 2,363.4 3,977.4 4,718.9 4,923.3 5,179.3

Exploration Research and Development 0.0 0.0 1,551.4 2,577.4 3,318.9 3,623.3 3,979.3

Technology Demonstration 0.0 0.0 652.4 1,262.4 1,807.9 2,013.3 2,087.3

Heavy Lift and Propulsion Technology 0.0 0.0 559.0 594.0 597.0 598.0 754.0

Robotic Precursor Missions 0.0 0.0 125.0 506.0 699.0 797.0 923.0

Human Research 0.0 0.0 215.0 215.0 215.0 215.0 215.0

 

Commercial Spaceflight 0.0 0.0 812.0 1,400.0 1,400.0 1,300.0 1,200.0

Commercial Cargo 0.0 0.0 312.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Commercial Crew 0.0 0.0 500.0 1,400.0 1,400.0 1,300.0 1,200.0

 

Constellation Transition 0.0 0.0 1,900.0 600.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 

Constellation Systems 3,433.2 3,325.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Constellation Systems 3,190.1 3,286.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Commercial Crew and Cargo 243.0 39.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Advanced Capabilities 472.3 454.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Human Research Program 151.9 151.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Exploration Technology Development 264.1 283.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Lunar Precursor Robotic Program 56.3 19.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Space Operations 5,764.7 6,180.6 4,887.8 4,290.2 4,253.3 4,362.6 4,130.5

Space Shuttle 2,979.5 3,139.4 989.1 86.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Space Shuttle Program 2,979.5 3,139.4 989.1 86.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Program Integration 458.5 678.1 284.8 25.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Flight and Ground Operations 1,037.4 1,035.1 373.2 28.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Flight Hardware 1,483.6 1,426.2 331.1 32.3 0.0 0.0 0.0

International Space Station 2,060.2 2,317.0 2,779.8 2,983.6 3,129.4 3,221.9 3,182.8

International Space Station Program 2,060.2 2,317.0 2,779.8 2,983.6 3,129.4 3,221.9 3,182.8

 ISS Operations 1,594.9 1,689.0 1,923.0 1,797.8 1,903.9 1,934.2 1,971.2

 ISS Cargo Crew Services 465.2 628.0 856.8 1,185.7 1,225.5 1,287.6 1,211.6

vi
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Detail

Budget Authority, $ in million

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Space and Flight Support (SFS) 725.0 724.2 1,119.0 1,220.6 1,123.9 1,140.7 947.7

21st Century Space Launch Complex 0.0 0.0 428.6 500.0 400.0 400.0 200.0

21st Century Space Launch Complex 0.0 0.0 428.6 500.0 400.0 400.0 200.0

Space Communications and Navigation 582.9 485.3 452.9 478.0 479.5 488.4 489.6

 Space Communications Networks 342.2 372.8 371.2 404.7 412.3 429.2 436.1

 Space Communications Support 86.7 86.6 62.6 50.7 53.8 59.2 53.5

 TDRS Replenishment 154.0 26.0 19.0 22.6 13.4 0.0 0.0

Human Space Flight Operations 0.0 102.3 114.4 115.8 117.7 118.1 121.0

 Human Space Flight Operations 0.0 102.3 114.4 115.8 117.7 118.1 121.0

Launch Services 91.7 83.8 78.9 82.6 82.5 86.0 87.9

 Launch Services 91.7 83.8 78.9 82.6 82.5 86.0 87.9

Rocket Propulsion Test 41.8 44.3 44.3 44.2 44.2 48.2 49.2

 Rocket Propulsion Testing 41.8 44.3 44.3 44.2 44.2 48.2 49.2

Crew Health & Safety 8.6 8.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Crew Health and Safety 8.6 8.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 

Education 169.2 183.8 145.8 145.8 145.7 145.7 146.8

 

Education 169.2 183.8 145.8 145.8 145.7 145.7 146.8

Higher Ed. STEM Education 107.7 121.2 81.0 81.0 81.0 81.0 81.0

 STEM Opportunities (Higher 

Education) 9.5 12.4 16.9 16.9 16.9 16.9 16.9

 NASA Space Grant 40.0 45.5 27.7 27.7 27.7 27.7 27.7

 Experimental Program to Stimulate 

Competetive Research 20.0 24.9 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3

 Minority University Research & 

Education Program 28.2 28.4 27.2 27.2 27.2 27.2 27.2

 Global Climate Change Education 10.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

K-12 STEM Education 47.5 46.5 62.8 62.8 62.7 62.7 63.8

 STEM Student Opportunities (K-12) 15.2 17.2 46.1 46.1 46.1 46.1 46.1

 STEM Teacher Development (K-12) 16.3 14.3 16.7 16.7 16.6 16.6 17.7

 K-12 Competitive Educational Grant 

Program 16.0 15.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Informal STEM Education 14.0 16.1 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

 Science Museums and Planetarium 

Grants 7.0 7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 NASA Visitor Centers 7.0 6.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 NASA Informal Education 

Opportunities 0.0 2.7 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

vii
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Detail

 

Budget Authority, $ in million 

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Cross-Agency Support 3,356.4 3,095.1 3,111.4 3,189.6 3,276.8 3,366.5 3,462.2

Center Management and Operations 2,024.3 2,067.0 2,270.2 2,347.4 2,427.7 2,509.7 2,594.3

Center Management and Operations 2,024.3 2,067.0 2,270.2 2,347.4 2,427.7 2,509.7 2,594.3

 Center Institutional Capabilities 1,542.1 1,591.7 1,776.1 1,830.5 1,890.9 1,956.3 2,021.8

 Center Programmatic Capabilities 482.2 475.3 494.0 516.8 536.8 553.4 572.5

Agency Management and Operations 921.2 941.7 841.2 842.2 849.1 856.8 867.9

Agency Management 389.3 398.9 432.0 451.1 455.8 460.6 467.0

 Agency Management 389.3 398.9 432.0 451.1 455.8 460.6 467.0

Safety and Mission Success 179.8 192.9 201.6 203.8 205.8 206.6 208.7

 Safety and Mission Assurance 44.3 48.2 49.0 49.5 49.9 50.5 51.2

 Chief Engineer 87.0 101.1 103.6 105.2 106.8 106.9 108.4

 Chief Health and Medical Officer 3.6 3.6 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.2

 Independent Verification and 

Validation 45.0 40.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0

Agency IT Services (AITS) 163.9 145.3 177.8 157.5 157.7 159.5 161.7

 IT Management 18.1 28.6 16.1 16.6 16.4 16.7 17.0

 Applications 64.0 68.4 79.1 70.6 70.9 71.7 72.6

 Infrastructure 81.8 48.3 82.6 70.4 70.4 71.1 72.1

Innovative Partnerships Program 160.2 175.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Technology Infusion 9.1 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Small Business Innovative Research 113.4 124.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Small Business Technology Transfer 

Research 13.6 14.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Innovation Incubator 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Future Centennial Challenges 0.0 4.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Partnership Development 24.1 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Innovative Technology 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Strategic Capabilities Assets Program 28.0 29.4 29.8 29.8 29.8 30.1 30.5

 Simulators 11.5 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.8 12.2

 Thermal Vacuum Chambers 7.2 8.3 8.4 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.5

 Arc Jets 9.3 9.4 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.8 9.8

Institutional Investments 343.7 23.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Institutional Construction of Facilities 268.9 23.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Institutional Construction Of Facilities 268.9 23.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Environmental Compliance and Restoration 74.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration 74.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Congressionally Directed Items 67.2 63.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Congressionally Directed Items 67.2 63.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Congressionally Directed Items 67.2 63.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

viii
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

President’s FY 2011 Budget Request Detail

 

Budget Authority, $ in million 

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Construction and Environmental 

Compliance and Restoration 0.0 448.3 397.3 363.8 366.9 393.5 398.5

 

Construction of Facilities 0.0 381.1 335.2 316.3 319.5 344.6 349.0

Institutional CoF 0.0 249.3 280.8 316.3 319.5 344.6 349.0

 Institutional CoF 0.0 249.3 280.8 316.3 319.5 344.6 349.0

Science CoF 0.0 13.7 40.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Science CoF 0.0 13.7 40.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Exploration CoF 0.0 90.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Exploration CoF 0.0 90.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Space Operations CoF 0.0 27.3 14.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

 Space Operations CoF 0.0 27.3 14.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration 0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5

Environmental Compliance and Restoration 0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5

 Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration 0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5 

 

Inspector General 35.6 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 40.5

Inspector General 35.6 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 40.5

IG Program 35.6 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 40.5

 Inspector General 35.6 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 40.5

 

NASA FY 2011 18,784.4 18,724.3 19,000.0 19,450.0 19,960.0 20,600.0 20,990.0

ix
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x
Table of Contents

TOC-1 

FY 2011 Budget Request Summary

Message from the Administrator SUM -1 

Science

Science Overview..................................................................................................... SCI-1

Earth Science ........................................................................................................ EARTH-1

Earth Science Research, EARTH-9 

Earth Systematic Missions, EARTH-16

Glory Mission [Development], EARTH-30

NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) [Development], EARTH-37

Global Precipitation Measurements (GPM) [Development], EARTH-42

Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) [Development], EARTH-49

Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat II) [Formulation], EARTH-54

Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) [Formulation], EARTH-57

Earth System Science Pathfinder, EARTH-60

Aquarius [Development], EARTH-65

OCO-2 [Formulation], EARTH-69

Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations, EARTH-72

Earth Science Technology, EARTH-79

Applied Science, EARTH-83

Planetary Science................................................................................................. PLANET-1 

Planetary Science Research, PLANET-8 

Lunar Quest, PLANET-15

 Lunar Atmosphere & Dust Environment Expl (LADEE) [Formulation], PLANET-20

Discovery, PLANET-23

Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) [Development], PLANET-31

New Frontiers, PLANET-35

Juno [Development], PLANET-40

Mars Exploration, PLANET-47

2009 Mars Science Lab (MSL) [Development], PLANET-54

Mars Atmosphere & Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN), [Formulation], PLANET-60

Outer Planets, PLANET-64

Technology, PLANET-68

Astrophysics ........................................................................................................ ASTRO-1 

Astrophysics Research, ASTRO-7 

Cosmic Origins, ASTRO-12

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) [Development], ASTRO-18

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) [Development], ASTRO-26

Physics of the Cosmos, ASTRO-31

Exoplanet Exploration, ASTRO-35

Astrophysics Explorer, ASTRO-38

Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuStar) [Formulation], ASTRO-44

 Gravity Extreme Magnetism (SMEX 13) (GEMS) [Formulation], ASTRO-48
Table of Contents

TOC-2 

Heliophysics ......................................................................................................... HELIO-1 

Heliophysics Research, HELIO-7 

Living with a Star, HELIO-13

Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) [Development], HELIO-19

Solar Probe Plus [Formulation], HELIO-25

Solar Terrestrial Probes, HELIO-28

Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) [Development], HELIO-31

Heliophysics Explorer, HELIO-36

 Interface Region Imaging Spectograph (IRIS) [Formulation], HELIO-42

New Millennium, HELIO-45

Aeronautics and Space Research and Technology

Aeronautics Research Overview............................................................................. AERO-1 

Aviation Safety, AERO-8 

Airspace Systems, AERO-15

Fundamental Aeronautics, AERO-20

Aeronautics Test, AERO-28

Integrated Systems Research, AERO- 33

Space Technology Overview ................................................................................... TECH-1 

 Early Stage Innovation, TECH-5 

 Game Changing Technology, TECH-11

 Crosscutting Capability Demonstrations, TECH-14

 Partnership Development and Strategic Integration, TECH-17

Exploration

Exploration Systems Overview ............................................................................... EXP-1 

Exploration Research and Development .............................................................. EXP-4 

Technology Demonstration, EXP-5 

Heavy Lift and Propulsion Technology, EXP-8 

Exploration Precursor Robotic Missions, EXP-9 

Human Research, EXP-11

Commercial Spaceflight.......................................................................... EXP-12

Commercial Cargo, EXP-13

Commercial Crew, EXP-14

Constellation Transition ......................................................................... EXP-15

Space Operations

Space Operations Overview .................................................................................... SPA-1 

Space Shuttle.......................................................................................................... SPA-5 

Space Shuttle, SPA-8

International Space Station ................................................................................... SPA-13

International Space Station, SPA-19 

Space and Flight Support ...................................................................................... SPA-23 

21st Century Launch Complex, SPA-28 
Table of Contents

TOC-3 

Space Communications and Navigation, SPA-29 

TDRS Replenishment [Development], SPA-37

Human Space Flight Operations (HSFO), SPA-41 

Launch Services, SPA-45 

Rocket Propulsion Testing, SPA-49 

Education

Education Overview................................................................................................. EDU-1

Higher Ed. STEM Education, EDU-9 

K-12 STEM Education, EDU-16

Informal STEM Education, EDU-21

Cross-Agency Support

Cross-Agency Support Overview............................................................................ CROSS-1

Center Management and Operations ................................................................... CROSS-7

Center Management and Operations, CROSS-9 

Agency Management and Operations................................................................. CROSS-13

Agency Management, CROSS-16

Safety and Mission Success, CROSS-22

Agency Information Technology Services (AITS), CROSS-28 

Shared Capabilities Assets Program (SCAP), CROSS-32

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration Overview........... CECR-1

Construction of Facilities...................................................................................... CECR-3

Environmental Compliance and Restoration............................................. CECR-13

Environmental Compliance and Restoration, CECR-14

Inspector General

Inspector General Overview .................................................................................... IG-1

Supporting Data.......................................................................................... SUP-1 

Civil Service Full-Time Equivalent Distribution by Center, SUP-2 

Budget for FY 2011 by Object Class Code, SUP-3 

Status of Unobligated Funds, SUP-4 

Reimbursable Estimates, SUP-5 

Enhanced Use Leasing, SUP-6 

Budget for Safety Oversight, SUP-7 

Budget for Public Relations, SUP-9 

Consulting Services, SUP-10

E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits, SUP-11
Table of Contents

TOC-4 

Management and Performance ..................................................................................... MAN-1 

Major Program Annual Reports (MPAR) Summary................................................. MAN-3 

Proposed Appropriation Language .............................................................................. APP-1 

Reference

Acronyms .................................................................................................................. REF-1


Mission Directorate: Science

NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) conducts scientific exploration enabled by the use of space 

observatories and space probes that view the Earth from space, observe and visit other bodies in the solar 

system, and peer out into our Galaxy and beyond. NASA's science program seeks answers to profound 

questions that touch us all:







 - What are the origin and destiny of the universe?



 - How did the planets and life originate?



 - Are we alone?



 - What is waiting to be discovered in the solar system?



 - How is our planet changing, and what are the consequences for life and human civilization?







From space, NASA satellites can view the Earth as a planet and enable its study as a complex, dynamic system 

with diverse components: the oceans, atmosphere, continents, ice sheets, and life itself. The nation's scientific 

community can thereby observe and track global-scale changes, connecting cause to effects, and study regional 

changes in their global context, as well as observe the role that human civilization plays as a force of change. 

Through partnerships with agencies that maintain forecast and decision support systems, NASA improves 

national capabilities to predict climate, weather, and natural hazards, manage resources, and craft environmental 

policy. 







NASA extends humankind's virtual presence throughout the Solar System via robotic space probes to other 

planets and their moons, to asteroids and comets, and to icy bodies of the outer solar system. SMD is 

completing humankind's first basic reconnaissance of the Solar System by sending one mission to fly by Pluto 

and another that will visit two world-sized asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. SMD is also in the midst of a large-scale 

investigation of Mars, launching a series of ever more capable orbiters, landers, and rovers, with the long-term 

goal of a sample return mission. In addition, SMD is focusing on certain moons of the giant planets where current 

NASA missions see intriguing signs of surface activity and of liquid water within, knowing that on Earth, where 

there is water and an energy source there is also life.







Our solar system is governed by the Sun, a main-sequence star midway through its life. The Sun's influence is 

wielded through its gravity, radiation, solar wind, and magnetic fields as they interact with the masses, fields, and 

atmospheres of planetary and small bodies. Through the eyes of multiple spacecraft, the scientific community 

sees the solar system as a "heliosphere," another kind of interconnected system with diverse components. Using 

a fleet of sensors on various spacecraft in Earth orbit and throughout the solar system, SMD seeks to understand 

how and why the Sun varies, how planetary systems respond, and how human activities are affected. The 

science of Heliophysics enables the space weather predictions necessary to safeguard the outward journeys of 

human and robotic explorers.







Some of the greatest minds of the last century discovered wondrous things about our physical universe: the Big 

Bang and black holes, dark matter and dark energy, and the interrelated nature of space and time. Their theories 

challenge scientists and NASA to use observations from space to test the limits of our understanding of 

fundamental physics. Having measured the age of the universe, the scientific community now seeks to explore 

its ultimate extremes: its birth, the edges of space and time near black holes, and the mysterious dark energy 

filling the entire universe. Scientists also seek to understand the relationship between the smallest of subatomic 

particles and the vast expanse of the cosmos. With hundreds of planets around other stars now known, scientists 

are using current NASA missions in conjunction with ground-based telescopes to seek Earth-like planets in other 

solar systems.







This is NASA's science vision: to achieve a deep scientific understanding of our planet, other planets and solar 

system bodies, our star system in its entirety, and the universe beyond. SMD lays the intellectual foundation for 

the robotic and human expeditions of the future while meeting today's needs for scientific information to address 

national concerns on global change, space weather, and education.

Overview

SCI - 1 SCI - 1
Mission Directorate: Science

Heliophysics 591.6 605.0 672.6 720.5 742.7 762.6 --

Astrophysics 1,281.2 1,120.9 1,074.1 1,042.7 1,126.3 1,139.6 --

Planetary Science 1,325.6 1,346.2 1,500.6 1,577.7 1,600.0 1,633.2 --

Earth Science 1,704.6 1,405.0 1,500.0 1,550.0 1,600.0 1,650.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

4,903.0 4,477.2 4,747.4 4,890.9 5,069.0 5,185.4 --

Heliophysics 607.8 627.4 641.9 647.6 679.8 704.4 750.8

Astrophysics 1,304.9 1,103.9 1,076.3 1,109.3 1,149.1 1,158.7 1,131.6

Planetary Science 1,288.1 1,341.3 1,485.7 1,547.2 1,591.2 1,630.1 1,649.4

Earth Science 1,702.3 1,420.7 1,801.8 1,944.5 2,089.5 2,216.6 2,282.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

4,903.0 4,493.3 5,005.6 5,248.6 5,509.6 5,709.8 5,814.0

Total Change from FY 2010 

President's Budget Request

0.0 16.1 258.2 357.7 440.6 524.4 --

Note: In all budget tables, the FY 2011 President's Budget Request depicts the July 2009 Operating Plan including American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the FY 2009 Actual column and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117) 

without the Administrative transfers for the FY 2010 enacted column.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SCI - 2 SCI - 2
Mission Directorate: Science

Major Changes:

Funding is included for an Orbiting Carbon Observatory replacement, with a planned launch readiness date 

of February 2013. 







The budget includes an increase of $2.1 billion in FY 2011-2015 for a global climate initiative, enabling 

significant mission accelerations and program expansions. This initiative will accelerate selected Decadal 

Survey missions; expand and accelerate the new Venture-class competitive program; enable development of 

"gap-filler" climate sensors and missions, including a GRACE follow-on mission and early instrument flights 

on ISS; and support enhanced investments in new technologies, modeling, data systems, and decision 

support systems. 







The Decadal Survey Tier-1 Soil Moisture Active-Passive (SMAP) and Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite 

2 (ICESat-2) missions are now planned for launched as early as November 2014 and October 2015, 

respectively. With the infusion of funds for the global climate initiative, these launch dates are not limited by 

budget availability; the missions will be completed and launched as rapidly as possible, based on technical 

considerations alone. CLARREO, DESDynI and selected Decadal Tier 2 and 3 missions will be accelerated; 

CLARREO and DESDynI may launch as soon as 2017, approximately two years earlier than previously 

planned. 







NASA initiated a new series of small, rapid-development, competed "Venture-class" missions in FY 2010. 

These missions, which may include suborbital payloads (to be flown on sounding rockets, balloons, aircraft, 

or unmanned aerial vehicles), instruments to be flown on non-NASA spacecraft, or small dedicated 

spacecraft, will be selected via an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) in FY 2010, and the first science 

results will be returned in FY 2011. As a result of the global climate initiative, future AOs will be released 

annually, instead of every other year, doubling the output of this exciting new program.

New Initiatives:

OCO-2 will complete KDP-C and enter into development







Glory will have its Launch Readiness Review, followed by the launch of the spacecraft. 







The NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) will complete its satellite pre-ship review and is scheduled to launch 

in FY 2011.







LDCM will complete its spacecraft integration and test, and the Operational Land Imager (OLI) instrument will 

be delivered to the spacecraft in FY 2012, in preparation for launch in FY 2013.







The Decadal Tier-1 mission of Soil Moisture Active-Passive (SMAP) will complete KDP-C and enter into 

development, while the Ice Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) project will complete KDP-B and initiate the spacecraft 

contract. 







All operating spacecraft which are beyond their prime mission will be reviewed for potential missions 

extensions, as part of the FY 2011 Senior Review.







The budget supports robust Research and Analysis and Technology programs.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

None, other than the new initiatives discussed above.

Earth Science

Plans for FY 2011

Science

SCI - 3 SCI - 3
Mission Directorate: Science

Stardust NExT will arrive at comet Tempel 1 in February 2011 to see how it has evolved since the Deep 

Impact encounter in 2005. 







Having completed its third fly-by of Mercury, MESSENGER will prepare for Mercury orbit insertion in March 

2011 while it continues its analyses of valuable data from the three flybys. 







The Dawn spacecraft will encounter the asteroid Vesta in May 2011. 







Juno will deliver all hardware to Florida, in preparation for a launch in August 2011. 







GRAIL will be in Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations (ATLO) by the end of CY 2010 and prepare for its 

launch in September 2011. 







MSL will complete ATLO, and deliver all hardware in preparation for a launch in October to December 2011. 







In addition to further definition study and technology development efforts for the Europa Jupiter System 

Mission (EJSM) throughout FY 2011, NASA will also continue to negotiate the details of a potential 

partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) should they select the Ganymede Jupiter System 

Mission from among the major mission candidates under consideration in Europe.







Following a Discovery Announcement of Opportunity released in early CY 2010, and a step 1 or concept 

study selection in late CY 2010, NASA will make final selection(s) by the end of FY 2011. 







Following the completion of New Frontiers 3 concept studies, NASA will make a New Frontiers 3 mission 

selection by the end of FY 2011.







The budget will fund operations of approximately 13 ongoing Planetary Science missions in FY2010, while 

maintaining robust Research and Analysis and Technology programs.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

Within the Lunar Quest Program, $15M is included for the restart of U.S. plutonium production capability, in 

support of future deep space missions. A similar amount is also included within the Department of Energy 

budget.







The Near Earth Object Observations (NEOO) project has been augmented by $16M/year, to accelerate 

progress on the detection and characterization of NEOs less than 1km in diameter. In FY 2011, this will 

support the analysis of archived data from the Wide-Field Infrared Spectroscopic Explorer (WISE) mission.

New Initiatives:

NASA has engaged the European Space Agency in discussions regarding collaboration on future robotic 

Mars missions. Concept studies for partnership missions launching in the 2016 and 2018 windows will be 

completed, and the 2016 mission will enter into formulation phase, by the end of FY 2011.

Major Changes:

Planetary Science

SCI - 4 SCI - 4
Mission Directorate: Science

Major Changes:

None

New Initiatives:

NASA will award instrument contracts for the Solar Probe Plus mission. 







An Announcement of Opportunity for the next Explorer missions will be developed and prepared for release.







The budget will fund operation and data analysis of approximately 16 ongoing Heliophysics missions 

(comprising 27 spacecraft) in FY 2011, while maintaining robust Research and Analysis and Sounding 

Rocket operations programs.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

The budget for the Solar Probe Plus mission has been increased, to accommodate higher-than-expected 

launch vehicle and instrument costs. Solar Probe Plus is now scheduled for launch no later than FY 2018, 

which is the most desirable launch window attainable. 







The European Space Agency announced a delay in the launch of the Solar Orbiter Collaboration mission to 

2017. 







In June 2009, NASA selected the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) as a Small Explorer, 

planned for launch in December 2012. IRIS will use a solar telescope and spectrograph to explore the solar 

chromosphere, a 2000 kilometer thick layer of gas just above the visible surface of the Sun. IRIS' unique 

instrument capabilities, coupled with state of the art 3-D modeling, will explore this dynamic region in detail.

Heliophysics

Major Changes:

None

New Initiatives:

Four Astrophysics missions will be in development or formulation: JWST, the Nuclear Spectroscopic 

Telescope Array (NuSTAR), the SXS instrument on the Japanese Astro-H mission, and GEMS. The 

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) will be conducting science operations as progress 

toward full capability continues. Planning will be underway on the top-priority missions identified by the 

Astro2010 decadal survey report from the National Reseach Council. 







The budget will support approximately eleven operating Astrophysics missions in FY 2011, including Fermi, 

HST, Spitzer Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, Swift, Suzaku, Galaxy Evolution Explorer 

(GALEX), Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), Herschel, Planck, and Kepler. The budget also 

maintains robust Research and Analysis and Scientific Balloon programs.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has entered development phase, in preparation for launch in 

June 2014.







In June 2009, NASA selected the Gravity and Extreme Magnetism SMEX (GEMS), as a Small Explorer, 

planned for launch no later than 2015. GEMS is an X-ray telescope to explore the shape of space that has 

been distorted by a spinning black hole's gravity, and probe the structure and effects of the formidable 

magnetic field around magnetars, dead stars with magnetic fields trillions of times stronger than Earth's. 







The Herschel, Planck, Kepler and Wide-field Infrared Spectroscopic Explorer (WISE) missions were all 

launched in CY 2009, and are now in prime operations.

Astrophysics

SCI - 5 SCI - 5
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SCI - 6
Theme: Earth Science

Mission Directorate: Science

NASA's Earth Science Theme advances knowledge of the integrated Earth systems. NASA's 

activities encompass the global atmosphere; the global oceans including sea ice; land surfaces 

including snow and ice; ecosystems; and interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and 

ecosystems, including humans. A key strategic element is sustained simultaneous observations to 

unravel the complexity of the global integrated Earth system. The program has four major elements: 

Flight Programs (Earth Systematic Missions and Earth System Science Pathfinder) develop satellite 

missions; Earth Science Research advances scientific understanding and identifies the foci for the 

next generation of missions; Technology develops new technology and enables the next generation of 

effective satellite and airborne instruments; and Applied Sciences advances the effective use of Earth 

science measurements and scientific understanding by other Federal, state, local and tribal 

organizations. 







The President's budget significantly advances NASA's climate-related activities through expansions of 

targeted activities in the Research, Applied Sciences, and Technology areas as well as acceleration of 

launches and selected additions to the flight portfolio. The budget enables launch of all Tier-1 

Decadal Survey missions by late CY2017, expands the Venture-class competitive program with 

annual solicitations, initiates development of key climate continuity missions to mitigate data gaps, and 

identifies and accelerates Tier-2 Decadal Survey and related missions for flights on selected platforms 

including the ISS. 







NASA presently operates fifteen satellite missions; thirteen are acquiring well-calibrated global 

observations with high-spatial and high-temporal resolution, while two (ICESAT, QuiKSCAT) recently 

ended their main scientific missions and are providing degraded measurements for use in crosscalibration and engineering investigations. NASA aircraft and surface-based instruments calibrate, 

complement, and enhance interpretation of satellite measurements. NASA supports computing 

capability and capacity for global integrated Earth system modeling. NASA missions produce nearly 4 

terabytes of data every day, and NASA maintains the world's largest scientific data and information 

system for collecting, processing, archiving, and distributing Earth system data to worldwide users. 







NASA has seven missions in formulation and development. With this FY2011 budget, the first two 

Decadal Survey missions (SMAP, ICESAT-2) have accelerated launch readiness dates of late 

CY2014 and late CY2015 respectively and scientifically focused CLARREO and DESYDynI (both 

Radar and Lidar) missions will be launched by the end of CY2017. Launch of all four Decadal Survey 

Tier-1 missions is achieved by 2017 and within a three-year span allowing on-orbit overlap. Selected 

Tier-2 Decadal Survey climate-focused missions will be identified by NASA in conjunction with the US 

Global Change Research Program, and initiated in this budget period for launch in the 2019-2020 

timeframe. Recognizing the broad societal and policy impact of NASA's Earth observations, NASA 

will initiate development of two missions to continue and enhance climate time series. NASA will start 

the refurbishment of an atmospheric chemistry instrument to be hosted by the International Space 

Station as early as 2013, and will initiate a GRACE Follow-on mission to continue the gravity 

measurements provided by the aging Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), for a 

launch in late FY2016.

Theme Overview

EARTH - 1
Theme: Earth Science

Mission Directorate: Science

Applied Sciences 47.8 32.2 30.7 31.5 32.2 33.1 --

Earth Science Technology 54.1 45.9 47.2 48.2 49.5 52.7 --

Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations 148.1 149.9 160.3 165.4 161.3 165.5 --

Earth System Science Pathfinder 118.3 63.9 128.8 114.2 121.4 119.1 --

Earth Systematic Missions 898.9 715.5 725.4 786.4 818.8 867.6 --

Earth Science Research 437.4 397.5 407.5 404.2 416.8 412.1 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 1,704.6 1,405.0 1,500.0 1,550.0 1,600.0 1,650.0 --

Applied Sciences 47.8 32.2 36.6 38.3 41.1 45.9 48.7

Earth Science Technology 55.3 45.9 52.8 53.9 57.1 64.7 68.0

Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations 146.0 149.9 161.2 164.5 160.5 165.8 169.8

Earth System Science Pathfinder 122.1 86.0 303.8 204.3 196.4 190.1 228.9

Earth Systematic Missions 893.7 723.4 809.3 993.9 1,120.8 1,226.8 1,223.5

Earth Science Research 437.4 383.3 438.1 489.6 513.6 523.4 543.3

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 1,702.3 1,420.7 1,801.8 1,944.5 2,089.5 2,216.6 2,282.2

Total Change from FY 2010 Request -2.2 15.7 301.8 394.5 489.5 566.6 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 2
Theme: Earth Science

Mission Directorate: Science

NASA has already begun a new Airborne Science campaign, called IceBridge, to "bridge the gap" between 

ICESat and ICESat-2 data. This activity, focusing on changes in Greenland and arctic ice, will continue in FY 

2010 and beyond. 







The Science Mission Directorate will issue Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science 2010 

(ROSES-10), a research announcement covering all of the planned research solicitations in Earth Science 

Research. The FY 2011 budget will fund research competitively selected in FY 2010 under this ROSES call. 

Roughly a third of the Earth Science Research budget is competed each year through ROSES. The resulting 

grants are generally funded for three years following the selections. Given the average of a three-year funding 

cycle, many of the research activities carried out in FY 2011 will be tasks initiated in FY 2009 and FY 2010 

based on solicitations included in ROSES-08 and ROSES-09, respectively. Selections based on ROSES 08 

and 09 solicitations are on-going and are addressing a number of Earth Science research areas, including 

biodiversity, ocean salinity, hurricane and precipitation science, remote sensing of water quality, atmospheric 

composition, and interdisciplinary science. 







In addition, the Research Program develops and tests experimental techniques and algorithms that contribute 

to future Decadal Survey missions. The FY 2011 President's Budget will enhance support for interdisciplinary 

science and NASA contribution to observational and model-based contributions to national and international 

climate assessments as well as support increased investments in scientific computing and space geodesy.

Earth Science Research

Plans for FY 2011

EARTH - 3
Theme: Earth Science

Mission Directorate: Science

In FY 2011, the President's budget accelerates or initiates Systematic Missions recommended by the National 

Research Council's 2007 Decadal Survey. The Soil Moisture Active-Passive (SMAP) and Ice, Cloud, and 

Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2) missions will be accelerated for launches in late CY 2014 and late CY 

2015 respectively. Phase A formulation activities will be initiated for the remaining Tier-1 Decadal Survey 

missions, the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) and the Deformation, 

Ecosystem Structure, and Dynamics of Ice (DESDynI), for accelerated launches in CY 2017. In addition, in 

conjunction with the USGCRP, NASA will identify at least one key climate-related Tier-2 Decadal Survey 

missions and initiate pre-formulation activities toward a late CY 2017 launch. 







The following other activities will be undertaken or accomplished in FY 2011: 







 - GPM will complete its SIR and KDP-D; 







 - NPP will complete its satellite pre-ship review and is scheduled to launch (Sep 2011);



 



 - Glory spacecraft will launch; 







 - LDCM will deliver the Operational Land Imager (OLI) instrument to the spacecraft;







 - LDCM will complete its spacecraft integration and test;



 



 - SMAP will complete KDP-C and enter into development; 







 - ICESat-2 will complete KDP-B and initiate the spacecraft contract; 







 - DESDynI and CLARREO will enter in Phase A formulation;







 - The new GRACE Follow-on continuity mission will complete a pre-formulation phase and enter in Phase A 

formulation;







 - The SAGE III instrument will begin refurbishment and will complete ISS accommodation assessment; 







 - Production of a dual payload adapter capability for the NASA launch services EELV fleet will be initiated, 

allowing dual-launch of DESDynI Radar and Lidar spacecraft; and 







 - A biannual Senior Review of all operating Earth research missions beyond their baseline mission duration 

will be conducted to optimize operating mission resources allocations in light of mission technical issues, time 

series continuity priorities, and mission contributions to non-NASA national imperatives such as improved 

weather forecasts.

Earth Systematic Missions

Plans for FY 2011

EARTH - 4
Theme: Earth Science

Mission Directorate: Science

The Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations Program will continue operation of the Earth Observing System 

Data and Information System (EOSDIS), the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) and their 

accompanying functions, as well as Core System Science Data Processing Systems. The maintenance of 

these systems is important to the collection of data from Earth Science satellites in orbit, as well as to the 

continuity of Earth Science research efforts. NASA plans to continue the support of the Evolution of EOSDIS 

Elements effort to enable a service oriented architecture between now and FY 2015. 







Five-year MEaSUREs Projects began work in FY 2008 to continue NASA support of the development of multi

-instrument Earth System Data Records, including Climate Data Records. An Advanced Collaborative 

Connections for Earth System Science (ACCESS) solicitation was released in NASA's Research 

Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences - 2009 (ROSES-2009), and selections were made for new 

ACCESS Projects beginning in FY 2010. A third program solicitation, Earth System Data Records 

Uncertainty, is being readied for ROSES-2010, with selections planned to begin in FY 2011. These 

Cooperative Agreements are proving very valuable for keeping research and modeling communities actively 

involved with the EOSDIS architecture, and informing core infrastructure evolution decisions.

Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

The Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Program plans for FY 2011 include completion of 

Aquarius/SAC-D observatory environmental testing, delivery to the launch site and launch of the 

Aquarius/SAC-D mission, and the start of the first series of Venture-class airborne science PI missions, 

selected in FY 2010. FY 2011 will see the completion of preparations for two additional competitive 

announcements within the Venture line in the ESSP program, one for a orbital mission and a second for an 

instrument of opportunity. In FY 2011, NASA will initiate the accelerated development of an Orbiting Carbon 

Observatory (OCO) Reflight (OCO-2) mission in October 2010, with the objective to launch in Feb 2013. 







The following other activities will be undertaken or accomplished in FY 2011: 







- The Aquarius/SAC-D mission will complete its environmental tests and launch from the Vandenberg Air 

Force Base (VAFB); 







- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory - 2 (OCO-2) mission will conduct its confirmation review in October 2010, 

followed by the start of the mission development, leading to a target launch readiness date of Feb 2013; 







- The start of the 1st Venture class missions, the EV-1 selections, in airborne science for sustained 

campaigns; 







- Complete preparations for the 2nd Venture mission call and for the release of a Venture flight instrument 

AO, both to be released at the start of FY 2012; and







- GRACE, CloudSat, and CALIPSO will continue operations as determined by the 2009 Senior Review 

process, with extensions approved through the end of FY 2011. These missions will complete an additional 

Senior Review cycle in FY 2011 for operations in FY 2012 and beyond.

Earth System Science Pathfinder

Plans for FY 2011

EARTH - 5
Theme: Earth Science

Mission Directorate: Science

In FY 2011, the Applied Sciences Program will continue or initiate projects across a range of application 

areas, including agriculture, air quality, climate, ecological forecasting, public health, natural disasters, water 

resources, and weather. These projects are competitively selected through NASA's Research Opportunities in 

Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. In FY 2011, the Program will feature 

increased joint solicitations with research and end-user organizations, representation in satellite mission 

teams, and continuation of capacity building efforts to build skills and capabilities on how to access and apply 

Earth observations data to benefit society. The FY 2011 President's Budget enables the Program to 

introduce a new solicitation, increase the number of project selections, increase end-user involvement in early 

phase mission planning, and expand the SERVIR network.

Applied Sciences

ESTP will plan and implement development of new remote-sensing and information systems technologies for 

infusion into future science missions in order to enable, or dramatically enhance, measurements and data 

system capabilities. Planning will start with measurement priorities established by the science community, 

leading to systematically developed technology requirements and priorities. Studies may be conducted to 

assess measurement options for meeting technology performance requirements. Implementation will be 

performed through managing awarded tasks from competed solicitations in the three project areas: 

Instrument Incubator, Advanced Information Systems, and Advanced Technology Initiatives. The FY 2011 

President's Budget supports expansion of the currently planned activities.







For FY 2011, new work will be solicited in the Advanced Information Systems Technology and Advanced 

Component Technology areas. This FY 2011 solicitation will be part of the ROSES-2011 NASA Research 

Announcement. Both calls will support the NRC Decadal Survey missions and measurements.

Earth Science Technology

Plans for FY 2011

EARTH - 6
Theme: Earth Science

Mission Directorate: Science

NASA develops innovative programs to educate and train scientists in understanding the global 

integrated Earth system and infuse NASA observations and scientific results in the public and all 

venues of learning. NASA is the largest contributor to the Global Learning and Observations to 

Benefit the Environment (GLOBE), an international program that involves students in making handson observations of the Earth's environment and sharing them as part of an international community of 

learners. The DEVELOP program (not an acronym) is a national high school and university studentled, student-run internship activity. NASA's Earth System Science Fellowship Program trains 

graduate students, while the New Investigator Program targets early-career scientists and engineers. 

NASA Earth Science discoveries are reported almost daily through the world's media to motivate 

students and young scientists to pursue challenging careers in Earth science and technology. 







NASA Earth Science improves public understanding of the complexity of the global integrated Earth 

system. Guided primarily by the 2007 National Research Council Decadal Survey, NASA is executing 

an ambitious plan to answer questions regarding why and how the environment is changing, define 

the impacts of environmental change on humans, and identify how humans can mitigate the impact of 

environmental hazards. Through its work with other Federal agencies to improve their operational 

services, NASA Earth Science advances capabilities in such areas as weather and air quality 

forecasting, climate prediction, and natural hazard and land use assessment.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

The 2008 NASA Authorization Act and 2006 National Space Policy charged NASA to develop unique 

capabilities in global Earth observations and models to discover fundamental scientific knowledge of 

the integrated Earth system. NASA activities contribute substantially to two Presidential Initiatives: 

Integrated Global Earth Observations and Ocean Action Plan; three Congressional Initiatives: 

National Oceanographic Partnership Program, Global Change Research Act, and Clean Air Act 

Amendments; and, two United Nations Assessments: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

and Ozone Depletion. NASA is the largest funding contributor to the 13-agency U.S. Global Change 

Research Program. U.S. science community priorities are expressed in National Research Council's 

decadal survey report Earth Observations and Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the 

Next Decade and Beyond (NRC, 2007). NASA is working to implement the recommendations of in 

this report.







NASA coordinates with the U.S. Geological Survey on the Landsat Data Continuity Mission and with 

the Department of Defense and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on the 

National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System. NASA develops, on a 

reimbursable basis with NOAA, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite and Polar 

Orbiting Environmental Satellite programs. In FY 2009, NASA and the French space agency declared 

the Ocean Surface Topography Mission to be operational and transferred satellite command and 

control operations to NOAA, marking an important milestone in the transition of a research satellite 

measurement capability to an operational capability.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

EARTH - 7
Theme: Earth Science

Mission Directorate: Science

Relevance NASA 

Advisory 

Council (NAC)

10/2009 NASA Advisory Council (NAC) - Review science 

strategy and implementation strategy for the 

Earth Science programs

02/2010

Relevance National 

Research 

Council

01/2007 National Research Council - Decadal Survey of 

effectiveness and quality of the Earth Science 

programs. First time a Decadal Survey was 

developed for Earth Science. For more 

information: http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?

record_id=11820

2016

Independent Reviews:

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

A team of NASA researchers at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies found that two greenhouse 

gases, methane and carbon monoxide, have a significantly more powerful warming impact than 

previously thought. In a paper published in October, the team conducted one of the first modeling 

experiments to rigorously quantify the impact of greenhouse gas-aerosol interactions on climate and 

air quality. The study found that methane's global warming impact has been underestimated, and that 

the combined impact of emissions that cause both warming and air pollution have as much warming 

effect as carbon dioxide. This improved knowledge of the warming effect of these greenhouse gases 

will help policymakers devise more efficient climate change mitigation strategies, which to date have 

concentrated only on curbing carbon dioxide.







Using NASA satellite data, scientists found that groundwater levels in northern India have been 

declining by as much as 1 foot per year over the past decade. A team of hydrologists led by Matt 

Rodell of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center found that northern India's underground water supply 

is being pumped and consumed by human activities, such as irrigating cropland, and is draining 

aquifers faster than natural processes can replenish them. The finding is based on data from NASA's 

Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), a pair of satellites that sense changes in Earth's 

gravity field. These changes directly relate to changes mass distribution, including water masses 

stored above or below Earth's surface. 







NASA's Operation Ice Bridge, a six-year airborne field campaign, is the largest airborne survey of 

Earth's polar ice ever flown. It will yield an unprecedented three-dimensional view of Arctic and 

Antarctic ice sheets, ice shelves and sea ice. NASA completed the campaign's first Arctic survey in 

November 2009 from a base in Greenland and its first Antarctic survey this fall from Chile. Data 

collected during the campaign will help bridge the gap in critical space-based observations between 

the imminent end of NASA's Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) mission, and ICESat-2, 

which is scheduled to launch in CY 2015.







Over its 10 years in orbit, NASA's Terra Earth-observing satellite has turned up trends and science 

results that are helping researchers better understand the complex Earth system. Researchers have 

updated Earth's energy budget, showing the world is cloudier than we thought, aerosols have an 

ambiguous yet critical role in climate, and not all urban areas attract and store heat in the same way. 

Other atmospheric discoveries have helped researchers show how high and far pollution travels.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

EARTH - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Research

The Earth Science Research Program advances our knowledge of the global distribution of a range of 

important environmental parameters related to the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, 

cryosphere, and land surface; to understand the processes that drive and connect them; and to 

improve our capability to predict the future evolution of the Earth system, including climate, weather, 

and natural hazards. 







Earth Science Research funds basic research and modeling efforts, the Airborne Science Project 

(which conducts research using airplanes and Uninhabited Air Systems), supercomputing efforts that 

support a variety of agencies, and education and outreach.







For more information, please see http://nasascience.nasa.gov/earth-science/.

Program Overview

Computing and Management 123.7 115.8 107.2 110.0 112.4 115.6 --

Earth Science Research and 

Analysis

313.7 281.7 300.3 294.2 304.4 296.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

437.4 397.5 407.5 404.2 416.8 412.1 --

Computing and Management 123.7 104.4 113.5 141.4 147.8 132.4 136.9

Earth Science Research and 

Analysis

313.7 278.9 324.6 348.2 365.9 391.0 406.4

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

437.4 383.3 438.1 489.6 513.6 523.4 543.3

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -14.2 30.5 85.3 96.8 111.3 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Research

The R&A project constitutes the core of the program and accounts for roughly half of the total budget. 

It is mostly competed via the Science Mission Directorate Research Opportunities in Space and Earth 

Science 2010 (ROSES-10), a research solicitation released February 2010. Solicited research in CY 

2010 will generally result in grants funded with FY 2011 funding and two subsequent years, and 

includes ocean biology and biogeochemistry, physical oceanography, and other field experiments. It 

will also continue funding research solicited in ROSES-09 and ROSES-08 as they have progressed in 

their 2nd and 3rd year, respectively. The research portfolio includes the Interdisciplinary Science 

project, also competed in ROSES, with the focus to continue funding research in interdisciplinary 

areas, such as sea level change, water and energy cycle impacts of biomass burning and integrated 

earth system responses to extreme disturbances. Other competitive grant projects are the carbon 

cycle science team and the Earth science education and outreach activity. The remaining activities 

include primarily directed funding to NASA Centers for space geodesy (funding the development and 

operation of the geodetic networks), high end computing, scientific computing and global modeling 

and data assimilation.







The FY 2011 President's budget enhances support for interdisciplinary science, increase NASA's 

contribution to observational and model-based contributions to national and international climate 

assessments as well as support increased investments in scientific computing and space geodesy.

Plans For FY 2011

EARTH - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Research

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Earth Science Research Program area consists of multiple projects and science teams which 

support the overall diverse R&A goals: 







Research and Analysis Project: The Earth Science Research and Analysis (R&A) Project is the core 

of the R&A Program and funds research in all six Earth Science focus areas: 1) Climate variability 

and change; 2) Atmospheric composition; 3) Carbon cycle, ecosystems, and biogeochemistry; 4) 

Water and energy cycles; 5) Weather; and 6) Earth surface and interior. Additionally, the R&A 

Project addresses the Earth system and the interactions of its components, characterizing them on a 

broad range of spatial and temporal scales to understand the naturally occurring and human-induced 

processes that drive the overall system. The FY 2011 President's budget will enable a new 

investment in support of national and international climate assessments







Airborne Science: Airborne Science funds NASA's Earth science aircraft, both manned and 

unmanned. The project supports the operation of a catalog of NASA-owned and leased aircraft, 

including the ER-2, DC-8, WB-57, P-3, Twin Otter, B-200, Aerosonde, Global Hawk, and other UAS 

aircraft. These assets are deployed in campaigns conducted around the world to characterize 

extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes), observe Earth system processes, capture data for Earth 

science modeling activities, and calibrate the instruments flying aboard Earth science spacecraft. 

NASA has already begun a new Airborne Science campaign, called IceBridge, to "bridge the gap" 

between ICESat and ICESat-2 data. This activity, focusing on changes in Greenland, Arctic, and 

Antarctic ice, will continue in FY 2011 and beyond. 







Interdisciplinary Science: Interdisciplinary Science funds science teams, support for which will be 

increased as part of the FY 2011 President's budget, as well as calibration and validation activities 

that ensure the utility of spaceborne measurements. In addition, it supports focused field work (e.g. 

airborne campaigns) and specific facility instruments, which are heavily relied upon in fieldwork. 







Carbon Cycle Science Team: The Carbon Cycle Science Team conducts research on the distribution 

and cycling of carbon among the Earth's active land, ocean and atmospheric reservoirs. 







Global Modeling and Assimilation Office: The Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, located at 

Goddard Space Flight Center, creates global climate and environmental models using data from 

Earth science satellites and aircraft. These products can then be used by investigators worldwide to 

further their research. 







Ozone Trends Science: The Ozone Trends Science project has an overall goal of producing 

consistent, calibrated ozone time series that can be used for trend analyses and other studies.

Earth Science Research and Analysis

EARTH - 11
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Research

The Computing and Management area consists of three projects: 







High-End Computing Capability (HECC): The High-End Computing Capability (HECC) project at 

Ames Research Center is focused around the Columbia supercomputer and the associated network 

connectivity, data storage, data analysis and visualization, and application software support. The 

Science Mission Directorate currently funds and manages the HECC resources, which serves the 

supercomputing needs of all NASA Mission Directorates as well as principle investigators at 

universities. Science Mission Directorate funding supports the operation, maintenance, and upgrade 

of NASA's supercomputing capability, while the Strategic Capabilities Assets Program exercises the 

oversight and insight functions. In 2008, a new approximately 40,000 processors supercomputer 

system "Pleiades" was acquired. The new system,currently ranked the world's sixth fastest 

supercomputer, supports NASA's aeronautics, exploration, space operation and science missions. 







Scientific Computing: Scientific Computing funds NASA's Earth Science "Discover" computing 

system, software engineering, and user interface projects at Goddard Space Flight Center, including 

the assessment modeling carried out at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The Scientific 

Computing Project's primary purpose is to support Earth science modeling activities based on data 

collected by Earth science spacecraft. The FY 2011 President's budget provides increased support 

for hardware procurement and development of software systems designed to facilitate use of NASA 

computational hardware for its scientific challenges 







Directorate Support: The Directorate Support Project is the institutional budget for the Science 

Mission Directorate. It funds Headquarters institutional activities that impact the Mission Directorate 

(i.e. Space Studies Board, NASA Peer Review, printing and graphics, IT budget, NASA Postdoctoral 

Program, working group support, independent assessment studies, and other administrative tasks 

with Mission Directorate impact).

Computing and Management

Education and Outreach Activity: The Education and Outreach Activity supports NASA's educational 

outcomes and communicates the results from Earth science missions and research. It also continues 

the worldwide implementation and U.S. coordination of the Global Learning and Observations to 

Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program, NASA's support for which will be increased as part of 

the FY 2011 President's budget.







Fellowships and New Investigators: The Fellowships and New Investigators project supports 

graduate and early-career research, respectively, that is relevant of Earth system research and 

applied science. 







Space Geodesy: The Space Geodesy Project provides global geodetic positioning and supports the 

establishment of the needed geodetic reference frames in support of climate change and geohazards 

research and applications and their associated missions. The FY 2011 President's budget will 

support the construction of the pilot for the next generation ground station for this network, 

development of which has taken place over recent years.

Earth Science Research and Analysis (continued)

EARTH - 12
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Research

Maximize resource utilization (i.e., computing 

cycles) in supercomputer projects.

Scientific Computing; HECC None

Initiate the first-ever competitively selected 

science team.

Glory Mission of ESM Program; 

science team will be within R&A 

Program.

None

Competitively selected airborne mission teams. Tropical photochemistry and Aerosol 

Airborne Campaign - R&A

None

Competitively selected airborne mission teams. Hurricane Field Experiment - R&A None

Issue competed, peer-reviewed research 

awards.

Research and Analysis; Airborne 

Science (flight opportunities)

None

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

HECC Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jan-05

Sep-05

Aug-05

Dec-23

Form

Scientific Computing Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jan-95 Dec-23

Form

Airborne Science Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jan-90 Dec-23

Form

R&A, IDS Science, 

Carbon Cycle Science, 

Ozone Trends, Global 

Modeling and 

Assimilation Office, 

Space Geodesy, 

Education and 

Outreach, and 

Fellowships & New 

Investigators (all 

ongoing research 

efforts)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Jan-90 Dec-23

Form

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Operations (Ops)

Research (Res)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

EARTH - 13
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Research

Program Management

Scientific Computing Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

NASA Center for 

Computational 

Sciences, Goddard 

Space Flight Center

Department of Energy and the 

Department of Defense.

High-End Computing Capability Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

NASA Advanced 

Supercomputing, 

Ames Research 

Center

Department of Energy and the 

Department of Defense.

Global Modeling and 

Assimilation Office (formerly 

Data Assimilation Office)

Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

Goddard Space 

Flight Center

None.

Earth Science Education and 

Outreach Activity

Science Mission 

Directorate

N/A (various nonNASA organizations)National Science Foundation's 

Component of the Global Learning and 

Observations to Benefit the 

Environment (GLOBE).

Space Geodesy Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

Goddard Space 

Flight Center and 

Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory

None.

Fellowships and New 

Investigators

Science Mission 

Directorate

N/A (various nonNASA organizations)None.

R&A Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

Mostly competitive 

awards

U.S. Global Change Research 

Program (USGCRP) participating 

agencies and Joint Subcommittee on 

Ocean Science and Technology 

(JSOST) participating agencies.

Airborne Science Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

GSFC/Wallops 

Flight Facility, 

DFRC, and ARC are 

the primary Centers 

involved in this 

project.

The Federal Aviation Administration, 

the Department of Defense, the 

Department of Energy, the National 

Science Foundation, and the National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (Department of 

Commerce).

Interdisciplinary Science Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

Mostly competitive 

awards

U.S. Global Change Research 

Program (USGCRP) participating 

agencies and Joint Subcommittee on 

Ocean Science and Technology 

(JSOST) participating agencies

Ozone Trends Science Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

GSFC and LaRC U.S. Global Change Research 

Program (USGCRP) participating 

agencies and Joint Subcommittee on 

Ocean Science and Technology 

(JSOST) participating agencies

Carbon Cycle Science Team Earth Science Theme, 

Science Mission 

Directorate

GSFC, JPL, ARC U.S. Global Change Research 

Program (USGCRP) participating 

agencies and Joint Subcommittee on 

Ocean Science and Technology 

(JSOST) participating agencies

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Earth Science Theme manages the Research Program. GSFC implements Scientific Computing 

and ARC implements HECC.

EARTH - 14
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Research

Relevance NAC Earth 

Science 

Subcommittee

2009 The NASA Advisory Council Science 

Subcommittee reviews content and progress 

towards Earth Science sub-goal in the NASA 

Strategic Plan of at least one Science Focus 

Area per year. During its 2009 meeting, the ESS 

reviewed and rated the ESD Science Metrics 

based on the submitted accomplishments and 

peer-reviewed publications for FY 2009. All six 

Science Focus Area metrics were rated "green" 

as documented in the FY 2009 Annual 

Performance Report (APR).

2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

The Earth Science Research Program is based on full and open competition. Grants are peer 

reviewed and selected based on NASA Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 

(ROSES)and other related announcements.

Acquisition Strategy

EARTH - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

206.9 186.3 198.9 186.0 187.5 190.8 --

Decadal Survey Missions 82.3 0.0 10.9 8.8 161.1 374.6 --

Soil Moisture Active and 

Passive (SMAP)

104.3 70.0 132.2 180.4 135.0 40.0 --

Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation 

Satellite (ICESat-II)

38.8 39.2 74.6 99.1 126.9 161.7 --

NPOESS Preparatory Project 

(NPP)

57.1 112.8 33.8 5.3 5.2 5.1 --

Landsat Data Continuity 

Mission (LDCM)

200.9 120.6 137.4 165.0 90.0 15.0 --

Glory Mission 50.7 27.1 10.1 4.4 1.9 0.0 --

Global Precipitation 

Measurement (GPM)

157.8 159.5 127.6 137.5 111.2 80.4 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

898.9 715.5 725.4 786.4 818.8 867.6 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

303.6 206.3 286.5 444.7 606.0 923.6 1,065.9

Soil Moisture Active and 

Passive (SMAP)

103.3 70.0 82.5 139.0 163.8 80.0 10.0

Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation 

Satellite (ICESat-II)

38.8 39.2 68.5 116.0 178.6 153.9 94.9

NPOESS Preparatory Project 

(NPP)

42.2 104.6 64.4 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.4

Landsat Data Continuity 

Mission (LDCM)

200.9 120.6 156.8 157.9 69.5 3.1 3.1

Glory Mission 61.0 27.1 21.9 5.5 7.7 8.3 8.6

Global Precipitation 

Measurement (GPM)

143.8 155.6 128.8 125.7 90.0 52.8 35.7

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

893.7 723.4 809.3 993.9 1,120.8 1,226.8 1,223.5

Changes from FY 2010 Request -5.2 7.8 83.9 207.5 302.0 359.1 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 16
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

The Earth Systematic Missions (ESM) Program (ESMP) is responsible for developing facility (nonPrincipal Investigator-led) Earth observing research satellite missions; supporting and overseeing the 

operation of NASA facility research missions once on orbit; and producing standard mission products 

in support of NASA and national research, applications, and policy communities. In contrast with the 

PI-led missions in the Earth System Science Program which are generally smaller and have highly 

focused scientific objectives, Earth Systematic Missions are designed to provide measurements and 

support for a wide a range of NASA science foci, given programmatic and technical constraints. Ten 

of the fifteen presently on-orbit research missions for which NASA had development responsibility are 

operated under ESMP oversight (the US Geological Survey operates Landsat-7, and operational 

responsibility for OSTM/Jason-2 was transferred to NOAA as planned during FY2009, and the Earth 

System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Program manages GRACE, CloudSat and CALIPSO). Four of 

the five foundational missions presently in development are in the Earth Systematic Mission Program 

(Glory, NPP, LDCM, and GPM). The Earth Science and Applications Decadal Survey identifies 15 

additional systematic NASA research missions which will be developed in the ESMP. Of these 

Decadal Survey missions, the President's FY11 budget provides funds for developing all four Tier-1 

systematic missions (SMAP, ICESAT-2, DESDynI, and CLARREO) for launch by 2017. In 

consultation with the US Global Change Research Program, NASA will identify and begin 

development of several Tier-2 Decadal Survey climate missions. Additionally, the President's Budget 

allows expansion of the ESMP mission portfolio to include the potential development of a SAGE-III 

instrument on the ISS (2013), the development and launch of a GRACE-FO mission (late 2015 

launch), and selected Tier-II Decadal Survey missions. 







Interagency and international partnerships play key roles in the ESMP. Seven of the on-orbit 

missions provide data products in near-real time for use by US and international meteorological 

agencies and disaster responders. Five of the on-orbit missions involved significant international or 

interagency collaboration in development, and the 5-satellite A-Train formation-flying constellation 

(Aqua, CloudSat, CALIPSO, Aura, PARASOL) consists of both NASA and international missions. 

Two of the four ESMP foundational missions presently in development involve interagency 

collaboration (NPP, LDCM), while GPM is a joint development between NASA and the Japanese 

space agency JAXA. 







For more information, see http://science.hq.nasa.gov/missions/earth.html.

Program Overview

EARTH - 17
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

The President's budget enables a wide range of significant Earth Systematic Mission Program 

activities during FY 2011. The foundational systematic missions Glory and NPOESS Preparatory 

Project (NPP) will launch early and late in the fiscal year, respectively. All four Tier-1 Decadal Survey 

missions will pursue accelerated implementation activities and milestone reviews targeting launches 

in early FY 2015 (SMAP), early FY 2016 (ICESat-2), and late CY 2017 (CLARREO, DESDynI). ESMP 

activities will increase consistent with the expansion of the mission portfolio enabled by the budget, 

including initiation of the GRACE Follow-on (GRACE FO) mission (FY 2016 launch target) and 

refurbishment activities to allow the SAGE-III instrument to be ready for flight on the ISS by early CY 

2014). Early work will be pursued on selected Tier-2 Decadal Survey and continuity missions 

identified by NASA and the US Global Change Research Program for accelerated launches in the CY 

2017-2020 time frame.







The following specific activities will be undertaken or accomplished in FY 2011:







- Glory will launch (Nov 2010), complete its checkout and scientific validations, and begin routine data 

acquisition; 







- GPM will complete its SIR and KDP-D; 







- NPP will complete its satellite pre-ship review and is scheduled to launch (Sep 2011); 







- LDCM will complete its spacecraft integration and test, and the Operational Land Imager (OLI) 

instrument will be delivered to the spacecraft; 







- SMAP will complete KDP-C and enter into development; 







- ICESat-2 will complete KDP-B and initiate the spacecraft contract;







- DESDynI and CLARREO will enter in Phase A formulation; 







- The GRACE FO mission will complete a pre-formulation phase and enter in Phase A formulation; 







- The SAGE III instrument will begin refurbishment and will complete ISS accommodation 

assessment; and 







- Production of a dual payload adapter capability for the NASA launch services EELV fleet will be 

initiated, enabling, among other possibilities, a dual-launch in late CY 2017 of the DESDynI Radar 

and Lidar spacecrafts.







The regularly scheduled biennial Senior Review of all on-orbit NASA Earth research missions at or 

soon to be beyond the end of their baseline missions will be conducted during FY 2011.

Plans For FY 2011

EARTH - 18
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), a collaboration between NASA and the US Geological 

Survey, will provide moderate-resolution (15m-120m, depending on spectral frequency) 

measurements of the Earth's terrestrial and polar regions in the visible, near-infrared, and thermal 

infrared. LDCM will provide continuity with the 34-year long Landsat land imaging data set. In 

addition to widespread routine use for water use monitoring, land use planning and monitoring on 

regional to local scales, and support of disaster response and evaluations, LDCM measurements 

directly serve NASA research in the Earth surface/interior, and carbon cycle, ecosystems, water 

cycle, and biogeochemistry focus areas. NASA's LDCM responsibilities include development of the 

LDCM visible/near-infrared and thermal infrared instruments, provision of the spacecraft and launch 

vehicle, and design/implementation of the USGS-funded Mission Operations Element. LDCM is 

being managed to a target December 2012 launch date. Additional LDCM information is available 

under the Development section.

Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)

Glory will provide unique measurements of the global distributions and scattering properties of 

natural and anthropogenic aerosols, as well as continue the nearly 30-year time series of total solar 

irradiance measurements. The NASA science focus areas advanced by Glory data include: 

atmospheric composition; carbon cycle, ecosystems, and biogeochemistry; climate variability and 

change; and water and energy cycles. Additional Glory information is available under the 

Development section.

Glory Mission

Extending precipitation measurements beyond the current Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 

(TRMM), the foundational mission GPM will provide detailed, frequent measurements of precipitation 

including rain rates and droplet size distributions. A joint mission between NASA and JAXA, GPM's 

two instruments will make valuable direct precipitation measurements and allow precise 

characterization of many other on-orbit NASA and partner instruments, enabling first-ever, accurate, 

near-global precipitation maps to be produced. GPM data will contribute to improved operational 

meteorological predictions as well as to advances in the NASA science focus areas of climate 

variability and change, water and energy cycles, and weather. Additional GPM information is 

available under the Development section.

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission

EARTH - 19
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

The Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) mission, Tier-1 Decadal Survey mission, will provide 

unprecedented global measurements of new information on global soil moisture and land its 

freeze/thaw state at high latitudes, enabling new advances in hydrospheric science and applications. 

Direct measurements of soil moisture and freeze/thaw state will are needed to improve 

understanding of regional and global water cycles, terrestrial ecosystems, and the processes that link 

the water, energy, and carbon cycles. Soil moisture and freeze/thaw information provided by SMAP 

will lead to improved weather forecasts, flood and drought forecasts, and predictions of agricultural 

productivity and climate change, as well as improved understanding of the sources and sinks of 

carbon. The President's FY 2011 budget accelerates the launch of SMAP into late CY 2014. 

Additional SMAP information is provided in available under the Formulation section.

Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP)

ICESat-2, a Tier-1 Decadal Survey mission which entered into formulation in FY 2010 and is being 

developed for a target launch in late CY 2015, will continue the time series of precision ice 

topography measurements initiated by ICESAT and extended in selected areas by the ICEBRIDGE 

campaigns. Time series of land ice topography in particular address a key open issue in climate 

modeling and prediction, the detailed mechanisms controlling ice sheet dynamics, and how these 

may change with changing climate. ICESAT-2 measurements of land ice topography, sea ice extent 

and freeboard, and vegetation canopy height will address a range of NASA science investigations in 

the areas of cryossopheric science; climate variability and change; and carbon cycle, ecosystems, 

and biogeochemistry. ICESat-2 is the planned follow-on mission to ICESat, measuring elements of 

ice-sheet mass balance and land surface topography to quantify the contribution to the current and 

recent sea level changes from changes in the ice quantities, and to establish linkages to climate 

change. Additional ICESat-2 information is available under the Formulation section.

Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2)

NPP is a NASA research mission involving a collaboration between NASA, NOAA, and DoD, 

designed to extend selected scientific data sets initiated by the NASA Earth Observing System and 

to serve as risk reduction demonstrations for key instruments to be used in the nation's future 

operational meteorological satellite systems. Owing to delays in development and deployment of the 

NPOESS system, NPP scheduled to launch in September, 2011, will also serve a critical role to 

ensure continuity in the nation's operational meteorological measurements from the afternoon orbit. 

The five instruments on NPP will provide visible and infrared multi-spectral global imagery, 

measurements of atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles, measurements of total ozone and 

stratospheric ozone profiles, and measurements of the Earth's radiation balance. In addition to a 

wide range of applications studies, the NASA science focus areas served by NPP will include: 

atmospheric composition; climate variability and change; carbon cycle, ecosystems, and 

biogeochemistry; water and energy cycles; and weather. Additional NPP information is available 

under the Development section.

NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)

EARTH - 20
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

GRACE, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, mission launched in March 2002 has 

acquired precision measurements of the Earth's time-varying gravitational field with a precision that 

has enabled the measurement of the time variable gravity field, and has led to great discoveries in 

understanding the Earth system and hold significant keys to climate change research and future 

climate adaptation. GRACE FO will continue to map the Earth's gravitational field and its monthly 

variability by making accurate measurements of the distance between the two satellites, using GPS 

and a microwave ranging system. In FY 2011 the GRACE FO mission will complete its Acquisition 

Strategy Planning Meeting and its KDP-A transition into Formulation.

Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment - Follow On (GRACE FO)

The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE III) instrument is an existing grating 

spectrometer that measures ultraviolet/visible energy. In 2009, the SAGE-III instrument was removed 

from storage and it successfully passed initial aliveness tests. The President's FY 2011 budget 

provides an opportunity to refurbish and recalibrate the instrument for possible flight on the ISS by 

late CY 2013. Observing from the International Space Station (ISS) SAGE III will provide nearglobal, long-term measurements of key components of the Earth's atmosphere. The most important 

of these are the vertical distribution of aerosols and ozone from the upper troposphere through the 

stratosphere. In addition, SAGE III will also provide unique stratospheric and mesospheric 

temperature measurements, of temperature in the stratosphere and mesosphere and profiles of trace 

gases such as water vapor and nitrogen dioxide that play significant roles in atmospheric radiative 

and chemical processes. In FY 2011 NASA will complete accommodation studies for the instrument 

on the ISS.

Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE III) on the ISS

The Deformation, Ecosystem Structure, and Dynamics of Ice (DESDynI) mission is a Tier-1 Decadal 

Survey mission which will acquire global measurements using both an L-band Synthetic Aperture 

Radar (SAR) instrument and a vegetation lidar on separate spacecraft. The President's FY 2011 

budget accelerates development of a scientifically and programmatically focused DESDynI mission 

for a late CY 2017 launch of both spacecraft on a single large EELV launch vehicle. The overall 

DESDynI radar/lidar mission will greatly advance studies and understanding of climate through 

measurements of ice sheet velocities and quantification of terrestrial vegetation biomass, of critical 

importance to closing the global carbon cycle. The mission's interferometric SAR data will be vital to 

investigation of solid Earth processes and natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes 

through the observation of accumulated stresses in the solid Earth. DESDynI will enter into 

formulation at the start of FY 2011 and complete an Acquisition Strategy Meeting during FY 2011.

Deformation, Ecosystem Structure, and Dynamics of Ice (DESDynI)

The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) mission, Tier-1 Decadal 

Survey mission, is designed to make precision, stable measurements to enable rapid detection of 

long-term changes in the climate system and its radiation-related feedback mechanisms. The 

President's FY 2011 budget provides for accelerated development and launch by CY 2017 of a 

scientifically focused CLARREO spacecraft (one of two planned). In FY 2011 the CLARREO mission 

will complete its Acquisition Strategy Meeting (ASM) and its System Requirements Review (SRR) 

and transition to Formulation Phase.

Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO)

EARTH - 21
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM) - OSTM measures sea surface height to an accuracy of 

less than four centimeters every 10 days. The science focus areas served by OSTM will include: 

climate variability and change; and water and energy cycles. This mission is a follow-on to Jason, 

and is currently in its prime phase through June 2011. 







Terra - Terra collects global data on the state of the atmosphere, land, and oceans, as well as their 

interactions with solar radiation and with one another. The science focus areas served by Terra 

include: atmospheric composition; carbon cycle, ecosystems, and biogeochemistry; climate 

variability and change; earth surface and interior; water and energy cycles; and weather. Terra is a 

joint mission with Japan and Canada. 







Aqua - Aqua monitors atmospheric, land, ocean, and ice variables for improved understanding of the 

Earth's water cycle and improved understanding of the intricacies of the climate system. The science 

focus areas served by Aqua include: atmospheric composition; carbon cycle, ecosystems, and 

biogeochemistry; climate variability and change; water and energy cycles; and weather. Aqua is a 

joint mission with Brazil and Japan. 







Aura - Aura measures atmospheric chemical composition, tropospheric/stratospheric exchange of 

energy and chemicals, chemistry-climate interactions, and air quality. The science focus areas 

served by Aura include: atmospheric composition; climate variability and change; and weather. Aura 

is a joint mission with the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom. 







Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) - TRMM measures precipitation, clouds, lightning, and 

radiation processes over tropical regions. TRMM is one of several spacecraft currently extending the 

long-term radiation budget record begun in the mid-1980s. The science focus areas served by 

TRMM include: climate variability and change; water and energy cycles; and weather. TRMM is a 

joint mission with Japan.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

EARTH - 22
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor Satellite (ACRIMSat) - ACRIMSat monitors total solar 

irradiance. The science focus areas served by ACRIMSat include: climate variability and change; 

and water and energy cycles. Because ACRIMSAT has continued to operate beyond its original 

planned base mission, it now provides similar measurements to its operating follow-on mission, 

SORCE. 







Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) - QuikSCAT measures ocean surface wind vectors using the 

SeaWinds instrument. QuikSCAT is now five years beyond its design life, and the rotating antenna 

has stalled due to normal aging of the lubricant and bearings of the spin mechanism. With the 

antenna stalled, science data can still be collected, but coverage is greatly reduced, severely limiting 

its operational usage. Research use continues. The science focus areas served by QuikSCAT 

include: climate variability and change; and weather. 







Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) - The EO-1 spacecraft collects data to allow paired scene comparisons 

between the EO-1 Advanced Land Imager (ALI) and the Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus 

(ETM+). The science focus areas served by EO-1 include: carbon cycle, ecosystems, and 

biogeochemistry; and earth surface and interior.



 



Ice, Clouds, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) - ICESat measures elements of ice-sheet mass 

balance, cloud-top and land-surface topography, and vertical profiles of aerosol and cloud properties. 

The last remaining laser on ICESat has failed, and the satellite will be decommissioned in FY 2011. 

The science focus areas served by ICESat include: climate variability and change; earth surface and 

interior; and water and energy cycles. 







Jason - Jason monitors ocean height to support the study of ocean circulation. The science focus 

areas served by Jason include: climate variability and change; and water and energy cycles. Jason is 

a joint mission with France. 







Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) - SORCE measures the total and spectral solar 

irradiance incident at the top of Earth's atmosphere. The science focus areas served by SORCE 

include: atmospheric composition; climate variability and change; and water and energy cycles.



 



Instrument and Mission Science Teams - Instrument science teams help define the scientific 

requirements for their respective instruments and generate the algorithms used to process the data 

into useful data products for the investigations. Additionally, the science teams are responsible for 

validating their own algorithms and data products. The Earth Systematic Missions Program is 

supported by the Precipitation Science Team, the Ocean Winds Science Team, and the Landsat 

Science Project Office.



 



Earth Systematic Missions Senior Review - NASA's Earth Science Division uses Senior Reviews, 

which are held every two years, to assess the continued science value of missions in operation. 

These reviews are comprehensive; evaluating the technical status of the satellites, and the value and 

quality of the data they produce. The Senior Review helps inform decisions related to extending the 

missions into the future, and the funding level required for each. 







Earth Science Program Management - Provides program management support for Earth Science 

missions, investigations, and activities. Additionally, provides funding for the Earth Systematic 

Missions (ESM) Program Office and the Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Program Office, 

which assist in the overall management and execution of the Earth Science formulation, 

development, and operating missions.

EARTH - 23
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Earth Observation Systems (EOS) Research - The EOS research project funds science for the EOS 

missions, currently Terra, Aqua, Aura, ICESat and Land Cover missions. These individualinvestigator, competitively selected research projects analyze data from the missions to address the 

related science questions. Some funded projects continue algorithm improvement and validation for 

the EOS Instruments data products, while overall the selected activities focus on science data 

analyses and the development of Earth System Data Records (ESDRs), including Climate Data 

Records (CDRs) relevant to NASA's research program. Studies using ICESat and CryoSat-2 are 

solicited in the ROSES 2009 sub-element. CryoSat-2 is a European Space Agency satellite that is 

due to be launched in FY 2010 and will be operating in the observational gap between ICESat and 

ICESat-2. 







Earth Systematic Missions (ESM) Research - The ESM research project funds science teams for the 

Earth Systematic missions, currently NPP and Glory missions . These are individual investigator 

competitively selected research to analyze data from the missions to address the related science 

questions. In particular, the NPP science investigations are focused on developing climate data 

records from EOS observations continued by the NPOESS operational observing system. The first 

science for the Glory mission is solicited in ROSES 2009 sub-element. 







Ocean Vector Winds Science Team (OVWST) - This project utilizes scientific data received from the 

QuikSCAT (Quick Scatterometer) Mission satellite which measures ocean surface wind vectors by 

sensing ripples caused by winds near the ocean's surface, from which scientists can compute the 

winds' speed and direction, acquiring hundreds of times more observations of surface wind velocity 

each day than can ships and buoys. Previously this project was associated with the Earth Systematic 

Mission area wherein the QuikSCAT mission is managed. 



 



Ocean Surface Topography Science Team (OSTST) - This project utilizes scientific data received 

from the Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM) satellite which measures global sea surface 

height. Previously this project was associated with the Earth Systematic Mission area wherein the 

OSTM mission is managed. 



 



Precipitation Science Team - This project utilizes scientific data received from the Tropical Rainfall 

Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite to improve the forecasting of weather and severe storm events. 

Previously this project was associated with the Earth Systematic Mission area wherein the TRMM is 

managed. This science team also supports development of mission supporting algorithms for the 

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission.

Launch 2 additional Earth Systematic Mission 

(ESM) missions.

Glory Launch in FY 2011

Complete planned operations of currently 

operating missions.

Operating missions No change

Launch 2 additional Earth Systematic Mission 

(ESM) missions.

NPP Launch in FY 2011

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

EARTH - 24
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Quick Scatterometer 

(QuikSCAT)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-99 Sep-11

Sep-11

Form

Active Cavity 

Radiometer Irradiance 

Monitor Satellite 

(ACRIMSat)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-99 Sep-09

Sep-11

Form

Tropical Rainfall 

Measuring Mission 

(TRMM)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Nov-97 Sep-11

Sep-11

Form

Aura Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-04 Jul-10

Jul-12

Form

Aqua Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

May-02 Sep-11

Sep-11

Form

Terra Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-99 Sep-11

Sep-11

Form

NPOESS Preparatory 

Project (NPP)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-03

Sep-11

Sep-11

Jan-16

Form Mar-00 Nov-03

Ocean Surface 

Topography Mission 

(OSTM)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Mar-06

Jul-08

Jun-08

Jul-11

Form Dec-02 Mar-06

ICESat-2 Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

May-12

Feb-16

Jan-16

Jan-19

Form Dec-09 Apr-12

SMAP Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-10

Jan-15

Dec-14

Jan-18

Form Sep-08 Nov-10

Landsat Data 

Continuity Mission 

(LDCM)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-09

Jun-13

Jun-13

Jul-17

Form Oct-03 Nov-09

Glory Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Nov-05

Nov-10

Nov-10

Mar-12

Form Oct-03 Nov-05

Global Precipitation 

Measurement Mission 

(GPM)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-09

Jul-13

Jun-13

Jul-16

Form Jul-02 Nov-09

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

EARTH - 25
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Solar Radiation and 

Climate Experiment 

(SORCE)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jan-03 Sep-11

Form

Ice, Clouds, and Land 

Elevation Satellite 

(ICESat)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jan-03 Sep-11

Sep-11

Form

Jason Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-01 Sep-11

Form

Earth Observing-1 (EO1)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Nov-00 Sep-11

Form

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

EARTH - 26
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Program Management

Aqua GSFC GSFC The National Space Development 

Agency (NASDA, now part of the 

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, 

or JAXA) provided the Advanced 

Microwave Scanning Radiometer for 

the Earth Observing System (AMSRE) instrument. Brazil's Instituto 

Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais 

(INPE, the Brazilian Institute for Space 

Research) provided the Humidity 

Sounder for Brazil (HSB) instrument.

Glory GSFC GSFC None.

LDCM GSFC GSFC USGS - provides data 

processing/distribution and on-orbit 

operations for LDCM.

Terra GSFC GSFC Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade 

and Industry (METI) provided the 

Advanced Spaceborne Thermal 

Emission and Reflection Radiometer 

(ASTER). The Canadian Space 

Agency provided the Measurements of 

Pollution in The Troposphere 

(MOPITT) instrument.

GPM GSFC GSFC JAXA - provides the dual frequency 

precipitation radar and a launch 

vehicle for GPM.

OSTM JPL JPL CNES - provides spacecraft, 2 core 

instruments, and data processing for 

OSTM. NOAA provides data 

processing/distribution, ground 

stations, and on-orbit operations. 

EUMETSAT provides a ground station 

and data processing/distribution.

NPP GSFC GSFC NOAA/IPO - provides 3 of 4 

instruments and ground system for 

NPP.

SMAP JPL JPL/GSFC TBD

ICESat-2 GSFC GSFC TBD

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

GSFC manages NPP, LDCM, Glory, GPM, Terra, Aqua, Aura, TRMM, EO-1, SORCE, ICESat, and 

ICESat-2. JPL manages OSTM, ACRIMSat, SMAP, QuikSCAT, and Jason.

EARTH - 27
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

TRMM GSFC GSFC The Japan Aerospace Exploration 

Agency (JAXA) provided the 

Precipitation Radar (PR) instrument 

and the launch vehicle (an H-II F6).

ACRIMSat JPL JPL None.

Aura GSFC GSFC The National Environmental Research 

Council of the United Kingdom funded 

the High Resolution Dynamics Limb 

Sounder (HIRDLS); the instrument 

was designed by universities and 

laboratories in the U.K. and the U.S., 

including the University of Colorado, 

Oxford University, the National Center 

for Atmospheric Research (U.S.), and 

the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory 

(U.K.). The University of Edinburgh 

(U.K.) contributed to data processing 

algorithms and validation for the 

Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). The 

Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) 

was built by Dutch Space and TNO 

TPD in the Netherlands in cooperation 

with Finnish VTT and Patria Advanced 

Solutions Ltd. KNMI (Royal 

Netherlands Meteorological Institute) is 

the Principal Investigator Institute. 

Overall responsibility for OMI lies with 

the Netherlands Agency for Aerospace 

Programmes (NIVR), with the 

participation of the Finnish 

Meteorological Institute (FMI).

Jason JPL JPL The French Centre National d'Etudes 

Spatiales (CNES, the National Center 

for Space Studies) is responsible for 

the Doppler Orbitography and 

Radiopositioning Integrated by 

Satellite (DORIS) instrument; THALES 

built the instrument, and SMP provided 

the ground beacons. The CNES is 

also responsible for the Poseidon-2 

nadir-viewing radar altimeter; Alcatel 

Space Industries was prime contractor 

for the instrument.

ICESat GSFC GSFC None.

QuikSCAT JPL JPL None.

EO-1 GSFC GSFC None.

SORCE GSFC GSFC None.

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

EARTH - 28
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Quality Senior Review 

Panel

5/2009 All missions were extended with modifications to 

their mission budgets.

04/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

The LDCM instrument was selected through open competition in FY 2007. The Ball Aerospace and 

Technologies Corporation will build the Operational Land Imaging (OLI) instrument for LDCM. LDCM 

spacecraft used Rapid Spacecraft Development Office selection, and selected General Dynamics. 

The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instrument was a directed development, assigned to the GSFC 

and being built in-house at GSFC.







NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP): Spacecraft, ATMS, and CERES were procured competitively. 

The VIIRS, OMPS, and CrIS were procured competitively via the NPOESS Integrated Program 

Office. The procurement award for each element was as follows: 



-	Ball Aerospace: Spacecraft and Ozone Mapping Profile Suite Development 



-	NG Electronic Systems: Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder Development 



-	ITT Aerospace: Cross-track Infrared Sounder Development 



-	Raytheon: Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Development 



-	NG Space Technology: Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System Development 



-	Raytheon: Ground systems and operations. 







The GPM instrument was selected through open competition in FY 2005. The Ball Aerospace and 

Technologies Corporation will build the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) instrument for GPM. The 

GPM Core Spacecraft will be an in-house development at GSFC. The Dual-frequency Precipitation 

Radar (DPR) instrument and launch vehicle for the Core Spacecraft will be provided by a foreign 

partner, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The ground system will be selected through 

open competition. 







Senior Reviews are held every two years to assess the continued science value of missions in 

operation past their prime mission phase. In FY 2009, all operating Earth Systematic Missions other 

than OSTM went through the competitive Senior Review process to determine whether they should 

enter or continue in an extended mission phase. Preparations are underway for the 2011 Senior 

Reviews in which all missions then in operation (currently 13) will be evaluated.

Acquisition Strategy

EARTH - 29
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Glory Mission

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 -11.7 -9.7 1.1 5.8 8.3 -- 0.0 2.4

Development / 

Implementation

-0.4 10.3 11.7 21.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 43.1

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.1

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

-0.4 10.4 0.0 11.8 1.1 5.8 8.3 -- 0.0 45.6

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 11.7 10.1 4.4 1.9 0.0 -- 0.0 28.1

Development / 

Implementation

230.0 50.7 15.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 296.1

Formulation 70.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 70.8

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

300.8 50.7 27.1 10.1 4.4 1.9 0.0 -- 0.0 395.0

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 5.5 7.7 8.3 8.6 0.0 30.5

Development / 

Implementation

229.6 61.0 27.1 21.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 339.2

Formulation 70.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 70.8

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

300.4 61.0 27.1 21.9 5.5 7.7 8.3 8.6 0.0 440.6

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number does not reflect the difference between the FY 2010 enacted and the FY 2010 initial operating 

plan. Any adjustments to the LCC will be included in the FY 2010 initial operating plan.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

EARTH - 30
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Glory Mission

Cost growth since the FY 2009 Budget is related to the launch delay from January 2010 to November 

2010. The reasons for the launch delay, and associated cost growth, were addressed in NASA's 

Glory Project Cost and Schedule Analysis Report (CSAR) to Congress, as required by Section 103(d)

(2) of the NASA Authorization Act of 2005.







In spring 2009, an issue with the Maxwell-supplied, spacecraft computer emerged. Late in testing, 

NASA identified a series of intermittent computer anomalies. Further investigation identified the root 

cause of the anomalies to be intermittent printed wiring board open circuits. The printed wiring board 

manufacturer made several unsuccessful attempts to improve the manufacturing process but was 

unable to develop a reliable, flight quality board. On July 1, 2009, NASA changed the baseline 

Spacecraft Payload Computer from the Maxwell SCS750 Single Board Computer to the BAE Rad750 

Single Board Computer delaying the Glory launch readiness date to November 2010. The key 

remaining risk to Glory cost and schedule is the readiness of the Taurus XL launch vehicle. On 

February 24, 2009, NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory failed to reach orbit after liftoff from 

Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, due to a failure of the Taurus XL launch vehicle. NASA 

convened a Mishap Investigation Board to investigate this incident, and because the Taurus XL is the 

same launch vehicle that NASA plans to use for Glory, the implementation schedule for corrective 

actions that addresses the results of this investigation could influence Glory schedule.

Explanation of Project Changes

EARTH - 31
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Glory Mission

The Glory mission will contribute to NASA's research regarding the atmospheric conditions that 

influence climate and improve understanding of the natural and man-made factors that contribute to 

climate change. It will also enable a greater understanding of the seasonal variability of aerosol 

properties. Both advances are essential components of predicting climate change. Solar radiation is 

the dominant, direct energy input into the terrestrial ecosystem, affecting all physical, chemical, and 

biological processes. Aerosols interact with atmospheric conditions in complex ways that can have 

large effects on climate. 







Glory's science objectives are to: 



1) Determine the global distribution, microphysical properties, and chemical composition of natural 

and anthropogenic aerosols and clouds with accuracy and coverage sufficient for a reliable 

quantification of the aerosol direct and indirect effects on climate.



2) Continue measurement of the total solar irradiance to determine the Sun's direct and indirect effect 

on Earth's climate.







For more on the scientific questions addressed by Glory, visit http://glory.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

Project Purpose

The Glory mission will operate two scientific instruments aboard a preexisting NASA spacecraft asset 

requiring modification. The Glory satellite will fly in NASA's low Earth orbit Afternoon, or A-Train, 

constellation to enhance the utility of the mission data through synergistic observations and 

measurements from the other satellites. The A-Train constellation currently includes five spacecraft 

flying in close temporal proximity to each other, providing detailed observations of the Earth system. 

The Glory spacecraft will be the sixth satellite in the A-Train when it joins the constellation in FY 2011.







The Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor is an advanced polarimeter, which will provide measurements that 

increase our understanding of black carbon soot and other aerosols as causes of climate change. The 

APS will provide unprecedented measurements of the global distribution of natural and anthropogenic 

aerosols and clouds with accuracy and coverage sufficient for a reliable quantification of the aerosol 

direct and indirect effects on climate. The APS is being developed by Raytheon Space and Airborne 

Systems in El Segundo, California.







The Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM) instrument provides measurement continuity for the 30-year solar 

irradiance data record by extending the measurement currently provided by NASA's Solar Radiation 

and Climate Experiment (SORCE). University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space 

Physics is developing the TIM sensor, the instrument's Sun pointing platform, and the TIM science 

operations center.







Orbital Science Corporation, Dulles, Virginia, is developing the spacecraft and the ground 

system/mission operations center, and will integrate the instruments. Orbital also provides mission 

systems engineering support and performs mission operations.







Kennedy Space Center is responsible for Glory launch services. The mission will launch on a Taurus 

XL from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

Project Parameters

EARTH - 32
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Glory Mission

Schedule Commitments

Launch 12/2008 1/2010 11/2010

Mission Pre-ship review 8/2008 1/2009 7/2010

Mission Confirmation Review 11/2005 12/2005 12/2005

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Glory was confirmed for development on December 13, 2005.

Project Commitments

Launch vehicle Orbital Taurus XL Same Same

Data Archive

GSFC Earth Science 

Distributed Active 

Archive Center (GES 

DAAC)

Archival and distribution of 

mission data Same Same

Mission Ops Orbital

Operations of the 

spacecraft and the 

generation of command 

uplink

Same Same

Ground System Ops, 

TIM Science Ops, APS 

Science Ops

Orbital / Colorado 

University-Boulder 

LASP /GSFC Institute for 

Space Studies

Combination of the 

commercial ground stations 

and the networks that 

connect them

Same

APS: full data 

processing for 1 yr 

w/ 2 addt'l yrs of 

archiving. TIM: full 

data processing for 

3 yrs

Spacecraft Orbital

Refurbishment of the 

Vegetation Canopy Lidar 

(VCL) mission bus

Same Same

Aerosol Polarimetry 

Sensor (APS) Raytheon

Provide unprecedented 

measurements of the 

global distribution of natural 

and anthropogenic 

aerosols

Same Same

Total Irradiance 

Monitor (TIM) U of Colorado LASP Maintain an uninterrupted solar irradiance data record Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Glory will launch in November 2010 to begin a three-year prime mission (with a five-year goal) to 

gather scientific measurements of atmospheric aerosols and solar irradiance.

EARTH - 33
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Glory Mission

Glory Mission 2008 259.1 2010 339.2 31 Launch 

Readiness 06/2009 11/2010 17

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other Direct Project Cost 40.2 66.6 26.4

Science/Technology 10.3 14.0 3.7

Ground Systems 0.9 1.1 0.2

Launch Vehicle/Services 55.4 72.1 16.7

Systems I&T 3.2 4.0 0.8

Payloads 117.4 126.6 9.2

Aircraft/Spacecraft 31.7 54.8 23.1

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 259.1 339.2 80.1

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

EARTH - 34
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Glory Mission

Project Management

All major procurements for the directed Glory Mission were sole-source awarded to meet the 

objective for an accelerated mission.







Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor: Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems.



Total Irradiance Monitor: University of Colorado Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.



Spacecraft/spacecraft support: Orbital Science Corporation.







There are no remaining major procurements, as all instrument and spacecraft contracts are in place.

Acquisition Strategy

TIM GSFC GSFC None

APS GSFC GSFC None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

Goddard Space Flight Center has Project Management responsibility. The Science Mission 

Directorate Program Management Council has program oversight responsibility.







The Earth Science Division Director is the responsible official for this project.

Performance NASA HQ N/A

Flight Operations Review (FOR). This is the 2nd 

ground system review to examine mission 

operations requirements, design, testing, and 

planning is complete

3/2010

Performance NASA HQ N/A

Pre-Ship Review (scheduled prior to reserves) - 

Final review of the satellite readiness prior to 

shipment to the launch site

07/2010

Performance NASA HQ N/A

Mission Readiness Review (MRR) - Final preflight review of the operational readiness of the 

mission

10/2010

Performance NASA HQ N/A Launch Readiness Review (LRR) - Final prelaunch review of the launch vehicle readiness 11/2010

Performance NASA HQ 04/2008

DPMC Mission Continuation Review -

Directorate review of Project replan (incl. 

corrective actions, risk mitigations, revised cost 

estimates). Replan planned for January 2010, 

changing LRD from 6/2009 to November 2010.

01/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 35
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Glory Mission

Launch Services Impact of 

Taurus XL Launch Failure on 

Glory

If Taurus T-8 (used on 

Orbiting Carbon Observatory, 

(OCO) mission) launch failure 

findings and / or corrective 

actions impact T-9 (Glory) 

schedule, then the Glory 

Launch Readiness Date 

(LRD) will be impacted

Continue to work with KSC as Taurus Return to Flight plans 

mature

Spacecraft - Implement 

Alternate BAE Processor 

Design in PIP

If Orbital can not execute the 

late changes to implement 

the alternate BAE processor 

design impacts schedule, 

then the Glory Launch 

Readiness Date (LRD) will be 

impacted

Project working closely with Orbital to insure the new 

spacecraft payload processor is ready on time and within the 

current reserves posture

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

EARTH - 36
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)

The changes to the NPP budget are due to the launch delay from January 2011 until September 2011 

caused by late delivery to NASA of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument 

and the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) by the NPOESS Integrated Program Office.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 -- -5.6 0.5

Development / 

Implementation

0.6 -14.9 -8.2 29.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 7.2

Formulation -0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 -0.6

Other 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 -14.9 -8.3 30.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- -5.6 7.1

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 5.3 5.2 5.1 -- 6.0 26.6

Development / 

Implementation

541.3 57.1 112.8 28.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 740.0

Formulation 47.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 47.7

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

589.0 57.1 112.8 33.8 5.3 5.2 5.1 -- 6.0 814.3

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.9 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.4 0.4 27.1

Development / 

Implementation

541.9 42.2 104.6 58.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 747.2

Formulation 47.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 47.1

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

589.0 42.2 104.6 64.4 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.4 0.4 821.4

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number does not reflect the difference between the FY 2010 enacted and the FY 2010 initial operating 

plan. Any adjustments to the LCC will be included in the FY 2010 initial operating plan.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

EARTH - 37
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)

The NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) is a joint mission with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration and the U.S. Air Force to extend key environmental measurements for weather 

prediction and research. The satellite will measure atmospheric and sea surface temperatures, 

humidity profiles, land and ocean biological productivity, cloud and aerosol properties, and earth 

radiation budget quanities. 







The NPP mission has two objectives: Provide a continuation of select global change observations 

following the Earth Observing System missions Terra and Aqua, and provide the nation's operational 

meteorological satellite system with risk-reduction demonstration and validation for critical sensors, 

algorithms, and ground processing. Due to delays in the development of the NPOESS system, the 

NPP data will be used operationally to avoid gaps in operational weather data. 







For more information, visit the following website: http://jointmission.gsfc.nasa.gov

Project Purpose

The NPP spacecraft is based on a modified Ball Commercial Platform 2000 bus with a five-year 

design life. The NPP orbit is a polar, Sun-synchronous orbit at a nominal altitude of 824 kilometers. 

Four of the instruments are newly developed sensors based on heritage NASA sensors. The 

Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) has been developed by NASA, and three of the 

instruments (Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), 

and Ozone Mapping and Profiling Suite (OMPS)) are being developed by the NPOESS Integrated 

Program Office (IPO). A fifth sensor, the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) 

was a spare sensor developed by NASA for the Earth Observing System (EOS) program.

Project Parameters

EARTH - 38
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)

Project Commitments

Clouds and the Earth's 

Radiant Energy 

System (CERES)

NG Space Technology

Provide Earth radiation 

budget measurements in 

shortwave (0.3-5micron) 

and longwave (8-12 

micron) bands

Same Same

Advanced Technology 

Microwave Sounder 

(ATMS)

NG Electronic Systems

Temperature and moisture 

profiles at 22 channels / 23-

183 ghz.

Same Same

Launch vehicle Boeing Delta II 7920. Same Same

Spacecraft Ball Aerospace

5-year design life, mass is 

2228 kg, Power 1400 

watts.

Same Same

Ground system Raytheon

Command, Control, and 

Communication Segment 

(C3S) and Interface Data 

Processing Segment 

(IDPS).

Same Same

Cross-Track Infrared 

Sounder (CrIS) ITT Aerospace

Temperature and moisture 

profiles at 3.9-15.4 

microns.

Same Same

Visible Infrared 

Imaging Radiometer 

Suite (VIIRS)

Raytheon SBRS

Provide global imagery in 

visible and infrared 

frequency bands: 0.3 to 14 

microns / 400 m resolution.

Same Same

Ozone Mapping and 

Profiler Suite (OMPS) Ball Aerospace

Collection of total column 

and vertical profile ozone 

data with 300-380 nm / 

LIMB 290-1000 nm .

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

NPP will launch in September 2011 and undertake the following scientific measurements over its fiveyear operating life: atmospheric and sea surface temperatures, humidity soundings, land and ocean 

biological productivity, cloud and aerosol properties, and Earth radiation budget measurements.

EARTH - 39
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)

Schedule Commitments

Launch Oct 2006 Jan 2011 Sep 2011

Operations Readiness Review Jun 2006 Dec 2009 Apr 2011

CERES Flight Model Delivery N/A N/A Oct 2008

VIIRS Flight Model Delivery Nov 2005 Nov 2009 Dec 2009

OMPS Flight Model Delivery Sep 2005 Aug 2008 Aug 2008

ATMS Flight Model Delivery Apr 2005 Oct 2005 Oct 2005

CrIS Flight Model Delivery Oct 2005 May 2008 June 2010

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The NPP mission completed Mission Confirmation Review (MCR) in November 2003.

NPOESS 

Preparatory 

Project (NPP)

2006 592.9 2010 725.2 22 Launch 

Readiness 04/2008 09/2011 41

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Science/Technology 0.0 19.9 19.9

Other Direct Project Cost 117.6 150.0 32.4

Ground Systems 48.2 65.7 17.5

Launch Vehicle/Services 72.9 91.4 18.5

Payloads 194.2 218.2 24.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 160.0 180.0 20.0

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 592.9 725.2 132.3

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

EARTH - 40
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)

Instrument Delivery Delay If IPO instrument deliveries 

continue to slip then the NPP 

LRD will continue to slip; 

causing increased cost to 

NPP.

Government program manager worked to successfully 

execute planned schedule during last year to deliver VIIRS to 

the NPP project. CrIS instrument repairs in process. 

Government will work closely with IPO management team to 

delivery CrIS on plan.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Project Management

Spacecraft, ATMS, and CERES were procured competitively. The VIIRS, OMPS, and CrIS were 

procured competitively via the NPOESS Integrated Program Office.







The procurement award for each element was as follows: 



Ball Aerospace: Spacecraft and OMPS Development; 



NG Electronic Systems: ATMS Development; 



ITT Aerospace: Crls Development; 



Raytheon: VIIRS Development; 



NG Space Technology: CERES; and 



Raytheon: Ground systems and operations.

Acquisition Strategy

Ground Systems and Ops NPOESS-IPO None NOAA / DoD (NPOESS-IPO)

Data archive and storage GSFC None NOAA

CERES Refurbishment GSFC LaRC NOAA

VIIRS Development NPOESS-IPO None NOAA / DoD (NPOESS-IPO)

CrIS Development NPOESS-IPO None NOAA / DoD (NPOESS-IPO)

OMPS Development NPOESS-IPO None NOAA / DoD (NPOESS-IPO)

ATMS Development GSFC None None

Spacecraft GSFC None None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

GSFC is responsible for NPP project management. Agency PMC has program oversight 

responsibility. NOAA/DOD IPO is responsible for managing development of OMPS, CrIS and VIIRS 

instruments. Responsible official is the Earth Science Division Director.

Performance NPP IRT N/A Operations Readiness Review 4/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 41
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

The changes to the GPM budget are due to the fact that the Low-Inclination Observatory (LIO) 

implementation approach was changed to an international or domestic partnership for its spacecraft 

bus and launch vehicle to ensure planned budget/schedule confidence.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.1 15.9 -- 32.5 71.6

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 0.0 155.6 128.8 125.7 86.9 36.9 -- 5.7 555.2

Formulation 205.4 143.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 349.2

Other -205.4 -157.8 -159.5 -127.6 -137.5 -111.2 -80.5 -- -202.7 -1,182.3

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 -14.0 -3.9 1.2 -11.8 -21.2 -27.7 -- -164.5 -206.3

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 205.4 157.8 159.5 127.6 137.5 111.2 80.4 -- 202.7 1,182.1

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

205.4 157.8 159.5 127.6 137.5 111.2 80.4 -- 202.7 1,182.1

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.1 15.9 20.1 32.5 71.6

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 0.0 155.6 128.8 125.7 86.9 36.9 15.6 5.7 555.2

Formulation 205.4 143.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 349.2

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

205.4 143.8 155.6 128.8 125.7 90.0 52.8 35.7 38.2 975.9

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

EARTH - 42
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission will advance the measurement of global 

precipitation, making possible high spatial resolution precipitation measurements available at a threehour or less refresh rate over much of the globe. A joint mission with the Japan Aerospace Exploration 

Agency (JAXA), GPM will provide the first opportunity to calibrate measurements of global 

precipitation (including the distribution, amount, rate, and associated heat released) across tropic, mid

-latitude, and polar regions. 







The GPM mission has the following scientific objectives: 







(1) Advance precipitation measurement capability from space through combined use of active and 

passive remote-sensing techniques. These advanced measurements will be used to calibrate 

dedicated and operational passive microwave sensors with the goal of achieving global sampling. 







(2) Advance understanding of global water/energy cycle variability and fresh water availability. 

Improved measurements of the space-time variability of global precipitation will substantially close the 

water/energy budget and elucidate the interactions between precipitation and other climate 

parameters. 







(3) Improve climate prediction by providing the foundation for better understanding of surface water 

fluxes, soil moisture storage, cloud/precipitation microphysics and latent heat release in the Earth's 

atmosphere. 







(4) Advance Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) skills through more accurate and frequent 

measurements of instantaneous rain rates with better error characterizations, and the development of 

improved assimilation methods.







(5) Improve flood-hazard and fresh-water-resource prediction capabilities through better temporal 

sampling and wider spatial coverage of high-resolution precipitation measurements, and innovative 

designs in hydro-meteorological modeling. 







For more information see http://gpm.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

Project Purpose

EARTH - 43
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

The GPM Project includes a Core Observatory Spacecraft and a GPM Microwave Imager (GMI). A 

second GMI along with a Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) communication 

subsystem for near real time data access is planned to be flown on an as yet to be determined (TBD) 

partner-provided Low-Inclination Observatory (LIO). The Core Observatory will leverage passive 

microwave measurements from other operating and planned "satellites of opportunity" by calibrating 

their measurements to its own. The exact sampling rate over different areas of the globe will depend 

on the number and orbits of the satellites of opportunity, but given the prevalence of passive 

microwave instruments on operational satellite systems, the global sampling will be robust.







The NASA Core Observatory will fly in a 65 degree inclined orbit at an altitude of 407 kilometers; the 

65 degree orbit provides improved latitude coverage over TRMM (which is 35 degrees). The Core 

Observatory includes two scientific instruments which will provide active and passive microwave 

measurements of precipitation. 







The JAXA-supplied Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instrument has cross-track swath 

widths of 245 km and 120 km, in Ku-band Ka-band, providing three-dimensional observation of rain 

and an accurate estimation of rainfall rate. The KuPR (13.6 GHz) subsystem of the DPR is an updated 

version of the highly successful radar flown on TRMM. 







The GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) instrument is a conically-scanning radiometer which will provide 

significantly improved spatial resolution over the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI). 







The as yet TBD partner-provided Low-Inclination Observatory is planned to fly in a 40 degree inclined 

orbit to improve real-time monitoring and prediction of hurricanes/typhoons; the satellites of 

opportunity will fly at multiple altitudes and inclinations.







The Core Observatory Spacecraft will be launched from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan on an HIIA launch vehicle. The DPR and GMI data will be relayed using the TDRSS multiple access (MA) and 

single access (SA) service.

Project Parameters

EARTH - 44
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

Schedule Commitments

Core Observatory launch readiness date (LRD) Jul 2013 Jun 2013 Jul 2013

KDP-C Dec 2009 May 2009 Dec 2009

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

GPM entered formulation in July 2002. The below milestone dates reflect the December 2009 KDP-C 

commitments.

Project Commitments

Launch Vehicle JAXA H-IIA Same Same

Dual-frequency 

Precipitation Radar 

(DPR)

JAXA

Provides cross-track swath 

widths of 245 km and 120 

km, for the Ku precipitation 

radar (KuPR) and Ka-band 

precipitation radar (KaPR).

Same Same

GPM Microwave 

Imager (GMI) GSFC

Provides 13 microwave 

channels ranging in 

frequency from 10 GHz to 

183 GHz; four high 

frequency, millimeter-wave, 

channels about 166 GHz 

and 183 GHz. 1.2 m 

diameter antenna

Same Same

Low-Inclination 

Observatory TBD Provides platform for the second GMI instrument Same Changed to be partner-provided

Core Observatory GSFC

Provides platform for the 

GMI and JAXA-supplied 

DPR instruments

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The GPM Core Observatory is planned for a launch in July 2013 to begin a three-year prime mission 

(five-year goal). The LIO spacecraft, launch vehicle and spacecraft mission operations are planned to 

be contributed by an as yet to be determined (TBD) partner. The second GMI, flown on the partnerprovided LIO, will be available for integration or storage in May 2013. When calibrated with existing 

and planned passive microwave measurements, GPM will provide global measurements of 

precipitation with a sampling frequency of three hours or less over much of the globe.

EARTH - 45
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

Global 

Precipitation 

Measurement 

(GPM)

2010 555.2 2010 555.2 0

Launch 

Readiness 07/2013 07/2013 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other direct project cost 245.6 245.6 0.0

Science/Technology 28.4 28.4 0.0

Ground Systems 30.5 30.5 0.0

Launch Vehicles/Services 1.5 1.5 0.0

Systems I&T 6.8 6.8 0.0

Payloads 91.2 91.2 0.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 151.2 151.2 0.0

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 555.2 555.2 0.0

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

EARTH - 46
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

Project Management

The GPM instrument was selected through open competition in FY 2005. The Ball Aerospace and 

Technologies Corporation (BATC) will build the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) instruments for GPM. 

The GPM core spacecraft will be an in-house development at GSFC. The DPR instrument and launch 

vehicle for the Core Observatory will be provided by a foreign partner (JAXA). The Low-Inclination 

Observatory's (LIO) Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) communication subsystem 

will be acquired by open competition. The LIO spacecraft and launch vehicle are planned to be 

contributed by ans as yet to be determined partner. The ground systems for both the core spacecraft 

and the second GMI to be flown on the TBD partner-provided LIO will be selected through open 

competition.

Acquisition Strategy

Ground Systems GSFC GSFC None

Launch vehicle and 

services: Low-Inclination 

Observatory

TBD TBD TBD

Launch vehicle and 

services: Core Observatory GSFC None JAXA

Low-Inclination 

Observatory: GMI GSFC GSFC None

Core Observatory: DPR GSFC GSFC JAXA

Core Observatory: GMI GSFC GSFC None

Core Observatory GSFC GSFC None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has project management responsibility. The Agency Program 

Management Council has program oversight responsibility.







The Earth Sciences Division Director is the responsible official for this project.

Performance HQ and GSFC 12/2009 Mission Critical Design Review (CDR) 

successfully completed n/a

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 47
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

Non-NASA Constellation 

elements

Exact global sampling 

depends on operations of 

"spacecraft of opportunity" 

that are not part of this 

project.

NASA is developing data algorithms that allow GPM to make 

the broadest possible use of microwave instruments on other 

spacecraft; NASA participates in inter-agency and 

international planning processes for operational Earth 

observation measurements to maximize the leverage 

opportunities for GPM.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

EARTH - 48
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)

The LDCM Project, which was approved to proceed with development in December 2009, now has a 

fully integrated budget including the development and accommodation of the Thermal Infrared Sensor 

(TIRS). All previous life cycle costs were preliminary estimates.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 3.1 -- 10.1 16.8

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 81.3 120.6 156.8 157.9 69.0 0.0 -- 0.0 585.6

Formulation 221.9 119.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 341.5

Other -222.0 -200.9 -120.6 -137.4 -165.0 -90.0 -15.0 -- -7.1 -958.0

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

-0.1 0.0 0.0 19.4 -7.1 -20.5 -11.9 -- 3.0 -14.1

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 222.0 200.9 120.6 137.4 165.0 90.0 15.0 -- 7.1 958.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

222.0 200.9 120.6 137.4 165.0 90.0 15.0 -- 7.1 958.0

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 3.1 3.1 10.1 16.8

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 81.3 120.6 156.8 157.9 69.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 585.6

Formulation 221.9 119.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 341.5

Other 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

221.9 200.9 120.6 156.8 157.9 69.5 3.1 3.1 10.1 943.9

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number does not reflect the difference between the FY 2010 enacted and the FY 2010 initial operating 

plan. Any adjustments to the LCC will be included in the FY 2010 initial operating plan.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

EARTH - 49
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)

Unprecedented changes in land cover and use are having profound consequences for weather and 

climate change, ecosystem function and services, carbon cycling and sequestration, resource 

management, the national and global economy, human health, and society. The Landsat data series, 

begun in 1972, is the longest continuous record of changes in Earth's surface as seen from space and 

the only satellite system designed and operated to repeatedly observe the global land surface at 

moderate resolution. Landsat data are available at an affordable cost, providing a unique resource for 

people who work in agriculture, geology, forestry, regional planning, education, mapping, and global 

change research. 







The purpose of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) is to extend the record of multi-spectral, 

moderate resolution Landsat-quality data, and to meet U.S. Government operational and scientific 

requirements for observing land use and land change.







For additional information, visit the LDCM Mission Home Page: http://ldcm.nasa.gov/

Project Purpose

LDCM is being developed for a Launch Readiness Date (LRD) that will minimize a potential data gap 

in the archive due to the fuel-limited life of Landsat-7. Recent analyses by the USGS and NASA have 

estimated the Landsat-7 mission should continue to operate through at least the end of 2012. The 

LDCM mission completed its Confirmation Review on November 30, 2009, and its KDP-C transition 

review, on December 16, 2009. Due to the high national importance of the mission and the need to 

maintain the continuity of the Landsat data record, NASA and USGS will implement the LDCM mission 

for a December 2012 launch at the 50% schedule confidence level, providing necessary budget and 

other resources to ensure all mission elements are ready for this launch date. A Joint Confidence 

Level (JCL) assessment was conducted determining the 70%-confident launch date to be June 2013, 

driven by the late addition of the TIRS instrument. Specifically, the LDCM Project has been directed 

to execute all necessary contracts and actions to accomplish the June 2013 Launch Readiness Date, 

including securing a launch vehicle for a launch in June 2013. 



	



LDCM consists of a two science instruments (the Operational Land Imager and the Thermal Infrared 

Sensor), a spacecraft, and a mission operations element. The LDCM is in implementation and system 

level requirements are baselined to provide the following system-level performance parameters:







- Earth Spatial-Temporal Coverage: 16-day repeat coverage of the global land mass. 







- Spatial Resolution: 30 meters (visible, NIR, SWIR), 120 meters (thermal); 15 meters (panchromatic). 







- Radiometric Performance: accuracy, dynamic range, and precision sufficient to detect land cover 

change using historic Landsat data.







- Data: 185-km-cross-track-by-180-km-along-track multi-spectral image of Earth surface.







- Mission Life: five years.

Project Parameters

EARTH - 50
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)

Schedule Commitments

Handover of Operations to USGS Sep 2013 n/a Sep 2013

Launch Jun 2013 Dec 2012 Jun 2013

PSR Sep 2012 June 2012 Sep 2012

Critical Design Review (CDR) Apr 2010 Apr 2010 Apr 2010

Confirmation Review Dec 2009 Dec 2009 Dec 2009

Award OLI contract July 2007 July 2007 July 2007

Formulation

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

LDCM will complete its spacecraft Critical Design Review (CDR) and mission CDR in FY 2010. Due 

to the high national importance of the mission and the need to maintain the continuity of the Landsat 

data record, NASA and USGS will strive to launch LDCM in December 2012. The LDCM Project has 

been directed to execute all necessary contracts and actions to accomplish the December 2012 

launch. Consistent with NASA policies regarding commitments to cost and schedule, the LDCM 

launch shall be no later than June 2013.

Project Commitments

Mission Operations 

Element Hammers Corporation

Provide capability for 

command and control, 

mission scheduling, longterm trending and analysis, 

and flight dynamics 

analysis.

Same Same

Spacecraft General Dynamics

Provide performance and 

reliability commensurate 

with OLI and TIRS data 

requirements.

Same Same

Launch Vehicle ULA Provide launch service 

access to space.

Same Same

Thermal Infrared 

Sensor (TIRS) GSFC

Provide Landsat-equivalent 

thermal data to extend the 

Landsat data of Earth's 

land surface for three 

years.

N/A New

Operational Land 

Imager (OLI)

Ball Aerospace and 

Technology Corporation

Provide Landsat-equivalent 

data to extend the Landsat 

data of Earth's land surface 

for five years.

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

After launch, the spacecraft and OLI instrument will operate for a minimum of five years. The TIRS 

instrument will operate for a minimum of three years.

EARTH - 51
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)

Landsat Data 

Continuity Mission 

(LDCM)

2010 583.4 2010 583.4 0

Launch 

Readiness 6/2013 6/2013 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other Direct Project Costs 183.3 183.3 0.0

Science/Technology 13.3 13.3 0.0

Ground Systems 10.7 10.7 0.0

Launch Vehicle 126.4 126.4 0.0

Systems I&T 1.7 1.7 0.0

Payloads 131.3 131.3 0.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 116.7 116.7 0.0

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 583.4 583.4 0.0

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

EARTH - 52
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Development: Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)

Thermal Infrared Sensor 

(TIRS) development risk

The TIRS instrument has an 

aggressive development 

schedule due to late addition 

to the instrument complement 

and there is a risk that TIRS 

will not be delivered on 

schedule to meet the LDCM 

launch readiness date.

The TIRS Project will continuously examine use of parallel 

paths for instrument development to mitigate risk where 

appropriate. LDCM Project will develop alternative 

Observatory I&T scenarios to allow for late arrival of TIRS. In 

the event that TIRS cannot be delivered in time to meet the 

LDCM launch date, a flyable mass model will be developed.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Project Management

NASA's acquisition plan includes acquiring separate elements of the LDCM mission through open 

competition, with GSFC acting as the mission integrator and leading the element source selections. 

NASA has issued competitively selected contracts for the following major elements: to the Ball 

Aerospace and Technology Corporation for the development of the Operational Land Imager in July 

2007, to the General Dynamics Corporation for the development of the spacecraft in April 2008, and 

to the Hammers Corporation for the development of the MOE in September 2008. The Thermal 

Infrared Sensor will be designed and built in-house at GSFC utilizing civil servants and support 

contractor personnel.

Acquisition Strategy

Mission Operations GSFC GSFC U.S. Department of Interior-U.S. 

Geological Survey

Ground System GSFC GSFC U.S. Department of Interior-U.S. 

Geological Survey

Spacecraft GSFC GSFC None

Thermal Infrared Sensor GSFC GSFC None

Operational Land Imager GSFC GSFC None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

LDCM is under the Earth Systematic Missions Program within the Earth Science Division (ESD) of 

SMD. The NASA AA is the Decision Authority; the ESD Director is the Responsible Official; and 

GSFC is the Lead Management Organization.

Performance HQ and GSFC 7/2009 Mission Preliminary Design Review - Successful N/A

Performance HQ and GSFC 9/2008 Systems Requirement Review (SRR) - 

Successful N/A

Performance HQ and GSFC N/A Mission Critical Design Review 4/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 53
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Formulation: Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite

The Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) will continue the measurements begun with 

the ICESat mission, measuring elements of ice-sheet mass balance, sea ice freeboard and largescale biomass to quantify polar ice sheet contributions to current and recent sea level change and 

linkages to the climate state. In addition ICESat-2 will quantify regional signatures of ice sheet 

changes to assess mechanisms driving that change and improve predictive ice sheet models. The 

science focus areas served by ICESat-2 include climate variability and change, Earth surface and 

interior, and water and energy cycles. The ICESat-2 mission is one of four first-tier missions 

recommended by the National Research Council (NRC) report entitled, "Earth Science and 

Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond". The ICESat-2 

mission will draw from the original ICESat satellite launched in FY 2003 and operated through CY 

2009. 







For more information see http://nasascience.nasa.gov/missions/icesat-ii

Project Purpose

The ICESat-2 observatory employs a dedicated spacecraft with a multi-beam photon-counting surface 

elevation lidar. It will be launched into a 600 km, 94-degree, 91-day repeat orbit.







Pursuant to Senate Report 111-34, incorporated by reference into the Statement Accompanying the 

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (PL 111-117) and as required by NASA standard project 

formulation processes, the ICESat-2 Project is working toward a mature [Technology Readiness Level 

- 6] baseline instrument concept in preparation for formal Mission Confirmation at the end of FY 2012. 

This includes the photon-counting approach to provide cross-track measurement capabilities identified 

in Senate Report 111-34. As part of this engineering process, the project will use an airborne 

instrument to simulate the space-based measurements to optimize the final instrument design and to 

develop algorithms to meet all Level 1 Requirements. Based on cost and schedule analysis of the 

ICESat-2 preliminary design, a baseline budget and launch readiness date will be established at 

Mission Confirmation.

Project Preliminary Parameters

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 38.8 39.2 74.6 99.1 126.9 161.7 --

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 38.8 39.2 68.5 116.0 178.6 153.9 94.9

Total Change from 2010 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 0.0 -6.1 17.0 51.7 -7.8 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 54
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Formulation: Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite

Launch Vehicle TBD Competitively selected New Same

Lidar Instrument TBD

Multi-beam micro-pulse 

laser with photon-counting 

detector

N/A New

Spacecraft TBD Competitively selected New Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

ICESat-2 is still in pre-formulation and does not yet have an official launch date; however, the prePhase A target launch date is late 2015 with a notional 5 year prime mission.

Estimated Project Deliverables

Estimated Project Schedule

Launch readiness date (LRD) N/A Late 2014/Early 

2015 Late 2015

KDP-A N/A September 2009 December 2009

Formulation

Formulation

Milestone Name

Formulation 

Agreement 

Estimate

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

ICESat-2 is still in pre-formulation. Milestone dates beyond the formulation phase are preliminary 

estimates pending completion of formulation.

Project Management

The ICESat-2 lidar instrument will be designed and tested at GSFC using component procurements 

from industry. The spacecraft vendor will be competitively selected. The approach for the mission 

operations element has not yet been determined. The source and selection method for launch 

services will be determined during formulation.

Acquisition Strategy

Launch Vehicle GSFC TBD TBD

Mission Operations GSFC TBD TBD

Lidar GSFC GSFC None

Spacecraft GSFC TBD TBD

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has project management responsibility. The Science 

Mission Directorate Program Management Council has programmatic oversight. The Earth Sciences 

Division Director is the responsible official for this project.

EARTH - 55
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Formulation: Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite

Performance

ICESat-2 

Independent 

Review Team

11/2009 Mission Concept Review /Successfully 

completed 12/2009

Performance

ICESat-2 

Independent 

Review Team

02/2009 Mission Concept Review/Requires Delta Review 11/2009

Performance Standing 

Review Board n/a System Requirements Review (SRR) and Mission Definition Review (MDR) 09/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 56
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Formulation: Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP)

The Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) mission will provide unique information on global soil 

moisture and its freeze/thaw states enabling new advances in hydrospheric science/applications and 

climate research. Direct measurements of soil moisture and freeze/thaw states are needed to improve 

our understanding of regional and global water cycles, terrestrial ecosystems, and the processes that 

link the water, energy, and carbon cycles. Obtaining global soil moisture measurements every three 

days, SMAP's data will lead to improved weather forecasts, flood and drought forecasts, and 

predictions of agricultural productivity and climate change, as well as improved understanding of the 

sources and sinks of carbon. Soil moisture and freeze/thaw information is useful for many purposes, 

and thus the SMAP mission will contribute to the goals of other Earth Science Focus Areas (Carbon 

Cycle, Ecosystem, Weather, and Climate). The SMAP mission is one of the four Tier-1 NASA 

missions recommended by the Earth science and applications Decadal Survey. SMAP is based on 

the soil moisture and freeze/thaw mission concept developed under the NASA Earth System Science 

Pathfinder (ESSP) Program Hydrosphere State (Hydros) project and builds on the Hydros formulation 

and technology risk mitigation studies conducted in 2003 - 2005. Climate Initiative funding has been 

used to advance the SMAP launch date by 7 months to late CY 2014.







For more information see http://nasascience.nasa.gov/missions/smap

Project Purpose

The SMAP observatory employs a dedicated spacecraft with an instrument suite that will be launched 

into a near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit on an expendable launch vehicle. The baseline SMAP 

instrument suite includes a radiometer and a synthetic aperture radar operating in the L-band range 

(1.20-1.41 GHz) designed to make coincident measurements of soil emission and backscatter and 

sense the top 5 cm of soil through moderate vegetation cover. These measurements will be analyzed 

to yield estimates of soil moisture and freeze/thaw state. The measurements will be acquired for a 

period of three years, and a comprehensive validation program will be used to assess random errors 

and regional biases in the soil moisture and freeze/thaw estimates.

Project Preliminary Parameters

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 104.3 70.0 132.2 180.4 135.0 40.0 --

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 103.3 70.0 82.5 139.0 163.8 80.0 10.0

Total Change from 2010 President's Budget 

Request

-1.0 0.0 -49.7 -41.4 28.8 40.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 57
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Formulation: Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP)

L-Band Synthetic 

Aperture Radar (SAR) JPL

Combined with Radiometer 

provides soil moisture 

measurements in the top 5 

cm of soil through 

moderate vegetation cover

New Same

L-Band Radiometer GSFC

Combined with SAR 

provides soil moisture 

measurements in the top 5 

cm of soil through 

moderate vegetation cover

New Same

Launch Vehicle TBD TBD New Same

Spacecraft JPL Provides platform for the 

instrument New Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

SMAP is planned for a launch in late CY 2014, to begin a three-year prime mission. SMAP will make 

soil moisture measurements around the entire Earth every 3 days.

Estimated Project Deliverables

Estimated Project Schedule

Launch readiness date (LRD) Mid CY 2015 late CY 2014

KDP-C April 2010 December 2010 December 2010

Formulation

Formulation

Milestone Name

Formulation 

Agreement 

Estimate

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

With the Climate Initiative provided in the President's FY2011 budget, SMAP launch has been 

accelerated at least 7 months, from mid CY 2015 to late CY 2014. This launch date cannot be further 

accelerated by additional funding augmentations; it is dictated by launch vehicle selection and 

implementation process times, and by the minimum SMAP Phase C-D durations recommended by 

the Project's Independent Standing Review Board. SMAP will conduct a three-year prime mission.

EARTH - 58
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth Systematic Missions

Project In Formulation: Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP)

Project Management

The SMAP Spacecraft will be built in-house at JPL. The SMAP instrument, combining the Synthetic 

Aperture Radar (SAR) and radiometer, will be integrated by JPL. The SAR will be built by JPL. The 

radiometer will be built by GSFC. The Deployable Antenna/Boom and instrument spin assemblies will 

be procured through an open competition. The source and selection method for launch services will 

be determined later in formulation.

Acquisition Strategy

Launch Vehicle JPL To be determined To be determined

L-Band Radiometer JPL GSFC None

L-Band Synthetic Aperture 

Radar (SAR) JPL JPL None

Spacecraft JPL JPL None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has project management responsibility for SMAP. The Science 

Mission Directorate Program Management Council has program oversight responsibility. 



The Earth Sciences Division Director is the responsible official.

Performance

SMAP 

Standing 

Review Board 

SRB

02/2009 Mission Design Review-successfully completed. 05/2009

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 59
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

ESSP includes a series of relatively low-to-moderate cost, small-to-medium sized, competitively 

selected, Principal Investigator-led missions. These missions, complement the larger and more 

broadly capable Earth Systematic Missions (ESM). ESSP missions each have focused scientific 

objectives to support a selected subset of studies of the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, polar ice 

regions, or solid Earth. Investigations include development and operation of remote-sensing 

instruments and the conduct of investigations using data from these instruments. In FY 2011, NASA 

will initiate the accelerated development of an Orbiting Carbon Observatory Reflight mission (OCO-2) 

with the objective to launch in Feb 2013. In mid-FY 2010, the awards will be made for the initial 

Venture Class solicitation (EV-1). The selectees will commence their airborne campaign study 

activities in FY 2011. The ESSP will complete the development two solicitations: (1) the second 

Earth Venture AO call, EV-2, to be released in FY 2012 for small complete satellite missions, and (2) 

the initial annual call (EV-Instrument) for instruments of opportunity in support of the Climate Initiative. 

The initial EV-Instrument call will be released at the start of FY 2012 for an anticipated instrument 

delivery in FY 2015; annual EV-Instrument calls are an integral part of the Climate Initiative and are 

supported in the President's budget. ESSP currently has one mission in formulation (OCO-2), one 

mission in development (Aquarius), and three operating missions: Gravity Recovery and Climate 

Experiment (GRACE), CloudSat, and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite 

Observations (CALIPSO). 







For more information see http://earth.nasa.gov

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

52.6 32.8 43.3 43.5 43.5 43.4 --

Venture Class Missions 21.0 12.9 79.2 66.5 75.1 75.7 --

Aquarius 44.7 18.3 6.3 4.2 2.8 0.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

118.3 63.9 128.8 114.2 121.4 119.1 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

54.3 23.8 36.2 32.7 33.4 34.2 35.0

Venture Class Missions 21.0 12.9 79.5 75.1 106.9 140.5 185.3

OCO-2 0.0 25.0 171.0 91.0 51.0 13.0 4.0

Aquarius 46.9 18.3 17.0 5.4 5.2 2.4 4.6

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

122.1 80.0 303.8 204.3 196.4 190.1 228.9

Changes from FY 2010 Request 3.9 16.1 175.0 90.0 75.0 71.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 60
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

The Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Program plans for FY 2011 include:







1) Completion of Aquarius/SAC-D observatory environmental testing, delivery to the launch site, 

launch and on-orbit checkout of the Aquarius/SAC-D mission;







2) Completion of the OCO-2 KDP-C and transition of this mission into development;







3) Initial science data acquisitions from the selected EV-1 investigations;







4) Preparation and release of the EV-2 small-mission AO, with selections to take place in FY 2012;







5) Preparation (for an early 2012 release) of the first annual EV-Instrument AO, soliciting significant 

Earth-observing instruments for flights of opportunity; 







6) Continued operations of GRACE, CloudSat, and CALIPSO will continue operations as determined 

by the 2009 Senior Review; and,







7) Conduct and completion of the 2011 biannual Senior Review for GRACE, Cloudsat, and CALIPSO.

Plans For FY 2011

EARTH - 61
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Included in this line item are three operating spacecraft:



- The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), launched in FY 2002, measures Earth's 

gravity field and its variations with time.



- CloudSat, launched in FY 2006, measures cloud characteristics to increase understanding of the 

role of optically thick clouds in Earth's radiation budget. 



- The Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) mission, 

launched in FY 2006, measures the vertical distribution of clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere.







In addition, this line includes the ESSP research project providing funds for the science teams for the 

ESSP missions. The science teams are comprised of competitively selected individual investigators 

who analyze data from the missions to address the related science questions.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

"Venture-class" Earth System Science Pathfinder missions have been established in response to the 

National Research Council's Earth Science Decadal Survey. Venture-class missions will be small, 

competed science investigations, and may include suborbital payloads; instruments to be flown on 

non-NASA spacecraft; and small, focused satellites.

Venture Class Missions

OCO-2 is a replacement for the original OCO, which failed to reach orbit in February 2009 due to a 

launch vehicle anomaly. OCO-2 will utilize OCO's implementation approach to the greatest degree 

practical to reduce mission development risk. The OCO-2 mission objectives are identical to those 

for OCO. The OCO-2 employs a dedicated spacecraft with a single instrument, designed to measure 

CO2 and O2 near-infrared absorptions from reflected sunlight. Additional detail can be found in the 

OCO-2 section of this document.

Orbiting Carbon Observatory - 2

Aquarius will observe and model seasonal and year-to-year variations of sea-surface salinity and 

how these variations relate to changes in the water cycle and ocean circulation. The science focus 

areas served by Aquarius will include: climate variability and change; and water and energy cycles. 

Aquarius is currently in Phase C-D with a manifested launch date of January 2011 and 3 years of 

prime mission life. Additional detail can be found in the Aquarius development section of this 

document.

Aquarius

Senior Review (SR) to make Senior 

recommendations on mission extensions

GRACE, CloudSat, and CALIPSO Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

EARTH - 62
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Cloud-Aerosol Lidar 

and Infrared Pathfinder 

Satellite (CALIPSO)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-06 Sep-11

Form

CloudSat Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-06 Sep-11

Form

Gravity Recovery and 

Climate Experiment 

(GRACE)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Mar-02 Sep-11

Form

Orbiting Carbon 

Observatory - 2

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-10

Feb-13

Jan-13

Feb-15

Form Feb-10 Sep-10

Aquarius Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-05

Jan-11

Jan-11

Apr-14

Form Oct-03 Sep-05

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Operations (Ops)

Research (Res)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

EARTH - 63
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Quality Senior Review 

Panel

05/2009 CALIPSO, GRACE and CloudSat were reviewed 

as part of the Earth Science biennial Senior 

Review process. All three missions were 

approved for extended operatons through the 

end of FY11.

04/2011

Performance SRB N/A OCO-2 will be subject to a KDP-C Confirmation 

Review to establish the mission development 

baseline

11/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Program Management

Gravity Recovery and Climate 

Experiment (GRACE)

Earth Science Division JPL Deutches Zentrum fur Luft- und 

Raumfahrt (DLR, the German 

Aerospace Center); Office National 

d'Etudes et de Recherches 

Aerospatiale (ONERA) of France; 

GeoForschungsZentrum (German 

National Research Centre for 

Geosciences); National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration; National 

Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

CloudSat Earth Science Division JPL Canadian Space Agency; U.S. Air 

Force; Department of Energy.

Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and 

Infrared Pathfinder Satellite 

Observations (CALIPSO)

Earth Science Division LaRC France's Centre National d'Etudes 

Spatiales (CNES, the National Center 

for Space Studies) and Alcatel; 

SODERN; Institut Pierre Simon 

Laplace, France.

Orbiting Carbon Observatory - 2 JPL JPL N/A

Aquarius JPL JPL Argentina's Comision Nacional De 

Actividades Espaciales (CONAE), 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Naval Research 

Laboratory, National Center for 

Atmospheric Research.

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Agency Program Management Council has program oversight responsibility.

ESSP program missions are selected competitively via Announcements of Opportunity (AO). The AO 

process uses peer review for the science content of the proposed missions, as well as thorough 

independent review of their technical, management, and cost elements. In FY 2011 winners of the 

first Venture Call, EV-1, will begin their airborne campaign mission development activities. 

Preparations will be completed for the second Venture Class call, EV-2, and for the first release of 

the instrument only AO, EV-I1, with the AOs for each to be released in FY 2012. OCO-2 is a NASA 

directed mission, but remains under the ESSP Program, as the original OCO was selected under an 

AO. NASA will seek to duplicate the OCO acquisition strategy to the greatest degree practical.

Acquisition Strategy

EARTH - 64
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Project In Development: Aquarius

The FY 2010 Budget for Aquarius reflected the cost for a launch in May 2010. Spacecraft 

development delays at NASA's foreign partner, Argentina's National Committee of Space Activities 

(CONAE) spacecraft have delayed the launch to no earlier than December 2010, with a current 

manifest date of January 2011. The current budget reflects this change.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 -2.5 -3.0 1.2 2.4 2.4 -- 4.8 9.9

Development / 

Implementation

0.1 2.2 2.5 13.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 18.5

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.1 2.2 0.0 10.7 1.2 2.4 2.4 -- 4.8 28.4

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 2.5 6.3 4.2 2.8 0.0 -- 0.0 15.8

Development / 

Implementation

145.9 44.7 15.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 206.4

Formulation 35.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 35.6

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

181.5 44.7 18.3 6.3 4.2 2.8 0.0 -- 0.0 257.8

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.3 5.4 5.2 2.4 4.6 4.8 25.7

Development / 

Implementation

146.0 46.9 18.3 13.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 224.9

Formulation 35.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 35.6

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

181.6 46.9 18.3 17.0 5.4 5.2 2.4 4.6 4.8 286.2

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number does not reflect the difference between the FY 2010 enacted and the FY 2010 initial operating 

plan. Any adjustments to the LCC will be included in the FY 2010 initial operating plan.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

EARTH - 65
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Project In Development: Aquarius

Project Commitments

Operations CONAE Command and telemetry Same Same

Launch Vehicle Boeing Delta II Same Same

Data Management GSFC N/A Same Same

Spacecraft CONAE SAC-D Same Same

Aquarius Instrument 

(integrated radiometer/ 

scatterometer)

JPL

L-band microwave 

radiometer at 1.413 GHz; 

scatterometer at 1.26 GHz; 

SSS measurements with 

root-mean-sq random 

errors and systematic 

biases <= 0.2 psu on 150 

km sq scales over ice-free 

oceans.

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Aquarius is manifested to launch in January 2011 to begin a three-year prime mission to measure sea 

surface salinity (SSS) with the precision, resolution, and coverage needed to characterize salinity 

variations and investigate the linkage between ocean circulation, Earth's water cycle, and climate 

variability.

The Aquarius mission will investigate the links between the global water cycle, ocean circulation, and 

climate. It will observe and model variations of sea surface salinity, and how these relate to changes in 

the water cycle and ocean circulation. This will yield an unprecedented view of the oceans' role in 

climate and weather. For more information visit: http://aquarius.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Project Purpose

Aquarius is an instrument on Argentina's CONAE spacecraft, Satellite de Aplicaciones Cientificas-D 

(SAC-D). The combined NASA and CONAE instruments and spacecraft form the Aquarius/SAC-D 

observatory. This observatory will be launched into a polar, Sun-synchronous orbit that allows global 

coverage of ice-free ocean surfaces consistent with Aquarius/SAC-D science observational targets. 

The Aquarius instrument includes an L-band microwave radiometer (1.413 GHz) and scatterometer 

(1.26 GHz). The radiometer will measure the surface brightness temperature, which is related to the 

surface emissivity and physical temperature of the seawater. The surface emissivity is determined by 

the dielectric constant of seawater, which is related to salinity. The scatterometer is required to 

provide coincident information of sea surface roughness, a critical correction term for retrieval of sea 

surface salinity.

Project Parameters

EARTH - 66
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Project In Development: Aquarius

Schedule Commitments

Launch March 2009 May 2010 January 2011

Aquarius Instrument Pre-ship Review [FY 2008 APG] May 2008 May 2009 May 2009

Mission CDR August 2007 July 2008 July 2008

Mission Confirmation Review September 2005 September 2005 September 2005

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The Aquarius mission entered a Risk Mitigation Phase (RMP) in July 2002. Following the RMP, the 

project was authorized to proceed to a formulation phase in December 2003. The Aquarius mission 

was authorized by the NASA Science Mission Directorate to proceed to Development on October 12, 

2005. In November 2007, the NASA Science Mission Directorate Program Management Council 

approved a rebaseline of Aquarius, including a launch delay to May 2010. In December 2009, the 

NASA Science Mission Directorate Program Management Council approved another rebaseline of 

Aquarius, including a launch delay manifesting the Aquarius/SAC-D mission for a January 2011 

launch.

Aquarius 2007 192.6 2010 222.6 16 Launch 

Readiness 07/2009 01/2011 18

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other Direct Project Cost 41.9 29.8 -12.1

Science/Technology 10.9 11.8 0.9

Ground Systems 5.5 5.5 0.0

Launch Vehicle/Services 78.9 79.4 0.5

Payloads 55.4 96.1 40.7

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 192.6 222.6 30.0

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

EARTH - 67
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Project In Development: Aquarius

Spacecraft Development 

Delays

Further delays could impact 

launch date.

Monitor COMISION NACIONAL DE ACTIVIDADES 

ESPACIALES (CONAE) Progress and confirm commitments; 

reassess available schedule reserves.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Project Management

Aquarius was competitively selected from proposals submitted in response to Earth System Science 

Pathfinder (ESSP) Announcement of Opportunity 3. All elements of the project were included in that 

selection, and there are no other planned major procurements.







The launch vehicle procurement was awarded to Boeing. Goddard Space Flight Center and the Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory were selected for the remaining project elements not provided by CONAE.

Acquisition Strategy

Mission operations CONAE None CONAE

Data management GSFC GSFC/JPL None

Radiometer JPL GSFC None

Spacecraft CONAE None CONAE

Aquarius Instrument JPL JPL None

Ground System JPL GSFC None

Launch Vehicle KSC KSC None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for project management. The Science Mission 

Directorate Program Management Council is responsible for program oversight.







The Earth Science Division Director is the responsible official for this project.

Performance

Aquarius 

Standing 

Review Board

4/2009

Aquarius/SAC-D Systems Integration Review -- 

Determined readiness of Aquarius instrument 

integration with the SAC-D Observatory (Phase 

D). Recommendation to proceed to Phase D.

7/2010

Performance

Aquarius 

Standing 

Review Board

11/2009

Aquarius Rebaseline Review -- Determined 

readiness of Aquarius instrument integration 

with the SAC-D Observatory (Phase D). 

Recommendation to proceed to Phase D.

7/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 68
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Project In Formulation: OCO - 2

The data received from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) will support climate research by 

providing an improved understanding of natural, distributed CO2 sources and sinks and 

ocean/atmosphere and land/atmosphere CO2 exchange processes. OCO-2 measurements will initiate 

a global time series of atmospheric CO2 for direct support of policy development and verification of 

regulations and environmental treaties. Rapid development and launch of OCO-2 is a key element of 

the President's budget.







OCO-2 replaces the original OCO, which failed to reach orbit in February 2009 due to a launch vehicle 

anomaly. OCO-2 will utilize OCO's detailed design and implementation approach to the greatest 

possible degree to reduce risk. The mission objectives of OCO and OCO-2 are identical.

Project Purpose

The OCO-2 mission consists of a dedicated spacecraft with a single instrument, flying in a near-polar, 

sun synchronous orbit launched by an expendable launch vehicle. The orbit's early afternoon equator 

crossing time maximizes the available signal and minimizes diurnal biases in CO2 measurements 

associated with photosynthesis. The OCO-2 flight system uses hardware components, software and 

processes with spaceflight heritage. OCO-2's three-axis stabilized bus design is derived from the 

LEOStar-2 spacecraft class currently in production at Orbital Science Corporation. The design and 

architecture of the OCO-2 spacecraft bus is based on the successful Solar Radiation and Climate 

Experiment (SORCE) and Galaxy Explorer (GALEX) missions. The spacecraft structure is made of 

honeycomb panels that form a hexagonal shape. This structure houses the instrument and the 

spacecraft bus components. Panels with solar cells are attached and stowed such that the whole 

structure fits inside the small fairing of the Taurus XL launch vehicle. For the OCO-2 mission, the 

spacecraft has been elongated to accommodate the instrument and the instrument has been 

embedded into the structure of the spacecraft. The instrument consists of a single telescope feeding 

three high-resolution grating spectrometers. The optics will be cooled to approximately 270 Kelvin and 

the Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) to approximately 120 Kelvin. The instrument is designed to measure 

CO2 and O2 near-infrared absorptions from reflected sunlight. Remote sensing retrieval algorithms 

will process these data to yield estimates of the column-averaged CO2 dry air mole fraction, XCO2. 

The total weight of the observatory is about 530 kilograms (1170 pounds). The original OCO 

successfully completed qualification of this configuration prior to launch.

Project Preliminary Parameters

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 0.0 25.0 171.0 91.0 51.0 13.0 4.0

Total Change from 2010 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 25.0 171.0 91.0 51.0 13.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 69
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Project In Formulation: OCO - 2

Launch Vehicle Orbital Sciences Corp Taurus XL N/A New

OCO-2 Instrument JPL

Three channel, highresolution grating 

spectrometer measuring 

CO2 and O2 near-infrared 

absorptions from reflected 

sunlight

N/A New

Spacecraft Orbital Sciences Corp Provides platform for the 

instrument N/A New

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The OCO-2 is planned to launch in February 2013 to begin a two-year mission. OCO-2 will provide 

atmospheric CO2 measurements with near global coverage of the sunlit portion of the Earth with a 



16-day repeat cycle.

Estimated Project Deliverables

Estimated Project Schedule

Launch readiness date (LRD) N/A N/A February 2013

KDP-C N/A N/A December 2010

Formulation

Milestone Name

Formulation 

Agreement 

Estimate

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Based on the design maturity,(due to the heritage of OCO), OCO-2 will be placed in Formulation in 

February 2010. Completion of KDP-C and transition to Development is expected in late CY2010. 

Further milestone dates are preliminary estimates pending completion of Formulation and KDP-C.

EARTH - 70
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Earth Science

Program: Earth System Science Pathfinder

Project In Formulation: OCO - 2

Project Management

The OCO-2 Spacecraft will be built by Orbital Sciences Corporation. A sole source procurement is 

being pursued to maintain the same configuration as OCO. The OCO-2 instrument will be built



in-house at JPL.

Acquisition Strategy

Launch Vehicle JPL KSC None

Ground System JPL JPL None

Instrument JPL JPL None

Spacecraft JPL None None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has project management responsibility for OCO-2. The Science 

Mission Directorate Program Management Council has program oversight responsibility. The Earth 

Sciences Division Director is the responsible official.

Performance OCO-2 SRB N/A

OCO-2 will complete a KDP-C Confirmation 

Review, to establish the mission development 

baseline.

11/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 71
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

Earth Science Multi-Mission 

Operations

148.1 149.9 160.3 165.4 161.3 165.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

148.1 149.9 160.3 165.4 161.3 165.5 --

Earth Science Multi-Mission 

Operations

146.0 149.9 161.2 164.5 160.5 165.8 169.8

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

146.0 149.9 161.2 164.5 160.5 165.8 169.8

Changes from FY 2010 Request -2.1 0.0 0.9 -0.9 -0.8 0.3 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 72
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

The Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations Program acquires, preserves, and distributes 

observational data to support Earth Science focus areas in conformance with national science 

objectives. The Earth Science focus areas are as follows: (1) Climate variability and change; (2) 

Atmospheric composition; (3) Carbon cycle, ecosystems, and biogeochemistry; (4) Water and energy 

cycles; (5) Weather; and (6) Earth surface and interior. Facilities involved in this undertaking include 

data-handling, data processing, and archiving systems.







NASA's principal Earth Science information system is the Earth Observing System Data and 

Information System (EOSDIS), which has been operational since August 1994. EOSDIS acquires, 

processes, archives, and distributes Earth Science data and information products created from 

satellite data, which arrive at the rate of more than four trillion bytes (4 terabytes) per day. Having 

successfully created this system, NASA is using advances in information technology to expand its 

capabilities while providing continuous service to the user community.user community. The 

successful completion of the Evolution of EOSDIS Elements (EEE) effort has increased efficiency and 

operability; increased data usability by the research, application, and modeling communities. 

EOSDIS is now; providing services and tools needed to enable use of NASA's Earth Science data in 

next-decadal models, research results, and decision support system benchmarking; and improving 

support for end users. The budget request for FY 2011 incorporates cost savings that result from this 

effort. A system plan for 2015 and beyond will guide further improvements and will take into account 

evolution needs for new missions being developed in response to the decadal survey Earth Science 

and Applications from Space (National Research Council). Very modest investments will enable the 

system to keep technologically current, and incorporate new research data and services. 







NASA Earth Science information is archived at eight Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) 

located across the United States. The DAACs specialize by topic area, and make their data available 

to researchers around the world. For more information, please see http://eos.nasa.gov/eosdis. 

Research opportunities related to EOSDIS are available through the Advanced Collaborative 

Connections for Earth System Science (ACCESS) at http://access-projects.gsfc.nasa.gov/ and 

Making Earth System data records for Use in Research Environments (MEaSUREs) at 

http://measures-projects.gsfc.nasa.gov/ programs. Participants in these programs are solicited 

through the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES), the NASA Research 

Announcement soliciting basic and applied research proposals.

Program Overview

EARTH - 73
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

The Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations Program will continue operation of EOSDIS, the DAACs 

and their accompanying functions, as well as Core System Science Data Processing Systems. The 

maintenance of these systems is important to the collection of data from Earth Science satellites in 

orbit, as well as to the continuity of Earth Science research efforts. 







NASA plans to continue the support of the Evolution of EOSDIS Elements effort to enable a service 

oriented architecture between now and 2015. 







Five-year MEaSUREs Projects began work in FY 2008 to continue NASA support of the development 

of multi-instrument Earth System Data Records, including Climate Data Records. An Advanced 

Collaborative Connections for Earth System Science (ACCESS) solicitation was released in NASA's 

Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences - 2009 (ROSES-2009) and selections were 

made for new ACCESS Projects beginning in FY 2010. A third program solicitation, Earth System 

Data Records Uncertainty, is being readied for ROSES-2010. These Cooperative Agreements are 

proving very valuable for keeping research and modeling communities actively involved with the 

EOSDIS architecture, and informing core infrastructure evolution decisions.

Plans For FY 2011

EARTH - 74
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

EOSDIS is the central data handling system for NASA's Earth Science efforts. EOSDIS components 

funded in the project include: 







Production of standard science data products, using algorithms and software developed by EOS 

investigators; 







Active archive of data, as well as ordering, distribution, and data management. Also ensures the 

preservation of data, products, related algorithms, and system-configuration history; 







Information Management, enabling researchers to rapidly locate and retrieve data critical to their 

work; and 







User Support for research scientists, educators, students, and users in public agencies responsible 

for operational applications of the data, as well as for the general public. 







The Precipitation Processing System (PPS) is a measurement-based data and information system at 

GSFC that evolved from the TRMM Science Data and Information System (TSDIS). PPS continues 

to support the TRMM Science Team with analyzed rainfall data from TRMM as well as data from 

other precipitation instruments, and is also developing further to support the upcoming Global 

Precipitation Mission (GPM) to be launched in FY 2013.

EOSDIS

EARTH - 75
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

This project funds the Elements of EOSDIS Evolution, aimed at improving the efficiency and 

effectiveness of EOSDIS while reducing the cost, and the Distributed Active Archive Centers, which 

collect, disseminate, and archive Earth Science data at eight centers across the Nation:



 



	-The Alaska SAR Facility, which collects Synthetic Aperture Radar data, and information on sea ice, 

polar processes, and geophysics; 







	-The GSFC Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center, which collects information on 

atmospheric composition, atmospheric dynamics, global precipitation, ocean biology, ocean 

dynamics, and solar irradiance; 







	-The Langley Research Center DAAC, which collects data on Earth's radiation budget, clouds, 

aerosols, and tropospheric chemistry; 







	-The Land Processes DAAC, which collects land processes data; 







	-The National Snow and Ice Data Center, which collects snow and ice data, as well as information 

about the cryosphere and climate; 







	-The Oak Ridge National Laboratory DAAC, which collects data on biogeochemical dynamics, and 

ecological data for studying environmental processes; 







	-The Physical Oceanography DAAC, which collects information on oceanic processes and air-sea 

interactions; and







	-The Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center, covering population, sustainability, multilateral 

environmental agreements, natural hazards, and poverty.

Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

Provide services and tools needed to enable use 

of NASA's Earth Science data in next-decadal 

models, research results, and decision support 

system benchmarking.

EOSDIS and DAACs None

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

EARTH - 76
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

Elements of EOSDIS 

Evolution (phased startup beginning in FY 

2008)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-05

Apr-08

Mar-08

Dec-20

Form Nov-04 Nov-05

EOSDIS and MultiMission Operations 

(including DAACs)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Aug-94 Dec-15

Form

Formulation (Form)

Development (Dev)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Research (Res)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

Program Management

ACCESS, MEaSUREs, Earth 

System Data Records 

Uncertainty Analysis (peerreviewed data research

SMD NASA Headquarters None.

Multi-Mission Operations 

(operations and maint of Core 

EOSDIS systems; DAACs, 

Evolution of EOSDIS

GSFC Earth Science Data 

and Information 

Systems Office, 

Goddard Space 

Flight Center

Key participants in the Multi-Mission 

Operations project include the space 

agencies of Europe, Canada, 

Germany, France, and Japan. Other 

U.S. agency partners include the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (Department of 

Commerce), U.S. Geological Survey 

(Department of the Interior), and the 

Department of Defense.

Precipitation Processing 

System (PPS)

GSFC GSFC NASA operates and is further 

developing the PPS to provide 

analyzed data from the TRMM and 

GPM missions. Both TRMM and GPM 

are joint missions of NASA and JAXA, 

a key stakeholder

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Science Mission Directorate and the Program Management Council have oversight responsibility 

for this program. The Earth Science Data and Information System Project Office at GSFC has primary 

responsibility for the program.

EARTH - 77
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

Other Earth Science 

Subcommittee

10/2009 The Earth Science Subcommittee reported that 

they were impressed by the success and clear 

sense of direction of this program.

TBD

Quality DAAC Data 

Priority 

Workshops

ongoing DAAC archive holdings peer reviewed for 

scientific merit. Multiple reviews related to 

individual research areas, all successful, several 

recommendations in work.

annual

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

The EOSDIS Core System is a high-performance software system that provides science data ingest, 

archive and distribution capabilities for a multitude of Earth science instruments. Maintenance and 

operations for this system, utilized by three DAAC's post-Step 1 Evolution of EOSDIS Elements, is 

performed under contract procured by GSFC. The contract, managed by the ESDIS Project at 

GSFC, is being recompeted to be completed in 2010.

Acquisition Strategy

EARTH - 78
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Technology

Advanced technology plays a major role in enabling Earth research and applications programs by 

providing an improved understanding of the total Earth system and its effects of natural and humaninduced changes on the global environment. The Earth Science Technology Program (ESTP) 

provides the Earth Science Division with new capabilities, enabling previously unforeseen and 

infeasible science investigations, enhancing existing measurement capabilities, and reducing the 

cost, risk, and development times of Earth science measurements. 







The Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) provides strategic, science-driven technology 

assessments and requirements development. The program implements a science focused technology 

program by pursuing promising scientific and engineering concepts through open competition 

solicitations.







For more information, please see: http://esto.nasa.gov

Program Overview

Earth Science Technology 54.1 45.9 47.2 48.2 49.5 52.7 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

54.1 45.9 47.2 48.2 49.5 52.7 --

Earth Science Technology 55.3 45.9 52.8 53.9 57.1 64.7 68.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

55.3 45.9 52.8 53.9 57.1 64.7 68.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 1.2 0.0 5.6 5.7 7.7 11.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

ESTP will plan and implement development of new remote-sensing and information systems 

technologies for infusion into future science missions in order to enable, or dramatically enhance, 

measurements and data system capabilities. Planning will start with measurement priorities 

established by the science community, leading to systematically developed technology requirements 

and priorities. Studies may be conducted to assess measurement options for meeting technology 

performance requirements. Implementation will be performed through managing awarded tasks from 

competed solicitations in the three project areas: Instrument Incubator, Advanced Information 

Systems, and Advanced Technology Initiatives. Ongoing activities in these areas are described in 

more detail in the project description section below.







For FY 2011 new work will be solicited in the Advanced Information Systems Technology and 

Advanced Component Technology areas. This FY 2011 solicitation will be part of the ROSES-2011 

NASA Research Announcement. Both calls will support the expanded and accelerated mission set 

enabled by the President's budget including the Climate Initiative.

Plans For FY 2011

EARTH - 79
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Technology

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

This project develops end-to-end information technologies that enable new Earth-observation 

measurements and information products. The technologies are used to process, archive, access, 

visualize, communicate, and understand science data. The next solicitatoin is in the ROSES-11 with 

selections expected to be made in the first quarter of FY 2012.







The last solicitation released in June 2008 awarded 20 additional projects in early FY 2009, focused 

on three areas needed to support future Earth science measurements: Sensor System Support (to 

incorporate autonomy and rapid response in the sensing process and improve the science value of 

data); Advanced Data Processing (to improve or enhance the information extracted from the data 

stream); and Data Services Management (to better manage the growing body of Earth science data 

and allow for efficient exchange). 







As examples, one project team deployed a fleet of SnoMote robots to test their mobile sensor 

network on Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska; the autonomous SnoMotes are designed to gather in-situ 

science data in dangerous, volatile ice environments to augment remote sensing data with accurate 

ground-truth measurements. Another task develops an inter-operable sensor architecture system 

that integrates four satellites, a UAV, and multiple ground sensors, data algorithms, and models, and 

has been demonstrated as a tool to help manage wildfires.

Advanced Information Systems Technology

This project develops new and innovative instruments and measurement techniques at the system 

level, including laboratory development and airborne validation.







A solicitation for new instrument technologies was released in FY 2007 and 21 new awards were 

made for sensors measuring atmospheric trace gases, aerosols, clouds, gravity fields, ocean 

topography, tropospheric winds, thermal land imaging, Earth radiation balance, precipitation, ocean 

color, snow, and vegetation. Instrument technologies include imagers, spectrometers, lidars, 

microwave sounders, and radars. These projects started in FY 2008 and will continue through FY 

2011. The next solicitation was released in FY 2010 with selections expected to be made in the first 

quarter of FY 2011.







Some notable recent Instrument Incubator demonstrations include airborne radar measurements of 

Greenland ice sheet basal topography from high altitude and in two dimensions, the first 

simultaneous lidar measurements of tropospheric water vapor and aerosols from an aircraft, a 

ground-based demonstration of the hybrid Doppler wind lidar with simultaneous coherent and direct 

detection measurements, and airborne Ka-band interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) 

topography measurements.

Instrument Incubator

EARTH - 80
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Technology

Tasks are procured primarily through full and open competition, such as the Research Opportunities 

in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES)announcements.

Acquisition Strategy

The Advanced Technology Initiatives element provides for the development of critical component 

and subsystem technologies for the instruments and platforms which support the Earth Science 

Decadal Survey. The next solicitation is in ROSES-11 with selections expected to be made in the 

first quarter of FY 2012.







The last solicitation for Advanced Component Technology was in ROSES-08 for technologies such 

as: space-qualifiable laser transmitters, passive optical technologies, microwave and calibration 

technologies. Sixteen awards were made, supporting 14 of the 15 NASA Earth Science Decadal 

Survey missions. Some examples of these awards follow. A corrugated mirror telescope array for 

lidar will support seven of the Decadal Survey missions and help to enable the measurement of ice, 

crustal deformation, carbon dioxide and even 3D winds. Another notable technology is a large 

aperture deployable reflector which will support: soil moisture, ocean and river water dynamics, 

temperature and humidity soundings and snow accumulation for fresh water assessments. Other 

awards support measurements of: solar radiance, ozone, aerosols, atmospheric gas columns for air 

quality and ocean color for coastal ecosystem health and climate emissions.

Advanced Technology Initiatives

Program Management

Advanced Info Systems ESTO GSFC, JPL, LaRC, 

ARC, GRC, MSFC

None.

Advanced Tech Initiatives ESTO GSFC, JPL, LaRC, 

ARC, GRC

None.

Instrument Incubator ESTO GSFC, JPL, LaRC, 

ARC, GRC

None.

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Earth Science Division within the Science Mission Directorate has oversight responsibility of the 

technology program office.

Annually mature several technologies to the 

point of readiness for demonstration.

ESTP Same

Annually advance a portion of funded technology 

developments by one technology readiness 

level.

ESTP Same

Annually enable or improve one new science 

measurement capability.

ESTP Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

EARTH - 81
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Earth Science Technology

Relevance NAC - Earth 

Science Sub 

Committee

10/2009 The Earth Science Subcommittee reviewed the 

Earth Science Technology Program for infusion 

of new technologies and participation of 

universities in developing the new generation of 

technologists. The committee was overall 

pleased with the technology program; it wanted 

to ensure that tasks focus on being able to 

reduce cost in missions and are directed 

towards enabling/enhancing specific 

measurements.

10/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EARTH - 82
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Applied Sciences

The Applied Sciences Program (http://nasascience.nasa.gov/earth-science/applied-sciences) 

leverages NASA Earth Science research and observations to enable innovative and practical uses in 

management, business, and policy decisions. NASA Applied Sciences projects address applied 

research needs in the user community, discover and demonstrate new applications of Earth science 

data, and facilitate adoption of applications by non-NASA stakeholder organizations. The projects are 

designed to improve decision-making activities through which the nation can better manage its 

resources, improve quality of life, and strengthen the economy. NASA develops Earth science 

applications in collaboration with end-users in public, private, and academic organizations. Examples 

include improved public health tracking systems for infectious diseases with the Centers for Disease 

Control; advances in prediction of weather conditions for airplane pilots through the National Weather 

Service and the Federal Aviation Administration; improved tracking of air pollutants with the 

Environmental Protection Agency for air quality management; improving the Department of 

Agriculture's Global Economic Forecasting; and international disaster management support with the 

U.S. Agency for International Development. The Program's primary outcomes are the routine, 

sustained uses of NASA Earth science products in user organizations' policy, business, and 

management decisions to serve society; the impacts are the resulting socioeconomic benefits from 

the improved decisions.

Program Overview

Pathways 47.8 32.2 30.7 31.5 32.2 33.1 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

47.8 32.2 30.7 31.5 32.2 33.1 --

Pathways 47.8 32.2 36.6 38.3 41.1 45.9 48.7

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

47.8 32.2 36.6 38.3 41.1 45.9 48.7

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 5.9 6.9 8.9 12.8 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EARTH - 83
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Applied Sciences

In FY 2011, the Applied Sciences Program will continue or initiate projects across a range of 

application areas, including agriculture, air quality, climate, ecological forecasting, public health, 

natural disasters, water resources, and weather. These projects are competitively selected through 

NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. 

In FY 2011, the Program will feature increased joint solicitations with research and end-user 

organizations, expanded contributions to mission science teams to ensure consideration and 

incorporation of applications requirements throughout the mission design process, and continuation of 

efforts to build skills and capabilities on how to access and apply Earth observations data to benefit 

society. The FY 2011 President's Budget enables the Program to introduce a new solicitation, 

increase the number of project selections, increase end-user involvement in early phase mission 

planning, and expand the products and services provided by the highly successful NASA/USAID jointfunded SERVIR network.

Plans For FY 2011

EARTH - 84
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Applied Sciences

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

In FY 2011, the Applied Sciences Program will sponsor several solicitations and competitivelyselected projects across the range of applications themes described above, including topics that 

cross-cut these themes:







1. Decision Support projects: These are 3-4 year projects that are carried out collaboratively with 

end user organizations to integrate Earth observations data into their decision-making activities and 

enable the transition for the organizations' sustained use of the Earth observations data.







2. Applications Feasibility projects; These are short-term, proof-of-concept projects to generate and 

test preliminary ideas for applications of Earth science products to determine their potential value 

and readiness for a more in-depth project. 







3. Applications Knowledge projects: These are multiple-year projects focused on applied research to 

generate fundamental understanding of how Earth science can be scaled and applied to serve 

society and methods to enable institutions to apply new types of information in traditional decision 

making activities. 







4. Applied Sciences Teams: These are multiple-year teams of applications-specialists and scientists 

to address key applications-oriented challenges and critical data products needed by the applied 

community and end users. 







The program supports joint solicitations with the Earth Science Research Program and supports 

some applications-oriented projects that are identified in solicitations managed by the Research 

Program's science focus areas. 







The projects also include a small number of activities that crosscut and support the tasks, including 

capacity building projects, workshops, and outreach activities.







In FY11, the Applied Sciences Program will expand the SERVIR network and enhance its scientific 

capabilities across a broader set of NASA Earth science products and its service as a testbed for 

innovative applications.

Applied Sciences

EARTH - 85
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Applied Sciences

As part of the Administration's government-wide initiative to strengthen program evaluation, the 

request includes funds for a study of the NASA Earth Science's Applied Sciences Program 

(hereafter, the Program). NASA's current evaluation efforts are focused primarily on large 

engineering projects. NASA seeks to develop capacity to perform appropriate impact evaluations for 

small, science-based projects that have the potential to provide direct societal benefits stemming 

from NASA research investments. The Program works with numerous partner organizations (e.g., 

FAA, EPA, CDC, USFS, USAID) which have different types of management and decision activities 

(e.g., resource allocation, early warning, forecasting, planning, response and recovery), with their 

organization's corresponding outcome and impact measures. The Program develops applications 

and facilitates their transition and adoption by the partner organizations. As such, the Program 

would also benefit from factors within the impact evaluations that can help to highlight key success 

criteria across the decision types.







This study will select 2 projects completed in the 2009-10 timeframe, addressing two different 

application topics, in order to pilot evaluation approaches for different types of decision making. The 

study will likely use a pre-post comparison to assess utility, efficiency, and/or effectiveness gains in 

the partners' decision making. The evaluation will compare the improved decision-making 

performance (with NASA data) compared to baseline conditions (without NASA data). The 

evaluations will pilot an approach to conduct a value-of-information or cost-benefit analysis on the 

completed projects. The information and capabilities from this pilot effort can help NASA in further 

studies to identify critical factors in the design and execution of applications projects, and to scope 

larger-scale activities in determining and articulating impacts of its science and other research-based 

programs.







This study is one of 23 evaluation proposals specifically approved by the Office of Management and 

Budget for 2011 to strengthen the quality and rigor of Federal program evaluation. To ensure the 

study is well designed and implemented, NASA will work with evaluation experts at OMB and the 

Council of Economic Advisers during the planning, design, and implementation of the study. NASA 

is committed to promoting strong, independent evaluation that can inform policy and program 

management decisions and will post the status and findings of this and other important evaluations 

publicly available online.

Performance Evaluation

Maximize resource utilization through 

streamlining processes and operations across 

the program.

Applied Sciences Same

Issue competed peer reviewed research awards. Applied Sciences Same

Conduct impact evaluation on mature projects. Applied Sciences New

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

EARTH - 86
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Earth Science

Program: Applied Sciences

Relevance National 

Research 

Council

10/2007 The Applied Sciences Program strategy and 

implementation.

2013

Relevance Applied 

Sciences 

Analysis 

Group

N/A Applied Sciences program strategy and 

implementation.

12/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Program Management

Earth Science Applications NASA HQ GSFC, LaRC, SSC, 

JPL, MSFC, and 

ARC

EPA, NOAA, USDA, FAA, DOE, DOI, 

CDC, USAID ; state agencies, and 

regional organizations such as the 

Western Governors Association, 

American Water Resources 

Association, Gulf of Mexcio Alliance. 

Private sector and universities. NonProfit and intergovernment 

organizations, such as United Nations 

Food and Agriculture Organization.

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Applied Sciences Program responsibility resides within the Earth Science Division of the Science 

Mission Directorate.

The Earth Science Applications Program is based on full and open competition. Grants are peer 

reviewed and selected based on NASA Research Announcements and other related 

announcements. The program emphasizes cost-sharing in projects, especially Decision Support 

projects.

Acquisition Strategy

EARTH - 87
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EARTH - 88
Theme: Planetary Science

Mission Directorate: Science

Planetary Science is a grand human enterprise that seeks to discover the nature and origin of the 

celestial bodies among which we live, and to explore whether life exists beyond Earth. The scientific 

imperative for Planetary Science, the quest to understand our origins, is universal. How did we get 

here? Are we alone? What does the future hold? These overarching questions lead to more focused, 

fundamental science questions about our solar system: How did the Sun's family of planets, satellites, 

and minor bodies originate and evolve? What are the characteristics of the solar system that lead to 

habitable environments? How and where could life begin and evolve in the solar system? What are 

the characteristics of small bodies and planetary environments and what potential hazards or 

resources do they hold?







To address these science questions, NASA relies on various flight missions, research and analysis 

(R&A) and technology development. There are seven programs within the Planetary Science Theme: 

R&A, Lunar Quest, Discovery, New Frontiers, Mars Exploration, Outer Planets, and Technology. R&A 

supports two operating missions with international partners (Rosetta and Hayabusa), as well as 

sample curation, data archiving, dissemination and analysis, and Near Earth Object Observations. 

The Lunar Quest Program consists of small robotic spacecraft missions, Missions of Opportunity, 

Lunar Science Institute, and R&A. Discovery has two spacecraft in prime mission operations 

(MESSENGER and Dawn), an instrument operating on an ESA Mars Express mission (ASPERA-3), a 

mission in its development phase (GRAIL), three Missions of Opportunities (M3, Strofio, and LaRa), 

and three investigations using re-purposed spacecraft: EPOCh and DIXI hosted on the Deep Impact 

spacecraft and NExT hosted on the Stardust spacecraft. New Frontiers has one operating spacecraft 

(New Horizons) and one mission (Juno) currently in its development phase. The Mars Exploration 

Program has two orbiting spacecraft (Odyssey and MRO) and two rovers (Spirit and Opportunity) in 

operation, one mission in development (MSL), one scout class mission in formulation (MAVEN) and a 

science instrument to be included in the ESA ExoMars mission, and project activities for technology, 

next decade mission design/development, and research. The Outer Planets Program includes 

research, one operating mission (Cassini) and an Outer Planets Flagship mission under study. The 

Technology Program includes in-space propulsion systems, advanced power generation, and the 

Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System (AMMOS).

Theme Overview

PLANET - 1
Theme: Planetary Science

Mission Directorate: Science

Technology 64.9 89.0 98.4 102.1 93.5 91.4 --

Outer Planets 101.1 98.6 97.1 140.3 117.7 118.5 --

Mars Exploration 381.6 416.1 494.5 405.5 514.3 536.7 --

New Frontiers 263.9 264.1 239.9 294.2 239.8 249.6 --

Discovery 247.0 213.2 234.6 256.8 256.5 264.3 --

Lunar Quest Program 105.0 103.6 142.6 138.6 145.5 118.7 --

Planetary Science Research 162.1 161.7 193.5 240.2 232.6 254.2 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 1,325.6 1,346.2 1,500.6 1,577.7 1,600.0 1,633.2 --

Technology 72.4 89.0 106.5 101.1 88.7 82.0 85.1

Outer Planets 104.8 98.6 103.5 157.9 152.0 144.0 155.8

Mars Exploration 361.7 416.1 532.8 514.8 549.9 569.6 485.8

New Frontiers 279.0 264.1 223.8 229.5 237.9 247.7 258.5

Discovery 234.8 209.2 202.0 216.8 235.9 263.0 312.9

Lunar Quest Program 69.1 103.6 136.6 136.4 131.7 109.7 110.5

Planetary Science Research 166.2 160.7 180.4 190.8 195.2 214.2 240.9

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 1,288.1 1,341.3 1,485.7 1,547.2 1,591.2 1,630.1 1,649.4

Total Change from FY 2010 Request -37.6 -4.9 -15.0 -30.5 -8.7 -3.1 --

Note: Zero-sum funds transfer within NASA to consolidate CM&O, institutional facilities, and SBIR. Funds were included for 

additional NEO activities and carved out within Planetary Science Theme to co-fund Plutonium restart effort with DOE.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

PLANET - 2
Theme: Planetary Science

Mission Directorate: Science

Juno will have successfully completed ATLO during FY 2010, and will deliver all instruments and hardware in 

preparation for a launch in August 2011. The New Horizons mission will continue on its course toward Pluto 

and its moons, with periodic spacecraft and instrument checkouts as it cruises. Having recently chosen three 

concept studies to pursue in 2010, NASA expects to select one New Frontiers 3 mission to proceed into 

Phase B (or an extended Phase A) by third quarter to late FY 2011.

New Frontiers

Having completed its third fly-by of Mercury, MESSENGER will prepare for Mercury orbit insertion (planned 

for March 2011) while it continues its operations and analyses of valuable data from the three flybys. The 

Dawn spacecraft completed its cruise from a Mars gravity assist in February 2009 to begin its Vesta 

encounter in May 2011. ASPERA-3 will complete collection of data on its extended mission of Mars Express. 

Though the M3 instrument will not continue to collect science measurements due to the loss of ISRO's 

Chandrayaan-1 mission, NASA will continue to perform analysis on the data received. The DIXI mission 

draws to a close in FY 2011 and NASA will be performing analysis on data collected during its encounter with 

the comet Hartley 2 in November 2010. Stardust NExT will be the Discovery Program's return to the comet 

Tempel 1 in February 2011 to see how it has evolved since the Deep Impact encounter in FY 2005. GRAIL 

will be in Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations (ATLO) by the end of FY 2010 and will prepare for its 

launch in September 2011. Two new Missions of Opportunity have been selected for the Discovery Program, 

the Strofio: Exospheric Sample of Mercury's Surface Composition on BepiColombo for a launch in 2014, and 

LaRa: Lander Radio-science will likely be accommodated as part of joint NASA-ESA Mars program which is 

currently under negotiation. A new Discovery 12 AO selection will be made by the end of FY 2011 following 

the AO release in early CY 2010.

Discovery

Project elements under LQP include the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), the 

International Lunar Network (ILN)/ Lunar Surface Science missions, Plutonium, and Lunar Science Research. 

LADEE completed its preliminary design review in FY 2009 and will enter Implementation Phase (KDP-C) in 

late FY 2010. The ILN/Lunar Surface Science mission will continue with its the risk reduction efforts during FY 

2011. NASA will negotiate and work the Plutonium restart capability with DOE throughout FY 2011. Research 

Announcement for Lunar Research & Analysis will be released annually, followed by selections and awards.

Lunar Quest Program

The Research and Analysis (R&A) program will continue to release research announcements and make 

research project and grant selections. The Planetary Data System (PDS) will continue to archive and release 

planetary science data to the science community in a timely manner for further scientific analysis. The 

Astromaterial Curation project will continue its efforts on curation and distribution of solar system samples 

(Astromaterials) returned by NASA planetary missions such as Stardust and Genesis. The Rosetta project will 

continue toward its arrival at comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko (January 2014). Having successfully supported 

JAXA asteroid mission Earth Return in June 2010, the Hayabusa (MUSES-C) project will start to perform the 

science and sample analysis phase through September 2011. The expanded NEOO program will improve 

and increase its efforts to detect Earth approaching asteroids and comets which may provide resources for 

our exploration of the inner solar system or could become potential impact hazards to the Earth. It will also 

expand efforts to characterize their nature, both to better understand their composition and provide 

information for study of potential hazard mitigation techniques.

Planetary Science Research

Plans for FY 2011

PLANET - 3
Theme: Planetary Science

Mission Directorate: Science

The In-Space Propulsion Program (ISP) will continue toward a completion of the NASA's Evolutionary Xenon 

Thruster (NEXT) electric propulsion life validation. The Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program, 

working with the Department of Energy, will start the flight development of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope 

Generator (ARSG) that would support a flight in the 2014-2015 timeframe. Furthermore, the RPS Program 

continues to develop technologies and processes to support current and future NASA missions. The 

Advanced Multi-Mission Operation System (AMMOS) project will continue to develop the multi-mission 

software tools for spacecraft navigation and mission planning throughout FY 2011.

Technology

NASA Cassini will continue its historic operations and data analysis. In FY 2010 and FY 2011 NASA will 

continue to provide funding for further definition study and technology development efforts for the Outer 

Planets Future mission while awaiting the results of the Decadal Survey establishing the science community's 

highest joint priorities. NASA will also continue to negotiate the details of potential partnerships with the 

European Space Agency (ESA) and other international partners.

Outer Planets

MSL will complete ATLO and deliver all hardware in preparation for a launch either October or November 

2011. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN), Mars Scout mission, will start implementation 

phase in the 3rd quarter of FY 2010, leading to a successful completion of PDR and CDR by the end of FY 

2011. The U.S. ExoMars instrument will remain in an extended Phase B throughout FY 2011. Odyssey will be 

in a new orbit with an expected improved sensitivity to detect minerals on the surface. The Mars 

Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) and (if technically possible) both Spirit and Opportunity rovers (MER) will 

continue to explore and perform data analysis throughout FY 2011. Concept studies with the ESA-NASA 

2016/2018 partnership missions will finalize and the Mars 16 mission will enter into formulation phase by the 

end of FY 2011.

Mars Exploration

Plans for FY 2011

PLANET - 4
Theme: Planetary Science

Mission Directorate: Science

Planetary Science uses its missions, research programs, and the human resources of the space 

science community to enhance the quality of American science, technology, engineering and 

mathematics (STEM) education. The innovative nature of planetary science projects creates an 

impetus for new techniques and technologies that later benefit the public. Many of our missions are 

using mission data to create authentic education experiences and engaging students from secondary 

school through graduate school. The Robotics Alliance Program (RAP) is a concrete example of the 

Planetary Science program's contribution to education. NASA's Planetary Science is dedicated to 

sharing the excitement of discoveries and knowledge generated by space science missions and 

research, with the public, and thus contributing to educating and inspiring the next generation of 

STEM employees needed for the 21st century.







Public benefits from Planetary Science include a growing understanding of the solar system and 

Earth's significance within it. NASA's robotic science missions are paving the way for understanding 

the origin and evolution of the solar system and working to identify past and present habitable 

locations. These missions also enable human space exploration by studying and characterizing alien 

environments and identifying possible resources that will enable safe and effective human missions to 

the Moon and beyond.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

The Planetary Science Program is guided by the Space Act and subsequent legislation, and by U.S. 

National Space Policy and related policies, which call on NASA to conduct robotic missions 

throughout the solar system. The Program follows NASA's tradition of establishing its science 

priorities through consultation with world-class experts via the National Research Council's decadal 

survey process. The most recent decadal survey was published in 2002, and the next one is under 

development for release in 2011. Planetary Science also receives tactical-level advice from the 

external science community via the Planetary Science Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council. 







Planetary Science seeks to achieve both near and long-term science goals by studying solar system 

objects and phenomena primarily in situ, but also by returning samples for study in laboratories on 

Earth. Planets and satellites of the solar system and the ancient icy bodies far from the Sun are 

"Rosetta stones" that can tell unique stories about the evolution of the solar system. As researchers 

learn more about the origins of living organisms on Earth and about the solar system's planets and 

moons, they may learn that life has arisen in places beyond Earth.







Robotic explorers gather data to help scientists understand how the planets formed, what triggered 

different evolutionary paths among planets, and how Earth formed, evolved, and became habitable. 

To search for evidence of life beyond Earth, scientists use this data to map zones of habitability, 

study the chemistry of alien worlds, and unveil the processes that lead to conditions necessary for 

life. Robotic exploration will generate knowledge about our solar system needed to identify the most 

promising human exploration missions. This knowledge will also help enable safe human space 

exploration in the forbidding environments they will encounter and may aid in the mitigation of 

hazards to life here on Earth.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

PLANET - 5
Theme: Planetary Science

Mission Directorate: Science

NASA scientists discovered the sample from Wild 2 comet (from the Stardust mission) contained 

crystalline silicates, a rock forming mineral typically found in asteroids. Most asteroids in the solar 

system are concentrated in a belt between Mars and Jupiter. Wild 2 originated in the Kuiper Belt 

beyond Neptune, and as a result, the mineral must have been transported from the asteroid belt to the 

cold, icy reaches of the Solar System to be incorporated into a comet. These findings show that the 

dust-gas cloud surrounding the primitive Sun before comets, asteroids, and planets began forming 

was a dynamic system.







A discovery made by the CRISM (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometers for Mars) 

instrument on the MRO offers a better understanding of habitability on Mars. Data from the instrument 

showed the presence of magnesite, a magnesium-rich carbonate, on the surface of Mars. Scientists 

had expected to find carbonate on Mars because of its carbon dioxide rich atmosphere and the 

evidence of water. However, carbonate in bedrock outcrops clearly identifies the geologic environment 

where it formed and whether the environment could support life. NASA scientists achieved definitive 

detection of methane and its global variation in the atmosphere of Mars. The discovery indicated the 

planet is either biologically or geologically active or both. The team found methane in the Martian 

atmosphere by carefully observing the planet during several Mars years with NASA's Infrared and 

Keck telescopes. If microscopic Martian life is producing the methane, it likely resides far below the 

surface where it is warm enough for liquid water to exist. It is possible a geologic process produced 

the Martian methane, either now or eons ago. On Earth, the conversion of certain iron oxide minerals 

into a group of more oxidized minerals creates methane. On Mars, this process could occur using 

water, carbon dioxide and the planet's internal heat.







In FY 2009, asteroid search teams funded by NASA's NEO project found 22 asteroids larger than one 

kilometer (km) (0.62 miles) in size and two comets with orbits coming within Earth's vicinity. The teams 

also found 804 smaller asteroids of less than one km in mean diameter, bringing the total number of 

known near Earth asteroids of all sizes to 6,399. However, 1,066 are in orbits that could become a 

hazard in the more distant future and warrant monitoring, of which 145 are larger than one kilometer in 

diameter. Of all these potential hazards, 91 were found this year alone, 4 larger than one km in 

diameter. A unique event occurred for the first time allowing scientists to collect remnants of a 

meteorite fall from a parent asteroid whose origin was known. A very small 3 meter sized asteroid on 

collision course with Earth was spotted before it impacted allowing science teams to collect 

measurements via remote sensors of the object while it was still in space, and then to search for 

remnants of the object on the ground. Designated object 2008 TC3, the NEO observer network was 

quickly alerted and over 570 observations were collected by 27 different observers worldwide, 

including spectrometric data, within the 19 hours before it impacted the Earth's atmosphere. As a 

result, fresh and practically uncontaminated fragments have been collected. This is the next best thing 

to an asteroid sample return mission.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

PLANET - 6
Theme: Planetary Science

Mission Directorate: Science

Relevance NASA 

Advisory 

Council

02/2007 Reviews science and program implementation 

strategies and relevancies to the NASA 

strategies and goals. Findings from the 2007 

review included, NASA has made significant 

progress toward implementing the 

recommendations of the NRC's decadal survey 

and Mars Architecture report. NASA's current 

planetary exploration program is highly 

productive, carrying out exciting missions and 

making fundamental discoveries.

12/2010

Relevance National 

Research 

Council

12/2003 Decadal Survey of Planetary Science 

priorities/Published Decadal Report entitled 

"New Frontiers and the Solar System: An 

Integrated Exploration Strategy". Decadal 

Survey noted that Planetary Science funding 

reductions overtime have prevent NASA from 

being able to achieve all of the goals originally 

envisioned by the Nation's science community in 

the 2003 Decadal Survey. The next/current 

Decadal Survey began in 2009.

04/2011

Independent Reviews:

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 7
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Planetary Science Research

The Planetary Science Research Program supports the development of theoretical tools and 

laboratory data needed to analyze flight data, makes possible new and better instruments to fly on 

future missions, and analyzes the data returned. These capabilities allow Planetary Science to 

answer specific questions and develop an increased understanding of the origin and evolution of the 

solar system. This program represents an essential complement to flight missions, providing the 

scientific research and the theoretical foundation to allow the nation to plan and fully utilize the unique 

data sets returned from the missions exploring the solar system. It is also NASA's primary interface 

with university faculty and graduate students in this field as well as the research community in 

general. The Research Program achieves this goal by supporting research grants which are solicited 

annually and subjected to a careful peer review before being awarded.







For further information see http://nasascience.nasa.gov/planetary-science

Program Overview

Near Earth Object 

Observations

3.7 3.8 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 --

Education and Directorate 

Management

3.9 1.4 23.1 60.7 49.0 60.1 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

19.5 21.4 22.2 22.3 22.7 29.3 --

Planetary Science Research 

and Analysis

135.0 135.1 144.4 153.2 156.9 160.7 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

162.1 161.7 193.5 240.2 232.6 254.2 --

Near Earth Object 

Observations

3.7 5.8 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7

Education and Directorate 

Management

7.4 1.4 5.1 7.7 8.9 16.0 40.8

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

19.5 21.4 23.9 23.7 23.4 30.2 29.0

Planetary Science Research 

and Analysis

135.6 132.1 131.0 139.0 142.4 147.4 150.4

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

166.2 160.7 180.4 190.8 195.2 214.2 240.9

Changes from FY 2010 Request 4.0 -1.0 -13.1 -49.3 -37.5 -40.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

PLANET - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Planetary Science Research

Release Research Announcements soliciting Research and Analysis proposals and make selections. 







Continue planetary science data archiving and distribution of this data to the science community in a 

timely manner for further scientific analysis.







Continue curation and distribution of solar system samples (Astromaterials) returned by NASA 

planetary missions such as Stardust and Genesis.







Support the Rosetta mission toward its arrival at comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko (January 2014),







Complete support to Hayabusa (MUSES-C) for navigation and Deep Space Network Tracking and 

coordinate Sample Analysis from Earth Return in June 2010 and finish archiving the data in the PDS 

through 2011.







The budget for Near Earth Objects Observations (NEOO) will significantly expand our efforts to find 

and characterize asteroids and comets approaching Earth which may be destinations and resources 

for our exploration of the solar system, or could become potential impact hazards to the Earth.

Plans For FY 2011

PLANET - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Planetary Science Research

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Rosetta, a European Space Agency/NASA comet rendezvous mission in operations phase, launched 

in March 2004 and will arrive at comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko in FY 2014. The prime scientific 

objective of the Rosetta mission is to study the nature and origin of comets, the relationship between 

cometary and interstellar material, and the implications of comets with regard to the origin of the 

solar system. The Rosetta spacecraft will be the first to undertake the long-term exploration of a 

comet at close quarters. It comprises a large orbiter, which is designed to operate for a decade at 

large distances from the Sun, and a small lander. Each of these carries a large complement of 

scientific experiments designed to complete the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted. 

Rosetta will allow scientists to look back 4600 million years to an epoch when no planets existed and 

only a vast swarm of asteroids and comets surrounded the Sun.







Hayabusa (MUSES-C), in its operations phase, is a near-Earth asteroid rendezvous mission that will 

return samples to Earth. The spacecraft launched in May of 2003 and landed on the Asteroid Itokawa 

in November 2005. In April 2007, the spacecraft began its return to Earth to bring with it an asteroid 

sample. Hayabusa will arrive at Earth in June 2010. Hayabusa observed Itokawa's shape, 

geographical features, reflectance, mineral composite, and gravity from an altitude of 3 to 20 km, and 

clarified the Itokawa's structure as a "pile of rubble." Science published seven Hayabusa related 

essays, the first time for the magazine to feature a Japanese asteroid probe project. The Hayabusa 

project also received a "Space Pioneer Award" from the National Space Society of the United States 

at the International Space Development conference held in Los Angeles in May 2006.







The Planetary Data Systems (PDS) and Astromaterials Curation Projects provide funds for data 

archives, sample processing and storage facilities, and analysis tools needed to perform research. 

PDS is the active data archive for NASA's Planetary Science Theme. The Astromaterials Curation 

Facility, at Johnson Space Center, provides services for all returned planetary materials that do not 

require planetary protection laboratories.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

The scope of Research and Analysis (R&A) is wide because the effort must provide new theories 

and instrumentation that enable the next generation of flight missions. R&A also provides the 

foundation for the formulation of new scientific questions and strategies. Discoveries and concepts 

developed in the R&A Project are the genesis of scientific priorities, missions, instrumentation, and 

investigations. R&A supports research tasks in areas such as: astrobiology and cosmochemistry; the 

origins and evolution of planetary systems; and the atmospheres, geology, and chemistry of the solar 

system's planets (other than Earth). R&A provides for instrument and measurement concepts, and 

supports the initial definition of mission concepts and development of instruments for future 

Discovery, New Frontiers, or Mars missions.

Planetary Science Research and Analysis

PLANET - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Planetary Science Research

The Near Earth Object Observations (NEOO) program objective is to detect and track at least 90 

percent of the Near Earth Objects, asteroids, and comets that come within 1.3 Astronomical Units of 

the Sun, and to find those to at least 140 meters in size which have any potential to collide with Earth 

and do significant damage at the surface. In the course of this effort many objects which present 

viable targets for both robotic and crewed exploration will be found and initially characterized. A 

significant increase in effort is planned for this program, in accordance with the findings and 

recommendations of the recent National Research Council study on the NEO hazard, issued January 

2010. While it continues to fund the existing network of 1-meter class ground-based telescopes and 

supporting data processing and analysis infrastructure at the Minor Planet Center and JPL, it will 

seek to improve the current capability with upgrades and modifications to existing and planned 

ground and space-based observatory missions. With the additional funding of $16M, it will: 



 - Extend the collection, archive and analysis of small body data collected by NASA's WISE mission, 

and support increased follow-up and analysis of this data,



 - Enable collection of NEO detection and characterization data by the USAF's Panoramic Survey 

Telescope and Rapid Reporting System (Pan-STARRS) and investigate the use of other USAF 

space surveillance assets for this mission,



 - Support the continued operation of planetary radar capabilities at the NSF's Arecibo and NASA's 

Goldstone facilities, 



 - Begin the investigation of both ground and space-based concepts for increasing capacity to detect, 

track and characterize Potentially Hazardous Objects (PHOs) down to sizes 140 meters and below, 

and



 - Determine the parameters necessary to understand the characteristics of PHO's important for 

determination of possible mitigation actions against a detected impact threat. 







More information on NASA's NEO program is available at http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/.

Near Earth Object Observations

The Education and Directorate Management projects include Science Mission Directorate-wide 

management reserve. It is used to support unforeseen administrative and programmatic 

requirements that cannot and/or should not be funded by other programs and projects.



Robotics Alliance Program (RAP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing interest in 

science, technology, engineering and mathematics among youth in the United States. There are 

annual activities and events to expose students to challenging applications of engineering and 

science. The RAP competition consists of national contests in which high school students team with 

engineers from government, industry, and universities to get hands-on experience and mentoring 

from engineering and technical professionals.

Education and Directorate Management

PLANET - 11
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Planetary Science Research

Meeting commitments to the International 

Partners as agreed to in the MOU.

Rosetta and Hayabusa Same

Archive and release mission data to the science 

community within 6 months of downlink.

Planetary Data System (PDS) Same

Store new samples of Astromaterials and 

distribute them as requests are approved by 

CAPTEM.

Astromaterials Curations Same

Improve the search for hazardous NEOs, 

asteroids, and comets down to 140 meters in 

size that may pose an impact threat.

NEOO Added elements for upgrading 

search and characterization of 

NEOs on NASA, NSF & AF 

assets.

Release of Research Announcements soliciting 

R&A proposals (annual selections)

Research & Analysis (R&A) Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

NEOO Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Oct-07 Sep-23

Form

Hayabusa Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

May-03

Jun-10

May-03

Sep-11

Sep-11

Form

Rosetta Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Mar-04

Sep-08

Mar-04

Sep-17

Sep-17

Form

R&A, PDS, Curation Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Oct-68 Sep-23

Form

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Operations (Ops)

Research (Res)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

PLANET - 12
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Planetary Science Research

Program Management

NEOO HQs JPL None

Planetary Data System (PDS) GSFC JPL and other 

Discipline Nodes

None

Astromaterials Curation HQs JSC NSF and Smithsonian Institution for 

Antarctic meteorites.

Hayabusa (Muses -C) JPL JPL Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 

(JAXA) responsibilities include the 

spacecraft, launch vehicle, and 

operations.

Research & Analysis HQ Multiple (NASA 

Centers, 

Universities, 

industries, etc.)

None

Rosetta JPL JPL The European Space Agency (ESA) 

built the spacecraft, provided the 

launch vehicle, and operates the 

spacecraft.

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

NASA HQ is responsible for R&A and Astromaterials Curation; JPL is responsible for Rosetta and 

Hayabusa operations and the NEOO Program Office; GSFC is responsible for PDS project 

management.

The R&A FY 2011 budget will fund competitively selected activities from the ROSES-10 (Research 

Opportunities in Space and Earth Science) Omnibus NRA. All major acquisitions for Rosetta, 

Hayabusa, Planetary Data System (PDS), and Astromaterials Curation are in place. The following 

institutions operate the PDS nodes: Atmospheres Node (NMSU); Engineering Node (JPL); 

Geosciences Node (Wash U St. Louis); HiRISE Data Node (UAZ); Human Interface Design (ARC); 

Imaging Node (USGS Flagstaff); Navigation Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF at JPL); Planetary 

Plasma Interactions Node (UCLA); Radio Science (SETI); Rings Node (SETI); Small Bodies Node (U 

of MD); JPL, and ARC. NEOO data processing nodes are located at the Minor Planet Center 

(Cambridge, MA) and the Sentry high precision orbit determination node at JPL.

Acquisition Strategy

PLANET - 13
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Planetary Science Research

Quality Panel of 

scientists

10/2009 Curation and Analysis Planning Team for 

Extraterrestrial Materials (CAPTEM) reviews 

ongoing curation activities and future plans. 

Curation of Genesis, Stardust, and Apollo lunar 

samples are on track and meeting distribution 

requests. The Curation Project is performing 

well overall. They reviewed and approved 

numerous samples for distribution to scientists 

and reviewed plans for the upgrade of JSC 

curation facilities and efforts to work with 

Constellation on curation of samples on the 

Moon.

03/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 14
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Lunar Quest Program

International Lunar Network 10.0 3.7 16.3 48.9 81.2 79.3 --

Lunar Atmosphere and Dust 

Environment Explorer

30.2 66.5 73.9 31.1 0.0 0.0 --

Lunar Science 64.8 33.3 52.4 58.5 64.3 39.4 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

105.0 103.6 142.6 138.6 145.5 118.7 --

International Lunar Network 10.0 15.0 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 6.6

Lunar Atmosphere and Dust 

Environment Explorer

30.2 55.3 57.9 54.7 18.7 0.0 0.0

Lunar Science 28.9 33.3 74.7 77.6 108.7 105.4 103.9

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

69.1 103.6 136.6 136.4 131.7 109.7 110.5

Changes from FY 2010 Request -35.9 0.1 -6.0 -2.1 -13.8 -8.9 --

Note: Concept studies and independent analysis of the ILN mulit-lander network mission demonstrated that costs greatly 

exceeded the budget originally envisioned for this effort. NASA will continue to fund concept studies led be the Marshall Space 

Flight Center to identify and mature technologies associated with small lunar landers. The science priorities specified in the 

upcoming Planetary Science Decadal Survey will determine whether the Lunar Quest Program should include a lunar lander 

mission. This will in turn determine whether these technology development efforts should continue.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

PLANET - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Lunar Quest Program

The Lunar Quest Program's (LQP) goal is to conduct science exploration of the Moon through 

research and analysis, and through the development of a series of small-medium satellite and 

possibly surface missions. The LQP answers the National Research Council report, "The Scientific 

Context for Exploration of the Moon" (SCEM) and fits within NASA's Space Exploration Policy to 

scientifically explore our Solar System. The LQP complements other lunar missions sponsored by 

NASA and international agencies. The goal of the LQP is to provide small robotic lunar science 

investigations and lunar research and analysis addressing prioritized science objectives. LQP 

objectives include: 







-Provide opportunities to conduct lunar-focused science missions and research;



-Re-establish lunar science and a lunar science community; 



-Facilitate the application of enhancing or enabling technologies to support flight missions; and 



-Enhance science opportunities in the implementation of NASA's lunar exploration goals. 







LQP is a loosely coupled and a multi-element science program which includes flight missions and 

research opportunities. Because of identified needs for future missions, it also is a cost-sharing 

partner with DOE for Plutonium restart infrastructure. Each LQP project will be independent, but they 

will also have interrelated objectives and a common management and funding structure. The LQP 

flight opportunities consist of small-medium robotic science spacecraft or landers. The Lunar 

Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), potentially an International Lander Network 

(ILN), if it is included in the Planetary Decadal Survey, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) 

science mission are three LQP flight missions. LADEE is currently in formulation phase, with current 

planned launch date of January 2013. The ILN risk reduction activities are underway, while LRO is in 

the Exploration Mission operations phase (to be transferred to the LQP in September, 2010). The 

LQP also includes a Lunar Science Research and Analysis (R&A) element that will enhance 

participation and collaboration within the lunar science community. This science participation will 

provide near-term activity stimulating and reinvigorating the broad scientific community, and enticing 

international collaboration for mutual leverage in accomplishing lunar goals and objectives. Included 

in the FY 2011 budget request is funding to restart plutonium-238 (Pu-238) production which is an 

important requirement for future NASA missions.

Program Overview

Following a LADEE confirmation for Implementation Phase (KDP-C), the project will successfully 

complete CDR by the end of FY 2011.







Once successfully transferred from ESMD, the LRO Science Mission will operate and perform data 

analysis throughout FY 2011. 







Release Research Announcement soliciting Research & Analysis proposals and make selections.







NASA will work with the Department of Energy (DOE) to define the roles and contributions of major 

users of Pu-238 in response to Congressional direction.

Plans For FY 2011

PLANET - 16
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Lunar Quest Program

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Currently in Phase B, LADEE, the first LQP mission, is a cooperative effort between Ames Research 

Center (ARC) and Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The LADEE mission objective is to address 

high priority science goals as identified by the "The Scientific Context for Exploration of the 

Moon" (SCEM): to determine the global density, composition, and time variability of the fragile lunar 

atmosphere. LADEE's measurements will also determine the size, charge, and spatial distribution of 

electrostatically transported dust grains and assess their likely effects on lunar exploration and lunarbased astronomy. Additionally, LADEE will carry the optical laser communications package to be 

provided by the Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD). The optical laser will technically 

demonstrate high bandwidth communication from the Moon. NASA plans to launch LADEE in 

January 2013. The nominal science mission is 100 days in length. Additional detail can be found in 

the LADEE project formulation section of this document.

Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE)

Lunar Research & Analysis (R&A) will enhance participation and collaboration within the lunar 

science community. It is composed of competed research and analysis opportunities such as: 

National Lunar Science Institute (NLSI) a virtual institute of geographically dispersed researchers 

and institutions, directed by the Ames Research Center for management and implementation; Lunar 

Advanced Science and Exploration Research (LASER) a lunar-only element in the Research 

Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) NASA Research Announcement (NRA) and; 

Lunar Data Competed Studies which analyze new and existing lunar science data procured under 

other ROSES elements. 







In September 2010, ESMD will transfer Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) operational control and 

funding responsibility to SMD for a two year science mission. The LRO Science Mission will give the 

scientific community a unique opportunity to concentrate the capabilities of selected LRO instruments 

on focused lunar science investigations identified from the data obtained during the mapping phase 

of the mission. The focused investigations will allow us to further improve our understanding of the 

origin and evolution of the Moon. 







The Lunar Science element of the Lunar Quest Program includes funds set aside for future priority 

decadal mission. These funds could be applied to the International Lunar Network (ILN), pending the 

recommendations from the Planetary Decadal, the results of which are expected in spring 2011.







Plutonium production is critical to maintaining NASA's ability to explore the solar system, and is an 

Administration priority. Therefore SMD will begin a jointly funded DOE-NASA effort to restart 

production capability. NASA will negotiate and work the Plutonium restart capability with DOE 

starting in FY 2011 until the capability is established. 







Lunar Program Management provides management and oversight of the Lunar Quest selected flight 

missions. This line also provides for independent panel reviews and selection process efforts.

Lunar Science

PLANET - 17
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Lunar Quest Program

Concept studies and independent analysis of the ILN mulit-lander network mission demonstrated that 

costs greatly exceeded the budget originally envisioned for this effort. NASA will continue to fund 

concept studies led by the Marshall Space Flight Center to identify and mature technologies 

associated with small lunar landers. The science priorities specified in the upcoming Planetary 

Science Decadal Survey will determine whether the Lunar Quest Program should include a lunar 

lander mission. This will in turn determine whether these technology development efforts should 

continue.

International Lunar Network (ILN)

Conduct scientific investigations to achieve SMD 

lunar science goals and objectives in the 

"Scientific Context for Exploration of the 

Moon" (SCEM, 2007).

Lunar Quest Program Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

Plutonium Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-10 Sep-23

Form

Lunar Atmosphere and 

Dust Environment 

Explorer (LADEE)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Sep-10

Feb-13

Jan-13

Sep-13

Form Mar-08 Sep-10

Lunar Reconnaissance 

Orbiter (LRO) Science 

Mission

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Sep-10

Sep-10

Sep-12

Sep-13

Form

Research Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Oct-08 Sep-23

Form

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Operations (Ops)

Research (Res)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

PLANET - 18
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Lunar Quest Program

Performance IPAO 12/2009 Standing Review Board (SRB) will be assigned 

to first perform a Program Acceptance Review 

(PAR) assessing the Program's readiness to 

enter implementation. Following approval to 

enter implementation, the SRB will thereafter 

conduct biannual Program Implementation 

Reviews (PIRs) throughout implementation to 

assure the program is operating according to the 

program plan and that it is successfully meeting 

program objectives.

02/2012

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Program Management

LADEE ARC ARC, GSFC, 

HQ/USAF

N/A

Future Decadal Priority MSFC TBD TBD

Plutonium HQ DOE

LRO Science Mission GSFC GSFC N/A

Research & Analysis HQ ARC, GSFC, MSFC, 

JPL, JSC

N/A

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Scientific mission priorities and assignment responsibilities reside with SMD. MSFC has Lunar Quest 

Program management responsibility.

The LQP acquisition strategy is to direct development of flight projects including the spacecraft bus 

to NASA centers, competitively select instruments and science team participation through the 

Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) NASA Research Announcement 

(NRA) and the Stand Alone Missions of Opportunity (SALMON) AO processes. 







Major acquisitions for the LADEE, the Lunar Surface Science Mission and the LRO science missions 

are in place. NASA has selected ARC and GSFC to provide the spacecraft for LADEE. Three 

science instruments have been selected for LADEE: Neutral Mass Spectrometer (NMS), UV 

Spectrometer (UVS), and Lunar Dust EXperiment (LDEX). The NMS instrument will be provided by 

GSFC; ARC will provide UVS; and the University of Colorado/LASP will provide LDEX. MIT/LL and 

GSFC to provide the SOMD LLCD contribution. 







GSFC will continue to operate the LRO science mission.







Science instruments and research and analysis of existing and new lunar science data are to be 

procured under the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) NASA Research 

Announcement (NRA). Missions of opportunity (MO) are to be selected via the Stand Alone Missions 

of Opportunity (SALMON) AO.

Acquisition Strategy

PLANET - 19
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Planetary Science

Program: Lunar Quest Program

Project In Formulation: Lunar Atmosphere & Dust Environment Expl

LADEE, the first mission developed within the Lunar Quest Program, is a cooperative effort between 

Ames Research Center and Goddard Space Flight Center. The LADEE mission objective is to 

address high-priority science goals, as identified by the NRC, to determine the global density, 

composition, and time variability of the fragile lunar atmosphere. LADEE's measurements also will 

determine the size, charge, and spatial distribution of electrostatically transported dust grains. 

Additionally, LADEE will carry an optical laser communications demonstrator to be provided by 

SOMD. The optical laser will technically demonstrate high-bandwidth communication from Lunar orbit.

Project Purpose

LADEE spacecraft design is based on a reusable common bus concept, and will be the first space 

craft based on this bus design. The space craft is a small Class III, Enhanced Class D Orbiter.

Project Preliminary Parameters

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 30.2 55.3 57.9 54.7 18.7 0.0 0.0

Total Change from 2010 President's Budget 

Request

30.2 55.3 57.9 54.7 18.7 0.0 --

Note: The cost estimate does not include Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD), which is a payload of opportunity 

funded by the Space Operations Mission Directorate, but not part of the baseline LADEE science mission.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Launch Vehicle USAF Medium Class ELV N/A New

Integrated Payload NASA GSFC 3 science Instruments 

(UVS, NMS, LDEX) N/A New

Spacecraft NASA ARC Small S/C based on 

reusable design N/A New

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The spacecraft is planned for launch in January 2013, into a near circular, lunar equatorial orbit at 

approximately 50 km. Science operations are planned for 100 days. An extended mission will not be 

possible under the current plans. In order to maintain orbit, all delta V will be utilized for science data 

collection, and the mission will be terminated into the lunar surface within three days of completing 

operations.

Estimated Project Deliverables

PLANET - 20
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Planetary Science

Program: Lunar Quest Program

Project In Formulation: Lunar Atmosphere & Dust Environment Expl

Estimated Project Schedule

LRD TBD n/a January 2013

KDP-C TBD n/a November 2010

Formulation

Milestone Name

Formulation 

Agreement 

Estimate

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The Science Mission Directorate announced the LADEE project in April 2008 and assigned 

leadership of the mission to the Ames Research Center (ARC). Project confirmation to proceed into 

development phase is currently planned for Oct-Nov 2010.

Project Management

Except for launch vehcile, all major acquisitions are in place. The Spacecraft bus was directed to 

Ames Research Center (ARC) in partnership with Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The Neutral 

Mass Spectrometer (NMS) was assigned to GSFC and the UV Spectrometer (UVS) was assigned to 

ARC. The Lunar Dust Experiment (LDEX) was competitively selected through Stand Alone Missions 

of Opportunity Notice (SALMON) and awarded to the University of Colorado/LASP.

Acquisition Strategy

Launch Vehicle Integrate vehicle and provide 

launch service TBD N/A

Lunar Dust EXperiment 

(LDEX) Instrument Design, build, and deliver University of Colorado, LASP N/A

UV Spectrometer (UVS) 

Instrument Design, build, and deliver ARC N/A

Neutral Mass Spectrometer 

(NMS) Instrument

Design, build and deliver the 

NMS instrument. Also 

responsible for integrating of 

LDEX and UVS.

GSFC N/A

Spacecraft Design, build and deliver the 

spacecraft ARC N/A

Project Management Overall, day-to-day mgt ARC N/A

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

LADEE is part of the Lunar Quest Program (LQP) managed by Marshall Space Flight Center. Space 

Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) is providing LLCD, a payload of opportunity, and the funding 

for this payload.

PLANET - 21
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Planetary Science

Program: Lunar Quest Program

Project In Formulation: Lunar Atmosphere & Dust Environment Expl

Component Vendors 

Acceptance Testing

If: the as-delivered spacecraft 

components have gaps in 

their acceptance level test 

programs compared to Ames 

Procedural Requirement 

8070.2 requirements, 



Then: there is a possibility of 

cost and schedule impacts in 

order to fully meet 

components-level acceptance 

test requirements.

Scope the acceptance test gaps and plan whether to add to 

existing contracts, test in-house or at a third-party facility. 

Possibly perform tests at subsystem level. Bring a dedicated 

procurement officer onto LADEE.

S/C design outgrows mass 

margin allocation

If: additional structural 

enhancements, power or 

alternative propulsion options 

are baselined, 



Then: the S/C design may 

outgrow launch vehicle 

performance.

Mitigate through spacecraft design planning, including 

management of margins and contingencies per LADEE 

System Engineering Master Plan, carefully watch launch 

vehicle performance margins.

Qualification of Propulsion 

System

If: the propulsion system for 

LADEE was qualified for 

different operating conditions 



Then: there is the possibility 

that re-qualification will incur 

substantial cost and schedule 

impacts.

Mitigate by early proactive costs control associated with qual 

testing, facilities, and seeking partners to share the facilities 

and other cost burden.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Performance SRB 07/2009

Passed Systems Requirements Review, Mission 

Definition Review, and Preliminary Nonadvocate Review.

04/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 22
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Robotic space exploration holds tremendous opportunity for exploration and discovery. Even with the 

vast amount of knowledge gained since exploration of the solar system began, there are many 

unanswered questions about the origin and evolution of our own solar system. NASA's Discovery 

Program provides relatively frequent opportunities to utilize innovative missions to uncover the 

mysteries of the solar system. It provides highly-focused planetary science investigations designed to 

increase our understanding of the solar system and its evolution. The Discovery Program offers the 

scientific community the opportunity to assemble and lead cross-functional teams to design and 

implement exciting science investigations that complement NASA's larger planetary science missions. 







All completed Discovery missions (NEAR, Mars Pathfinder, Lunar Prospector, Deep Impact, Stardust, 

Genesis, and Moon Mineralogy Mapper) have achieved groundbreaking science, with each taking a 

unique approach to space exploration. Current Discovery missions include: MESSENGER, Dawn, 

ASPERA-3, Extrasolar Planet Observations and Characterization (EPOCh), Deep Impact eXtended 

Investigation (DIXI), StardustNExT, Exospheric Sampling of Mercury's Surface Composition (Strofio), 

Lander Radio-science on ExoMars (LaRa), and the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory 

(GRAIL). Additional details on the GRAIL mission are contained in the GRAIL "Project in 

Development" pages. 







For more information regarding the Discovery Program, see http:/discovery.nasa.gov.

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

124.6 89.1 129.9 215.4 251.8 264.3 --

Gravity Recovery and Interior 

Laboratory (GRAIL)

122.4 124.1 104.8 41.4 4.7 0.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

247.0 213.2 234.6 256.8 256.5 264.3 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

81.9 85.1 97.2 175.4 231.2 263.0 312.9

Gravity Recovery and Interior 

Laboratory (GRAIL)

152.9 124.1 104.8 41.4 4.7 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

234.8 209.2 202.0 216.8 235.9 263.0 312.9

Changes from FY 2010 Request -12.2 -4.0 -32.7 -40.1 -20.6 -1.2 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

PLANET - 23
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

The MESSENGER spacecraft completed its third flyby of Mercury September 2009 and has made 

preparations for its Mercury orbit insertion in March 2011. 







The Dawn spacecraft will encounter and orbit Vesta for about ten months starting in May 2011. 







ASPERA-3 continues to collect data on its extended mission of Mars Express. 







The DIXI mission will approach and accomplish the encounter of its target, comet Hartley 2, in 

November 2010.







The repurposed Stardust NExT mission will approach and accomplish the re-encounter with comet 

Tempel 1 in February 2011 to detect any changes since the July 2005 Deep Impact mission. 







GRAIL has completed its Critical Design Review and begun Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations 

(ATLO) in preparation for launch scheduled in September 2011.

Plans For FY 2011

PLANET - 24
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

GRAIL continues its development phase. GRAIL will perform high-quality gravity field mapping of the 

Moon to determine its interior structure. GRAIL will provide the most accurate global gravity field to 

date for any planet, including Earth. GRAIL will enable the public to directly interact with observations 

through cameras on each satellite dedicated to public outreach and education. GRAIL was selected 

in December 2007 and given approval to proceed into its Development Phase (Phase C) in January 

28, 2009. GRAIL is currently scheduled to launch in September 2011. Additional detail can be found 

in the GRAIL development section of this document.

GRAIL

PLANET - 25
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

The Dawn mission, now in its cruise operation phase, has begun a journey to the two largest and 

most massive asteroids in our solar system, Vesta and Ceres. Vesta's physical characteristics reflect 

those of the inner planets, whereas Ceres' are more like the icy moons of the outer planets. By 

studying these contrasts and comparing these two minor planets, scientists will develop an 

understanding of the transition from the rocky inner regions to the icy outer regions of the Solar 

System. The Dawn mission marks the first time a spacecraft will orbit a body in the main asteroid belt 

and the first time a spacecraft will orbit two sequential targets, enabling a detailed and intensive 

study of both. Dawn launched in September 2007. The Dawn spacecraft will encounter and orbit 

Vesta for about ten months starting in FY 2011, then travel an additional three years to reach and 

orbit Ceres.







MESSENGER, a mission to orbit Mercury, launched on August 3, 2004 and is in its cruise operations 

phase. During the three Mercury flybys that prepare the spacecraft for orbit insertion, it has collected 

images that provide coverage of all but 2% of the planet and collected detailed information on its 

geologic history, the nature of its thin atmosphere and very active magnetosphere. MESSENGER 

carries seven scientific instruments and a radio science experiment to accomplish an ambitious 

objective: return for the first time comprehensive data from Mercury orbit. The miniaturized payload, 

designed to work in the extreme environment near the Sun, will image all of Mercury for the first time, 

as well as gather data on the composition and structure of Mercury's crust, its geologic history, the 

nature of its active magnetosphere and thin atmosphere, and the makeup of its core and the 

materials near its poles.







As a result of three 2006 Discovery missions of opportunity selected on June 19, 2007, Deep Impact 

and Stardust spacecraft, both in extended operations phase, have been repurposed for new science 

missions. The EPOCh mission has used the high-resolution imager on the Deep Impact spacecraft to 

search for Earth-sized planets around other stars. The DIXI mission will investigate comets using the 

existing Deep Impact spacecraft for an extended flyby mission to a second comet, Hartley 2, to take 

pictures of its nucleus and increase understanding of the diversity of comets. These two missions 

were combined in a joint mission called EPOXI. The Stardust NExT will use the existing Stardust 

spacecraft for another flyby of comet Tempel 1 to evaluate possible surface erosion since the last 

flyby in FY 2005. 







ASPERA-3, a Mission of Opportunity, is in a second extension of its operational phase. It is one of 

seven instruments aboard the European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft in orbit around 

Mars, with a goal to study the interaction of the solar wind and Martian atmosphere. The 

measurements taken by this instrument will help answer the question of how strongly the 

interplanetary plasma and electromagnetic fields affect the Martian atmosphere.







The M3 Project was part of the scientific payload for ISRO's Chandrayaan-1 mission which launched 

October 2008 from India, whose operations were terminated in Aug 2009. Primary objectives of M3 

are to assess the mineral resources of the Moon, and characterize and map the composition of the 

surface at high spatial resolution. The M3 science team will be processing the data collected during 

the shortened mission through CY 2011.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

PLANET - 26
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Two new Missions of Opportunity have been selected for the Discovery Program, Strofio: Exospheric 

Sample of Mercury's Surface Composition, and LaRa: Lander Radio-science on ExoMars. Strofio, in 

its development phase, will be part of the ESA mission BepiColombo. Strofio will provide valuable 

information about Mercury's exosphere and its interaction with the magnetosphere and surface. 

LaRa, currently in a formulation phase, is an instrument that will provide quantitative improvement of 

several constraints on the structure and state of the interior of Mars. Negotiation is underway where 

LaRa is to be included as a science instrument in one of the joint NASA/ESA Mars missions.







The Discovery Research line provides funding for: Planetary Mission Data Analysis Program 

(PMDAP) on archived data collected on Discovery missions; Laboratory Analysis of Returned 

Samples (LARS) which supports development of new instruments for use in terrestrial laboratories to 

analyze samples returned from NASA Planetary Science missions; and participating scientists for the 

MESSENGER and Dawn missions. As stated in the ROSES NRA, the PMDAP is "...to enhance the 

scientific return of the completed Discovery missions by broadening the science participation in the 

analysis of data collected and samples returned ...." Specifically, the PMDAP allows scientists not 

previously associated with Discovery missions an opportunity to perform data analysis of the data 

archived in the Planetary Data System. Data access through Discovery Research allows a much 

broader, and perhaps more objective analysis of the data and samples, and also allows research to 

continue for many years after the mission has been completed. Areas for additional data analyses 

are proposed by scientists throughout the U.S. planetary community and are competitively selected 

with major input from science community peer review. 







The Discovery Future line provides funds for future Discovery flight missions to be selected via a 

competitive Announcement of Opportunity (AO) process. The Discovery 2010 AO process will likely 

result in selection of a new mission by the end of 2011. The Planetary Science Division will continue 

to work with the Exploration Mission Directorate as their new Exploration Precursor Robotic Program 

is defined to coordinate and optimize the science return as appropriate. 







Discovery Program Management provides for the management of the Discovery selected flight 

missions. This line also provides for the development of Announcements of Opportunity (AOs), 

supports independent panel reviews, and the mission selection process.

Other Missions & Data Analysis (Continued)

Complete current prime and funded extended 

operating missions.

Dawn, MESSENGER, ASPERA-3, 

EPOXI, M3, and StardustNExT

Same

Launch an average of one mission per 24 

months .

Discovery Program Same

Complete design and begin spacecraft or 

instrument development and assembly

GRAIL, Strofio, LaRA Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

PLANET - 27
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Discovery Research Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Oct-99 Sep-23

Form

Discovery Management Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Oct-99 Sep-23

Form

LaRa Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-13

Mar-16

Mar-16

Oct-19

Form Oct-09 Oct-13

Strofio Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-10

Sep-14

Sep-14

Aug-20

Form May-09 Jul-10

GRAIL Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Mar-09

Oct-11

Sep-11

Jul-12

Form Oct-07 Mar-09

Stardust NExT Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-07 Feb-11

Form

EPOXI Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-07 Oct-11

Form

Moon Mineralogy 

Mapper (M3)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Mar-06

Mar-08

Aug-09

Mar-08

Aug-09

Dec-11

Form Mar-05 Feb-06

Dawn Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Feb-04

Sep-07

Sep-07

Nov-15

Form Dec-01

ASPERA-3 Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Sep-00

Jun-03

Jun-03

May-11

Form

MESSENGER Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-01

Aug-04

Aug-04

Mar-13

Form Jul-99 Jun-01

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

PLANET - 28
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Program Management

Stardust-NExT (Stardust-New 

Exploration of Tempel)

JPL JPL None

EPOXI JPL JPL Max-Planck-Institute in Garsching, 

Germany

Strofio SwRI GSFC European Space Agency (ESA) 

BepiColombo Spacecraft.

GRAIL JPL GSFC, JPL, KSC None

LaRa JPL JPL European Space Agency (ESA)

MESSENGER Applied Physics Laboratory 

(APL)

GSFC, JPL None

M3 JPL JPL ISRO Chandrayan spacecraft. USGS.

Dawn JPL JPL German Aerospace Center (DLR); Los 

Alamos National Labs (LANL); Italian 

Space Agency; and Max-Planck.

ASPERA-3 South West Research 

(SwRI)

MSFC Sweden; European Space Agency 

(ESA).

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

MSFC is responsible for Discovery program management. Scientific mission priorities and 

assignment of responsibilities reside with the Science Mission Directorate.

PLANET - 29
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Performance IPAO 10/2008 Verified compliance with Agency requirements 

for program implementation and alignment with 

Agency strategic goals and objectives. The 

Discovery Program provides effective technical 

and schedule analysis support to the projects 

and continues to actively use risk-based insight 

as part of its oversight of the projects. The AO 

process has proven to be a well-defined, 

disciplined process that is viewed by the science 

community as fair and effective.

10/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

The Discovery Program solicits proposals for full planetary missions and missions of opportunity. The 

proposals are put together by teams led by a PI which may include firms, small businesses, 

government and universities. The initial phase of each competitive selection is a concept study, and 

several missions and missions of opportunity are generally selected for this phase. At the completion 

of the study phase, one or more concepts may be selected for development, based on their 

continued scientific merit, technical, management and cost viability, and the availability of funding. 







With the exception of future NASA Announcements of Opportunity, all major acquisitions are in 

place. 







Southwest Research Institute employs the Principal Investigator and Lead Scientist for ASPERA-3 

and Strofio. 







The University of California at Los Angeles sponsors the Principal Investigator and Lead Scientist for 

the Dawn mission. 



Brown University sponsors the Principal Investigator and Lead Scientist for M3. SAIC, University of 

Hawaii, and University of Tennessee are also participants. 







The Department of Terrestrial Magnetism at the Carnegie Institution of Washington employs the 

Principal Investigator and Lead Scientist for MESSENGER. 







The University of Maryland employs the Principal Investigator for the EPOXI Mission of Opportunity, 

the combined EPOCh and DIXI missions. 



Cornell University employs the Principal Investigator for the Stardust New Exploration of Tempel 1 

(NExT) Mission of Opportunity. 



The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) employs the Principal Investigator and leads the 

GRAIL mission. 







Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology employs the Principal Investigator for 

the LaRA Mission of Opportunity.

Acquisition Strategy

PLANET - 30
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Project In Development: Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory

NASA confirmed GRAIL to proceed into implementation phase (KDP-C or Phase C/D) on January 28, 

2009. GRAIL approved baseline development ($427M) and the LCC ($496.2M) numbers remain 

unchanged since KDP-C.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 30.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 30.5

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.1

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 30.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 30.6

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 13.7 4.7 0.0 -- 0.0 18.7

Development / 

Implementation

40.1 100.1 124.1 104.5 27.7 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 396.5

Formulation 28.2 22.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 50.5

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 -0.1

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

68.3 122.4 124.1 104.8 41.4 4.7 0.0 -- 0.0 465.6

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 13.7 4.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 18.7

Development / 

Implementation

40.1 130.6 124.1 104.5 27.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 427.0

Formulation 28.2 22.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50.5

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

68.3 152.9 124.1 104.8 41.4 4.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 496.2

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

PLANET - 31
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Project In Development: Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory

Project Commitments

Lunar Gravity Ranging 

System JPL

Ka-band ranging system 

determines the precise 

instantaneous relative 

range-rate of the two s/c

Same Same

E/PO MoonKam Sally Ride Science 

(SRS)

Taking images of the 

moon, the data will enrich 

the middle school space 

science curriculum

Same Same

Launch Vehicle ULA CLIN23 - Delta II Heavy Same Same

Flight System Lockheed Martin

2 spacecraft with s/c 

separation of 175-225 km, 

conducting 90-day science 

phase

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

GRAIL was selected in December 2007 under the 2006 Discovery Announcement of Opportunity. The 

overarching scientific goal of the GRAIL mission is to determine the structure of the lunar interior from 

crust to core. The GRAIL mission will also advance our understanding of the thermal evolution of the 

Moon and extend our knowledge gained from the Moon to the other terrestrial-type planets. 







GRAIL has six lunar science objectives: map the structure of the crust and lithosphere; study the 

moon's asymmetric thermal evolution; determine the subsurface structure of impact basins and the 

origin and of masons (i.e., high-gravity areas); study the temporal evolution of crustal brecciation and 

magmatism; study affect on the structure of the deep lunar interior from lunar tides; and understand 

the size of the possible lunar inner core.

Project Purpose

GRAIL will achieve its science objectives by placing twin spacecraft in a nearly circular low altitude (50 

km) polar orbit. The two spacecraft will perform high-precision range-rate measurements between 

them. Analysis of changes in the spacecraft-to-spacecraft range-rate data caused by gravitational 

differences will provide direct and high-precision measurements of the lunar gravity. GRAIL will 

ultimately provide a global, high-accuracy (<10 mGal), high-resolution (30 km) gravity map of the 

moon. The instrument is based on the successful Earth orbiting Gravity Recovery and Climate 

Experiment (GRACE) mission.

Project Parameters

PLANET - 32
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Project In Development: Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory

Schedule Commitments

End of Prime Mission June 2012 same same

Launch Readiness Review September 2011 Same Same

System Integration Review (formerly ATLO) July 2010 Same June 2010

Critical Design Review (CDR) November 2009 Same Same

Development (Phase C/D or KDP-C) January 28, 2009 Same Same

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Gravity Recovery 

and Interior 

Laboratory

2009 427.0 2010 427.0 0

Launch 

Readiness 09/2011 09/2011 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other 99.7 89.8 -9.9

Launch Vehicle 152.8 152.8 0.0

Science 10.8 10.8 0.0

Ground System 12.3 12.3 0.0

Spacecraft 133.3 141.5 8.2

Payload 18.1 19.8 1.7

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 427.0 427.0 0.0

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

PLANET - 33
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Discovery

Project In Development: Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory

Single String Spacecraft Both GRAIL spacecraft are 

largely single string.

The single string risks are mitigated by use of proven 

designs, high reliability parts, and additional testing of critical 

systems, consistent with the cost and schedule constraints of 

the project.

Launch Vehicle Delta II launch rate is very 

low in CY 2010 and 2011. 

The USAF has stopped flying 

Delta II, and the last launch of 

the Delta II is currently 

planned for GRAIL, late in 

2011.

ULA is committed to ensuring that the Delta II will be ready 

and continued insight/oversight with KSC.

Reaction Wheel Light weight Reaction Wheel 

(RW) is a new development.

If the light weight reaction wheel development falls behind 

schedule, the project will revert back to an existing RW. The 

reaction wheel is currently scheduled for a delivery date of 

June 2010, 2 months before the need date for the start of 

ATLO.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Project Management

GRAIL was selected competitively in December 13, 2007 under a Discovery Program Announcement 

of Opportunity (AO-NNH06ZDA001O).

Acquisition Strategy

The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory Project is part of the Discovery Program managed by 

Marshall Space Flight Center. The Principal Investigator from Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

has delegated day-to-day project management to JPL.

Performance IPAO 10/2008

Assess cost, schedule, and risk status of 

project. Findings for the review showed that cost 

and schedule for the 2011 launch are consistent 

with the project's plans.

10/2010

Performance SRB 11/2009

The Critical Design Review was held to assess 

cost, schedule, and risk status of the project. 

The findings for the review showed that cost and 

schedule for the 2011 launch are consistent with 

the project's plans.

05/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 34
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

The New Frontiers Program, comprised of medium to large-sized missions, constitutes a critical 

element of NASA's solar system exploration capability. NRC-recommended science targets for the 

New Frontiers Program include Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, Jupiter, Venus, Network Science, Io, 

Ganymede, Trojan/Centaurs, and sample returns from Earth's Moon, an asteroid, and a comet 

nucleus. The program accomplishes high-quality planetary science investigations using efficient 

management approaches. The program's prime objectives are to enhance our understanding of the 

solar system as it is today and of the solar system's formation and evolution.







The New Horizons mission to Pluto is the first peer-review selected mission of the New Frontiers 

Program. It will conduct reconnaissance of Pluto and its moons Charon, Nixa, and Hydra. New 

Horizons is currently on its way to its primary target, Pluto. The second New Frontiers mission 

currently under development is Juno with the overarching scientific goal to understand the origin and 

evolution of Jupiter and planetary formation. The third New Frontiers AO was released in April 2009. 

Three mission concept studies were awarded on December 29, 2009. Selection of the final mission 

is expected by the end of FY 2011, allowing the New Frontiers 3 mission to proceed into Phase B or 

an extended Phase A.







For more information on the New Frontiers Program, see http://newfrontiers.nasa.gov/index.html.

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

19.0 26.9 65.7 222.8 222.0 231.5 --

Juno 245.0 237.2 174.2 71.4 17.8 18.1 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

263.9 264.1 239.9 294.2 239.8 249.6 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

19.0 26.9 39.6 183.1 220.1 229.6 241.6

Juno 260.1 237.2 184.2 46.4 17.8 18.1 16.8

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

279.0 264.1 223.8 229.5 237.9 247.7 258.5

Changes from FY 2010 Request 15.1 0.0 -16.0 -64.7 -1.8 -1.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

PLANET - 35
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

The Juno Mission continues its development phase. All Juno mission hardware will be fully tested 

and be delivered to Cape Canaveral in preparation for a launch in August 2011.







The New Horizons spacecraft remains on track for a July 2015 arrival. The project will continue its 

cruise period throughout FY 2011; work during the cruise period will include annual spacecraft and 

instrument checkouts and dress rehearsals for the Pluto fly-by.







The third New Frontiers AO was released in April 2009. Selection of New Frontiers 3 proposals for 

funded mission Phase A concept studies occurred on December 29, 2009. Down-selection of one 

mission to proceed to the subsequent phases is expected in third quarter to late FY 2011.

Plans For FY 2011

PLANET - 36
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The New Frontiers Future Project provides funds for future New Frontiers space missions to be 

selected via a competitive Announcement of Opportunity process. The Third Announcement of 

Opportunity (NF-3) was released for competition in April 2009. The science targets for this NF-3 AO 

are those identified in the NRC report Opening New Frontiers in Space: Choices for the Next New 

Frontiers Announcement of Opportunity (NRC, 2008). Three mission concept studies were awarded 

on December 29, 2009. These concept missions would probe the atmosphere and crust of Venus; 

return a piece of a near-Earth asteroid for analysis; or drop a robotic lander into a basin at the 

moon's south pole to return lunar rocks back to Earth for study. The studies begin during 2010 for 12 

months, and the selected mission must be ready for launch no later than Dec. 30, 2018. Mission 

cost, excluding the launch vehicle, is limited to $650M FY 2009 fixed year dollars. Downselection, to 

one mission, is currently planned for third quarter to late FY 2011. 







The New Frontiers Research line provides for the Jupiter Data Analysis Project (JDAP), which 

broadens the science community participation in the analysis of mission data, and allows scientists 

outside the selected flight team to analyze the data from the mission, do research, and publish their 

findings. Data access through the New Frontiers Research project allows a much broader, and 

perhaps more objective analysis of data and samples. JDAP also facilitates new ideas and 

approaches, getting young people started in science, and broadening participation to get a critical 

mass of scientific talent working on mission data at the critical time. 







On January 19, 2006, the New Horizons mission successfully launched on an Atlas V launch vehicle. 

New Horizons will reach Pluto and its moon, Charon, in July 2015. New Horizons will conduct a 

reconnaissance of the Pluto-Charon system, mapping their surface composition and surface 

temperatures, characterizing their geology, characterizing the atmosphere of Pluto, searching for any 

atmosphere around Charon, and searching for rings and additional satellites around Pluto, including 

the recently discovered Nixa and Hydra.







New Frontiers Program Management supports the development of Announcements of Opportunity 

(AOs), assessments for new missions, and independent management reviews.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

Juno, now in its development phase, is a mission to Jupiter scheduled to launch in August 2011.The 

Juno science goals are to: determine the oxygen to hydrogen ratio to determine water abundance 

and estimate core mass in order to decide among alternative theories of planetary origin; understand 

Jupiter's interior structure and dynamic properties, including internal convection and the size and 

mass of its core, through mapping of its gravitational and magnetic fields with unprecedented 

accuracy; map variations in atmospheric composition, temperature, cloud opacity and dynamics to 

depths greater than 100 bars at all latitudes; and characterize and explore the three-dimensional 

structure of Jupiter's polar magnetosphere and auroras. Juno uses a simple, spin-stabilized 

spacecraft in an elliptical polar orbit that minimizes radiation exposure by flying under Jupiter's 

radiation belts at perijove and outside them at apojove. Juno's baseline orbit remains continuously in 

sunlight, resulting in benign and stable thermal conditions. Spin stability eliminates complex, powerhungry attitude control components such as reaction wheels. Additional detail can be found in the 

Juno Project development section of this document and at 

http://newfrontiers.nasa.gov/missions_juno.html.

Juno

PLANET - 37
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Launch an average of one mission per 52 

months

New Frontiers Program Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

Program Management

Juno MSFC JPL, KSC, GSFC Italian Space Agency (ASI)

New Frontiers Research HQ Multi-Center None

New Horizons MSFC GSFC, JPL None

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Science Mission Directorate assigns scientific mission priorities and program responsibilities. 

MSFC has New Frontiers program management responsibility.

New Frontiers 

Research

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Oct-08 Sep-23

Form

Juno Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Aug-08

Aug-11

Aug-11

Aug-18

Form Jul-04 Aug-08

New Horizons Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Mar-03

Jan-06

Jan-06

Sep-17

Form Nov-01 Mar-03

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

PLANET - 38
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Performance IPAO 10/2007 Verified compliance with Agency requirements 

for program implementation and alignment with 

Agency strategic goals and objectives. The New 

Frontiers Program provides effective technical 

and schedule analysis support to the projects 

and continues to actively use risk-based insight 

as part of its oversight of the projects. The AO 

process has proven to be a well-defined, 

disciplined process that is viewed by the science 

community as fair and effective.

06/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Future acquisitions of New Frontiers missions occur under open Announcement of Opportunity (AO) 

competitions. The New Frontiers Program solicits proposals for an entire mission (including 

instruments), put together by teams led by a Principal Investigator and comprised of people from 

industry, small businesses, government, and academia. 







Major acquisitions for the New Horizons (APL) and Juno (JPL) projects are in place. The Principal 

Investigator for New Horizons is at SouthWest Research Institute, Boulder, CO. Johns Hopkins 

University/Applied Physics Laboratory has project management responsibility. 







The Juno Principal Investigator is from the SouthWest Research Institute, San Antonio. Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory provides mission project management and Lockheed Martin Space Systems 

is building the spacecraft. The Italian Space Agency, ASI, is contributing the Ka-band Translator and 

Infrared Spectrometer instrument.







New Frontiers Research will be competitively selected from proposals received in response to the 

ROSES NRA.

Acquisition Strategy

PLANET - 39
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Project In Development: Juno

The funding profile has been modified consistent with NASA risk management plan and strategy. 

There are no changes to the Juno approved development ($742.3M) nor the LCC ($1107M) 

baselines since KDP-C.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.0 -- -16.8 -0.1

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 15.1 0.0 10.0 -24.9 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.2

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 15.1 0.0 10.0 -25.0 0.0 0.0 -- -16.8 0.1

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.7 24.5 17.8 18.1 -- 102.4 178.5

Development / 

Implementation

39.6 245.0 237.2 158.5 46.9 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 727.2

Formulation 186.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 186.3

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 -0.1

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

225.9 245.0 237.2 174.2 71.4 17.8 18.1 -- 102.4 1,091.9

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.7 24.4 17.8 18.1 16.8 85.6 178.4

Development / 

Implementation

39.6 260.1 237.2 168.5 22.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 727.4

Formulation 186.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 186.3

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

225.9 260.1 237.2 184.2 46.4 17.8 18.1 16.8 85.6 1,092.0

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number in the table above is understated by $15M due to the difference between the FY 2010 enacted 

bill and the pending FY 2010 initial operating plan. Assuming approval of the initial operating plan, both the lifecycle and 

development cost estimates will remain unchanged; the lifecycle cost will remain at $1107M, and the development cost will 

remain at $742.3M.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

PLANET - 40
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Project In Development: Juno

NASA selected Juno on July 15, 2005, under the New Frontiers Announcement of Opportunity. The 

overarching scientific goal of the Juno mission is to improve our understanding of the origin and 

evolution of Jupiter. However, as the archetype of giant planets, Jupiter can also provide knowledge 

that will improve our understanding of both the origin of our solar system and of planetary systems 

being discovered around other stars. The investigation focuses on the four science objectives:







Origin: Determine the oxygen-to-hydrogen ratio to determine water abundance and estimate core 

mass to decide among alternative theories of planetary origin.



 



Interior: Understand Jupiter's interior structure and dynamic properties through mapping of its 

gravitational and magnetic fields with unprecedented accuracy, leading to observations of internal 

convection and the size and mass of its core.







Atmosphere: Map variations in atmospheric composition, temperature, and cloud opacity and 

dynamics, to depths greater than 100 bars, at all latitudes.







Magnetosphere: Characterize and explore the three-dimensional structure of Jupiter's polar 

magnetosphere and auroras. 







These objectives have been rated very highly in the National Academy of Sciences' Solar System 

Exploration Decadal Survey and Sun-Earth Connections Decadal Survey. The Astrophysics Decadal 

Survey identified the study of star formation, their planetary systems, as well as giant and terrestrial 

planet birth and evolution as high priority. Juno fulfills key goals outlined in recent NASA and NRC 

studies.

Project Purpose

Juno achieves the science objectives by using a simple spinning, solar-powered spacecraft to make 

global maps of the gravity, magnetic fields, and atmospheric composition of Jupiter from a unique 

elliptical polar orbit with a close perijove. The spacecraft carries precise, high-sensitivity radiometers, 

magnetometers, and gravity science systems. Juno's 32 orbits extensively sample Jupiter's full range 

of latitudes and longitudes. From its polar perspective Juno combines in-situ and remote sensing 

observations to explore the polar magnetosphere and determine what drives Jupiter's remarkable 

auroras.

Project Parameters

PLANET - 41
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Project In Development: Juno

Project Commitments

Launch Vehicle KSC C3 = 32.0 km2/s2, 

Capability=3545 kg Same Same

Jovian Auroral 

Distributions 

Experiment (JADE)

Southwest Research 

Institute (SwRI)

Ion mass spectrometer & 

electron analyzers; 

measures auroral 

distributions of electrons 

and ions

Same Same

UV Spectrometer 

(UVS)

Southwest Research 

Institute (SwRI)

FUV spectral imager for 

auroral emissions Same Same

Spacecraft Lockheed Martin

Solar-powered, spinstabilized spacecraft in an 

elliptical polar orbit that 

minimizes radiation 

exposure

Same Same

Microwave Radiometer 

(MWR) Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL)

6 wavelengths (1.3-50 cm); 

sounds atmosphere to 

determine water and 

ammonia abundances

Same Same

Waves University of Iowa

Measures radio and 

plasma emissions; 4 m 

elec. dipole and search coil

Same Same

Flux-Gate 

Magnetometer (FGM) GSFC Maps Jupiter's Magnetic Field (Vector) Same Same

Gravity Science Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL)

Maps Jupiter's gravitational 

field to determine structure 

of core; X & Ka-band 

precision Doppler

Same Same

Jupiter Energetic 

particle Detector 

Instrument (JEDI)

John Hopkins Applied 

Physics Lab (APL)

Measures auroral 

distributions of electrons 

and ions; TOF vs. energy, 

ion & electron sensors

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The Juno launch date is August 2011. After a five-year cruise to Jupiter, Juno will enter Jupiter Orbit 

Insertion (JOI) during October 2016. Juno will perform one year of science operations.

PLANET - 42
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Project In Development: Juno

Schedule Commitments

CDR 3/2009 same 4/2009

Development

Launch 8/2011 same same

ATLO Readiness 3/2010 same same

PDR 5/2008 same same

Formulation

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Formulation started at project selection in July 2005. Juno proceeded into the implementation phase 

on August 5, 2008.

Juno 2009 742.3 2010 742.3 0

Launch 

Readiness 08/2011 08/2011 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other Direct Project Costs 220.6 152.2 -68.4

Science/Technology 22.1 20.8 -1.3

Ground Systems 8.8 11.4 2.6

Launch Vehicle 190.4 190.4 0.0

Payloads 63.9 84.9 21.0

Spacecraft 236.5 282.6 46.1

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 742.3 742.3 0.0

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Consistent with 1QTR FY 2010 MPAR, below is detailed development estimate supporting August 

2011 launch readiness date (LRD).

Development Cost Details

PLANET - 43
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Project In Development: Juno

Project Management

All major acquisitions are in place. Juno was selected competitively in July 15, 2005 under a New 

Frontiers Program Announcement of Opportunity (AO-03-OSS-03).

Acquisition Strategy

KaBand and IR science Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) None Italian Space Agency (ASI)

JunoCam Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) None None

Overall responsibility for 

the development, 

implementation, operation, 

and success of the mission

MSFC/New Frontiers 

Program Office None None

Flight System, Integration 

and Test Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) None None

UVS and JADE instruments MSFC/New Frontiers 

Program Office None None

Vector Fluxgate 

Magnetometer (FGM) Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) None

Management; Microwave 

radiometer, and Gravity 

Science Experiment

MSFC/New Frontiers 

Program Office None

Plasma Waves Experiment 

(WAVE) Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) None None

Jupiter energetic particle 

instrument (JEDI) Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) None None

Project Management Project Management & 

Oversight JPL N/A

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

Juno is part of the New Frontiers Program, with program management at Marshall Space Flight 

Center. The Principal Investigator, from Southwest Research Institute, has delegated day-to-day Juno 

project management to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Performance IPAO /SRB 04/2009

Assess cost, schedule, and risk status of 

project/Findings for the review showed that cost 

and schedule for the August 2011 launch are 

consistent with the project's plans.

03/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 44
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Project In Development: Juno

Power Margin at Jupiter Large variations in solar 

intensity, solar array 

temperatures, solar off-point 

angle, radiation degradation, 

battery SOC, along with 

multiple string lengths, larger 

than normal uncertainties in 

power supply capabilities 

make it difficult to assure that 

all cases are handled with 

sufficient accuracy

Develop and use integrated system power model; conduct 

radiation test on larger sample of cells; conduct radiation test 

on ITO

Completeness of Magnetic 

Test Approach

If completeness of Juno 

magnetics verification 

approach does not 

adequately verify the effects 

of Jupiter's magnetic 

environment on Juno 

spacecraft (Magnetic 

susceptibility and residual or 

induced magnetic dipole 

effects on MAG 

measurements) then failure 

modes may result in loss of 

mission performance and/or 

mission success.

Perform material and design susceptibility review to prioritize 

test items and perform testing on Juno hardware to determine 

susceptibility

CMIC Design Changes MRO has experienced 4 inflight anomalies linked to the 

CMIC (C&DH Module 

Interface Card) -- 3 resets 

and one side-swap. The Juno 

C&DH also contains a CMIC 

based on the MRO design. 

Some design changes have 

already been made to the 

Juno CMIC design (re: 

radiation environment, 

response to earlier MRO 

CMIC anomaly) but the root 

cause of the MRO anomalies 

is unknown and residual risk 

exists for Juno.

Add ultimate safe mode within existing architecture; add 

ability to power off inactive CMIC; evaluate 2 box testing for 

EMI-EMC and Magnetics

Flight System Estimate at 

Complete underestimates 

Phase C/D cost

The July 2009 

Comprehensive Estimate At 

Complete (CEAC) includes 

some items and excludes 

some others that may or may 

not come to pass. This risk 

addresses the possibility of 

large increases in the flight 

system cost due to the items 

not included in the July 2009 

CEAC

Identify cost savings and Deferral options to reduce the 

likelihood of large increases in CEAC.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

PLANET - 45
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: New Frontiers

Project In Development: Juno

Solar Array Issues Development issues with the 

solar arrays, specifically the 

qualification panel 

disbonding, moly tab pull test 

failures, and qualification 

coupon TVAC test diode 

failure, may affect readiness 

of the flight system for 

environmental testing.

Established Failure Review Board; investigate Moly tab 

failures; review panel processing and disbanding; inspect 

Diode tab welds; utilize outside vendor for panel fabrication; 

investigate ATLO options

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

PLANET - 46
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Mars is the most Earth-like planet in our solar system, with land mass approximately equivalent to the 

Earth's, and having familiar features such as riverbeds, past river deltas, and volcanoes. Mars has the 

best planetary record of the first billion years of our solar system and holds scientific clues to the 

development of the solar system, planets, and maybe life itself. The Mars Exploration Program has 

been developed to conduct a rigorous, incremental, discovery-driven exploration of Mars to determine 

the planet's physical, dynamic, and geological characteristics. 







Spirit and Opportunity are six years into their surface exploration of Mars, and they continue to return 

a wealth of new results. Opportunity has been moving south to Endurance Crater, twenty times larger 

than Victoria Crater. Spirit has been conducting further studies in the area of what remains of an 

ancient hydrothermal system. However, Spirit is currently stuck and NASA is assessing the science it 

can accomplish in situ should extraction prove impossible. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) 

is in its extended mission operations phase and is continuing to return results highlighting areas 

showing morphological, and mineralogical evidence of interaction with liquid water. Mars Odyssey's 

gamma ray spectrometer has lent support to the idea of ancient oceans, and its Thermal Emission 

Imaging System (THEMIS) has found new evidence of salt deposits. Meanwhile, the Mars Science 

Laboratory (MSL) mission continues to achieve technical and schedule progress toward the CY 2011 

launch opportunity. MAVEN is the second Mars Scout mission and will study atmospheric processes 

that will lead to understanding the evolution of the Martian atmosphere. The Program has engaged 

ESA in investigating the options for a joint 2016 and 2018 mission encompassing their ExoMars rover 

mission, recently signing an agency to agency agreement for joint missions. 







For more information, see http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov.

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

151.6 158.7 131.2 155.7 310.9 476.1 --

MAVEN 6.7 53.4 168.7 182.6 138.4 30.6 --

2009 Mars Science Lab 223.3 204.0 194.6 67.3 65.0 30.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

381.6 416.1 494.5 405.5 514.3 536.7 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

125.7 158.7 140.0 212.1 337.4 505.3 467.3

MAVEN 6.7 53.4 161.2 210.9 170.5 25.8 18.4

2009 Mars Science Lab 229.3 204.0 231.6 91.8 42.0 38.5 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

361.7 416.1 532.8 514.8 549.9 569.6 485.8

Changes from FY 2010 Request -19.9 0.0 38.3 109.3 35.6 32.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

PLANET - 47
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Having completed all of its hardware builds and successfully completed the rover environmental test 

program and ATLO, Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) project will deliver the cruise stage and the rover 

to the Kennedy Space Center for final assembly in preparation for launch in October-November 2011. 







Having successfully completed Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in FY 2010, the MAVEN project 

plans to successfully complete CDR by the end of FY 2011.







MER, MRO, Odyssey, and ESA's Mars Express will continue to operate, return science data and 

perform telecom and relay support throughout FY 2011.







NASA and ESA will take their first steps in implementing a joint program of Mars Exploration by 

soliciting instruments to compete for the opportunity to fly on a Mars 2016 orbiter mission to measure 

trace gases including methane. Furthermore, collaborative studies will be conducted defining the joint 

NASA-ESA Mars 2018 mission, which could include rovers from both agencies.

Plans For FY 2011

PLANET - 48
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

NASA selected the second Mars Scout mission, MAVEN, for formulation phase on September 15, 

2008. Currently in its formulation phase, MAVEN, a robotic orbiter mission, will provide a 

comprehensive picture of the Mars upper atmosphere, ionosphere, solar energetic drivers, and 

atmospheric losses. It will deliver key measurements addressing longstanding questions about the 

climate history and habitability of Mars. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD., will 

manage the project. Lockheed Martin of Littleton, Colorado, will build the spacecraft based on 

designs from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and 2001 Mars Odyssey missions. Additional 

detail can be found in the MAVEN Project section of this document.

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN)

Currently in its implementation phase, MSL takes a major step forward in Mars exploration, both 

technically and scientifically, utilizing a new entry, descent, and landing system, a long-duration 

rover, and ten payload elements for definitive mineralogical and organics measurements. The 

primary scientific objective is to explore and quantitatively assess a local region on Mars as a 

potential habitat for past or present life. MSL will lay the ground work for future scientific missions, 

including Mars Sample Return, and will provide key information for human exploration. Additional 

detail can be found in the MSL Project development section of this document.

Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)

PLANET - 49
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

In its third extended mission operation phase, the primary scientific objectives of Odyssey include 

more sensitive measurement of the mineralogy of the surface, monitoring of inter-annual variations of 

Mars climate and surface processes, acquiring future mission landing site data, and continuing as a 

key telecommunications relay at Mars. Currently in their sixth extended operation phase, both the 

Spirit and Opportunity rovers continue to explore geological settings on the surface of Mars using a 

suite of remote sensing and in-situ instruments. Their objective is to expand our understanding of the 

history and the geological processes that shaped Mars, particularly those involving water. 







Currently in its second extended mission operation phase, the objective of Mars Express, a 

European Space Agency and Italian Space Agency mission, is to search for sub-surface water from 

orbit. NASA participates in the scientific analysis of mission data, including the recent investigations 

into the mysterious deposits of the Medusae Fossae Formation. 







Currently in its first extended operation phase, MRO's science objectives include: providing high 

resolution spectral maps and images for interpretation of the geology of the Martian crust; using 

ground-penetrating radar to map compositional discontinuities and layering under the surface; and 

creating planetary-scale maps of critical atmospheric properties. MRO is also the key 

telecommunications relay for the first half of the next decade at Mars.







Mars Mission Operations (MMO) provides management and leadership for the development and 

execution of Mars multi-mission operations. MMO supports and provides operational capabilities at a 

lower cost and risk to all current Mars projects. 







Once missions have concluded their primary mission phase, further funding for extended operations 

is allocated based on the findings of a senior review board. Their review of each mission enables 

them to make recommendations for the allocation of the extended operations budget based on 

scientific merit. Missions under consideration for extension in FY 2011 include MRO, Odyssey, Mars 

Express, and MER. 







NASA invests in research and analysis of Mars mission data in order to understand how geologic, 

climatic, and other processes have worked to shape Mars and its environment over time, as well as 

how they interact today.







NASA selected the Urey and MOMA instrument proposals for technology development studies for 

potential inclusion in the European ExoMars mission. The ESA ExoMars launch has been delayed 

from the 2016 to the 2018 joint ESA-NASA launch opportunity, and only MOMA can be 

accommodated within the ESA mission mass allocation and constraint. MOMA is currently in Phase 

B and will continue to be in Phase B throughout FY 2011.







The Mars Exploration Program plans future missions to Mars that build on scientific discoveries from 

past missions and incorporate the lessons learned from previous mission successes and failures. 

Missions in planning include a Mars mission in 2016 and 2018, both in collaboration with ESA.

Other Missions & Data Analysis

PLANET - 50
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

MEP will provide continual operational presence 

on Mars

Mars Exploration same

At least one Mars mission will be launched at 

every opportunity (every 26 months)

Mars Exploration same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

Mars R&A Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Oct-00 Sep-22

Form

The Mars Atmosphere 

and Volatile EvolutioN



(MAVEN)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Sep-10

Nov-13

Dec-14

Nov-13

Dec-14

Jul-16

Form Sep-08 Sep-10

Mars Express Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Sep-00

Jun-03

Dec-05

Jun-03

Dec-05

Sep-11

Form Jan-00 Sep-00

Mars Science 

Laboratory (MSL)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Aug-06

Dec-11

Oct-13

Dec-11

Oct-13

Oct-17

Form Nov-03 Aug-06

Mars Reconnaissance 

Orbiter (MRO)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-02

Aug-05

Oct-11

Aug-05

Sep-11

Sep-17

Form Jan-01 Jul-02

Mars Exploration 

Rovers (Spirit & 

Opportunity)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Aug-01

Jun-03

Jun-03

Sep-10

Form May-00 Aug-01

Mars Odyssey Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-99

Apr-01

Apr-01

Sep-11

Form Apr-97 Apr-99

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Formulation (Form)

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Research (Res)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

PLANET - 51
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Program Management

Mars Odyssey JPL JPL, MSFC None

Mars 2016 and 2018 Missions JPL Multiple Centers European Space Agency (ESA)

ExoMars JPL JPL, ARC, LaRC, 

GSFC

European Space Agency (ESA)

Mars Express (MEX) JPL JPL, GSFC European Space Agency (ESA)

Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) JPL JPL, ARC, GRC, 

JSC, GSFC

None

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile 

EvolutioN (MAVEN)

JPL GSFC, KSC, JPL Centre d'Etude Spatiale des 

Rayonnements (CESR)

Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) JPL JPL , ARC, GSFC, 

KSC, GRC, LaRC, 

JSC

Department of Energy; International 

partners include Canada, Spain, and 

Russia.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter 

(MRO)

JPL JPL, ARC, GSFC, 

JSC, MSFC

Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI)

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has responsibility for implementation of the Mars Exploration Program. 

Mars Program science resides at Headquarters.

The Mars Exploration Program (MEP) has set a goal of open competition for all missions. 







All major acquisitions for MSL, ExoMars instruments, and MAVEN are in place. Malin Space 

Systems, Honeybee Robotics, Lockheed Martin, Aeroflex are providing support and hardware for the 

MSL mission. The principal investigator for the MAVEN mission is Dr. Bruce Jakosky of the 

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder. NASA's 

Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., will manage the project, and Lockheed Martin of 

Littleton, Colo., will build the spacecraft. All research and technology is procured through the ROSES 

announcement and a competitive, peer review selection process.







NASA and ESA are planning joint missions in the 2016 (trace gas orbiter) and the 2018 (two rovers) 

launch opportunity. The intention is to compete science and instruments for these missions, and JPL 

will implement the ESA/NASA contributions for both missions.

Acquisition Strategy

PLANET - 52
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Performance IPAO 11/2006 A Program Implementation Review was 

conducted in October 2006. Review determined 

the Mars program was functioning well and 

continuing to make important contributions to 

science and the Vision, but was short on reserve 

funding. It also found that MSL is critical for 

future mission science and technology.

11/2010

All Senior Review 

Panel

03/2008 Comparative review of Mars operating missions. 

Missions are ranked in terms of science, 

engineering capability, and their programmatic 

roles as they relate to the Mars Exploration 

program. The findings lead to mission extension 

for Odyssey, MER, MEX, and MRO, with orbit 

time change for the Mars Odyssey mission.

03/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 53
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Development: 2009 Mars Science Lab

While the project continues to make technical, cost and schedule progress, the project still continues 

to experience technical problems with the actuators, avionics and the titanium. As a result, NASA has 

adopted a more conservative posture by providing additional funding consistent with NASA risk 

management plan and strategy. The current LCC is estimated at $2,394.3M, in comparison to the 

original baseline of $1,642M. SMD anticipates reprogramming additional funds to MSL in the initial 

FY 2010 operating plan to address the technical problems and related Life Cycle Cost increases.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 14.5 -23.0 8.5 -- 0.0 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 6.0 0.0 37.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 53.0

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 6.0 0.0 37.0 24.5 -23.0 8.5 -- 0.0 53.0

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 63.8 65.0 30.0 -- 0.0 158.8

Development / 

Implementation

999.6 223.3 204.0 194.6 3.5 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 1,625.0

Formulation 515.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 515.5

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

1,515.1 223.3 204.0 194.6 67.3 65.0 30.0 -- 0.0 2,299.3

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 78.3 42.0 38.5 0.0 0.0 158.8

Development / 

Implementation

999.6 229.3 204.0 231.6 13.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,678.0

Formulation 515.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 515.5

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

1,515.1 229.3 204.0 231.6 91.8 42.0 38.5 0.0 0.0 2,352.3

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

PLANET - 54
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Development: 2009 Mars Science Lab

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission is the most technologically challenging interplanetary 

rover ever designed. It will use new technologies to adjust its flight while descending through the 

Martian atmosphere, and to set the rover on the surface by lowering it on a tether from a hovering 

descent stage. Advanced research instruments make up a science payload 10 times the mass of 

instruments on NASA's Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers. The Mars Science Laboratory is 

engineered to drive longer distances over rougher terrain than previous rovers. It will employ a new 

surface propulsion system. 







The MSL Project will make detailed measurements of element composition, elemental isotopes and 

abundance, mineralogy, and organic compounds to determine if Mars has, or ever had an 

environment capable of supporting life within the regions it will explore. 







MSL has four science objectives: assess the biological potential of at least one selected site on Mars; 

characterize the geology and geochemistry of the landing region at all appropriate spatial scales; 

identify planetary processes relevant to past habitability; and characterize the broad spectrum of the 

Martian surface radiation environment.







For more information, see the MSL homepage at 

http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/future/msl.html.

Project Purpose

The MSL is a surface rover that will collect Martian soil and rock samples and analyze them for 

organic compounds and environmental conditions that could have supported microbial life now or in 

the past. MSL will be a long-duration (two years) roving science laboratory that will be twice as long 

and three times as heavy (800-850 kilograms) as the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity.







Key technologies developed for MSL include: throttle-controlled, high-thrust engines, required during 

Martian entry, descent, and landing (EDL); sample acquisition and processing equipment used to 

acquire and distribute samples to the analytic instrument suite; and long-life, high-reliability, thermalcycle-resistant electronics for use in the rover.







The EDL system will accommodate a wide range of possible latitude and altitude locations on Mars in 

order to be discovery-responsive and to have the capability to reach very promising, but difficult-toreach scientific sites.

Project Parameters

PLANET - 55
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Development: 2009 Mars Science Lab

Project Commitments

Cruise stage and entry 

system Lockheed Martin

Transport rover to Martian 

surface and land with 

impact speed below 1 m/s

Same Same

Dynamic Albedo of 

Neutrons (DAN) Russia (IKI) Measure hydrogen content in subsurface deposits. Same Same

Rover Environmental 

Monitoring System 

(REMS)

Spain

Monitor key atmospheric 

measurements including 

temperature, pressure, 

wind speed/direction and 

humidity.

Same Same

Chemistry & 

Mineralogy Instrument 

(CheMin)

NASA/ARC

Analysis of mineral and 

chemical content of Mars 

samples

Same Same

Sample Analysis at 

Mars (SAM) NASA/GSFC

Analysis of elemental and 

isotopic composition of 

Mars samples

Same Same

Mission operations and 

data archive JPL

Conduct one-year cruise 

and two-year rover primary 

mission with remotely 

located science team.

Same Same

Sample cache ARC

Hockey puck-sized 

container will collect 

sample of Martian soil for 

possible later collection by 

a Mars Sample Return 

mission

Deleted Same (deleted)

Rover JPL Travel 20 kilometers over 

the Martian surface. Same Same

Alpha Particle X-ray 

Spectrometer Canada (CSA)

Measure with high 

precision the elemental 

composition of in situ rocks 

and soil.

Same Same

Stereoscopic and 

microscopic cameras Malin Space Systems

Acquire color, stereo 

images with resolutions up 

to 0.2 mm/pixel at 2 m 

range.

Deleted descent 

imager and camera 

zoom

Same

Chemistry camera 

(ChemCam)

Department of 

Energy/Los Alamos 

National Laboratory; 

France

Remotely measure 

elemental composition of 

rocks and soil up to 9m 

from rover.

Same Same

Robotic arm tools Honeybee Robotics

Acquire, process and 

deliver 75 rock and soil 

samples to analytic 

instruments.

Changed the rock 

grinder to a brush, 

sample quantity 

unchanged

Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) will be ready to launch in late CY 2011 and will arrive at Mars 

after approximately 9 months of flight time. MSL will operate for two Earth years on the surface of 

Mars and will travel approximately 20 kilometers.

PLANET - 56
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Development: 2009 Mars Science Lab

Schedule Commitments

Launch Readiness Review September 2009 4QTR CY 2011 Same

System Integration Review (formerly ATLO) February 2008 February 2008 Same

Critical Design Review June 2007 No change Same

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The Mars Science Laboratory Project entered formulation in November 2004, proceeded into the 

development phase in August 2006, with a launch currently scheduled for late November 2011.

2009 Mars 

Science Lab 2010 1,719.9 2010 1,719.9 0

Launch 

Readiness 11/2011 11/2011 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other direct project cost 245.9 184.0 -61.9

Science/Technology 15.9 15.9 0.0

Ground Systems 74.2 75.4 1.2

Launch Vehicle/Services 232.8 232.8 0.0

Systems I&T 89.9 96.1 6.2

Payloads 130.3 139.8 9.5

Spacecraft 930.9 975.9 45.0

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 1,719.9 1,719.9 0.0

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development cost increased, $95M, to resolve technical problems associated with the actuators, 

avionics and titanium. 







Base or initial estimate was estimate in 2006 at $1642M for LCC and $969M for development. The 

table below reflects the rebaselined numbers, as established in January 2010.

Development Cost Details

PLANET - 57
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Development: 2009 Mars Science Lab

Project Management

All major acquisitions are in place. All major instruments were competitively selected.

Acquisition Strategy

Chemistry & Mineralogy 

Instrument (CheMin) JPL ARC None

Sample Analysis at Mars 

(SAM) JPL GSFC CNES (France)

Spacecraft JPL JPL None

Cruise stage and entry 

system

JPL JPL, AMES, LaRC None

Dynamic Albedo of 

Neutrons (DAN) JPL None Russia

Rover Environmental 

Monitoring System (REMS) JPL None Spain

Alpha Particle X-ray 

Spectrometer JPL None Canada

Chemistry camera 

(ChemCam) JPL None Department of Energy and France

Robotic arm tools JPL JPL None

Stereoscopic and 

microscopic cameras JPL None None

Rover JPL JPL None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

2009 Mars Science Laboratory is a JPL-managed in-house project. Instrument implementation has 

been assigned to JPL. The responsible NASA official is the Director for the Planetary Science 

Division.

Performance HQ/SRB 05/2009

Assess maturity of MSL design, technical state, 

and adequacy of resources. Design was 

deemed adequate to achieve mission science 

goals, but project needs additional time and 

resources to work the technical problems and 

perform adequate testing. The finding resulted in 

an additional $95M, consistent with NASA risk 

management plan and strategy, to resolve 

problems and to ensure mission success.

11/2009

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 58
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Development: 2009 Mars Science Lab

Actuators Actuator production, life 

tesing, and assembly delays 

can possibly threaten overall 

schedule.

Plans are in place to have Actuator Flight Model complete all 

of its required life test by March 2010.

Instrument - Sample Analysis 

at Mars (SAM)

Vacuum pump life could 

impact SAM science return

Plans are in place to life test a backup pump design by 

September 2010.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

PLANET - 59
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Formulation: Mars Atmosphere & Volatile EvolutioN

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) was selected in September 2008 under the 2006 

Mars Scout Announcement of Opportunity. The MAVEN mission will provide a comprehensive picture 

of the Mars upper atmosphere, ionosphere, solar energetic drivers, and atmospheric losses. MAVEN 

will deliver comprehensive answers to long-standing questions regarding the loss of Mars' 

atmosphere, climate history, liquid water, and habitability. MAVEN will provide the first direct 

measurements ever taken to address key scientific questions about Mars' evolution. Specific MAVEN 

science objectives consist of:



- Determine structure and composition of the atmosphere and ionosphere;



- Determine the physical and chemical processes that control loss processes;



- Determine escape rates of neutrals;



- Determine escape rates of ions;



- Determine the external inputs that control upper atmosphere and ionosphere structure and that drive 

escape; and 



- Determine the relative escape rates of the stable isotopes and the resulting isotopic fractionation.







Additional information can be found in http://lasp.colorado.edu/maven/

Project Purpose

MAVEN will deliver its science using three instrument packages: a stand-alone neutral gas and ion 

mass spectrometer (NGIMS), capable of measuring thermal neutrals and ions; a stand-alone imaging 

ultraviolet spectrometer (IUVS); and the Particles and Fields (P&F) package, consisting of six 

instruments measuring ionospheric properties, energetic ions, solar wind and solar energetic particles, 

magnetic fields, and solar extreme ultraviolet irradiance.

Project Preliminary Parameters

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 6.7 53.4 168.7 182.6 138.4 30.6 --

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 6.7 53.4 161.2 210.9 170.5 25.8 18.4

Total Change from 2010 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 0.0 -7.5 28.3 32.2 -4.8 --

Note: Rephased project reserve profile, and added funds for a higher than anticipated launch vehicle cost.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

PLANET - 60
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Formulation: Mars Atmosphere & Volatile EvolutioN

Launch Services United Launch Alliance 

(ULA)

Intermediate Class launch 

service New Same

Spacecraft Lockheed Martin

MRO spacecraft bus and 

avionic suite, with cross 

strapping and 

monopropellant propulsion 

system

New Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The MAVEN measurements will be made from an elliptical orbit with periapsis at 150 km and 

apoapsis at 6220 km (4.5-hour period). MAVEN will use a sun-pointing, three-axis stabilized 

spacecraft, with a two-axis gimballed, Mars-pointing platform for the NGIMS, IUVS, and the 

SupraThermal And Thermal Ion Composition (STATIC) instruments. The spacecraft has a bodymounted high-gain antenna.

Estimated Project Deliverables

Estimated Project Schedule

Mars Orbit Insertion 09/2014 New Same

Launch 11/2013 New Same

ATLO 07/2012 New Same

CDR 07/2011 New Same

PDR 07/2010 New Same

Formulation

Milestone Name

Formulation 

Agreement 

Estimate

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

MAVEN will be launched in November 2013, and will arrive at Mars in September 2014.

PLANET - 61
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Formulation: Mars Atmosphere & Volatile EvolutioN

Project Management

All major acquisitions are in place. MAVEN was selected competitively on September 15, 2008 under 

the Mars Scout 2006 Announcement of Opportunity (AO- NNH06ZDA002O).

Acquisition Strategy

Magnetometer (MAG) - 

Measures interplanetary, 

solar wind, and ionospheric 

magnetic fields

GSFC GSFC

Navigation, trajectory, and 

orbit maintenance analysis GSFC JPL

Neutral gas and ion mass 

spectrometer (NGIMS) GSFC GSFC

Project management, msn 

sys engineering, safety and 

mission assurance, and 

project scientist

GSFC GSFC

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The MAVEN is part of the Mars Exploration Program managed by the JPL. The PI from the University 

of Colorado has delegated the day-to-day management to GSFC.

Performance IPAO & SRB 08/2009

The MAVEN Project passed the System 

Requirements Assessment conduced by the 

independent Standing Review Board in August 

2009. Will also assess cost, schedule, and risk 

status of project during PDR.

07/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 62
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Planetary Science

Program: Mars Exploration

Project In Formulation: Mars Atmosphere & Volatile EvolutioN

Limited Contact with 

Spacecraft While Flying 

Through Atmosphere

If atmospheric density 

blooming occurs (due to a 

dust storm, etc) while out of 

contact and autonomy/safing 

do not work as expected, 

then the instruments or 

spacecraft may be damaged.

Refine Periapsis Timing Estimator algorithm to develop 

robust safing strategy with closure by Fault Protection Peer 

Review in 2010.

Fault Management Strategy 

and Science Measurements

If the spacecraft faultmanagement strategy 

protecting the spacecraft from 

the effects of solar-energetic 

particles is not tailored 

properly, then solar events 

and Mars atmospheric 

measurements key to 

MAVEN science will be 

missed.

Tailor inherited spacecraft fault management approach to 

support MAVEN science. Analysis in Phase B with closure by 

Fault Protection Peer Review in 2010.

Aerodynamic Stability During 

Deep Dips

If the observatory is not 

aerodynamically stable during 

deep dips, then the 

spacecraft may tumble.

Preliminary aerodynamic analysis scheduled as part of Phase 

B activities. Closure by spacecraft CDR.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

PLANET - 63
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Outer Planets

The Outer Planets Program consists of three strategic elements: The ongoing Cassini mission to 

Saturn, a future major outer planets mission, and Supporting Research and Technology (SR&T). 

These elements enable science investigations across a broader array of disciplines and in more 

depth than smaller, tightly focused competed missions. The science discoveries made by these 

strategic missions are not expected to be easily displaced with time and are expected to overthrow 

previous paradigms and create new ones in their place.

Program Overview

Outer Planets 101.1 98.6 97.1 140.3 117.7 118.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

101.1 98.6 97.1 140.3 117.7 118.5 --

Outer Planets 104.8 98.6 103.5 157.9 152.0 144.0 155.8

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

104.8 98.6 103.5 157.9 152.0 144.0 155.8

Changes from FY 2010 Request 3.7 0.0 6.4 17.6 34.2 25.5 --

Note: The current available funds within Planetary Science Theme do not provide for the OPF/EJSM mission beyond its 

formulation and technology development phases.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

The Senior Review Board will determine whether the Cassini project will start its second extended 

mission to observe seasonal and temporal change in the Saturn system, and will conduct over a 

dozen flybys of Titan, Enceladus, and other Saturnian moons during FY 2011.







The recommendations of the next planetary science decadal survey, expected in 2011, will play a 

large role in the selection of the next major outer planets mission.

Plans For FY 2011

PLANET - 64
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Outer Planets

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Cassini-Huygens, in its extended operations phase, is an Outer Planets Flagship mission to Saturn 

that has profoundly altered our understanding of that planet, its famous rings, magnetosphere, icy 

satellites, and particularly the moons Titan and Enceladus. Cassini-Huygens is an international 

collaborative effort. It was launched in October 1997 and arrived at Saturn in July 2004 to explore 

the Saturn system in detail, including its rings and moons. A major focus is Saturn's largest moon, 

Titan, with its dense atmosphere, methane-based meteorology, and geologically active surface. 

Cassini completed its prime mission in July 2008 and will complete its first extended mission in FY 

2010. The senior review, which was held in February 2009, has recommended that Cassini continue 

into its second extended science mission. The primary objective of the second extension, the Cassini 

Solstice mission, is to observe seasonal and temporal change in the Saturn system, especially at 

Titan, to understand underlying processes, and prepare for future missions. Upon approval, the 

Cassini Solstice mission will continue to operate through FY 2017.







The Outer Planets program awaits the determination of priorities within the Planetary Science 

Decadal Survey, currently underway, before proposing a budget and schedule for development of a 

new major outer planets mission.







The Supporting Research and Technology (SR&T) effort dramatically increases the scientific return 

of NASA missions and guides current mission operations (e.g., selecting Cassini imaging targets) as 

well as future mission planning (e.g., mission concept studies for Titan missions). The competitive 

programs within the SR&T effort increase our understanding of the outer solar system and broaden 

the science community participation in the analysis of data returned by Cassini, Galileo, and other 

missions.

Outer Planets

Publically release study reports Major Outer Planets Future Mission Same

Deliver science data to Planetary Data Systems 

(PDS) consistent with science archive plan (in 

increments within 6 - 9 months)

Cassini Same

Release ROSES and make selections Research Data Analysis Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

PLANET - 65
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Outer Planets

Research Data 

Analysis

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res Oct-97 Sep-23

Form

Outer Planets Future 

Mission

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jan-07 Sep-11

Form Oct-11 Sep-26

Cassini Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-89

Oct-97

Oct-97

Oct-97

Sep-17

Sep-17

Form Sep-89

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

All major acquisitions contracts for Cassini are in place. The acquisition strategy for future Outer 

Planets Missions are expected to be similar to Cassini. The science payloads will be competitively 

selected for the Outer Planets Future Mission.

Acquisition Strategy

Program Management

Outer Planets Future Mission JPL JPL ESA

Research Data Analysis HQ Multi-Center None

Cassini JPL JPL The Italian Space Agency provided 

Cassini's high-gain communication 

antenna and the Huygens probe was 

built by the European Space Agency 

(ESA).

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Program management responsibility for the Cassini and OPF/Outer Planets Future projects resides at 

JPL. Scientific mission priorities for the program and the Research efforts reside within 

SMD/Planetary Science Division.

PLANET - 66
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Outer Planets

Quality Senior Review 

Panel

02/2009 Cassini senior review for the Solstice extended 

mission recommended approval of the extended 

mission science. Decision on the Cassini 

Solstice mission extension is expected in CY 

2010.

02/2011

Performance Independent 

Science & 

Technical 

Review

12/2008 Independent science, technical, management, 

and cost review of concept studies.

9/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

PLANET - 67
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Technology

Planetary Science is a challenging endeavor. Future Planetary Science missions will demand 

advances in both power and propulsion systems to enable successful trips to harsh environments, far 

from the Sun, with highly challenging trajectories. To meet these needs, the Planetary Science 

Technology Program includes the In-Space Propulsion (ISP), Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS), 

and Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System (AMMOS) Projects.







The ISP Project develops in-space propulsion technologies that can enable or benefit near- and midterm NASA missions. These technologies will enhance the performance of planetary science 

missions by allowing increased science payload mass, reduced launch costs, and decreased mission 

trip times. The Radioisotope Power System (RPS) Project advances the capabilities of spacecraft 

power systems, thereby making it possible for missions to travel to destinations distant from the sun, 

or where sunlight is obscured or infrequent. RPS is developing flight Advanced Stirling Radioisotope 

Generators (ASRG) for the 2014 time frame and is conducting a concept study of a small RPS 

system for use in possible distributed network mission environments. The Advanced Multi-Mission 

Operations System (AMMOS) Project provides planetary science missions with a set of operations, 

navigation and design software tools and services for flight mission training, mission operations, 

space communications resources allocation, and improved space communication.

Program Overview

Technology 64.9 89.0 98.4 102.1 93.5 91.4 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

64.9 89.0 98.4 102.1 93.5 91.4 --

Technology 72.4 89.0 106.5 101.1 88.7 82.0 85.1

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

72.4 89.0 106.5 101.1 88.7 82.0 85.1

Changes from FY 2010 Request 7.5 0.0 8.2 -1.0 -4.9 -9.4 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

PLANET - 68
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Technology

The In-Space Propulsion (ISP) Project will continue electric propulsion life validation testing and 

analysis of NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) throughout FY 2011 with the goal for 

completion by FY 2013. The ISP project will also continue electric propulsion Hall thruster 

development task towards Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) in FY 2010, and initiate Hall system 

power processing unit (PPU) development in FY 2011. 







The Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Project will continue an extended performance testing of the 

Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) engineering unit, and continue the development of 

a qualification unit to enable delivery of one ASRG flight unit for the 2014-2016 Discovery flight 

opportunity. The RPS will project will demonstrate 1500-hour lifetime Radioisotope Thermoelectric 

Generator couples and validate four couple module power by the end of FY 2011. 







Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System (AMMOS) will continue to develop multi-mission 

operations software tools for spacecraft navigation and mission planning, efficient spacecraft 

communication, and data handling.







In addition, this Technology Program within the Planetary Science theme will pursue complimentary 

collaborations with the new cross-cutting Space Technology Program within the Office of the Chief 

Technologist.

Plans For FY 2011

PLANET - 69
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Technology

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The In-Space Propulsion (ISP) project will enable access to more challenging and interesting science 

destinations, including enabling sample return missions. The ISP Project is completing development 

of several propulsion technologies in support of future Flagship, Discovery, Mars, and New Frontiers 

missions. ISP portfolio continues to invest in high-priority technology areas such as the Electric 

Propulsion and Aerocapture technologies identified in the Solar System Exploration (SSE) Roadmap 

and the 2007 SMD Science Plan. ISP will continue increasing its emphasis on sample return 

propulsion technology development. The foci will be: completing studies and developing 

requirements to initiate technology development for Planetary Ascent Vehicles (PAV); completing 

trade studies and requirements development to kick off technology development for multi-mission 

Earth Entry Vehicles (MMEEV); continuing advanced chemical propulsion technology development; 

and initiating other subsystem technology developments for the High Voltage Hall Accelerator 

(HiVHAC) thruster technology applicable to Earth Return Vehicles (ERV), transfer stages, and lowcost electric propulsion systems for Discovery-class missions.



 



The Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Project continues low-level investments in advanced 

stirling, thermoelectric conversion and thermal photovoltaic technologies as seeds to meet future 

needs late in the next decades. The RPS project also funds cross-cutting multi-mission activities to 

keep them off the critical path, such as NEPA and launch approval engineering. The RPS project is 

structured to manage both the technology investments and systems development, such as the 

development and testing of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG). The project 

transitions acquisition of flight units to a mission-specific user. The project also assumes 

responsibility for multi-mission RPS studies, sustaining capabilities, and cross-cutting launch 

approval activities. However, funds are not included within the RPS budget for the procurement of 

nuclear material required to support missions in formulation.







The Advanced Multi-Mission Operation Support (AMMOS) Project provides multi-mission operations, 

navigation, design, and training tools for Planetary Science flight missions, and undertakes 

technology investments for improved communications and navigation technologies.

Technology

Provide standard interfaces in order to enable 

interoperability among missions.

AMMOS Same

2.65m high temp aeroshell with ablative TPS will 

be fabricated to demonstrate manufacturing 

scale-up.

ISP Same

Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator 

engineering model will demonstrate extended 

operations (14,000 hours).

RPS Same

HiVHAC Engineering Model (EM) thruster 

performance acceptance test will be completed

ISP Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

PLANET - 70
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Planetary Science

Program: Technology

Relevance National 

Research 

Council (NRC)

07/2009 Assessing the restart and sustainment of 

domestic production of radioisotope heat source 

material for deep space and other exploration 

missions. Assessing the development of and 

standards for flight certification of ASRG for 

flagship and other missions.

12/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Program Management

RPS GRC JPL, GRC, KSC Department of Energy

AMMOS JPL JPL None

ISP GRC GRC, MSFC, JPL, 

LARC, ARC

None

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

SMD provides overall oversight of the technology program. GRC is responsible for the ISP and RPS 

projects. JPL is responsible for the AMMOS project.

Technology activities are solicited using the NASA Research Opportunities in Space and Earth 

Sciences (ROSES) announcement, and selections are made using a competitive, peer-reviewed 

process. The Department of Energy completed an acquisition for ASRG flight system development 

(Lockheed Martin) for RPS. JPL provides management and the navigation and space communication 

software tools.

Acquisition Strategy

PLANET - 71
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PLANET - 72
Theme: Astrophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

NASA's goal in Astrophysics is to discover how the universe works, explore how the universe began 

and developed into its present form, and search for life elsewhere. Three broad scientific questions 

emanate from this goal: 1) How do matter, energy, space and time behave under the extraordinarily 

diverse conditions of the cosmos? 2) How did the universe originate and evolve to produce the 

galaxies, stars, and planets we see today? 3) What are the characteristics of planetary systems 

orbiting other stars, and do they harbor life?







The Astrophysics Theme addresses these questions via an integrated strategy incorporating a robust 

research program, 14 operating missions, and 10 flight projects in various stages of planning and 

execution. Considerable concept definition and technology work is being conducted to define future 

mission candidates for Astrophysics, and these will be prioritized in the National Research Council's 

(NRC) decadal survey process now underway. The Astrophysics programs that support the 

integrated strategy are as follows:







The Physics of the Cosmos Program (which incorporates the former Beyond Einstein Program) 

contains missions that can explore the most fundamental and extreme physical conditions of the 

universe, from black holes to dark energy. They will study the building blocks of our own existence at 

the most basic level: the matter, energy, space and time that create the living Universe. 







The Cosmic Origins program comprises projects that enable the study of how galaxies, stars and 

planetary systems came into being, how they evolve, and ultimately how they end their lives.







The Exoplanet Exploration program conducts advanced telescope searches for Earth-like planets and 

habitable environments around other stars. 







The Astrophysics Explorer Program conducts small PI-led missions that are selected under the 

Heliophysics Explorer program. Explorer missions are opportunities for innovative science that fill the 

scientific gaps between the larger missions. 







The Astrophysics Research Program prepares for the next generation of missions by supporting both 

theoretical research and applied technology investigations. These research activities exploit data from 

current missions and suborbital science investigations to advance NASA science goals, and also 

provide hands-on workforce training of students and early-career scientists and engineers.







For more information, please see http://nasascience.nasa.gov/astrophysics

Theme Overview

ASTRO - 1 ASTRO - 1
Theme: Astrophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

Astrophysics Explorer 130.7 107.9 69.5 26.6 10.4 1.7 --

Exoplanet Exploration 68.1 46.2 57.3 86.9 123.5 167.3 --

Physics of the Cosmos 128.3 147.7 188.5 213.9 291.4 330.3 --

Cosmic Origins 819.2 667.2 598.9 550.3 523.8 452.3 --

Astrophysics Research 135.0 151.9 160.0 165.0 177.2 188.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 1,281.2 1,120.9 1,074.1 1,042.7 1,126.3 1,139.6 --

Astrophysics Explorer 135.7 107.9 86.7 93.3 58.5 53.3 13.2

Exoplanet Exploration 72.1 46.2 42.5 54.1 83.0 93.8 117.6

Physics of the Cosmos 111.1 116.8 103.3 114.4 151.7 176.4 202.0

Cosmic Origins 850.0 684.1 687.7 669.4 667.5 640.5 599.2

Astrophysics Research 136.0 149.0 156.1 178.1 188.4 194.6 199.6

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 1,304.9 1,103.9 1,076.3 1,109.3 1,149.1 1,158.7 1,131.6

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 23.6 -17.0 2.2 66.6 22.7 19.1 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

ASTRO - 2 ASTRO - 2
Theme: Astrophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

The High-Resolution Soft X-Ray Spectrometer (SXS) instrument (scheduled to fly on the Japanese Astro-H 

mission in FY 2014) will complete mission Critical Design Review.







The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) mission will complete integration and testing in FY 

2011, in preparation for launch in January 2012.







The WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) Mission will be in prime operations. The Gravity and Extreme 

Magnetism (GEMS) mission, selected in FY 2009 for a launch in FY 2014, will be in formulation.

Astrophysics Explorer

Kepler will continue prime mission operations.

Exoplanet Exploration

Planck will continue prime operations. Fermi will remain in its prime operations phase and Chandra will 

continue on in extended operations.

Physics of the Cosmos

The James Webb Space Telescope will continue to make progress towards its launch date in June, 2014. 







Hubble Space Telescope will continue operations.







The Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) will complete open door flight testing and will 

conduct the first competed science observations.







Herschel (moved to Cosmic Origins from the Physics of the Cosmos Program) will continue prime operations.

Cosmic Origins

Senior Reviews for operating missions and archives will be conducted in the spring of 2010. A comparative 

evaluation of all Astrophysics operating missions is conducted every two years. A comparative evaluation for 

the archives is conducted every four years. The science output is evaluated by an independent expert panel, 

and decisions are made as to which missions will receive funding for extended operation. 







In R&A, peer-reviewed investigations will be selected in the areas of past missions data analysis, theoretical 

studies, and modeling of the astrophysical phenomena targeted by past, current, and future missions. 

Laboratory studies of astrophysical phenomena, limited ground-based observing, and suborbital missions will 

also continue in FY 2011. 







The Balloons Project will continue to work toward advancing the capability of the new super-pressure balloon, 

which will be used to carry large scientific experiments to the brink of space for 100 days or more.

Astrophysics Research

Plans for FY 2011

ASTRO - 3 ASTRO - 3
Theme: Astrophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

Stunning images produced from Astrophysics operating missions continue to inspire the public, 

revealing the beauty of our universe and the science behind those images. NASA provides the tools 

to translate the science for the classroom and other learning venues in ways that meet educator 

needs. 







Hubble images are featured on the Space Telescope Science Institute's "Amazing Space" Web site 

which provides curriculum support tools to classrooms in every state in the union. Spitzer's "Cool 

Cosmos" Web site offers explorations into the world of the infrared, and Chandra delivers authentic 

data sets to educators to enhance lessons by allowing students to use the same data that 

professional researchers use. 







A consortium of Astrophysics missions have been featured in a traveling museum exhibit, "Alien 

Earths", to inform and inspire the public on critical questions related to the search for life elsewhere in 

our universe. The Astrophysics Exoplanet Exploration Program, in conjunction with the Astronomical 

Society of the Pacific, has sponsored the creation of "Night Sky Network" amateur astronomy clubs 

around the nation. NASA also provides toolkits and professional development training to support 

these groups of space enthusiasts as they help strengthen the public understanding of astronomy 

and space science.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

NASA's Astrophysics Theme is guided by the Space Act and subsequent legislation, and by U.S. 

National Space Policy and related policies, which call on NASA to conduct space missions to 

advance scientific understanding of the universe. In doing so, NASA follows a long-standing tradition 

of establishing its science priorities through consultation with world-class experts via the National 

Research Council's decadal survey process. The most recent Astrophysics decadal survey was 

published in 2001, and the next one is under development for release in 2010. Astrophysics also 

receives tactical-level advice from the external science community via the Astrophysics 

Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council, and advice on cooperative activities from the 

Congressionally chartered, NSF-managed Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee.







NASA enables research to understand the structure, content, and evolution of the universe. This 

research provides information about humankind's origins and fundamental physics that govern the 

behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. NASA leads the world in space-based research into the 

most compelling questions of modern physics, such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy, 

high-energy cosmic rays, tests of gravity and general relativity, and insight into cosmic inflation during 

the very early universe. NASA works proactively with the National Science Foundation and 

Department of Energy in exploring the interfaces between astronomy and physics, and in the search 

for life in the universe.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

ASTRO - 4 ASTRO - 4
Theme: Astrophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

The fourth Hubble Servicing Mission (SM4) was completed successfully in May, 2009. Herschel and 

Planck launched in May 2009 as well. The JWST mission made progress toward launch in FY 2014 

and held a successful Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Integrated Science Instrument Module 

(ISIM) in March 2009. The Kepler mission, designed to survey our region of the Milky Way Galaxy to 

detect and characterize hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or nearby the habitable zone 

sucessfully launched March 6, 2009. 







Astronomers have taken a direct image of an extra solar planet with the Hubble Space Telescope. The 

planet circles the bright southern star Fomalhaut, located in the constellation Piscis Australis. The 

astronomers estimate that the planet, called Fomalhaut b, is no more than three times Jupiter's mass, 

which is enormous compared to Earth but a proverbial needle in a haystack for planet hunters, 

considering it is located 25 light-years away. Since the Fomalhaut system is only 200 million years old, 

extremely young by planetary standards, images like this help astronomers study how planets and 

planetary systems evolve around stars.







NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) satellite observes the most ancient light in 

the universe, cosmic microwave background radiation which is the radiant heat left over from the Big 

Bang. Recent publications based on WMAP data accurately describe the features of the early 

universe and reveal hints about how it began. The WMAP team determined the universe's age to be 

13.7 billion years, with accuracy better than one percent (or 0.12 billion years, a small amount when 

working on such a vast scale), its shape (uncurved) with a precision of 0.5 percent, and its rate of 

expansion with accuracy better than four percent. The WMAP results also show that only 4.6 percent 

of the universe exists in atoms, with the remainder in dark matter and dark energy. This supports the 

theory that the vast majority of the mass in the observable universe is made up of dark matter and 

dark energy. For more on this mission go to map.gsfc.nasa.gov/.







The Spitzer Space Telescope was prolific in star formation science this year, providing new insights 

into how stars form and how their natal disks of dust and gas go on to form their planetary systems. 

Using Spitzer infrared images researchers have uncovered newborn stars at the center of the Milky 

Way galaxy. Before now, there were only a few clues that stars can form in the galaxy's core. The 

heart of the Milky Way is cluttered with stars, dust, and gas, and at its very center is a supermassive 

black hole. Conditions there are harsh, with fierce stellar winds, powerful shock waves, and other 

factors that make it difficult for stars to form. The dust made it difficult to locate baby stars. However, 

the Spitzer infrared instruments made it possible to identify more than 100 candidates for young stars, 

all less than one million years old. The press release and images are available at 

www.spitzer.caltech.edu/Media/releases/ssc2009-13/release.shtml.







NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has been helping researchers better understand the nature of 

dark energy and through it, a better understanding of the origin and destiny of the universe. Dark 

energy is responsible for the acceleration of the universe's expansion. In December 2008, researchers 

released illustrations from their examination of galaxy cluster Abell 85, one of 86 clusters observed by 

Chandra to trace how dark energy has stifled the growth of these massive structures over the last 

seven billion years. By using Chandra to observe the hot gas in the galaxy clusters, they determined 

the change in the masses of clusters over time. The growth of the galaxy structures was initially driven 

only by the attractive force of gravity, but then the repulsive force of dark energy helped drive 

expansion. For more information and images go to 

chandra.harvard.edu/press/08_releases/press_121608.html.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

ASTRO - 5 ASTRO - 5
Theme: Astrophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

Performance National 

Research 

Council

05/2006 Congressionally-mandated review by the NRC. 

The resulting letter report found that "It is vital 

that the strong, balanced science program in 

astronomy and astrophysics that has served the 

nation so well continue to be sustained as any 

new policy is implemented."

TBD

Relevance Senior Review 

Panel

04/2008 Comparative review of operating missions. 

Missions are ranked in terms of science return. 

In the most recent review, Swift and Chandra 

missions ranked highest, while RXTE and GP-B 

ranked lowest. Results and the report can be 

found at http://nasascience.nasa.gov/aboutus/science-strategy/seniorreviews/AstroSR08_Report.pdf

04/2010

Relevance National 

Research 

Council

05/2001 Decadal survey to set science and mission 

priorities for NASA's Astrophysics program. The 

report, Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New 

Millennium (NRC, 2001), found that "NASA's 

Great Observatories have revolutionized 

understanding of the cosmos, while the 

extremely successful Explorer program provides 

many targeted small-mission opportunities. 

There are now fewer opportunities for missions 

of moderate size, however..." The process to 

create the next Decadal Survey began in 2008.

2010

Independent Reviews:

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

ASTRO - 6 ASTRO - 6
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Research

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

50.4 64.1 68.6 68.5 77.9 84.4 --

Balloon Project 24.6 26.7 28.8 32.4 33.2 35.8 --

Astrophysics Research and 

Analysis

60.0 61.1 62.5 64.0 66.2 67.8 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

135.0 151.9 160.0 165.0 177.2 188.0 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

50.4 62.3 68.7 80.9 89.8 91.9 93.7

Balloon Project 25.6 26.7 27.1 32.4 32.7 35.3 36.8

Astrophysics Research and 

Analysis

60.0 60.0 60.2 64.7 65.8 67.4 69.1

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

136.0 149.0 156.1 178.1 188.4 194.6 199.6

Changes from FY 2010 Request 1.0 -3.0 -3.9 13.1 11.2 6.7 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

ASTRO - 7 ASTRO - 7
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Research

The Astrophysics Research Program provides funding to analyze the data from NASA missions to 

understand astronomical events such as the explosion of a star, the birth of a distant galaxy, or the 

motion of planets around their parent stars. The program also supports basic research for scientists 

to work out the consequences of their theories, and to understand how they can best use data from 

NASA missions to develop new knowledge about the cosmos.







NASA's policy is to make the data from its space science missions available to everyone. This data is 

archived in the Astrophysics Data Centers, located at universities and NASA centers throughout the 

country, from which users can download them. The Centers also provide tools that enable users to 

combine different sets of data, or to examine how the appearance of the sky changes when it is 

observed with different kinds of light. For example, the remnant of an exploding star (a supernova) 

looks very different in pictures taken in visible light and in X-rays. More information can be found at 

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/astrophysics/astrophysics-data-centers.







The Astrophysics Research Program also supports the early development of new technologies for 

future NASA missions. The first step is usually to show that the technology can work in the 

laboratory. The next step in developing a new type of scientific instrument is often to fly it on a highaltitude balloon mission, or on a sounding rocket flight that takes it briefly outside the Earth's 

atmosphere. Instruments for balloons and sounding rockets are not as costly as for an orbital 

mission, and they can be built quickly to respond to unexpected opportunities. The equipment is 

usually retrieved after the flight, so that novel instruments can be tested, improved and flown again. 

These suborbital flights are important in training the next generation of scientists and engineers to 

better compete in the 21st century, and to maintain U.S. leadership in science, engineering, and 

technology.







For more information on the Astrophysics Research Program, please see 

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/highlights.

Program Overview

The Astrophysics Research Program will continue to conduct and enable high-quality astrophysical 

research consistent with NASA's goals and science programs. 







The Balloons project will conduct 16-20 flights and conduct 2 foreign campaigns. 







In addition to ongoing awards, the Education and Public Outreach Project will competitively select 

approximately 40 new proposals for small awards averaging $15,000 a year and approximately 15 

new proposals for mid-range awards averaging $130,000 a year.

Plans For FY 2011

ASTRO - 8 ASTRO - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Research

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Balloons have been used for decades to conduct scientific studies. While the basics of ballooning 

have not changed, balloon size and capabilities have increased, and their dependability has 

improved greatly. The Wallops Flight Facility manages the NASA Balloon Project. The project offers 

inexpensive, high-altitude flight opportunities for scientists to conduct research and test new 

technologies prior to spaceflight application. The science experiments being done by balloons cover 

a wide range of disciplines such as astrophysics, solar and heliospheric physics, as well as Earth 

upper-atmosphere chemistry. 







The Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) provides the services of launching large (400 ft. dia), 

unmanned, high-altitude (120,000 ft.) research balloons, tracking, and recovering the scientific 

experiments suspended beneath them, for NASA centers and universities from all over the world. 

Balloons operating above the polar regions are deployed from Antarctica, Australia, and Sweden.

Balloons

This project solicits basic research proposals for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs 

in astronomy and astrophysics and includes research over the entire range of photons, gravitational 

waves, and particles of cosmic origin. The R&A project seeks to support research that addresses the 

best possible state-of-the-art detector technology development for instruments that may be proposed 

as candidate experiments for future space flight opportunities; science and/or technology 

investigations that can be carried out with instruments flown on suborbital sounding rockets, 

stratospheric balloons, or other platforms; and supporting technology, laboratory research, and/or 

(with restrictions) ground-based observations that are directly applicable to space astrophysics 

missions.







Within the R&A project, the Astrophysics Theory program (ATP) supports efforts to develop the basic 

theory for NASA's space astrophysics programs. Astrophysics Theory topics include: star formation, 

supernovae and gamma-ray bursts, large scale cosmic structures and dark matter, and dark energy 

and the cosmic microwave background.







All Research and Analysis grants selected for funding by the Astrophysics Theme are broadly 

competed through NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES). Grant 

proposals must relate directly to both Agency and Theme goals and objectives, and all proposals are 

peer-reviewed by a mix of scientific disciplines and are selected based upon merit.

Astrophysics Research & Analysis (R&A)

ASTRO - 9 ASTRO - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Research

Included in this line item are the following projects:







-Astrophysics Data Curation and Archival Research (ADCAR): The Astrophysics Theme has 

established an archive structure beyond the scope of individual missions, to receive data and make 

them accessible by creating an ensemble of primarily wavelength-specific astrophysics archives. 

After the completion of a mission, all archive activities are taken over by the relevant active multimission archive. ADCAR covers the activities of the Astrophysics Data Centers and NASA's 

participation in the Virtual Astronomical Observatory (VAO). For more information see 

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/astrophysics/astrophysics-data-centers







-Astrophysics Data Program: Over the years, NASA has invested heavily in the development and 

execution of an extensive array of space astrophysics missions. The magnitude and scope of the 

archival data from those missions enables science that transcends traditional wavelength regimes 

and allows researchers to answer questions that would be difficult, if not impossible, to address 

through an individual observing program. To capitalize on this invaluable asset and enhance the 

scientific return on NASA mission investments, Astrophysics Data Analysis provides support for 

investigations whose focus is on the analysis of archival data from NASA space astrophysics 

missions.







-The Astrophysics Senior Review budget provides funding for future operating mission extensions. 

The Senior Review is conducted every two years and is a comparative evaluation of all operating 

missions in their extended phase. Science output for these missions is evaluated, and a ranking 

process determines which missions will continue to receive funding for extended operations. 







-Keck Single Aperture is a data archive for the High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) 

instrument in the Keck Observatory. This instrument provides the radial velocity data used to find 

exoplanets.







-Directorate Support, Space Science: This project funds Agency-level services provided to the 

Science Mission Directorate. These services include Defense Contract Audit Service (DCAS) 

contract administration, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit services and NASA Contract 

Assurance Services (NCAS) for all of SMD's projects. 







-Education and Public Outreach: This project supports development and dissemination of new 

educational and outreach products that utilize SMD science discoveries. Opportunities are provided 

for students and educators, citizen scientists, and the public to engage in authentic experiences 

working with NASA data and NASA research communities. Efforts are carried out through 

competitively selected awards, ranging from $15,000-$130,000 per year. The project also supports 

four Science Education and Public Outreach Forums to foster ongoing engagement of the target 

audiences through community communication and feedback.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

Annual peer-reviewed solicitation for research 

grant opportunities

Research Program/R&A None

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

ASTRO - 10 ASTRO - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Research

Quality Archival 

Senior Review 

Panel

05/2008 Comparative review of the efficiency and cost 

effectiveness of the archives. For more 

information on the 2008 Senior Archival review 

see: 

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/astrophysics/astrop

hysics-data-centers/ApArchSR-2008_final.pdf

05/2012

Performance Mission 

Senior Review 

Panel

5/2008 A comparative evaluation of all the Astrophysics 

operating missions.

4/2010

Quality Balloon 

working group

06/2009 Evaluate the operation of the Balloon project 

from a scientific standpoint. The main result of 

this meeting was a review of the Super-Pressure 

Balloon development in preparation of an invited 

oral presentation on June 9, 2009 to the Particle 

Astrophysics and Gravitation Panel of the ongoing Astro2010 Decadal Study. The Decadal 

Study recommendations are expected in the 

August-September 2010 timeframe.

06/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Program Management

The Science Mission Directorate provides program management, with individual projects managed at 

Goddard Space Flight Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

ASTRO - 11 ASTRO - 11
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Other Missions And Data 

Analysis

91.7 40.4 38.3 25.3 19.4 20.2 --

Stratospheric Observatory for 

Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

72.8 72.8 74.0 75.8 77.6 79.1 --

James Webb Space Telescope 

(JWST)

446.9 441.4 385.1 354.6 335.6 259.8 --

Hubble Space Telescope 

(HST)

207.7 112.6 101.6 94.6 91.1 93.2 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

17.2 23.0 23.0 22.9 20.8 14.4 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

836.3 690.2 621.9 573.2 544.6 466.7 --

Other Missions And Data 

Analysis

102.5 58.4 60.6 105.7 153.4 202.2 300.1

Stratospheric Observatory for 

Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

77.4 72.8 79.6 80.1 79.2 81.1 81.3

James Webb Space Telescope 

(JWST)

466.9 440.3 444.8 379.2 335.2 259.3 119.2

Hubble Space Telescope 

(HST)

203.1 112.6 102.7 104.5 99.8 98.0 98.6

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

850.0 684.1 687.7 669.4 667.5 640.5 599.2

Changes from FY 2010 Request 13.6 -6.1 65.8 96.2 123.0 173.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

ASTRO - 12 ASTRO - 12
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

The science goal of Cosmic Origins is to understand the entire sweep of evolution of the universe, 

from the cosmic big bang to the present. Cosmic Origins missions explore how the expanding 

universe grew into a grand, cosmic web of galaxies, how stars and planets formed within the 

galaxies, and how stars create the heavy elements, such as carbon, that are essential for life. Even 

though major breakthroughs in our knowledge of the cosmos have already been made with the 

current suite of missions, Cosmic Origins science questions remain vital. How did the rich structure 

we observe in the universe today, its planets, stars and galaxies, originate from the tiny fluctuations in 

the density of matter and energy imprinted by the big bang? What was the nature of the first stars and 

galaxies, which are so faint and distant that they have never been observed? How did galaxies and 

the enormous black holes within them form and evolve? How do stars and planets form? What are 

the conditions needed for life to originate? Are we alone? To address these fundamental questions 

NASA has developed the world's most sophisticated space observatories and is now building even 

more advanced facilities such as the James Webb Space Telescope. The submillimeter and farinfrared parts of the spectrum are just now being examined by missions like Herschel and soon by 

SOFIA. In the future, larger telescopes (with mirror diameters of 10 meters or longer) will be required 

to resolve galaxies and stellar nurseries at these wavelengths and in the ultraviolet. Future 

collaboration will also be critical for continued progress answering the questions that form the 

intellectual impetus behind Cosmic Origins. 







For more information, please see: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/about-us/smd-programs/cosmicorigins

Program Overview

Hubble Space Telescope plans to start a multi-cycle treasury program to coordinate scientific 

observations over several years.



 



JWST will continue to make progress towards its launch date in June 2014. The Optical Telescope 

Element Flight Backplane Assembly is scheduled to be completed, and the Flight Model Science 

Instruments are scheduled to start delivery. 



 



SOFIA will complete open door flight testing and will conduct the first competed science observations.



 



If successful during the 2010 Senior review process, Spitzer will continue warm science operations. 







Herschel will continue its prime operations in FY 2011.

Plans For FY 2011

ASTRO - 13 ASTRO - 13
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

SOFIA, currently in development, is a Boeing 747SP airborne observatory with a 2.5 meter reflecting 

telescope that will study the universe in the infrared spectrum. Besides this contribution to science 

progress, SOFIA will be a major factor in the development of new observational techniques, new 

instrumentation and in the education of young scientists and teachers in the discipline of infrared 

astronomy. The project will be at Full Operational Capability (FOC) in CY 2014. See project page for 

more detail.

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

JWST is currently in development phase and launch is scheduled for FY 2014 on a European Space 

Agency-supplied Ariane-5 rocket for a five-year science mission (10-year goal) to study the origin 

and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. The JWST spacecraft will have a large 

mirror, 21.3 feet in diameter, and a sunshield the size of a tennis court. Neither the mirror nor the 

sunshield fit into the rocket fully open, so both will fold up and open only after JWST is in space. 

JWST will reside at the Sun-Earth L2 point, which is about one million miles from the Earth. The 

telescope and instruments will operate at cryogenic temperature in order to achieve infrared 

performance. Additional funding has been added to restore depleted reserve levels. See project 

page for more detail.

James Webb Space Telescope

Hubble Space Telescope launched in FY 1990 and is currently in an extended operations phase. 

Servicing Mission 4 (SM4), completed in FY 2009, added new batteries, gyros and instruments to 

extend its life even further into the future. One of NASA's most successful and long-lasting science 

missions, HST has beamed hundreds of thousands of images back to Earth, shedding light on many 

of the great mysteries of astronomy. Its gaze has helped determine the age of the universe, the 

identity of quasars, and the existence of dark energy. Development of the capability to safely de-orbit 

HST after its mission has concluded is underway within the Cosmic Origins program. The timing for 

this activity will be determined by the status of the observatory and the orbital conditions that would 

drive an uncontrolled reentry.

Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

ASTRO - 14 ASTRO - 14
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Included in this line item are: 







-The Spitzer Space Telescope, in extended operations, is an infrared telescope utilizing 2 channels 

of the IRAC instrument to study the atmosphere of exoplanets, looking for the earliest clusters of 

galaxies, near earth asteroids and providing a 360 degree map of our galaxy. Spitzer completed its 

cryogenic mission in FY 2009, and is now conducting warm operations. Continued warm operations 

will be reviewed in the 2010 Senior Review. 







-The Herschel Space Observatory is a collaborative mission with the European Space Agency and 

launched on May 14, 2009. It has the largest single mirror ever built for a space telescope and it will 

collect long-wavelength radiation from some of the coldest and most distant objects in the universe. 

NASA has contributed to instruments onboard Herschel and will also host U.S. astronomer access to 

data through the NASA Herschel Science Center. 







-Cosmic Origins Supporting Research & Technology supports Hubble fellowships and programspecific research and early technology development efforts. 







-Cosmic Origins Future Missions supports future mission studies based on the recommendations of 

the upcoming Astrophysics decadal review.



 



-Cosmic Origins Program Management provides programmatic, technical, and business 

management, as well as program science leadership and coordination for education and public 

outreach products and services.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

ASTRO - 15 ASTRO - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Spitzer Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Aug-03 Dec-12

Form

Herschel Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-01

May-09

May-09

May-15

Form Sep-97 Sep-01

SOFIA Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-96

Dec-14

Dec-14

Dec-34

Form

JWST Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-96 Apr-99

Jul-08

Jun-14

Oct-24

Jun-14

Oct-24

Oct-25

Form Apr-99 Jul-08

HST Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-90 Sep-15

Form

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Operations (Ops)

Research (Res)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

Program Management

SOFIA DFRC DFRC, ARC German Space Agency (DLR)

Spitzer JPL JPL None

Herschel JPL JPL European Space Agency (ESA)

JWST GSFC GSFC, JPL, JSC European Space Agency (ESA) and 

Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

HST GSFC GSFC None

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Cosmic Origins project management responsibility is as follows:

ASTRO - 16 ASTRO - 16
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

The HST Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is run under contract to NASA by the 

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). The STScI is responsible for the 

science program selection, grant administration, planning, scheduling, and public outreach activities 

for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The Basic Period of the HST STScI Contract with AURA 

ends on April 30, 2010. There are two contract options, the first of which runs May 1, 2010-April 30, 

2013, and is planned to be exercised in FY 2010.







The HST Mission Operations functions (observatory engineering analysis, trending, and health and 

safety activities) are performed under a separate contract. The HST Mission Operations and 

Systems Engineering Services contract extension will expire on June 30, 2011. A new HST Missions 

operations contract will be required, and contract procurement activity has started for this activity.







As a result of the ongoing 2010 decadal survey, there may be priority missions identified that will 

require acquisition strategy decisions in the FY 2011 time frame leading to initiating of formulation 

activities. 







No changes to acquisition activities are planned for JWST or SOFIA.

Acquisition Strategy

ASTRO - 17 ASTRO - 17
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: James Webb Space Telescope

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- -44.8 22.4

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 20.0 -1.1 59.7 24.6 -0.4 -0.5 -- -72.8 81.5

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 -- 0.0 -0.2

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 20.0 -1.1 59.7 24.5 -0.5 -0.5 -- -117.6 103.7

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 562.1 562.1

Development / 

Implementation

285.1 446.9 441.4 385.1 354.6 335.6 259.8 -- 72.8 2,581.3

Formulation 1,800.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 1,800.2

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

2,085.3 446.9 441.4 385.1 354.6 335.6 259.8 -- 634.9 4,943.6

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 67.2 517.3 584.5

Development / 

Implementation

285.1 466.9 440.3 444.8 379.2 335.2 259.3 52.0 0.0 2,662.8

Formulation 1,800.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,800.2

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.2

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

2,085.3 466.9 440.3 444.8 379.2 335.2 259.3 119.2 517.3 5,047.3

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number in the table above is understated by $47.6M due to the difference between the FY 2010 

enacted bill and the pending FY 2010 initial operating plan, and the removal of Construction of Facilities funds. Assuming 

approval of the initial operating plan, and with the inclusion of CofF funds, the estimated lifecycle cost will be $5095.2M, and the 

estimated development cost will be $2710.4M.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

ASTRO - 18 ASTRO - 18
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: James Webb Space Telescope

Since confirmation in late 2008, the JWST project has made excellent progress. All Observatory 

components have successfully completed their preliminary design reviews. All science instruments 

have successfully completed their critical design reviews, and the Integrated Science Instrument 

Module (ISIM) Critical Design Review (CDR) was successfully held in March 2009. The ISIM 

structure was delivered to GSFC in August 2009. The Spacecraft Bus PDR was successfully 

completed in July 2009, and the Optical Telescope Element CDR was also held successfully in 

October 2009. The Engineering Development Unit Primary Mirror Segment was cryogenically tested 

in April 2009 and has almost competed its final planned polishing. 







Several technical issues have occurred with the NIRCam instrument optics meeting wavefront error 

specifications, which have required additional project funds in FY 2011 and FY 2012 to correct. The 

JWST project is replanning the remaining work in all areas and working to maintain the current 

schedule, requirements, and LRD. Any revisions to project schedule and cost will be evaluated by 

the JWST SRB as part of the Critical Design Review (CDR) currently scheduled for April 2010. 







Funding in FY 2010 through FY 2012 for the construction of the Thermal Vacuum Chamber A 

facilities at Johnson Space Center has been removed from the project budget, per Congressional 

direction.

Explanation of Project Changes

ASTRO - 19 ASTRO - 19
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was identified by the National Research Council as a top 

priority new initiative for astronomy and physics for the decade. JWST is a large, deployable, spacebased infrared astronomical observatory, scheduled for launch in June 2014. The mission is a logical 

successor to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), extending beyond Hubble's discoveries by looking 

into the infrared spectrum, where the highly red-shifted early universe must be observed, where cool 

objects like protostars and protoplanetary disks emit strongly, and where dust obscures shorter 

wavelengths.







The four main science goals are:



- Search for the first galaxies or luminous objects formed after the big bang. 



- Determine how galaxies evolved from their formation until now. 



- Observe the formation of stars from the first stages to the formation of planetary systems. 



- Measure the physical and chemical properties of planetary systems and investigate the potential for 

life in those systems. 







Hubble has told us much about distant objects, but its infrared coverage is limited. Light from distant 

galaxies is redshifted, by the expansion of the universe, into the infrared part of the spectrum (from the 

visible). By examining light redshifted beyond Hubble's sight, JWST will be able to observe things 

farther away, as their light has taken longer to reach us. Hence it will be looking back further in time. 







JWST will explore the mysterious epoch when the first luminous objects in the universe came into 

being after the big bang. The focus of scientific study will include first light of the universe, assembly of 

galaxies, origins of stars and planetary systems, and origins of the elements necessary for life.







The telescope is scheduled to launch in June 2014 from Kourou, French Guiana, on an ESA-supplied 

Ariane 5 rocket. Its operational location is the L2 Lagrange point, which is about one million miles from 

the Earth. 







For more information, please see: http://www.jwst.nasa.gov

Project Purpose

ASTRO - 20 ASTRO - 20
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: James Webb Space Telescope

JWST will be optimized for infrared astronomy, with some capability in the visible range. JWST's 

instruments are Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam), Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI), Near Infrared 

Spectrograph (NIRSpec), and the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS). 







NIRCam is an imager with a large field of view and high angular resolution. It covers a wavelength 

range of 0.6 - 5 micrometers and has 10 mercury-cadmium-telluride (HgCdTe) detector arrays. These 

are analogous to charge coupled devices found in ordinary digital cameras. NIRCam is a science 

instrument but also a wavefront sensor, which is used to align and focus the optical telescope. 







NIRSpec enables scientists to obtain simultaneous spectra of more than 100 objects in a 9-squarearcminute field of view. It provides medium-resolution spectroscopy over a wavelength range from 0.6 

- 5 micrometers. NIRSpec employs a micro-electromechanical system "microshutter array" for 

aperture control, and it has two HgCdTe detector arrays. 







MIRI is an imager/spectrograph that covers the wavelength range of 5 - 28 micrometers and it has 

three arsenic-doped silicon detector arrays. The camera module provides wide-field broadband 

imagery, and the spectrograph module provides medium-resolution spectroscopy over a smaller field 

of view compared to the imager. The nominal operating temperature for the MIRI is 7 degrees above 

absolute zero, which is possible through an on-board cooling system. 







The FGS is a guider camera that is incorporated into the instrument payload in order to meet the 

image motion requirements of JWST. This sensor is used for both guide star acquisition and fine 

pointing. The sensor operates over a wavelength range of 1 - 5 micrometers and has two HgCdTe 

detector arrays. Its field of view provides a 95% probability of acquiring a guide star for any valid 

pointing direction. The FGS tunable filter camera is a wide-field, narrow-band camera that provides 

imagery over a wavelength range of 1.6 - 4.9 micrometers, via tunable Fabry-Perot etalons that are 

configured to illuminate the detector array with a single order of interference at a user-selected 

wavelength. The camera has a single HgCdTe detector array. 







The JWST Ground Operations, Science Support Center and archives will be at the Space Telescope 

Science Institute in Baltimore, MD.

Project Parameters

ASTRO - 21 ASTRO - 21
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: James Webb Space Telescope

Project Commitments

Mid-Infrared 

Instrument (MIRI)

ESA; University of 

Arizona; Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory

Operating over the 

wavelength range 5-27 

microns, providing imaging, 

coronagraphy, and 

spectroscopy.

Same Same

Near-Infrared 

Spectrometer 

(NIRSpec)

European Space Agency 

(ESA)

Operating over the 

wavelength range 0.6-5 

microns with three 

observing modes.

Same Same

Launch Vehicle European Space Agency 

(ESA) Ariane V ECA Same Same

Fine Guidance Sensor Canadian Space Agency 

(CSA)

Provides scientific target 

pointing information to the 

observatory's attitude 

control sub-system.

Same Same

Science Operations 

Center and Mission 

Operations

Space Telescope 

Science Institute (STScI)

Mission Operations and 

Science Operations Center Same Same

Near-Infrared Camera 

(NIRCam) instrument

University of Arizona; 

Lockheed Martin

Optimized for finding first 

light sources, and operating 

over the wavelength range 

0.6-5 microns.

Same Same

Observatory

Northrop Grumman 

Aerospace Systems, 

Redondo Beach, 

California

Includes Optical Telescope 

Element (OTE), Spacecraft, 

Sunshield, Observatory 

AI&T and commissioning. 

The Observatory shall be 

designed for at least a 5-

year lifetime.

Same Same

Integrated Science 

Instrument Module 

(ISIM)

NASA Goddard Space 

Flight Center

Contains the Science 

Instruments (SIs) and Fine 

Guidance Sensor (FGS). 

Provides structural, 

thermal, power, command 

and data handling 

resources to the SIs and 

FGS.

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

JWST is scheduled to launch in June 2014 and, after six months of on-orbit checkout and 

commissioning, it will complete five years of mission operations (with a goal of 10 years of 

operations.)

ASTRO - 22 ASTRO - 22
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: James Webb Space Telescope

Schedule Commitments

Start Phase E December 2014 Same Same

Launch Readiness Date June 2014 Same Same

Systems Integration Review (SIR) May 2012 Same February 2013

Critical Design Review April 2010 Same Same

Start phase C/Implementation July 2008 Same Same

Non-Advocate Review/Preliminary Design Review March,2008 Same Same

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

JWST was approved to enter implementation in July 2008.

James Webb 

Space Telescope 2009 2,581.1 2010 2,710.4 5 Launch 06/2014 06/2014 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Programmatic Construction of Facilities (transferred 

to Construction appropriation) 0.0 48.1 48.1

Other (launch services and project management) 1,242.7 624.3 -618.4

Science/technology 10.5 11.9 1.4

Ground Systems 206.8 242.0 35.2

Systems I&T 67.3 68.7 1.4

Spacecraft 875.4 1,422.1 546.7

Payload 178.4 293.3 114.9

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 2,581.1 2,710.4 129.3

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

ASTRO - 23 ASTRO - 23
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: James Webb Space Telescope

Project Management

JWST is being built by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (Redondo Beach, CA), teamed with 

Ball (Boulder, CO), ITT (Rochester, NY) and Alliant Techsystems (Edina, MN). Selections were made 

via NASA Request For Proposal.







The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), in Baltimore, MD, is developing the Science and 

Operations Center and associated services.







The Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) is being provided by GSFC.







The University of Arizona, Tucson is providing the near-infrared science camera (NIRCam), along 

with Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, California. The selection was 

made via a NASA Announcement of Opportunity.







The European Space Agency is providing the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) with management and 

technical participation by ARC and JPL, which was selected for this role after an internal NASA 

competition. The Europeans are also providing the Near-Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec) and an 

Ariane 5 launch vehicle. 







The Canadian Space Agency is providing the Fine Guidance Sensor.

Acquisition Strategy

Ground control systems 

and science operations and 

control center

GSFC None None

Ariane 5 ESA launch 

vehicle and launch 

operations

ESA None ESA

Fine Guidance Sensor - 

Tunable Filter (FGS-TF) CSA None CSA

MIRI GSFC JPL, ARC ESA

NIRSpec ESA None ESA

NIRCam GSFC GSFC None

Integrated Science 

Instrument Module (ISIM) GSFC GSFC None

Mission management and 

System Engineering GSFC GSFC None

Observatory GSFC GSFC None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

Goddard Space Flight Center is responsible for James Webb Space Telescope project management.

ASTRO - 24 ASTRO - 24
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: James Webb Space Telescope

JWST Manufacturing, I&T JWST has a long, 

complicated cryogenic 

integration and test which has 

never been performed at this 

scale.

JWST Standing Review Board regularly reviews the optical 

telescope element (OTE) testing and observatory-level 

integration and test planning.

JWST Partnership Risk Because JWST is an 

international collaboration, 

NASA may incur schedule 

and cost impacts caused by 

challenges in Europe and 

Canada that are outside of 

NASA's control. Experience 

with similar collaborations 

indicates that this is likely to 

occur.

NASA has written clearly-defined interfaces and is actively 

managing and complying with export controls (ITAR).

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Performance SRB N/A Systems Integration Review/Authority to 

Proceed into Assembly Integration and Testing 05/2012

Performance SRB N/A Critical Design Review 04/2010

Performance SRB N/A Flight Readiness Review/Authority to Launch 06/2014

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

ASTRO - 25 ASTRO - 25
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

SOFIA development costs were increased by $17.8M in the current budget horizon to reflect 

increased hanger cost requirements.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- -81.5 -0.2

Development / 

Implementation

0.1 4.6 0.0 5.6 4.3 1.6 2.0 -- 0.0 18.2

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 -0.2

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 4.6 0.0 5.6 4.3 1.6 2.0 -- -81.5 17.8

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 1,843.4 1,843.4

Development / 

Implementation

625.0 72.8 72.8 74.0 75.8 77.6 79.1 -- 0.0 1,077.1

Formulation 35.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 35.0

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

660.0 72.8 72.8 74.0 75.8 77.6 79.1 -- 1,843.4 2,955.5

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 81.3 1,761.9 1,843.2

Development / 

Implementation

625.1 77.4 72.8 79.6 80.1 79.2 81.1 0.0 0.0 1,095.3

Formulation 35.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 35.0

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.2

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

660.1 77.4 72.8 79.6 80.1 79.2 81.1 81.3 1,761.9 2,973.3

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number in the table above is understated by $2.1M due to the difference between the FY 2010 enacted 

bill and the pending FY 2010 initial operating plan. Assuming approval of the initial operating plan, the estimated lifecycle cost 

will be $2975.4M, and the estimated development cost will be $1097.3M.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

ASTRO - 26 ASTRO - 26
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

The SOFIA mission will study many different kinds of astronomical objects and phenomena, including 

star birth and death, formation of new solar systems, identification of complex molecules in space, 

planets, comets and asteroids in our solar system, nebulae and dust in galaxies (ecosystems of 

galaxies), and black holes at the center of galaxies. The infrared light of these objects is only partially 

visible from the ground due to water vapour in the Earth's atmosphere. However, at high altitudes the 

influence of water vapour is negligible, allowing better observation of these astronomical objects. 







It will be NASA's only far-infrared mission when Spitzer runs out of helium, and it is the only midinfrared mission until JWST. SOFIA's reconfigurability and flexibility ensures cutting edge technology 

as well as the ability to address new scientific questions. For more information, please see 

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/SOFIA/index.html

Project Purpose

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) was designed as a highly-modified 

Boeing 747SP aircraft with a large open-port cavity aft of the wings, housing a 2.5 meter telescope 

optimized for infrared/sub-millimeter wavelength astronomy. SOFIA will operate in flight at 41,000 

feet, and at full operational capability will have eight instruments. SOFIA will ramp up to 960 science 

hours per year, and flights will last six to eight hours on average.







Germany has provided the telescope assembly and assists with mission operations. NASA has 

provided, refurbished and modified the airplane, and provides the Science Operations Center.







The U.S. instruments include High-speed Imaging Photometer for Occultation (HIPO), First Light 

Infrared Test Experiment CAMera (FLITECAM), Faint Object InfrRed CAmera for the SOFIA 

Telescope (FORCAST), CAlTech Submillimeter Interstellar Medium Investigations Receiver 

(CASIMIR), Echelon-Cross-Echelle Spectrograph (EXES), and High-resolution Airborne Wideband 

Camera (HAWC). The two German instruments are German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahetz 

Frequencies (GREAT), and Field Imaging Far-Infrared Line Spectrometer (FIFI LS).

Project Parameters

ASTRO - 27 ASTRO - 27
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Project Commitments

Caltech Submillimeter 

Interstellar Medium 

Investigations 

Receiver (CASIMIR)

Caltech

Modular, dual-channel 

heterodyne instrument for 

high-resolution 

spectroscopy between 150 

and 600 μm

Same Same

Faint Object Infrared 

Camera for SOFIA 

Telescope 

(FORCAST)

Cornell University

Large field-of-view, narrowand broad-band 

photometric imaging and 

moderate-resolution 

spectroscopy from 4 to 42 

μm

Same Same

First Light Infrared 

Test Experiment 

Camera (FLITECAM)

UCLA

Large field-of-view, narrowand broad-band 

photometric imaging and 

low-resolution 

spectroscopy from 1 to 5.5 

μm

Same Same

German Receiver for 

Astronomy at Terahetz 

Frequencies (GREAT)

Germany (DLR) TBD Same Same

High-resolution 

Airborne Wideband 

Camera (HAWC)

University of Chicago Far-Infrared Bolometer 

Camera ,50-240 microns Same Same

Echelon-Cross -

Echelle Spectrograph 

(EXES)

ARC

Echelon Spectrometer, 5-

28 microns R=105, 104, or 

3000

Same Same

Field Imaging FarInfrared Line 

Spectrometer (FIFI LS)

Germany (DLR) TBD Same Same

Platform DFRC/L3/MPC

Refurbished Boeing 747SP 

modified to accommodate 

telescope

Same Same

High-speed 

Photometer for 

Occultations (HIPO)

Lowell Observatory

Simultaneous high-speed 

time-resolved imaging 

photometry at two optical 

wavelengths

Same Same

Science Center ARC/USRA

Science Center will 

schedule observations, and 

manage data acquisition 

and processing

Same Same

Flight Operations DFRC/CSC DyneCorp Flight crew, maintenance, 

and fuel Same Same

Telescope Germany (DLR) 2.7m diamter, dual mirror Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

SOFIA will initiate science observations in FY 2010, and will begin 20 years at full operational 

capability as an airborne observatory in December 2014.

ASTRO - 28 ASTRO - 28
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Schedule Commitments

Full Operational Capability (FOC) N/A 2014 2014

First Science (Early Science) N/A 2009 2010

First Flight 2000 2007 2007

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The development and test plan has been modified to enable earlier science observations by the 

science community to be concurrent with the late phases of aircraft flight testing. The current plan 

provides for initial science observations with a subset of science instruments in FY 2010, followed by 

completion of the remaining science instruments and refinement of telescope performance, at which 

point Full Operational Capability in December 2014 is reached.

Stratospheric 

Observatory for 

Infrared 

Astronomy 

(SOFIA)

2007 919.5 2010 1,097.3 19 FOC 12/2013 12/2014 12

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Science/Technology 199.6 290.7 91.1

Other Costs 62.2 61.0 -1.2

Aircraft/Spacecraft 657.7 745.6 87.9

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 919.5 1,097.3 177.8

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

ASTRO - 29 ASTRO - 29
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Cosmic Origins

Project In Development: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Telescope cavity acoustics If the telescope cavity 

acoustic resonance occurs 

above specified sound 

pressure levels, then 

additional mitigation work 

would be required

External wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics 

modeling have been complete to design the cavity, and 

mitigation approaches.

Late delivery of Cavity Door 

Drive System

Late delivery of software that 

operates the telescope 

observation doors on the 

aircraft will impact the 

schedule to initiate open door 

flight testing and science 

observations.

NASA has stationed a NASA representative at the vendor's 

facility to support and oversee the vendor until delivery of the 

software. NASA has reviewed and revised the schedule for 

testing of the software for schedule efficiency.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Project Management

Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) manages the program and the platform project (airframe and 

telescope). DFRC is working with L-3 Communications (Waco,Texas), and MPC Products 

Corporation (Skokie,IL) to support the completion of the development, integration and test of the 

airborne platform system. L-3 modified the Boeing 747SP aircraft to install the telescope provided by 

Germany (DLR/DSI). MPC is developing the telescope cavity door drive system. DFRC is also 

working with CSC DynCorp (El Segundo, CA) to provide aircraft maintainence support. 







Ames Research Center (ARC) manages the science project. ARC is working with University Space 

Research Association (Columbia, MD) for the science planning, ground science facilities, science 

instrument and technology development, and education and public outreach for SOFIA.

Acquisition Strategy

Instruments ARC None Germany - DLR/DSI

Mission Operations and 

Data Analysis ARC None Germany - DLR/DSI

Science ARC None Germany - DLR/DSI

Platform DFRC DFRC Germany - DLR/DSI

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The overall Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) project, and the SOFIA 

airborne system is managed by Dryden Flight Research Center. The SOFIA science is managed by 

Ames Research Center.

Performance Standing 

Review Board 7/2009 Early science project review. Determined that plan for early science had merit. 4/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

ASTRO - 30 ASTRO - 30
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Physics of the Cosmos

The Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS) Program focuses on some of the most profound questions in 

contemporary science: How did the universe begin? What is the universe composed of, and what is 

its ultimate fate? What are the fundamental laws that govern the workings of space, time, matter and 

energy? 







These fundamental questions can be approached by asking more specific questions: What happens 

to matter, energy, and time at the edge of a black hole where Einstein's theory of gravity is put to its 

harshest test? What are the natures of dark matter, the unidentified matter that assisted the formation 

of galaxies, and the mysterious dark energy that is causing the Universe to accelerate? It is possible 

that the answers to these questions will usher in a revolutionary new understanding of physics. 







The Fermi mission, for example, is searching for signs of new laws of physics and what composes 

the mysterious dark matter. It will attempt to explain how black holes accelerate immense jets of 

material to nearly the speed of light. The Planck mission will provide the best possible map of the 

cosmic microwave background, the earliest baby picture of the Universe. The XMM-Newton mission 

has helped scientists solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from enigmatic black holes to the 

origins of the universe itself. Chandra will continue to reveal new details of celestial X-ray phenomena 

such as the collisions of galaxies that directly detect the presence of dark matter. New missions 

under consideration in the current Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal survey include the 

International X-ray Observatory (IXO), which would observe regions near the surfaces of super 

massive black holes; the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), which would peer back to the 

very beginning of time using the completely unexplored spectrum of gravitational radiation; and the 

Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM), which would focus on the nature and behavior of dark energy.







For more information see: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/about-us/smd-programs/physics-of-thecosmos

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

111.1 124.7 165.5 191.0 270.6 315.9 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

111.1 124.7 165.5 191.0 270.6 315.9 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

111.1 116.8 103.3 114.4 151.7 176.4 202.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

111.1 116.8 103.3 114.4 151.7 176.4 202.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -7.9 -62.2 -76.6 -118.9 -139.5 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

ASTRO - 31 ASTRO - 31
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Physics of the Cosmos

In FY 2011 Planck will be in full science operations. Planck will complete the first full-sky survey of the 

cosmic microwave background, and will process the science data to produce the first Planck science 

results. Then the second full-sky survey will begin to provide critical refinement of cosmic microwave 

background and further science results.







The Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope will continue in its prime operations phase, making 

observations selected by peer review of observation proposals. Chandra will continue extended 

mission operations, making observations selected by peer review of observation proposals.







Future PCOS mission studies will continue pending the outcome of the NRC Decadal Survey on 

Astrophysics, which will evaluate JDEM, IXO, LISA, and other missions in the Astrophysics portfolio.

Plans For FY 2011

ASTRO - 32 ASTRO - 32
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Physics of the Cosmos

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Included in this line item are:







-Planck, launched in May 2009, is an ESA-led mission with substantial NASA contributions. It will 

reveal the geometry and contents of the universe, how the universe grew immediately after its birth, 

and how the stage was set for the universe to evolve into structures that are seen today, such as 

galaxies. It will provide an order of magnitude increase in precision in its measurement of the Cosmic 

Microwave Background (CMB). 







-Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is a joint NASA/DOE mission formerly called GLAST. Fermi 

launched in June 2008 and is currently in operational phase. It is designed to detect the highest 

energy gamma-rays ever measured in a space-based mission and will provide a full-sky map filled 

with thousands of gamma-ray sources, increasing the current tally by orders of magnitude.







-Chandra, a flagship X-ray observatory currently in extended operations, has allowed scientists to 

image complex systems in exquisite detail, and to determine the positions of thousands of distant Xray sources. Chandra has also provided unique information on diverse subjects ranging from the 

presence and amount of dark matter in the universe to phenomena occurring near the horizons of 

black holes. 







- Physics of the Cosmos Supporting Research & Technology supports Einstein Fellowships and 

program-specific research and early technology development efforts.







- Physics of the Cosmos Program Management provides programmatic, technical, and business 

management, as well as program science leadership and coordination for education and public 

outreach products and services. 







- Physics of the Cosmos Future Missions supports future mission studies based on the 

recommendations of the upcoming Astrophysics Decadal Survey by the National Academy of 

Sciences. Three missions have completed early technology activities and are under consideration 

by the 2010 Decadal Survey:



 -The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), a joint mission with the European Space 

Agency, will provide a first view of the gravitational radiation spectrum from space, enabling 

scientists to "see" in new ways how the universe evolved, and allowing powerful new tests of 

fundamental laws. 



 -The International X-ray Observatory (IXO) is a joint X-ray observatory with participation from 

NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency 

(JAXA). Science objectives are the study of black holes and matter under extreme conditions, and 

the life cycles of matter and energy in the universe. 



 -The Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM) is a space-based observatory that will make precision 

cosmological observations to measure the effects of dark energy on the recent expansion history of 

the universe and on the growth of structure in the universe.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

ASTRO - 33 ASTRO - 33
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Physics of the Cosmos

Chandra Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-99 Sep-14

Form

Planck Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-01

May-09

Mar-11

May-09

Mar-11

Mar-12

Form Sep-97 Sep-01

Fermi Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-98 Dec-99

Dec-03

Jun-08

Sep-18

Jun-08

Aug-18

Feb-20

Form Dec-99 Dec-03

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

The acquisition strategies for future Astrophysics missions (such as JDEM, IXO, or LISA) are under 

development. NASA will seek to maximize the amount of competition to ensure that the best 

concepts and science are supported.

Acquisition Strategy

Program Management

Planck (Instrumentation) JPL JPL ESA

Chandra MSFC MSFC None

Fermi GSFC GSFC DOE, Japan, Italy, France, Sweden, 

and Germany

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Goddard Space Flight Center has Program management responsibility. Project management is as 

follows:

ASTRO - 34 ASTRO - 34
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Exoplanet Exploration

Today we stand on the threshold of a voyage of unprecedented scope and ambition, promising 

insight into one of humankind's most timeless questions: Are we alone? Is Earth unique, or are other 

planets like ours common? One of the most exciting new fields of research within the NASA 

Astrophysics portfolio is the search for planets, particularly Earth-like planets, around other stars. 

During the last 15 years, astronomers have discovered over 400 planets orbiting nearby stars. Most 

of these planets are gas giants, similar in size to the four outer planets in our own Solar System, 

although the majority orbit much closer to their parent stars than do the giant planets in our system, 

some as close as 0.04 AU (1 AU = 1 astronomical unit = mean Earth-Sun distance, 93 million miles). 

Mercury, by comparison, orbits the Sun at a distance of about 0.4 AU (about 37 million miles). This 

means the planets have "hot" surface temperatures compared to our Earth. 







Most of the known extrasolar planets have been discovered with ground-based telescopes using the 

radial velocity, or the Doppler method, in which one measures the tiny back-and-forth motion of a star 

as a planet orbits around it. The Doppler method tends to favor the detection of massive planets since 

the greater the mass of the planet, the greater the "wobble" it induces in the parent star. 

Approximately sixty planets have been found using a second technique, the transit method, in which 

one measures the slight dimming of a star's light that occurs as a planet passes between it and the 

observer, blocking out a bit of the light. The transit method only works on systems in which the 

planet's orbital plane is nearly parallel to one's line of sight. NASA's Kepler mission, the Agency's first 

mission dedicated to the study of extrasolar planets, is specifically designed to use the transit method 

to detect Earth-size and smaller planets, and will provide the first quantitative estimate of how many 

of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. 







In the future, through the use of advanced measurement techniques such as astrometry, 

interferometry, microlensing and coronagraphy, NASA plans to embark on a series of missions 

designed to detect and characterize Earth-sized planets that are orbiting in the "habitable zone" of 

nearby stars (the range of distances at which liquid water could be stable at the planet's surface). The 

Agency's long-term vision for exoplanet exploration includes missions optimized not only to detect 

extrasolar planets, but also to directly measure their characteristics and search for the chemical 

fingerprints of life. For more information, please see: http://exep.jpl.nasa.gov/

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

68.1 46.2 57.3 86.9 123.5 167.3 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

68.1 46.2 57.3 86.9 123.5 167.3 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

72.1 46.2 42.5 54.1 83.0 93.8 117.6

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

72.1 46.2 42.5 54.1 83.0 93.8 117.6

Changes from FY 2010 Request 4.0 0.0 -14.7 -32.8 -40.5 -73.6 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

ASTRO - 35 ASTRO - 35
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Exoplanet Exploration

The Exoplanet Exploration Program (EXEP) will fund technology maturation activities for a variety of 

different techniques for detecting and characterizing extrasolar planets, including space-based 

interferometric, coronagraphic, and statistical concepts. 







Keck Interferometer is operational and will provide U.S. astronomers access to this unique 

observational facility in support of NASA astrophysics science goals. 







Kepler will be in full operations phase, making progress towards identifying potential Earth-size 

planets.

Plans For FY 2011

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

This line item contains the following projects:







-Kepler, launched in March 2009, finished its in-orbit checkout and began its operations phase during 

the summer of 2009. It is specifically designed to survey the distant stars in our region of the Milky 

Way galaxy to detect and characterize hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the 

"habitable zone." The habitable zone encompasses the distances from a star where liquid water can 

exist on a planet's surface. 







-Keck Operations is the NASA portion of the Keck Observatory partnership. NASA uses its share of 

observing time in support of all astrophysics science programs: Exoplanet Exploration, Cosmic 

Origins and Physics of the Cosmos. Observation time is competed, selected and managed by the 

NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI). 







-Exoplanet Exploration Supporting Research & Technology supports Sagan Fellowships and 

program-specific research and early technology development efforts. 







- Exoplanet Exploration Program Management provides programmatic, technical, and business 

management, as well as program science leadership and coordination for education and public 

outreach products and services.







- Exoplanet Exploration Future Missions supports future mission studies based on the 

recommendations of the upcoming 2010 Astrophysics decadal survey. Missions under consideration 

include the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM). SIM is a mission under study in support of NASA's 

goal of searching for habitable planets. The project has completed risk reduction engineering, and is 

studying alternate designs over a range of cost and performance levels. 







-If approved for further development, the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) is the 

NASA portion of the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) partnership. The instrument will perform a key 

science program of exo-zodiacal dust survey around nearby stars.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

ASTRO - 36 ASTRO - 36
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Exoplanet Exploration

Performance Exoplanet 

Task Force

01/2008 Determine planet-finding research and 

technology approach & prioritization leading up 

to the next decadal survey. Report and 

recommended strategy published and sent to 

respective agencies. For more information, 

please see: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/aboutus/NAC-subcommittees/nac-documents/2008-

01_APS_ExoPTF.pdf

N/A

Performance SRB N/A To conduct an overall assessment of the life 

cycle cost, schedule and deliverables of the 

program.

2013

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Kepler Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

May-05

Mar-09

Nov-12

Mar-09

Nov-12

Nov-13

Form Dec-01 May-05

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Research (Res)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

The acquisition strategy for the next Exoplanet mission has not yet been determined.

Acquisition Strategy

Program Management

Kepler ARC ARC None

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is resposible for program management. Program management is as 

follows:

ASTRO - 37 ASTRO - 37
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

The Explorer Program provides frequent flight opportunities for world-class astrophysics and 

heliophysics investigations using innovative and streamlined management approaches for spacecraft 

development and operations. Explorer missions are highly responsive to new knowledge, new 

technology, and updated scientific priorities by launching smaller missions that can be conceived and 

executed in a relatively short development cycle. Priorities are based on an open competition of 

concepts solicited from the scientific community. The program also enables participation in missions 

of opportunity provided by other U.S. or international agencies. The program emphasizes missions 

that can be accomplished under the control of the scientific research community within constrained 

mission life-cycle costs. The program also seeks to enhance public awareness of space science by 

incorporating educational and public outreach activities into each mission. For more information, 

please see Explorer Program at http://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov/missions.html.







Currently, there are three Explorer missions in the Astrophysics Division: Nuclear Spectroscopic 

Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is in development, Astro-H and Gravity and Extreme Magnetism (GEMS) 

(the most recently selected mission) are in formulation. Five previously-launched missions are also 

supported in this program, as they continue to produce world-class science in their extended mission 

phases.

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

26.8 35.0 30.6 18.2 3.8 1.7 --

Nuclear Spectroscopic 

Telescope Array (NuStar)

38.7 59.9 33.7 6.8 6.4 0.0 --

Wide - Field Infrared Survey 

Explorer (WISE)

65.2 13.0 5.2 1.6 0.2 0.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

130.7 107.9 69.5 26.6 10.4 1.7 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

95.2 48.0 33.6 24.8 7.6 12.6 11.1

Gravity and Extreme 

Magnetism

1.7 0.0 21.0 57.7 44.7 40.8 2.1

Nuclear Spectroscopic 

Telescope Array (NuStar)

38.7 59.9 32.1 10.8 6.2 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

135.7 107.9 86.7 93.3 58.5 53.3 13.2

Changes from FY 2010 Request 5.0 0.0 17.2 66.6 48.0 51.6 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

ASTRO - 38 ASTRO - 38
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) will complete the science instrument 

integration and test activities, and begin final overall integration and test of the combined NuSTAR 

science instrument/spacecraft bus, in preparation for a FY 2012 launch. 







The SXS instrument for Astro-H will complete its critical design review.







Gravity and Extreme Magnetism (GEMS) will complete preliminary design review and confirmation 

review.







WISE will complete its first sky map and complete its prime mission phase.

Plans For FY 2011

ASTRO - 39 ASTRO - 39
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism (GEMS) mission was recently selected to proceed into 

formulation. GEMS will use an X-ray telescope to explore the shape of space that has been 

distorted by a spinning black hole's gravity, and probe the structure and effects of the formidable 

magnetic field around magnetars, dead stars with magnetic fields trillions of times stronger than 

Earth's.

Gravity and Extreme Magnetism SMEX (GEMS)

The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), currently in development, is planned for 

launch in January 2012. NuSTAR will provide a greater capability for using high-energy X-rays to 

detect black holes than any currently existing instrument. NuSTAR has been designed to answer 

fundamental questions about the universe, such as: How are black holes distributed through the 

cosmos? How were the elements of the universe created? What powers the most extreme active 

galaxies? This mission will expand the ability to understand the origin of cosmic rays and help predict 

the destinies of stars and galaxies.

Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR)

ASTRO - 40 ASTRO - 40
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Included in this line item are the following projects:







-Launched in December 2009, the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) will provide an all-sky 

survey of galaxies in the infrared. During its six-month mission, WISE will map the sky in infrared 

light, searching for the nearest and coolest stars, the origins of stellar and planetary systems, and the 

most luminous galaxies in the universe. WISE's infrared survey will provide an essential catalog for 

the James Webb Space Telescope. As the telescope orbits from the North Pole to the South Pole 

and then back up to the North Pole, it will observe a circle in the sky. As Earth moves around the 

Sun, this circle will shift, until WISE has observed the entire sky.







-Suzaku is Japan's fifth X-ray astronomy mission, on which NASA provided five X-ray mirrors, as well 

as one instrument, the micro-calorimeter spectrometer. Suzaku studies black holes, neutron stars, 

and quasars, to unravel the physics of high-energy processes and the behavior of matter under 

extreme conditions. 







-Swift studies the position, brightness, and physical properties of gamma-ray bursts. Within seconds 

of detecting a burst, Swift relays a burst's location to ground stations, allowing both groundbased



and space-based telescopes around the world the opportunity to observe the burst's afterglow.







-The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) is exploring the origin and evolution of galaxies, the origins 

of stars and heavy elements, and is conducting an all-sky ultraviolet survey.







-The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) studies the early universe by measuring the 

cosmic microwave background radiation over the full sky. WMAP produced the earliest "baby 

picture" of the universe, showing temperature variation of microwave light 379,000 years after the big 

bang, over 13 billion years ago.







-Astro-H is a mission of opportunity currently in formulation, in which NASA will provide the HighResolution Soft X-Ray Spectrometer (SXS) instrument onboard the Astro-H spacecraft. Astro-H is 

an X-ray observation satellite under development by JAXA, scheduled for a FY 2014 launch. The 

mission will trace the growth history of the largest structures in the universe, provide insights into the 

behavior of material in extreme gravitational fields, determine the spin of black holes and the 

equation of state of neutron stars, trace shock acceleration structures in clusters of galaxies, and 

investigate the detailed physics of jets.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

ASTRO - 41 ASTRO - 41
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

GEMS Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-11

Apr-14

Apr-14

Jan-15

Form Jun-09 Jul-11

Astro-H Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Aug-09

Feb-14

Feb-14

Feb-16

Form Jun-08 Aug-09

NuSTAR Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Nov-09

Jan-12

Jan-12

Sep-14

Form Feb-08 Nov-09

GALEX Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-03 Sep-12

Form

WMAP Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-01 Sep-11

Form

Suzaku Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

May-05 Sep-11

Form

Swift Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-04 Sep-12

Form

WISE Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-06

Dec-09

Nov-10

Dec-09

Oct-10

Nov-12

Form Apr-02 Oct-06

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Operations (Ops)

Development (Dev)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

ASTRO - 42 ASTRO - 42
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Program Management

Suzaku GSFC N/A Japan (JAXA)

Swift GSFC N/A None

RXTE GSFC N/A None

WMAP GSFC N/A None

GEMS GSFC GSFC None

WISE GSFC JPL None

Astro-H GSFC GSFC Japan (JAXA)

NuSTAR GSFC JPL None

GALEX GSFC N/A None

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Management of the Astrophysics Explorer Program is assigned to Goddard Space Flight Center 

(GSFC).

Explorer projects are selected through competitive Announcements of Opportunity, from which 

multiple investigations are selected for initial concept studies, followed by a competitive down-select 

to proceed to the next stage of formulation. Investigations are selected to proceed from one phase to 

the next through execution of contract options, based on successful technical, cost, and schedule 

performance in the previous phases.

Acquisition Strategy

ASTRO - 43 ASTRO - 43
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Project In Development: Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array

NuSTAR was approved to enter development at its confirmation review in August 2009. It was 

confirmed at a budget slightly higher than the FY 2010 President's budget, consistent with the 

recommendation of the Senior Review Board.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -0.6 -0.3 0.0 -- 0.0 -0.8

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 0.0 0.0 -1.6 4.5 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 2.9

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 0.0 0.0 -1.6 4.0 -0.3 0.0 -- 0.0 2.1

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.8 6.4 0.0 -- 0.0 13.2

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 17.1 59.9 33.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 110.7

Formulation 16.7 21.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 38.3

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

16.7 38.7 59.9 33.7 6.8 6.4 0.0 -- 0.0 162.2

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.3 6.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.4

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 17.1 59.9 32.1 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 113.6

Formulation 16.7 21.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 38.3

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

16.7 38.7 59.9 32.1 10.8 6.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 164.3

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number in the table above is overstated by $3.7M due to the difference between the FY 2010 enacted 

bill and the pending FY 2010 initial operating plan. Assuming approval of the initial operating plan, the estimated lifecycle cost 

will be $160.6M, and the estimated development cost will be $109.9M.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

ASTRO - 44 ASTRO - 44
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Project In Development: Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array

Project Commitments

Mission operations, 

focal plane assembly 

and instrument 

electronics

University of California, 

Berkeley

Aperture stop, active shield 

module and mechanical 

enclosures

N/A Same

X-ray optics

Columbia University, 

GSFC and the Danish 

Technical University

Overall optics assembly 

management and 

manufacturing

N/A Same

Mast, canister and 

instrument structure ATK

Delivery of mast, canister 

and instrument structure for 

the spacecraft

N/A Same

Spacecraft Orbital Sciences 

Corporation

Spacecraft design, 

fabrication and testing. N/A Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

NuSTAR will be launched in January 2012 into a 550km circular orbit around the Earth, with an orbital 

inclination currently planned for 6 degrees. Prime operations phase is two years.

The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) mission will observe the universe at high Xray energy levels. By focusing higher energy X-rays, NuSTAR will start to answer several fundamental 

questions about the universe including: How are black holes distributed through the cosmos? How 

were heavy elements forged in the explosions of massive stars? What powers the most extreme 

active galaxies? 







NuSTAR's primary science goal is to make the first deep observations of regions of the sky in the high 

energy X-ray band in order to locate massive black holes in other galaxies, locate and examine the 

remnants of collapsed stars in our galaxy, observe selected very high energy gamma-ray sources, 

and observe any supernovae of opportunity in the local group of galaxies. NuSTAR's key science 

products will be sensitive high-energy X-ray survey maps of the celestial sky that will guide the X-ray 

astronomy community research for several years to come.







For more information see: http://www.nustar.caltech.edu/

Project Purpose

NuSTAR will image the sky in the high energy X-ray band (6-79 KeV) and the spacecraft will be 3-axis 

stabilized. The primary science instruments will be two identical focusing X-ray telescopes which 

utilize an extendable 10-meter mast. The launch vehicle will be a Pegasus XL.

Project Parameters

ASTRO - 45 ASTRO - 45
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Project In Development: Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array

Schedule Commitments

Launch January 2012 N/A January 2012

Critical Design Review February 2010 N/A February 2010

Confirmation Review N/A N/A August 2009

Preliminary Design Review N/A N/A June 2009

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

NuSTAR was authorized for mission re-start in September 2007 and was authorized to proceed into 

Phase B in January 2008. Confirmation to proceed into Phase C (implementation) was approved in 

August 2009.

Nuclear 

Spectroscopic 

Telescope Array

2010 109.9 2010 109.9 0 Launch 01/2012 01/2012 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other Costs 27.5 27.5 0.0

Science/Technology 1.7 1.7 0.0

Ground Systems 2.1 2.1 0.0

Launch Vehicle Services 35.8 35.8 0.0

Systems I&T 5.9 5.9 0.0

Payload(s) 21.5 21.5 0.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 15.4 15.4 0.0

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 109.9 109.9 0.0

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

ASTRO - 46 ASTRO - 46
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Project In Development: Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array

Observatory Mass Margin The combined mass of the 

spacecraft and instrument 

forces design changes that 

tax project programmatic 

resources.

Remove shells from each object. This would free up about 6-

10kg from the instrument.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Project Management

NuSTAR was selected via a NASA Explorers Announcement of Opportunity. The spacecraft is being 

developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) in Dulles, Virginia. X-ray optics are being 

developed by Columbia University (NY), GSFC (MD), and the Danish Technical University. Launch 

vehicle acquisition is through KSC.

Acquisition Strategy

Spacecraft, instruments, 

mast, optics JPL GSFC N/A

Launch Vehicle KSC N/A N/A

Mission Science JPL N/A N/A

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for NuSTAR Project Management. The Principal 

Investigator at the California Institute of Technology is responsible for mission science.

Performance SRB 6/2009 Preliminary Design Review (PDR); received 

authority to enter Phase C 02/2010

Quality SRB N/A

Critical Design Review (CDR). Demonstrates 

that the preliminary design is appropriate to 

support proceeding with full scale fabrication, 

assembly, integration and testing.

2/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

ASTRO - 47 ASTRO - 47
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Project In Formulation: Gravity and Extreme Magnetism (SMEX 13)

GEMS will use an X-ray telescope to explore the shape of space that has been distorted by a spinning 

black hole's gravity, and probe the structure and effects of the formidable magnetic field around 

magnetars, dead stars with magnetic fields trillions of times stronger than Earth's. 







Current missions cannot do this because the required angular resolution is far beyond what is 

technically feasible and, in the case of magnetic field imaging, can't do this because magnetic fields 

are invisible. GEMS will use a new technique to accomplish what has been impossible until now. It will 

build up a picture indirectly by measuring the polarization of X-rays emitted from these violent regions. 

This will open new discovery space because GEMS is orders of magnitude more sensitive than 

previous X-ray polarization experiments.







GEMS will be able to tell the shapes of the X-ray-emitting matter trapped near black holes better than 

existing missions can -- in particular, whether matter around a black hole is confined to a flat disk or 

puffed into a sphere or squirting out in a jet. Since X-rays are polarized by the space swirling around a 

spinning black hole, GEMS also provides a method of determining black hole spin independent of 

other techniques.

Project Purpose

The nominal science mission is 9 months in duration. The X-ray Polarimeter Instrument (XPI) will be 

sensitive from 2 to 10 kev to polarization amplitude and angle. GEMS will study 35 targets including 

stellar-mass, black holes, seyfert galaxies and quasars, blazars, neutron star pulsars, shell 

supernovae remnants, and pulsar wind nebulae.

Project Preliminary Parameters

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 1.7 0.0 21.0 57.7 44.7 40.8 2.1

Total Change from 2010 President's Budget 

Request

1.7 0.0 21.0 57.7 44.7 40.8 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Launch Vehicle TBD Small Class N/A Same

Instrument Payload GSFC X-ray Polarimeter 

Instrument (XPI) N/A Same

Spacecraft Orbital Small spacecraft based on 

reusuable design N/A Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Estimated Project Deliverables

ASTRO - 48 ASTRO - 48
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Astrophysics

Program: Astrophysics Explorer

Project In Formulation: Gravity and Extreme Magnetism (SMEX 13)

Performance SRB N/A Preliminary Design Review; determine if the 

project is ready to proceed into development 06/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Late Polarimeter Delivery to 

Instrument I&T

If the Polarimeter does not 

meet the delivery date to the 

Instrument I&T, then the 

mission schedule will be 

impacted.

The project plans to develop two ETUs of the Polarimeter to 

test in parallel.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Estimated Project Schedule

Launch April 2014 N/A Same

KDP-C July 2011 N/A Same

SRR (Mission) July 2010 N/A Same

Formulation

Milestone Name

Formulation 

Agreement 

Estimate

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The GEMS project was selected for formulation in June 2009.

Project Management

The largest portion of the overall project effort has been awarded to Orbital. In Phase B/C/D/E, the 

contract with Orbital is a cost-plus-award fee.

Acquisition Strategy

Launch Vehicle KSC None N/A

X-ray Polarimeter 

Instrument (XPI) GSFC GSFC N/A

Spacecraft GSFC None N/A

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

GEMS is part of the Explorers Program managed by GSFC.

ASTRO - 49 ASTRO - 49
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

ASTRO - 50
Theme: Heliophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

Our planet is immersed in a seemingly invisible yet exotic and inherently hostile environment. Above 

the protective cocoon of Earth's lower atmosphere is a plasma soup composed of electrified and 

magnetized matter entwined with penetrating radiation and energetic particles. Our Sun's explosive 

energy output forms an immense structure of complex magnetic fields. This colossal bubble of 

magnetism, known as the heliosphere, stretches far beyond the orbit of Pluto. On its way through the 

Milky Way, this extended atmosphere of the Sun affects all planetary bodies in the solar system. It is 

itself influenced by slowly changing interstellar conditions that in turn can affect Earth's habitability. In 

fact, the Sun's extended atmosphere drives some of the greatest changes in our local magnetic 

environment affecting our own atmosphere, ionosphere, and potentially our climate. This immense 

volume is our cosmic neighborhood; it is the domain of the science called heliophysics.







Heliophysics seeks understanding of the interaction of the large complex, coupled system comprising 

the Sun, Earth, and Moon, other planetary systems, the vast space within the solar system, and the 

interface to interstellar space. Heliophysics flight missions form a fleet of solar, heliospheric, and 

geospace spacecraft that operate simultaneously to understand this coupled Sun-Earth system.







A robust heliophysics research program is critical to human and robotic explorers venturing into 

space. Solar radiation drives the climate system and sustains the biosphere of Earth. Solar particles 

and fields drive radiation belts, high-altitude winds, heat the ionosphere, and alter the ozone layer. 

The resulting space weather affects radio and radar transmissions, gas and oil pipelines, electrical 

power grids, and spacecraft electronics. As a result, scientific research in this area has the potential 

to return economic and political value to modern society. An effective plan incorporates studying the 

Sun, heliosphere, and planetary environments as elements of a single interconnected system: one 

that contains dynamic space weather, and one that evolves in response to solar, planetary, and 

interstellar conditions. NASA is working to advance this science that enables space weather prediction 

by answering fundamental questions about this system's behavior:







-	What causes the Sun to vary?



-	How do the Earth and the Heliosphere respond?



-	What are the impacts on humanity?







Heliophysics strategic goals are achieved through four program/mission lines: two strategic 

programs/missions, one competed program, and a Research and Analysis program. Solar Terrestrial 

Probes, a strategic program, provide understanding of the fundamental processes inherent in all 

astrophysical systems and how they affect the nature of our home in space. Living With a Star, the 

other strategic program, emphasizes the science necessary to understand those aspects of the Sun 

and space environment that most directly affect life and society and that enable robotic and human 

exploration of the solar system. The Explorer Program consists of competitively selected small PI-led 

missions that can be developed relatively quickly, providing frequent flight opportunities for world-class 

scientific investigations from space. The Heliophysics Research Program supports physics-based 

modeling that has played an increasingly important role both in defining the missions and interpreting 

their observations.

Theme Overview

HELIO - 1
Theme: Heliophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

New Millennium 2.7 1.8 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

Heliophysics Explorer Program 31.4 69.4 119.7 158.1 161.3 167.4 --

Solar Terrestrial Probes 123.1 143.0 169.1 170.6 160.8 164.3 --

Living with a Star 238.6 212.2 204.6 208.7 230.0 236.6 --

Heliophysics Research 195.9 178.6 178.1 183.1 190.6 194.3 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 591.6 605.0 672.6 720.5 742.7 762.6 --

New Millennium 2.7 1.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Heliophysics Explorer Program 34.8 69.4 97.7 99.2 116.1 126.8 167.8

Solar Terrestrial Probes 143.0 143.0 162.9 175.1 178.5 161.7 121.4

Living with a Star 222.6 240.2 214.3 207.9 216.5 243.0 288.8

Heliophysics Research 204.7 173.0 166.9 165.4 168.7 172.9 172.9

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 607.8 627.4 641.9 647.6 679.8 704.4 750.8

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 16.2 22.3 -30.7 -72.9 -62.9 -58.2 --

Note: Budget of $169 million for GEMS has been transferred from Heliophysics to Astrophysics Theme.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

IRIS, a Small Explorers (SMEX) selected in FY 2009, plans on conducting its Critical Design Review in FY 

2011. The IBEX, CINDI, TWINS, AIM, and THEMIS missions will continue mission operations. An 

Announcement of Opportunity for the next Explorer missions will be developed and prepared for release.

Heliophysics Explorer Program

The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) will continue the implementation phase. STEREO and Hinode 

will continue mission operations. The program will begin preliminary studies to define the next STP mission.

Solar Terrestrial Probes

The Radiation Belt Probes (RBSP) mission will complete manufacturing of its hardware and begin integration 

and testing. The Solar Orbiter Collaboration will transition into Phase B for formulation. Solar Probe Plus will 

develop draft program-level requirements and memoranda of agreement during Phase A and end in an Initial 

confirmation Assessment. SDO will continue mission operations.

Living with a Star

The Research program will continue to operate 16 missions comprising 27 spacecraft through FY 2010 and 

conduct another senior review in April 2010 to determine whether to continue those missions into FY 2011. 

Heliophysics data centers will continue to archive and distribute collected science data.

Heliophysics Research

Plans for FY 2011

HELIO - 2
Theme: Heliophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

Relevance

The Heliophysics Program is guided by U.S. National Space Policy and follows NASA's tradition of 

establishing its priorities through consultation with world-class experts. Heliophysics relies on two 

advisory bodies for scientific assessments and decadal surveys: the National Research Council's 

Space Studies Board and the NASA Advisory Council. Heliophysics missions such as the Advanced 

Composition Explorer provide critical data to the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation 

Administration, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to guard against 

space weather impacts. The Living With a Star (LWS) program targets research and technologies 

that are relevant to the operational needs of these agencies. The nation's safety, security, and 

economy have become increasingly dependent on technologies that are susceptible to the extremes 

of space weather i.e. severe disturbances of the upper atmosphere and of the near-Earth space 

environment that are driven by the magnetic activity of the Sun. Space weather events can damage 

satellites and power grids, and disrupt air traffic communications. Inter-agency activities are 

coordinated through the National Space Weather Program Council (NSWPC) within the Office of the 

Federal Coordinator for Meteorology. Organizations around the world also access Heliophysics data 

via the International Space Environment Service. 







Heliophysics is also working to improve our understanding of magnetic reconnection, a process that 

occurs throughout the universe when stressed magnetic field lines suddenly transition to a new 

shape. This understanding is expected to greatly benefit the Department of Energy's efforts in the 

area of fusion energy, as magnetic reconnection phenomena play a critical role in virtually every 

configuration that is being explored to confine high-temperature plasmas. Internationally, NASA's 

Heliophysics Program plays a leadership role with both the International Heliophysical Year and 

International Living With a Star activities, leveraging space assets and resources to achieve greater 

scientific advancement now and in the future.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

HELIO - 3
Theme: Heliophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

Society is increasingly dependent on modern technology, including power grids, global positioning, 

weather forecasting and satellite communications. The valuable assets that support these 

technologies are vulnerable to solar activity and space weather events, so the need to predict solar 

events and mitigate their effect is critical to the public's safety, security, and the Nation's economy. A 

newly released report by the National Academy of Sciences titled "Severe Space Weather Events -- 

Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts" for the first time attempts to quantify the effects of 

extreme space weather on the nation (www.nap.edu/catalog/12507.html). The report concludes that 

improving forecasting capabilities and raising public awareness are instrumental in mitigating severe 

consequences. The Heliophysics Program supports the rapid transition of research results, models 

and data into operational products that benefit the public and other segments of the United States 

Government. 







Heliophysics education programs include the award-winning Family Science Night, which introduces 

local communities to a wide range of Heliophysics-related topics. The Program partners with 

Astrophysics and Earth Science for a multi-disciplinary approach to such topics as light and spectrum, 

the seasons, and solar power. The IBEX mission has partnered with Adler Planetarium in Chicago to 

develop a planetarium show that communicates the scientific goals and results of the IBEX mission. 

The STEREO mission regularly provides selected images and movies to over 250 science centers 

through outreach program and through the American Museum of National History in New York. 







The combined community Modeling center, a collaborative partnership with NSF, NOAA, and the 

USAF, provides the nation with verification and validation of innovative space weather numerical 

models. This data is widely used by academia, other U.S. government agencies and the space 

weather forecast industry.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

HELIO - 4
Theme: Heliophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

Even though Earth is 93 million miles away from the Sun, our planet is affected by what happens on 

the Sun's surface. We are currently in an extended solar minimum and 2009 has been the quietest 

year on the Sun since 1913. The Heliophysics fleet of 16 operating missions and the R&A programs 

were coordinated to study this unusual pattern enabling scientists worldwide to uncover effects never 

before seen. In 2008, there were 266 spotless days, and up through September 30, there were 215 

days without sunspots for 2009. No 11-year solar cycle is exactly the same as another, but this 

research showed that sunspot activity during this 2007 - 2010 minimum is surprisingly low as 

compared to cycles of the last century.







These observations have brought many new discoveries about the underlying physics of the sunspot 

cycle. For example, the NASA measurements showed that solar wind pressure dropped 20 percent 

since the mid-1990s. Since the solar wind helps keep galactic cosmic rays out of the inner solar 

system, with the solar wind flagging more cosmic rays reach Earth, resulting in increased health 

hazards for astronauts. Weaker solar wind also meant fewer geomagnetic storms and auroras, the 

northern and southern (polar) lights we see on Earth. Other NASA measurements showed that the 

Sun's brightness dimmed 0.02 percent at visible wavelengths and six percent at extreme ultraviolet 

wavelengths since the previous solar minimum. One effect of this change is that the upper atmosphere 

is less heated and not as "puffed up," which means that satellites in low Earth orbit experience less 

atmospheric drag, extending their operational lifetimes.







The NASA observations were incorporated into state-of-the-art prediction models. It is now believed 

that the upcoming solar cycle will be significantly different than previous cycles sampled since the start 

of the space age. This new understanding of our Sun's connection to Earth has provided essential 

information on space weather effects and will be used to improve the reliability of space weather 

warnings that affect technologies on Earth and the productivity and safety of explorers in space.







Preparing for the next solar maximum, the Solar Dynamics Observatory completed its development 

phase smoothly and is awaiting launch in early 2010. The Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) and 

Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) missions were confirmed and approved to proceed into 

Implementation (Phase C). Four investigations were selected for Phase A studies for Solar Orbiter 

collaboration mission. Solar Probe Plus, completed the Mission Concept Review in September 2009 

and was approved to proceed into Phase A in December 2009. Three Heliophysics missions, AIM, 

THEMIS and STEREO, successfully completed their prime missions in FY 2009, meeting all mission 

science requirements. 







The selection of two new Small Explorer (SMEX) missions was announced: Interface Region Imaging 

Spectrograph (IRIS) and Gravity and Extreme Magnetism (GEMS). The Balloon Array for 

Radiationbelt Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL) completed the Mission Readiness Review in 

August 2009, and an Antarctic test campaign in December 2009. In the New Millennium Program 

(NMP), the Space Technology ST7 Disturbance Reduction System, shipped to the United Kingdom for 

integration with the Astrium testbed. The Sounding Rockets program completed 14 suborbital 

launches. Wallops Range provided services for 5 Shuttle missions, the 14 NASA suborbital launches, 

and launch services for the USAF TacSat-3 mission.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

HELIO - 5
Theme: Heliophysics

Mission Directorate: Science

Relevance NAC/Heliophysics 

Subcommittee

07/2009 Release of new Heliophysics Roadmap 

including science and program implementation 

strategies and relevance to the NASA Strategies 

and goals. Roadmap lays out a new paradigm 

for mission planning and implementation that is 

expected to help control mission lifetime cost. 

Subcommittee concerns remain with regard to 

R&A and Explorer program funding.

06/2010

Quality Senior Review 

Panel

04/2008 All Heliophysics Operating Missions were 

reviewed for their continued relevance to the 

strategic goals of the Heliophysics division. All 

missions except FAST received satisfactory or 

excellent ratings.

04/2010

Performance NAC/Heliophysics 

Subcommittee

07/2009 Reviews of selected annual performance goals 

as documented in Performance and 

Accountability Report (PAR). Review found that 

Heliophysics has achieved its annual goals, and 

made significant progress toward understanding 

our local space environment and the 

fundamental science that is beginning to enable 

a reliable space weather predictive capability.

07/2010

Other National 

research 

Council

03/2009 An ad hoc panel of the NRC conducted a midterm performance assessment of the NASA 

Heliophysics program, ISBN:0-309-13657-1. 

The report assessed NASA's progress against 

2003 Decadal survey.

03/2013

Other National 

Research 

Council

12/2003 The Decadal Research Strategy assessed the 

current status and future directions of NASA's 

programs in solar and space physics research. 

The report identifies broad scientific challenges 

that define the focus and thrust of solar and 

space physics research for the decade 2003 

through 2013 and presents a prioritized set of 

missions, facilities, and programs designed to 

address those challenges.

12/2012

Independent Reviews:

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

HELIO - 6
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Research

NASA's Heliophysics Research Program supports activities that address understanding of the Sun 

and planetary space environments, including the origin, evolution, and interactions of space plasmas 

and electromagnetic fields throughout the heliosphere and in connection with the galaxy. 

Understanding the origin and nature of solar activity and its interaction with the space environment of 

the Earth is a particular focus. The program seeks to characterize these phenomena on a broad 

range of spatial and temporal scales, to understand the fundamental processes that drive them, to 

understand how these processes combine to create space weather events, and to enable a capability 

for predicting future space weather events.







The Heliophysics Research Program supports investigations of the Sun and planetary space 

environments from the 16 operating missions involving 27 spacecrafts. This fleet of spacecraft is 

informally termed the "Heliophysics System Observatory" since the aggregation of data from all the 

spacecraft results in research synergies not possible with single observatories. 







Heliophysics Research & Analysis routinely solicits proposals in several broad areas in order to 

advance our knowledge in support of NASA strategic goals. In addition, NASA occasionally offers 

special solicitations to take advantage of research opportunities that arise from the current solar 

environment. The Research Program also funds scientific investigations based on suborbital 

platforms, such as balloons or sounding rockets, and maintains some of the vital communications 

infrastructure at Wallops Flight Facility. The Research and Analysis and Guest Investigator Projects 

fund more in-depth scientific investigations using all of this collected data via a competitive process 

that is held each year.

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

87.5 76.7 72.3 75.1 79.1 80.1 --

Sounding Rocket Operations 77.4 66.5 67.5 68.9 71.4 73.1 --

Heliophysics Research and 

Analysis

31.0 35.4 38.4 39.1 40.1 41.1 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

195.9 178.6 178.1 183.1 190.6 194.3 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

95.8 57.5 66.7 63.4 63.4 65.0 63.5

Research Range 32.3 19.2 19.6 20.1 20.6 21.1 21.4

Sounding Rockets 45.1 65.3 48.9 49.7 51.8 53.0 53.8

Heliophysics Research and 

Analysis

31.5 31.0 31.7 32.2 33.0 33.8 34.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

204.7 173.0 166.9 165.4 168.7 172.9 172.9

Changes from FY 2010 Request 8.8 -5.6 -11.2 -17.7 -21.9 -21.5 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

HELIO - 7
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Research

NASA's Heliophysics research program supports NASA flight program by formulating the theories of 

the phenomena to be studied; the design of the experiments to test these theories; the development 

of the instrument technology; experiments in the laboratory and from an appropriate set of balloon or 

sounding rocket platforms; provides the results to increase basic knowledge; incorporates results into 

computational models that can be used to more fully characterize the present state and future 

evolution of the Heliophysics system.







The Supporting Research and Technology Program will hold its annual competition for new research 

awards. Participation will be open to all categories of U.S. organizations, including educational 

institutions, industry, not-for-profit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development 

Centers, NASA Centers and other Government agencies.







The Geospace Science, and Solar and Heliospheric Science subelements will hold their annual 

competition for new research awards: approximately $9 million will be available for competition, 

resulting in approximately 65 new awards. These subelements support detailed research tasks that 

employ a variety of research techniques (e.g., theory, numerical simulation, and modeling), analysis 

and interpretation of space data, development of new instrument concepts, and laboratory 

measurements of relevant atomic and plasma parameters, all to the extent they have a clear 

application to heliophysics program goals. 







The Theory subelement will fund 10 new teams in FY 2011 based on a competition to be held in mid2010. The Theory Program supports large PI-proposed team efforts that require a critical mass of 

expertise to make significant progress in understanding complex physical processes with broad 

importance.







Heliophysics data centers will be supported to continue the archival and distribution of collected 

science data.







The Guest Investigator competition, canceled in FY 2010 due to budget reductions, will resume to 

support and extend the scientific impact of the currently operating missions: approximately $13 million 

will be available for competition.







The Low Cost Access to Space subelement supports the science investigation and new instrument 

concepts to be flown on sounding rockets or balloons. This subelement will support approximately 22 

teams to prepare payloads for future sounding rockets and 2-3 teams for future balloon launches.







Science Data and Computing Technology will hold its annual competition for the Applied Information 

Systems Research Program where approximately $2 million will be available for new research 

awards.







All missions operating beyond their prime phase will be evaluated by a NASA-sponsored Senior 

Review in April 2010 to determine their status and optimize the allocation of funding for FY 2011 and 

beyond in order to address NASA's strategic science goals The Research Range will provide launch 

instrumentation for NASA suborbital programs and projects at both local and remote locations. 

Science Data and Computing Technology will continue to sustain the National Space Science Data 

Center.

Plans For FY 2011

HELIO - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Research

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Supporting Research and Technology comprises an ever-evolving suite of individual Principal 

Investigator-proposed investigations that cover the complete range of science disciplines and 

techniques essential to achieve the Heliophysics Theme objectives and to take full advantage of the 

scientific data collected by NASA missions. Supporting Research and Technology covers five 

subelements: Heliophysics Theory, Geospace Science, Solar and Heliospheric Science, Low-Cost 

Access to Space (LCAS), and Instrument Development. 







The Theory subelement is the intellectual compass of the Heliophysics Division. Teams work to 

consolidate the scientific understanding of previous missions and determine the scientific hypotheses 

to be tested by future strategic missions. The Theory Program supports large PI-proposed team 

efforts that require a critical mass of expertise to make significant progress in understanding complex 

physical processes with broad importance.







Geospace Science subelement funds studies of the physics of magnetospheres, including their 

formation and fundamental interactions with plasmas, fields, and particles (Earth's magnetosphere is 

emphasized, but studies of the magnetospheres of planets, comets, and other primordial bodies are 

also supported). Geospace Science deals with the physics of the mesosphere, thermosphere, 

ionosphere, and aurorae of Earth, including the coupling of these phenomena to the lower 

atmosphere and magnetosphere. 







Solar and Heliospheric Science subelement funds studies that treat the Sun as a typical star, as the 

dominant, time-varying source of energy, plasma, and energetic particles in the solar system 

(especially concerning its influence on Earth). This project investigates processes taking place 

throughout the solar interior and atmosphere: the evolution and cyclic activity of the Sun; the origin 

and propagation of the solar wind and magnetic field from the Sun to the Heliopause (the boundary 

between the solar wind and the interstellar medium); the acceleration and transport of energetic 

particles in the heliosphere; and the interface of solar influence with the interstellar medium. 







Low-Cost Access to Space funds the science investigations that utilize suborbital sounding rockets, 

commercial reusable suborbital vehicles, or high altitude balloons, as well as proof-tests of new 

concepts in experimental techniques that may ultimately find application in free-flying Heliophysics 

space missions. These investigations are developed and flown in a rapid turnaround environment. 

LCAS investigations address open science questions, but serve additional purposes not addressed 

in other flight programs: the training of experimental space physicists and engineers, and the 

development and flight verification of new technology. 







Instrument development investigations have as their objective the development of instrument 

technologies that show promise for use on future Heliophysics science missions, including the 

development of prototypes. The goal is to define scientific instruments to the point where complete 

instruments may be proposed in response to future Announcements of Opportunity without 

significant additional development.

Heliophysics Research and Analysis

HELIO - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Research

Following the commissioning and checkout phase of any spacecraft, Headquarters management 

responsibility for operations and data analysis transitions to the Heliophysics Research Program. 

However, a number of operating spacecraft still receive funding from their respective development 

programs. The Research Program is responsible for collecting, archiving, and distributing the data 

collected by all operating spacecraft. Current operating spacecraft include: Cluster II, AIM, ACE, 

THEMIS, Voyager, Wind, Geotail, TWINS, RHESSI, CINDI,SOHO, TIMED. It is this collective asset 

that provides the data, expertise, and research results that contribute directly to the national goal of 

real-time space weather prediction and to fundamental research on solar and space plasma physics. 

In April 2010, these missions will undergo their biannual Senior Review. New budgets for FY 2011 

will be determined, consistent with their evolving scientific goals.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

The Research Range effort funds NASA's only test range, located at Wallops Flight Facility, for 

launch of suborbital and orbital vehicles, supporting launch operations, tracking, telemetry and 

command (TT&C) capabilities. The Wallops Research Range also supports a mobile TT&C capability 

to support launches safely from a number of woldwide launch sites. The NASA Research Range is 

one of the few ranges in the Nation to offer a mobile capability. The Range maintains it own airspace 

and supports a wide variety of small launch vehicles, suborbital missions, and airborne missions 

utilizing non-FAA-certified vehicles such as unmanned aircraft systems.

Research Range

This project funds all suborbital mission activities (payload integration, launch, and mission 

operation) that support the science investigations funded in other parts of the research program. 

Sounding Rockets present unique low-cost platforms that provide direct access to Earth's 

mesosphere (50-90 kilometers), lower thermosphere (90-120 kilometers), and the Earth's 

magnetosphere (up to 1,500 kilometers). Because of their short duration and access to Earth's upper 

atmosphere and the space environment, sounding rocket suborbital missions also enable calibration 

under-flights of orbital missions, repeated proof-of-concept technology demonstration missions, and 

valuable end-to-end space mission experience for scientists and engineers learning to develop and 

execute discovery-oriented orbital missions.

Sounding Rockets

Annual peer-reviewed research solicitation for 

grant opportunities

Research & Analysis None

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

HELIO - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Research

RHESSI Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Feb-02 Feb-13

Feb-14

Form

Thermosphere, 

Ionosphere, 

Mesosphere Energetics 

and Dynamics (TIMED)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-01 Dec-13

Dec-14

Form

Cluster-II Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-00 Jul-10

Jul-11

Form

Advanced Composition 

Explorer (ACE)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Aug-97 Aug-13

Aug-14

Form

Solar and Heliospheric 

Observatory (SOHO)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-95 Dec-13

Dec-14

Form

Wind Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Nov-94 Nov-13

Nov-14

Form

Geotail Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-92 Jul-08

Jul-10

Form

Voyager Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Aug-77 Aug-13

Aug-14

Form

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Operations (Ops)

Development (Dev)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

HELIO - 11
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Research

Quality Senior Review 

Panel

05/2008 The Heliophysics operating missions will 

undergo a Senior Review panel in April 2010 to 

assess their operational effectiveness.

04/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Program Management

Science Data and Computing SMD GSFC and other 

NASA Centers

None

Sounding Rockets and 

Research Range

SMD GSFC None

Heliophysics Operating 

Missions

SMD GSFC and JPL ESA and JAXA

Research and Analysis SMD All NASA Centers None

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

NASA Headquarters has program management responsiblity for the Heliophysics Research Program.

All acquisitions in the Heliophysics Research and Analysis (R&A) component are based on full and 

open competition. Proposals are peer reviewed and selected based on the NASA research 

announcement, Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES). Universities, 

government research labs, and industry throughout the U.S. participate in R&A research projects. 

The Heliophysics Operating Missions and instrument teams were previously selected from NASA 

Announcements of Opportunity. NASA evaluates the allocation of funding among the operating 

missions bi-annually through the Heliophysics Senior Review. 







Both the prime contracts for the Sounding Rocket Operations and for Research Range Operations 

are currently being re-competed. The new contracts are expected to be in place in CY 2010.







The Science Data and Computing component holds a competition where proposals have been peer 

reviewed and selected based on ROSES research announcement. Universities, government 

research labs, and industry throughout the United States participate in Science Data and Computing 

Technology research projects.

Acquisition Strategy

HELIO - 12
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

45.3 37.0 39.8 48.3 134.0 122.4 --

Solar Probe Plus 18.0 4.0 16.6 36.7 57.8 81.3 --

Radiation Belt Storm Probes 

(RBSP)

154.4 137.1 127.9 105.1 22.0 17.3 --

Solar Dynamics Observatory 

(SDO)

20.8 34.1 20.2 18.6 16.3 15.6 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

238.6 212.2 204.6 208.7 230.0 236.6 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

50.2 71.1 60.2 66.0 82.0 116.6 131.5

Solar Probe Plus 18.0 40.0 14.1 49.7 104.3 104.4 148.2

Radiation Belt Storm Probes 

(RBSP)

154.4 129.1 140.0 92.2 30.2 22.0 9.1

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

222.6 240.2 214.3 207.9 216.5 243.0 288.8

Changes from FY 2010 Request -16.0 28.0 9.6 -0.8 -13.5 6.4 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

HELIO - 13
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

The Living with a Star (LWS) Program seeks to improve our understanding of how and why the Sun 

varies, how the Earth and solar system respond, and most importantly, how this variability and 

response affect life on Earth. This improved understanding of solar variability (i.e., space weather) 

and its effects will lead to a reliable predictive capability for space weather. This capability is essential 

to safe and successful future space exploration and increased use of complex technological systems 

to improve the safety and quality of life on the ground. LWS accomplishes its goals with a 

combination of new science missions and yearly science research grant opportunities.







The first mission of LWS, the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) launched in FY 2010, will 

complement and improve upon major capabilities of the Solar and Helispheric Observatory (SOHO), 

launched in December 1995. SDO is designed to help us understand the Sun's influence on Earth 

and near-Earth space by studying the solar atmosphere on small scales of space and time and many 

wavelengths simultaneously. 







The Sun's variable activity produces variability in the Earth's radiation belts. The second LWS 

mission, the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP), will analyze these belts in unprecedented detail. 

Two identical spacecraft in elliptical orbits will make simultaneous measurements of processes that 

accelerate and transport radiation particles as they transit through Earth's radiation belts. The RBSP 

results will enable the development of models for Earth's radiation belts and for other related but 

under-sampled planetary environments, such as Mars. Spacecraft and aeronautics engineers will 

apply the models to improve spacecraft design and to alert operators or pilots of predicted storms and 

ionizing radiation that could impact crew health or vehicle operations. 







Two additional missions are currently developing mission concepts: the Solar Probe Plus (SPP) and 

the Solar Orbiter Collaboration (SOC) mission. Solar Probe Plus will explore the Sun from very close 

range (inside 10 solar radii) to improve our understanding of the generation and flow of the solar wind 

that links the Sun to the Earth and the solar system. The SOC, led by the European Space Agency, 

will investigate the links between the solar surface, corona, and inner heliosphere from as close as 45 

solar radii, and image the side of the Sun not visible from Earth. 







For more information, please see http://lws.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

Program Overview

The SDO mission will continue prime operations in space. The RBSP mission will complete 

manufacturing of flight hardware during the first quarter of this year and transition to integration and 

testing. The Solar Orbiter Collaboration and Solar Probe Plus missions will develop detailed 

requirements and further define their mission concepts during formulation. Solar Probe Plus will also 

continue to retire technology risk. The Space Environment Testbed awaits its upcoming launch in FY 

2012. The BARREL project will use the results of the FY 2010 test campaign to fabricate 20 flight 

payloads for the first science campaign in FY 2013.

Plans For FY 2011

HELIO - 14
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Solar Probe Plus mission is currently in formulation. It will perform the first in-situ 

measurements very close to the Sun (as close as 10 solar radii) to improve our understanding of the 

generation and flow of the solar wind that links the Sun to the Earth and the solar system. 

Instruments will be selected in FY 2010 in support of a FY 2018 launch. Additional detail can be 

found in the Solar Probe Plus formulation section of this document.

Solar Probe Plus

The RBSP mission will improve the understanding of how solar storms interact with and change 

particles, fields, and radiation in Earth's Van Allen radiation belts and atmosphere. This knowledge 

could be applied to any planet in our solar system that has a magnetic core. This mission was 

recently approved to begin hardware fabrication and is scheduled to launch in May 2012. Additional 

detail can be found in the RBSP development section of this document.

Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)

HELIO - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): The SDO mission will launch February 2010 after a delay of 14 

months due to problems securing a spot on the Atlas V launch vehicle manifest. SDO will investigate 

how the Sun's magnetic field is structured, as well as how its energy is converted and released into 

the heliosphere in the forms of solar wind, energetic particles, and variations in solar irradiance. 







Space Environment Testbeds (SET): The Space Environment Testbeds (SET) will improve the 

engineering approach to accommodate and/or mitigate the effects of solar variability on spacecraft 

design and operations. It has two components: a data mining element that has been completed and 

a space flight mission. The flight mission is a testbed that has been integrated onto the Air Force 

Research Lab's Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) mission. The DSX launch is 

scheduled for FY 2012 as a secondary payload.







Balloon Array for Radiation-belt Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL): BARREL is a balloon-based 

mission that will launch a series of science instruments to complement the measurements made on 

the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission. BARREL will measure the precipitation of 

relativistic electrons from the radiation belts. Implementation responsibility has been assigned to the 

Wallops Balloon Program Office. 







Solar Orbiter Collaboration (SOC): The Solar Orbiter Collaboration (SOC) is a joint mission with the 

European Space Agency (ESA) wherein ESA provides the spacecraft operations and majority of the 

instruments. The LWS Program provides the launch vehicle up to four science investigations. 

These instruments were selected in FY 2009 and will continue formulation work in FY 2011. The 

SOC will provide close-up views of the Sun's polar regions and its back-side, and tune its orbit to 

match the Sun's rotation. This will permit the spacecraft's instruments to observe emissions and 

solar wind from one specific area for much longer than currently possible and will provide more 

insight into the evolution of sunspots, active regions, coronal holes and other solar features and 

phenomenona than past missions. 







Living with a Star Science: LWS science funds competitively-selected proposals that improve the 

understanding of the physics of the integrated system that links the Sun to the heliosphere and 

planetary atmospheres. This improved understanding will be achieved through data analysis 

supporting the development of new or revised theories and numerical models. This step is necessary 

for development of a predictive capability for space weather.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

HELIO - 16
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

SPP Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-14

Aug-18

Sep-25

Aug-18

Sep-25

Sep-26

Form Dec-09 Mar-14

SET Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jan-06

Sep-12

Apr-13

Sep-12

Apr-13

Oct-13

Form Jan-04 Jan-06

BARREL Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-10

Dec-12

Dec-13

Dec-12

Dec-13

Mar-15

Form Sep-06 Apr-10

RBSP Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-08

May-12

May-14

May-12

May-14

May-15

Form Sep-06 Dec-08

SDO Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-04

Apr-10

Apr-15

Apr-10

Apr-15

Apr-16

Form Aug-02 Jul-04

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Operations (Ops)

Research (Res)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

Program Management

SET GSFC GSFC CNES (French Space Agency, Centre 

National d'Etudes Spatiales), DERA 

(Defence Evaluation and Research 

Agency)

Solar Probe Plus JHU/APL None None

SOC GSFC GSFC European Space Agency, ESA 

member states

BARREL GSFC GSFC None

SDO GSFC GSFC None

RBSP JHU/APL None National Reconnaissance Office 

(NRO)

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Program management responsibility for the LWS Program is assigned to the



Goddard Space Flight Center(GSFC). Projects are managed by GSFC or Johns Hopkins UniversityApplied Physics Labortory (JHU-APL).

HELIO - 17
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Performance IPAO 02/2009 Overall assessment of the life cycle cost, 

schedule and deliverables of the LWS Program. 

Review board concluded that these programs 

have met their success criteria and should 

continue in accordance with their existing plans.

02/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

LWS missions will be managed either by Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) or by Johns Hopkins 

University - Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU-APL). All missions will report to GSFC as the 

managing center for the program. The Science Mission Directorate Associate Administrator will 

determine which organization will manage each mission, and whether the spacecraft will be procured 

or built in-house at the managing organization for the mission. 







Four instrument suites for the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) were selected through full and 

open competition, and one instrument is being provided by the National Reconnaissance Office. The 

launch vehicle was selected through full and open competition, and the spacecraft is an in-house 

build at JHU/APL.







BARREL was selected through full and open competition through the same solicitation as the RBSP 

instruments. Two SET experiments were selected through full and open competition, and two were 

contributed by CNES and DERA. 







NASA-led Solar Orbiter Collaboration (SOC) instruments were selected for Phase A using full and 

open competition as will the Solar Probe Plus (SPP) and SOC launch vehicles. The SPP spacecraft 

will be built in-house at JHU/APL.

Acquisition Strategy

HELIO - 18
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Development: Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)

RBSP was confirmed in CY 2008 to proceed into the development phase, and will still launch in May 

2012. The total funding for RBSP did not change.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -8.5 -0.1 4.7 -- -5.2 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 0.0 -8.0 12.1 -4.4 8.3 0.0 -- 0.0 8.0

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.0 0.0 -8.0 12.1 -12.9 8.2 4.7 -- -5.2 8.0

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 19.2 22.0 17.3 -- 5.2 63.7

Development / 

Implementation

28.8 154.2 137.1 127.9 85.9 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 533.9

Formulation 88.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 88.2

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

116.8 154.4 137.1 127.9 105.1 22.0 17.3 -- 5.2 685.8

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.7 21.9 22.0 9.1 0.0 63.7

Development / 

Implementation

28.8 154.2 129.1 140.0 81.5 8.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 541.9

Formulation 88.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 88.2

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

116.8 154.4 129.1 140.0 92.2 30.2 22.0 9.1 0.0 693.8

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number in the table above is overstated by $7.9M due to the difference between the FY 2010 enacted 

bill and the pending FY 2010 initial operating plan. Assuming approval of the initial operating plan, the estimated lifecycle cost 

will be $685.8M and the estimated development cost will be $533.9M

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

HELIO - 19
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Development: Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)

The Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission will observe the fundamental processes that 

energize and transport radiation particles in Earth's inner magnetosphere (the area in and around the 

Earth's radiation belts). These dynamic processes operate throughout the universe at other planets 

and stars, and they continuously operate within Earth's immediate space environment.







The primary science objective of the RBSP mission is to provide understanding, ideally to the point of 

predictability, of how populations of relativistic electrons and penetrating ions in space form or change 

in response to variable inputs of energy from the Sun. The RBSP mission lifetime will provide 

sufficient local time, altitude, and event coverage to improve our understanding, and determine the 

relative significance of the various mechanisms that operate within the radiation belts. 







RBSP observations will provide new knowledge on the dynamics and extremes of the radiation belts 

that are important to all technological systems that fly in and through geospace.

Project Purpose

The RBSP mission is comprised of two identical spacecraft in elliptical, low-inclination orbits that travel 

independently through Earth's radiation belts to distinguish time and space variations in the measured 

ions, electrons, and fields.

Project Parameters

HELIO - 20
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Development: Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)

Schedule Commitments

Launch Readiness Review May 2012 May 2012 May 2012

System Integration Review November 2010 November 2010 November 2010

Critical Design Review December 2009 December 2009 December 2009

Begin Implementation January 2009 January 2009 January 2009

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The RBSP project was authorized to begin formulation in September 2006 when the selections for 

science investigations were announced. It was confirmed to proceed into development on December 

19, 2009. Schedule details are still under development and are subject to change.

Project Commitments

Electric Field and 

Waves Instrument for 

the NASA RBSP 

Mission (EFW)

University of Minnesota Measure the electric fields 

in the radiation belts Same Same

Electric and Magnetic 

Field Instrument Suite 

and Integrated Science 

(EMFISIS)

University of Iowa Measure the magnetic 

fields & plasma waves Same Same

Spacecraft JHU-APL

Operate science 

instruments in high 

radiation; transmit science 

data to ground

Same Same

Proton Spectrometer 

Belt Research (PSBR)

National 

Reconnaissance Office

Measure the inner Van 

Allen belt protons Same Same

Ground System

Primary ground station at 

JHU/APL; instrument 

operation is distributed 

among investigators

Receive science data from 

two spacecraft; distribute to 

archive

Same Same

Radiation Belt Storm 

Probes Ion 

Composition 

Experiment 

(RBSPICE)

New Jersey Institute of 

Technology

Measure the ring current in 

the magnetosphere during 

geomagnetic storms

Same Same

EELV KSC Deliver a spacecraft to 

operational orbit Same Same

Energetic Particle, 

Composition and 

Thermal Plasma Suite 

(ECT)

Boston University

Measure the electron & ion 

spectra & composition to 

understand the electron & 

ion changes

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) project will launch two identical spacecraft in FY 2012 to 

begin a two-year prime mission.

HELIO - 21
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Development: Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)

Radiation Belt 

Storm Probes 

(RBSP)

2009 533.9 2010 533.9 0

Launch 

Readiness 05/2012 05/2012 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other 163.0 163.0 0.0

Science/Technology 3.1 3.1 0.0

Ground System 16.3 16.3 0.0

Launch Vehicle 133.6 133.6 0.0

System I&T 36.9 36.9 0.0

Payload 95.4 95.4 0.0

Spacecraft 85.6 85.6 0.0

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 533.9 533.9 0.0

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development cost details are still under work by the project and are subject to change.

Development Cost Details

HELIO - 22
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Development: Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)

Project Management

The RBSP spacecraft and ground system are being designed, developed, and tested at the JHUAPL. The acquisition of sub-contracted spacecraft sub-assemblies, components, and parts is through 

procurement contracts issued by the JHU-APL Procurement Office. Instrument development 

participants include the University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, New Jersey Institute of 

Technology, and Boston University, as well as contributions from the National Reconnaissance Office 

and the Czech Republic. 







The ground system components were defined during the formulation phases (Phases A and B) and 

include a mission operations center at the JHU-APL. 







The Energetic Particle, Composition and Thermal Plasma Suite (ECT), Electric and Magnetic Field 

Instrument Suite and Integrated Science (EMFISIS), Electric Field and Waves Instrument for the 

NASA RBSP Mission (EFW), and Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ions Composition Experiment 

(RBSPICE) science investigations were procured through the Announcement of Opportunity process. 

The Proton Spectrometer Belt Research (PSBR) instrument is being contributed through an 

agreement with the National Reconnaissance Office.

Acquisition Strategy

Expendable Launch 

Vehicle KSC None None

Mission Operations APL None None

Spacecraft design, 

integration with instrument, 

and test

APL None None

Instrument Development APL None National Reconnaissance Office

Data Analysis APL None National Reconnaissance Office

Ground Systems APL None None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

Performance Senior Review 

Board 10/2008

Preliminary Design Review. Review concluded 

that the RBSP design was sufficiently mature to 

proceed to KDP-C.

12/2009

Performance SRB 12/2009

Critical Design Review: Review concluded that 

there were no significant issues in the project 

should continue as planned.

11/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

HELIO - 23
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Development: Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)

Complete Electric and 

Magnetic Field Instrument 

Suite and Integrated Science 

End-to-End Testing

Electric and Magnetic Field 

Instrument Suite and 

Integrated Science (EMFISIS) 

main Electronics Box 

Engineering Model 2(EM2) 

needs to be successfully 

integrated and tested per the 

EM2 test plan and schedule. 

If not the flight build and 

delivery will be delayed.

Hold Flight Manufacturing Readiness Reviews. Complete 

Electronics Box Engineering Model 2 environmental testing 

and characterization. Complete EM2 Integration and Test 

Peer Review.

XCVR Qualification Program If the Transceiver qual 

program does not perform to 

their re-plan schedule, then 

the Project's Integration and 

Test schedule will be 

delayed.

Provide bi-weekly schedule updates to the Integrated Master 

Schedule. Burn Qualification Model on the RTAX, the field 

programmable gate array. Conduct Engineering Design 

Review of Qual Model.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

HELIO - 24
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Formulation: Solar Probe Plus

Solar Probe Plus will be an extraordinary and historic mission, exploring the Sun's outer atmosphere, 

or corona, as it extends out into space. Approaching as close as 9.5 solar radii, Solar Probe Plus will 

repeatedly sample the near-Sun environment, revolutionizing our knowledge and understanding of 

coronal heating and of the origin and evolution of the solar wind, answering critical questions in 

heliophysics that have been ranked as top priorities for decades. Moreover, by making direct, in-situ 

measurements of the region where some of the most hazardous solar energetic particles are 

energized, Solar Probe Plus will make a fundamental contribution to our ability to characterize and 

forecast the radiation environment in which future space explorers will work and live.







For more information please see Solar Probe project at 

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/missions/solar_probe.

Project Purpose

The first near-Sun pass occurs three months after launch, at a heliocentric distance of 35 Rs (Solar 

Radius). Over the next several years successive Venus gravity assist maneuvers will gradually lower 

the spacecraft's near-Sun pass to approximately 9.5 Rs, by far the closest any spacecraft has ever 

come to the Sun. With an August 2018 launch, Solar Probe Plus will spend, during its seven year 

mission, a total of 30 hours inside 10 Rs, 961 hours inside 20 Rs, and 2149 hours inside 30 Rs, 

sampling the solar wind as it evolves with rising solar activity toward an increasingly complex 

structure.

Project Preliminary Parameters

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 18.0 4.0 16.6 36.7 57.8 81.3 --

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 18.0 40.0 14.1 49.7 104.3 104.4 148.2

Total Change from 2010 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 36.0 -2.6 13.0 46.5 23.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

HELIO - 25
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Formulation: Solar Probe Plus

Ground Systems APL

Receive science data and 

telemetry from spacecraft, 

command spacecraft, 

distribute science data to 

investigator teams

Same Same

Spacecraft APL

Transport instruments to 

science destination, 

operate instruments, 

modify orbit including 

several Venus gravity

Same Same

Instruments NASA-funded 

investigators

Perform in situ 

measurements and remote 

observations of the Sun

Same Same

EELV KSC Deliver the spacecraft to 

operational orbit Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Solar Probe will launch from KSC on an EELV in FY 2018, with an expected mission duration of 7 

years.

Estimated Project Deliverables

Estimated Project Schedule

Launch 08/2018 08/2018 Same

Critical Design Review 01/2016 N/A 11/2015

Preliminary Design Review/NAR 01/2014 N/A 01/2014

Mission Definition Review /PNAR 01/2012 04/2012 05/2011

Formulation

Milestone Name

Formulation 

Agreement 

Estimate

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Solar Probe Plus received approval to proceed to Phase A in November 2009 and Announcement of 

Opportunity to solicit science investigations in December 2009. NASA anticipates announcing these 

selections in the fall of 2010. Phase B will begin in July 2011 following a successful preliminary NonAdvocate Review (PNAR).

HELIO - 26
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Heliophysics

Program: Living with a Star

Project In Formulation: Solar Probe Plus

1. Thermal Protection System 

(TPS) thermal Performance

If TPS thermal conductivity is 

greater than required and/or 

the coating performance is 

less than required, the 

cooling system and s/c 

radiators may not be able to 

remove sufficient heat, 

leading to elevated solar 

array and s/c temperature.

-	Coating development work



-	Early materials characterization



-	Early manufacture and test of prototype articles



-	Increased TPS thickness

2. Solar Cell and Array 

Performance

If solar cell and array 

performance in the near-Sun 

environment is less than 

expected, power system 

performance may not meet 

requirement and/or cooling 

system requirements may 

increase

-	Cell technology development work



-	Extensive power system and solar cell modeling and test



-	Parallel approaches to development and design



-	Margins in power and cooling system design



-	Prototype development

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Project Management

A Solar Probe Plus Announcement of Opportunity will be used to acquire the science investigations. 

The spacecraft will be built by JHU-APL with the spacecraft subassemblies, components, and parts 

procured by JHU-APL. The ground system components will be defined during formulation and will be 

determined by the implementing organization for the project. The Phase E contracts will be managed 

by GSFC.

Acquisition Strategy

Mission Operations APL None None

Spacecraft APL None None

EELV APL KSC None

Instrument APL TBD None

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) will manage the project. GSFC is 

responsible for program management and science management

Performance SRB 09/2009 SRB approved the project to proceed into Phase 

A. 05/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

HELIO - 27
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Solar Terrestrial Probes

Solar Terrestrial Probes (STP) provide understanding of the fundamental plasma processes inherent 

in all astrophysical systems. To accomplish this goal, STP investigations focus on specific scientific 

areas that will help us understand how plasma behaves in the space between the Sun and Earth. 

STP missions address processes such as the variability of the Sun, the responses of the planets to 

these variations, and the interaction of the Sun and solar system. STP missions are strategically 

defined and investigations are competitively selected. Strategic mission lines afford the space physics 

community the opportunity to plan specific missions to address important research focus areas and 

thus make significant progress in elucidating the fundamental processes of Heliophysics. 







For more information please see Solar Terrestrial Probes Program at http://stp.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

Program Overview

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

28.5 24.4 19.8 21.8 23.3 20.5 --

Magnetospheric Multiscale 

(MMS)

94.6 118.6 149.3 148.8 137.5 143.8 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

123.1 143.0 169.1 170.6 160.8 164.3 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

27.1 24.4 19.1 19.3 19.6 20.3 25.3

Magnetospheric Multiscale 

(MMS)

115.9 118.6 143.8 155.8 158.9 141.4 96.1

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

143.0 143.0 162.9 175.1 178.5 161.7 121.4

Changes from FY 2010 Request 19.9 0.0 -6.3 4.5 17.7 -2.6 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission will continue the implementation phase. The STEREO 

mission will commence joint observations with SDO.

Plans For FY 2011

HELIO - 28
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Solar Terrestrial Probes

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO): Launched on October 25, 2006, STEREO is 

now an operating mission employing two nearly identical observatories to provide three-dimensional 

measurements of the Sun to study the nature of coronal mass ejections. These powerful eruptions 

are a major source of the magnetic disruptions on Earth and a key component of space weather, 

which can greatly affect satellite operations, communications, power systems, the lives of humans in 

space, and global climate. 







Solar B (Hinode): Hinode launched on September 22, 2006, from Japan's Uchinoura Space Center 

to begin its mission to explore the magnetic fields of the Sun. NASA developed three science 

instrument components: the Focal Plane Package (FPP), the X-Ray Telescope (XRT), and the 

Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) and provides operations support for science 

planning and instrument command generation activities. A follow-on to the highly successful 

Japan/US/UK Yohkoh (Solar-A) satellite that operated between 1991 and 2001, Hinode consists of a 

coordinated set of optical, Extreme-Ultraviolet (EUV), and X-ray instruments that will investigate the 

interaction between the Sun's magnetic field and its corona.

Other Missions and Data Analysis

MMS is a four-spacecraft mission planned for launch in March 2015 with a two-year mission life. 

MMS is designed to study magnetic reconnection in key boundary regions of the Earth's 

magnetosphere. Reconnection is a fundamental process that occurs throughout the universe, by 

which magnetic energy is converted into heat, radiation, and particle acceleration. The best 

laboratory for understanding this process is the Earth's magnetosphere, where reconnection between 

the Earth's and Sun's magnetic fields power magnetic storms, and substorms on our planet. The 

spacecraft will probe the regions of geospace most critical to measuring reconnection. Additional 

detail can be found in the Magnetospheric Multiscale Project development section of this document.

Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)

HELIO - 29
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Solar Terrestrial Probes

Performance IPAO 02/2009 Overall assessment of life cycle cost, schedule 

and deliverables of the STP Program. Review 

board concluded that this program has met the 

success criteria and should continue in 

accordance with their existing plans.

02/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Solar-B (Hinode) Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Nov-00

Nov-06

Nov-06

Nov-13

Nov-15

Form Dec-98 Nov-00

STEREO Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Mar-02

Jan-07

Jan-07

Feb-13

Feb-15

Form May-01 Mar-02

Magnetospheric 

Multiscale (MMS)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-09

Mar-15

Mar-15

Jul-17

Form May-02 Jun-09

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

STP missions are strategically defined and investigations are competitively selected. The STP uses 

full and open competitions to the greatest extent possible for the acquisition of scientific instruments, 

spacecraft, and science investigations, including research and analysis. 



 



The MMS spacecraft will be built in-house at GSFC and GSFC will also provide mission Operations 

Center. The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is the single MMS instrument suite contractor, 

selected through a full and open competition. All instruments are developed by the SwRI team which 

includes SwRI, their subcontractors, their international partners, and GSFC.

Acquisition Strategy

Program Management

STEREO GSFC None United Kingdom

MMS GSFC GSFC Austria, Sweden, France,Japan

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Program management responsibility for the STP Program is assigned to the Goddard Space Flight 

Center (GSFC).

HELIO - 30
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Solar Terrestrial Probes

Project In Development: Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)

MMS KDP-C decision resulted in a more conservative estimate and funding profile.

Explanation of Project Changes

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 36.0 52.3

Development / 

Implementation

1.7 51.4 118.6 143.8 155.8 158.9 141.4 -- 0.0 851.4

Formulation 108.5 64.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 173.0

Other -110.1 -94.6 -118.6 -149.4 -148.8 -137.5 -143.8 -- -90.5 -993.1

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

0.1 21.3 0.0 -5.6 7.0 21.4 -2.4 -- -54.5 83.6

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Formulation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Other 110.1 94.6 118.6 149.3 148.8 137.5 143.8 -- 90.5 993.0

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

110.1 94.6 118.6 149.3 148.8 137.5 143.8 -- 90.5 993.0

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.3 36.0 52.3

Development / 

Implementation

1.7 51.4 118.6 143.8 155.8 158.9 141.4 79.8 0.0 851.4

Formulation 108.5 64.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 173.0

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

110.2 115.9 118.6 143.8 155.8 158.9 141.4 96.1 36.0 1,076.7

Note: The FY 2011 LCC number in the table above is understated by $6M due to the difference between the FY 2010 enacted 

bill and the pending FY 2010 initial operating plan. Assuming approval of the initial operating plan, the estimated lifecycle cost 

will be $1082.7M, and the estimated development cost will be $857.4M.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

HELIO - 31
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Solar Terrestrial Probes

Project In Development: Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Project will use four identically instrumented spacecraft to 

perform the first definitive study of magnetic reconnection in space. Reconnection occurs in all 

astrophysical plasma systems but can be studied efficiently only in the Earth's magnetosphere. It is 

thought to be of great importance for energy transfer throughout the universe and is an efficient and 

fast acceleration mechanism. Reconnection is the primary process by which energy is transferred 

from the solar wind to Earth's magnetosphere and is the critical physical process determining the size 

of a space weather geomagnetic storm. MMS will determine why magnetic reconnection occurs, 

where it occurs, how it varies, how magnetic energy is coupled into heat and particle kinetic energy, 

and how this energy is coupled into the surrounding plasma. 







For more information see http://stp.gsfc.nasa.gov/missions/mms/mms.htm.

Project Purpose

The MMS instrument payload will measure electric and magnetic fields and plasmas within the smallscale diffusion regions where magnetic reconnection occurs. High temporal and spatial resolution 

measurements will permit direct observation of these physical processes. The four spacecraft and 

instrument suites have identical design requirements. A two-phase, low-inclination orbit will probe both 

the dayside magnetopause and the nightside magnetotail neutral sheet where reconnection is known 

to frequently occur. The primary target of Phase 1 is the dayside magnetopause reconnection region. 

Phase 2 will focus on the near-Earth neutral line in the magnetotail. The four spacecraft will fly in a 

tetrahedron formation and the separation between the observatories will be adjustable over a range of 

10 to 400 kilometers during science operations in the area of interest. The mission design life is two 

years.

Project Parameters

HELIO - 32
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Solar Terrestrial Probes

Project In Development: Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)

Project Commitments

Fast Plasma 

Investigation GSFC

Provide plasma wave 

measurements (electric 

vector to 100 KHz).

Same Same

Electric Field 

Instruments UNH

Provide measurements of 

electric fields (time 

resolution 1 ms) and 

magnetic fields (time 

resolution 10 ms)

Same Same

Hot Plasma 

Composition Analyzers

Southwest Research 

Institute

Three-dimensional 

measurements of hot 

plasma composition (time 

resolution 10s).

Same Same

Energetic Particle 

Detectors JHU/APL

Provide high-resolution 

measurement of energetic 

particles

Same Same

Science Operations 

Center LASP Science data to the community and archive Same Same

Spacecraft GSFC

Deliver high-rate data from 

instruments to ground 

station with a high accuracy 

for 2 years

Same Same

Launch Vehicle KSC

Deliver ~4,000-kg payload 

consisting of 4 

observatories to a highly 

elliptical Earth orbit

Same Same

Ground Systems GSFC

Provide during operations 

minimum science data 

payback of ~4 Gbits of data 

per observatory each day.

Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

NASA plans to launch four identically-instrumented spacecraft on an Evolved Expendable Launch 

Vehicle (EELV) into a highly elliptical Earth orbit in March 2015 and begin two years of scientific 

measurements that will enable an understanding of fundamental plasma physics processes 

associated with magnetic reconnection.

HELIO - 33
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Solar Terrestrial Probes

Project In Development: Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)

Schedule Commitments

Launch March 2015 October 2014 March 2015

System Integration review January 2012 N/A Same

Critical Design Review August 2010 N/A Same

Confirmation Review June 2009 Same Same

Development

Initial Confirmation Review November 2007 Same Same

Mission Definition Review September 2007 Same Same

Formulation

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) began formulation in FY 2002 and the project's Confirmation 

Review was held in June 2009 when the project was approved to enter implementation. As a result of 

the confirmation review, the launch date was moved to March 2015. The Mission Critical Design 

Review is planned for August 2010.

Magnetospheric 

Multiscale (MMS) 2010 857.4 2010 857.4 0

Launch 

Readiness 03/2015 03/2015 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Launch Services 194.2 194.2 0.0

Other (Project Management) 268.0 264.7 -3.3

Science/Technology 19.9 19.9 0.0

Ground Systems 19.1 19.1 0.0

Systems I&T 55.3 55.3 0.0

Spacecraft 169.0 172.3 3.3

Payload 131.9 131.9 0.0

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 857.4 857.4 0.0

Magnetospheric Multiscale(MMS)

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

Development Cost Details

HELIO - 34
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Solar Terrestrial Probes

Project In Development: Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS)

MMS Instrument International 

Partership Risk

A component of the Sweden 

team with the Fields 

Investigation on the MMS 

instrument suite is at risk. 

Inadequate technical and 

programmatic progress. 

Design is not mature. No 

detailed schedule. Insufficient 

mission assurance.

GSFC/SwRI/UNH provide management and technical 

support. Assess progress. Decide on need for alternate 

vendor. Select new SDP supplier.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Performance IPAO 05/2009

The Critical Design Review (CDR), a NPR 

7120.5D review will assess the technical, cost, 

and schedule status of MMS.

08/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Project Management

The MMS spacecraft is being designed, developed, and tested in-house at GSFC using a 

combination of GSFC civil servants and local support service contractors. The acquisition of 

subcontracted spacecraft sub-assemblies, components, and parts is through procurement contracts 

issued by the MMS Procurement office. Instrument development activities are under contract with the 

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Instrument development subcontracts include Lockheed 

Martin, JAXA/MEISEI, University of New Hampshire, Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics 

Laboratory, Aerospace Corporation, and a team at GSFC. The Mission Operations Center and the 

Flight Dynamics Operations Area will be developed and operated at GSFC using a combination of 

GSFC civil servants and local support service contractors. The Science Operations Center for the 

Instruments will be developed and operated at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at 

the University of Colorado and is under contract to SwRI.

Acquisition Strategy

Science Operations GSFC, LASP None None

Mission Operations GSFC GSFC None

Four Spacecraft GSFC GSFC None

Launch Vehicle KSC KSC None

Four Instrument Suites GSFC, Southwest Research 

Institute GSFC

Austrian Space Agency, 

Sweden (SNSB), France 

(CNES), and Japan (JAXA)

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has program management responsibility for the Solar 

Terrestrial Probes Program and Project Management responsibility for the MMS project.

HELIO - 35
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

31.4 69.4 119.7 158.1 161.3 167.4 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

31.4 69.4 119.7 158.1 161.3 167.4 --

Other Missions and Data 

Analysis

19.8 69.4 28.7 61.6 106.9 119.5 166.5

IRIS 15.0 0.0 69.0 37.6 9.2 7.3 1.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

34.8 69.4 97.7 99.2 116.1 126.8 167.8

Changes from FY 2010 Request 3.4 0.0 -21.9 -58.9 -45.2 -40.5 --

Note: Budget of $169 million for GEMS has been transferred from Heliophysics to Astrophysics Division.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

HELIO - 36
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

The Heliophysics Explorer Program provides frequent flight opportunities for world-class astrophysics 

and space physics investigations using innovative and streamlined management approaches for 

spacecraft development and operations. Explorer missions are highly responsive to new knowledge, 

new technology, and updated scientific priorities by launching smaller missions that can be conceived 

and executed in a relatively short development cycle. Priorities are based on an open competition of 

concepts solicited from the scientific community. 







The program also enables participation in missions of opportunity provided by other U.S. or 

international agencies. The program emphasizes missions that can be accomplished under the 

control of the scientific research community within constrained mission life-cycle costs. The program 

also seeks to enhance public awareness of space science by incorporating educational and public 

outreach activities into each mission. All investigations are competitively selected. Full missions can 

either be Medium-Class Explorers (MIDEX) or Small Explorers (SMEX). Mission of Opportunity (MO) 

space science investigations are typically instruments flown as part of a non-NASA space mission. 

MOs are conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis with the organization sponsoring the mission.







Following the commissioning and checkout phase of the spacecraft, HQ management responsibility 

for the operational phase transitions to the Heliophysics Research Program. While the Research 

Program assumes management responsibilities, funds for operating missions are provided by the 

Explorer Program. 







The Heliophysics Explorer Program made two full mission selections from its SMEX Announcement 

of Opportunity (AO) competition during FY 2009. The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) 

is a Heliophysics small explorer mission scheduled for launch in CY 2012. The Gravity and Extreme 

Magnetism SMEX (GEMS) is an Astrophysics small explorer mission selected for launch in FY 2014.







The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) launched in October 2008 is now operating. The Coupled 

Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation (CINDI), and Two Wide-angle Imaging Neutral-atom 

Spectrometers B (TWINS) were also launched in FY 2008 and conducting prime science operations.







The Explorer Program also has four Explorer missions currently in the Astrophysics Division. Details 

and the associated budget can be found in the Astrophysics Division section. For more information 

on any of the Explorer mission and new science discoveries, please see 

http://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov/missions.html

Program Overview

The newly selected SMEX mission, IRIS will progress towards its development phase. The IBEX 

mission will complete its mission criteria, and will continue its primary science mission of mapping the 

heliosphere and uncovering the global interaction between the solar wind and the interstellar medium. 

TWINS and CINDI will both enter their third year on orbit. THEMIS and AIM will continue their 

extended Phase E operations (subject to the outcome of the FY 2010 Heliophysics Senior Review for 

operating missions).

Plans For FY 2011

HELIO - 37
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a Small-Class Explorer (SMEX) selected in 

June 2009 and expected to launch December 2012. This mission opens a window of discovery by 

tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromosphere and transition region into the 

corona. IRIS will revolutionize our understanding of energy transport into the corona and solar wind 

and provide an archetype for all stellar atmospheres. The unique instrument capabilities, coupled 

with state of the art 3-D modeling, will fill a large gap in our knowledge of this dynamic region of the 

solar atmosphere. The mission will greatly extend the scientific output of existing heliophysics 

spacecraft that follow the effects of energy release processes from the sun to Earth.

IRIS

HELIO - 38
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

Aeronomy of Ice in Mesophere (AIM): The primary objective of the AIM mission is to understand why 

polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) form and why they vary. AIM will also determine the causes of 

Earth's highest-altitude clouds, which form in the coldest part of the atmosphere about 50 miles 

above the polar regions every summer. AIM launched on April 25, 2007, on board a Pegasus XL 

from Vanderberg Air Force Base and completed it's prime mission in FY 2009. This mission supplies 

spectacular data, which has led to new science discoveries. 







Coupled Ion-Neutral Dynamics Investigation (CINDI): CINDI is a NASA-sponsored Mission of 

Opportunity (MO) managed by the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). CINDI will discover the role 

of ion-neutral interactions in the generation of small- and large-scale electric fields in Earth's upper 

atmosphere. In addition, the CINDI instruments will provide measurements of the three-dimensional 

neutral winds and ion drifts. This mission launched April 16, 2008, aboard the Air Force Research 

Laboratory's Communication/Navigation Outage Forecast System (C/NOFS) spacecraft. 







Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX): IBEX allows the first glimpse into the edge of the solar system, 

where the solar wind interacts with winds from other stars. This region is a breeding ground for 

anomalous cosmic rays that form a component of energetic particles from beyond the solar system 

that may pose health and safety hazards for humans exploring beyond Earth's orbit. IBEX will make 

observations from an elliptical Earth orbit that takes it beyond the interference of Earth's 

magnetosphere. IBEX launched on October 5, 2008, on a Pegasus XL from Kwajalein. The IBEX 

spacecraft has made it possible for scientists to construct the first comprehensive sky map of our 

solar system and its location in the Milky Way galaxy. The new view will change the way researchers 

view and study the interaction between our galaxy and sun.







Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS): THEMIS has 

provided breakthroughs in our understanding of the onset and evolution of magnetospheric 

substorms. NASA's THEMIS mission uses five identical micro-spacecraft (probes) to answer the 

fundamental questions regarding magnetospheric substorm instability, a dominant mechanism of 

transport and explosive release of solar wind energy within geospace. In addition to addressing its 

primary objective, THEMIS answers critical questions in radiation belt physics and solar windmagnetosphere energy coupling. THEMIS is a Medium-Class Explorers(MIDEX) mission that 

launched on February 17, 2007.







Two Wide-angle Imaging Neutral-atom Spectrometers (TWINS): TWINS will provide the second half 

of the stereo imaging capability of Earth's magnetosphere in conjunction with the TWINS-A mission. 

The region surrounding the planet is controlled by its magnetic field and contains the Van Allen 

radiation belts and other energetic charged particles. TWINS-B will enable three-dimensional global 

visualization of this region, which will lead to a greatly enhanced understanding of the connections 

between different regions of the magnetosphere and their relation to the solar wind. TWINS-B was 

launched as a NASA-sponsored Mission of Opportunity in February 2008.







Explorer Future Missions: The Program funds future Explorer mission selections for the MediumClass Explorers (MIDEX), the Small Explorer (SMEX), and Mission of Opportunity (MO).

Other Missions and Data Analysis

HELIO - 39
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

Release Explorer Announcement of Opportunity Explorer Future Mission New

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

IRIS Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jun-10

Dec-12

Dec-12

Jan-15

Form Jun-09 Jun-10

TWINS-B Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-99

Feb-08

Sep-12

Feb-08

Sep-12

Sep-13

Form

CINDI Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Nov-01

Apr-08

Sep-12

Apr-08

Sep-12

Sep-13

Form Sep-00 Nov-01

THEMIS Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-04

Aug-07

Aug-13

Aug-07

Aug-13

Aug-14

Form Oct-02 Apr-04

IBEX Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Mar-06

Oct-08

Sep-13

Oct-08

Sep-13

Sep-14

Form Jan-05 Mar-06

AIM Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-04

May-07

May-13

May-07

May-13

May-14

Form Jul-02 Apr-04

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Formulation (Form)

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Research (Res)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

HELIO - 40
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

Performance Space 

Science 

Support Office

06/2009 Reviewed and evaluated Small Explorers 

(SMEX) Announcements of Opportunity 

proposals for selection. Written evaluations were 

provided and IRIS mission was selected for 

development as the next SMEX mission.

01/2011

Performance IPAO 02/2009 Overall assessment of life cycle cost, schedule 

and deliverables of the Explorer Program. 

Review board concluded that these programs 

have met their success criteria and should 

continue in accordance with their existing plans.

02/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Program Management

IRIS GSFC AMES N/A

CINDI GSFC None DoD

TWINS-B GSFC None DoD

THEMIS GSFC None N/A

AIM GSFC None N/A

IBEX GSFC GSFC N/A

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has Program Management responsibility for all Heliophysics 

Explorer Programs.

The Heliophysics Explorer Program has established an acquisition strategy that contracts for the 

whole mission (concept through delivery of science data and analysis), with emphasis on 

performance incentives and a cost cap for each mission. 







Investigations are selected through the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) process, where multiple 

investigations are selected competitively for initial concept studies with a competitive down-select to 

proceed to the next stage of formulation. The investigations are selected to proceed from one phase 

to the next through execution of contract options, based on successful technical, cost, and schedule 

performance in the previous phases. 







The following selection has been made for development: 



IRIS: Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company and NASA AMES Research Center

Acquisition Strategy

HELIO - 41
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

Project In Formulation: Interface Region Imaging Spectograph (IRIS)

Understanding the interface between the photosphere and corona remains a fundamental challenge in 

solar and heliospheric science. The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph mission will use a solar 

telescope and spectrograph to explore the solar chromospheres. This mission opens window of 

discovery into this crucial region by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromosphere 

and transition region into the corona using spectrometry and imaging. Recent discoveries have shown 

the chromosphere is significantly more dynamic and structured than previously thought. IRIS will 

revolutionize our understanding of energy transport into the corona and solar wind and provide an 

archetype for all stellar atmospheres. The unique instrument capabilities, coupled with state of the art 

3-D modeling, will fill a large gap in our knowledge of this dynamic region of the solar atmosphere. 

The mission will greatly extend the scientific output of existing heliophysics spacecraft that follow the 

effects of energy release processes from the sun to Earth.

Project Purpose

IRIS is a sun-pointed mission that studies the chromospheres in the FUV & NUV with 0.33 arcsec 

spatial resolution, 0.4 km/v velocity resolution and a FOV of 171 arcsec. This 2-year mission fills in 

critical gap by providing simultaneous, co-spatial and comprehensive coverage from photosphere 

(~4,500K) up to corona (<= 10 MK). IRIS has a 20-cm UV telescope which has 1/6 arcsec pixels, a 

multi-channel spectrograph and a slit-jaw imaging.

Project Preliminary Parameters

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 15.0 0.0 69.0 37.6 9.2 7.3 1.2

Total Change from 2010 President's Budget 

Request

15.0 0.0 69.0 37.6 9.2 7.3 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Spacecraft Lockheed Martin Space 

Systems Company

Transport instruments to 

science destination, 

operate instruments

N/A NEW

Instruments Lockheed Martin Space 

Systems Company

Perform in situ 

measurements and remote 

observations of the Sun

N/A NEW

Launch vehicle TBD TBD Deliver the spacecraft to 

operational orbit N/A NEW

Ground Systems Lockheed Martin Space 

Systems Company

Receive science data and 

telemetry from spacecraft, 

command spacecraft, 

distribute science data to 

investigator teams

N/A NEW

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

Estimated Project Deliverables

HELIO - 42
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

Project In Formulation: Interface Region Imaging Spectograph (IRIS)

All CDR N/A Critical Design Review 02/2011

All PDR N/A Preliminary Design Review 04/2010

All CR N/A Confirmation Review 06/2010

All SRB N/A System Readiness Review 1/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Estimated Project Schedule

Launch Readiness Date 12/2012 N/A 12/2012

Pre-Ship Review 07/2012 N/A 07/2012

Pre-Environmental Review 10/2011 N/A 10/2011

Critical Design Review 02/2011 N/A 02/2011

Confirmation Review 06/2010 N/A 06/2010

Preliminary Design Review 04/2010 N/A 04/2010

System Readiness Review 01/2010 N/A 01/2010

Formulation

Milestone Name

Formulation 

Agreement 

Estimate

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The IRIS Confirmation review is planned for June 2010. IRIS launch is planned for December 2012.

Project Management

The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS)awarded in June 2009, is a PI led project that was 

competitively selected under the Small Explorer (SMEX) program. The contractor's final proposal for 

Phase B has been submitted and is in the process of review and negotiation. Contractor proposals 

for Phases C-E are expected in December 2009. The Phase E contracts will be managed by GSFC.

Acquisition Strategy

Mission Operations GSFC GSFC None.

Spacecraft GSFC GSFC None.

Launch Vehicle GSFC KSC None.

Instrument GSFC GSFC None.

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

Lockheed Martin Space Systems is leading the formulation and implementation of the project. GSFC 

is responsible for oversight and science management including data analysis during operations.

HELIO - 43
Mission Directorate: Science

Theme: Heliophysics

Program: Heliophysics Explorer Program

Project In Formulation: Interface Region Imaging Spectograph (IRIS)

TBD TBD TBD

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

HELIO - 44
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: New Millennium

The New Millennium Program (NMP) is a technology flight validation program designed to mature key 

emerging and breakthrough technologies that will enable future NASA science missions. The 

objective of the program is to accelerate the incorporation of new technologies into future NASA 

science missions by conducting in-space validation and testing. The NMP allows NASA to conduct 

technology maturation and validation activities in low cost projects, rather than during science mission 

development of larger, more expensive missions.







The NMP is being phased out and all current activities will be finished by FY 2012. A small amount of 

funding remains to cover closeout costs. 







For more information, please see: http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov.

Program Overview

New Millennium 2.7 1.8 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

2.7 1.8 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

New Millennium 2.7 1.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

2.7 1.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 -1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Space Technology 7's Disturbance Reduction System (DRS) incorporates enhanced micro-Newton 

thruster technology, which works with enhanced sensor technology provided by the European Space 

Agency. Together, these technologies will demonstrate precision spacecraft control, validating 

position-measurement of objects in weightlessness with 100-times greater accuracy than ever 

before.

New Millennium

Program closeout activities will continue for Space Technology 8 disturbance reduction system.

Plans For FY 2011

HELIO - 45
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Science

Heliophysics

Program: New Millennium

Performance IPAO 01/2007 Program Implementation Review. Results were 

reported to the Agency PMC on 9/12/2007. 

Review concluded that there should be more 

emphasis on technology infusion.

N/A

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Space Technology 7 Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Apr-01 Apr-03

Jul-03

Apr-12

Apr-12

Apr-13

Form Apr-03 Jul-03

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Research (Res)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

No further acquisitions are planned.

Acquisition Strategy

Program Management

Space Technology 7 JPL JPL European Space Agency and Busek 

Corporation

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The New Millennium Program is managed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

HELIO - 46
Mission Directorate: Aeronautics Research

NASA research continues to contribute directly to aeronautics breakthroughs. As the agency's lead organization 

for aeronautics research, NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) oversees cutting-edge 

research whose goal is to generate the innovative concepts, tools and technologies that will enable revolutionary 

advances in future aircraft, as well as to the airspace in which they will fly. NASA has put together a robust 

research portfolio that addresses these advances and the challenges facing our nation as it transforms its air 

transportation system to meet growing capacity needs. In addition, the portfolio ensures aeronautics research 

and critical core competencies will continue to play a vital role in supporting NASA's manned and robotic space 

exploration activities. 







Growth in the air transportation system is vital to the well being of our nation, indirectly or directly providing 

997,000 American jobs. (1) In 2006, aviation manufacturing and services accounted for $445B in direct and 

indirect economic activity, an increase of $9B since 2004. (2) In the United States, 66 certified domestic carriers 

fly 6,758 aircraft, servicing almost a million travelers every day, and annual operating revenue for commercial 

flight stands at $186 billion in 2008. (1) 







Future needs will exceed the limited solutions that aviation currently offers, requiring improvements in capacity, 

environmental compatibility, robustness and freedom of mobility throughout the global airspace while 

simultaneously transferring safety of flight from reactionary to anticipatory (how to avoid accidents before they 

occur) practices. In the next two decades, we must develop advances that improve aircraft and system 

efficiency, reduce aviation's impact on the environment and allow more people to utilize air travel in ways that are 

more significant than all the gains realized over the last three decades.







NASA's aeronautics programs can enable the realization of these advances. Each of NASA's five programs - 

Aviation Safety, Airspace Systems, Fundamental Aeronautics, Integrated Systems Research and Aeronautics 

Test - uniquely addresses specific aeronautical-research needs while taking an integrated approach on 

addressing critical long term challenges. By continuing to expand the boundaries of aeronautical knowledge for 

the benefit of the nation through NASA's partnering arrangements in academia, industry and other government 

agencies, NASA's programs are also helping to foster a collaborative research environment in which ideas and 

knowledge are exchanged across all communities. 







NASA Aeronautics currently administers a robust fundamental research program that is well aligned with the 

principles, goals and objectives of the National Aeronautics Research and Development (R&D) Policy and Plan 

and directly supports the development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). NASA's 

commitment to technical excellence and strong partnerships will ensure our continued focus on those challenges 

needed to support the needs of the nation's air transportation system and the Agency's space exploration vision.







(1) U.S. DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics Research and Innovative Technology Administration



(2) "The Economic Impact of Civil Aviation on the U.S. Economy", October 2008, FAA Air Traffic Organization

Overview

AERO - 1
Mission Directorate: Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics 650.0 507.0 514.0 521.0 529.0 536.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

650.0 507.0 514.0 521.0 529.0 536.0 --

Aeronautics 650.0 507.0 579.6 584.7 590.4 595.1 600.3

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

650.0 507.0 579.6 584.7 590.4 595.1 600.3

Total Change from FY 2010 

President's Budget Request

0.0 0.0 65.6 63.7 61.4 59.1 --

Note: In all budget tables, the FY 2011 President's Budget Request depicts the July 2009 Operating Plan including American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the FY 2009 Actual column and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117) 

without the Administrative transfers for the FY 2010 enacted column.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

AERO - 2
Mission Directorate: Aeronautics Research

Major Changes:

NASA will begin the following three new initiatives in FY 2011:



- Research that will enhance NASA's ability to verify and validate complex software-based systems with a 

focus on promoting reliable, secure and safe use in the national airspace;



- Research to address operational and safety issues related to the integration of unmanned aircraft systems 

into the national airspace; and



- Research and technology development efforts, including grants and cooperative agreements, to support 

NASA's environmentally responsible aviation program.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

None

In FY 2011, NASA will continue its commitment to conducting long-term cutting edge research for the benefit 

of the broad aeronautics community. Each of the five programs within Aeronautics will play a significant role 

in FY 2011 in addressing the challenge of meeting the growing capacity needs of the Next Generation Air 

Transportation System (NextGen) as well as contributing to the R&D challenges in aviation safety, promising 

new flight regimes, and aviation environmental impacts. Specifically: 







- The Fundamental Aeronautics Program focuses on conducting cutting-edge research to achieve 

technological capabilities necessary to overcome national challenges in air transportation including reduced 

noise, emissions, and fuel consumption, and increased mobility through a faster means of transportation.







- The Airspace Systems Program will develop and enable future concepts, capabilities, and technologies that 

will enable major increases in air traffic management efficiency and flexibility while maintaining safety, to 

meet capacity and mobility requirements of the NextGen.







- The Aviation Safety Program will take a proactive approach to safety challenges with new and current 

vehicles and with operations in the nation's current and future air transportation system. In addition, the 

Program will continue the effort to examine key challenges in verifying and validating flight critical systems.







- The Integrated Systems Research Program's initial effort will conduct research on promising concepts and 

technologies at an integrated system-level and explore, assess and demonstrate their benefits in a relevant 

environment.







- The Aeronautics Test Program will ensure the strategic availability, accessibility, and capability of a critical 

suite of aeronautics ground test facilities and flight operations assets necessary to meet Agency and national 

aeronautics testing needs.

New Initiatives:

Aeronautics

Plans for FY 2011

Aeronautics Research

AERO - 3
Theme: Aeronautics

Mission Directorate: Aeronautics Research

Integrated Systems Research 0.0 62.4 64.4 67.1 64.4 60.5 --

Aeronautics Test 131.6 74.7 77.1 77.2 76.6 78.7 --

Fundamental Aeronautics 307.6 228.4 230.0 233.6 239.0 245.9 --

Airspace Systems 121.5 81.4 82.9 83.9 87.2 88.3 --

Aviation Safety 89.3 60.1 59.6 59.2 61.7 62.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 650.0 507.0 514.0 521.0 529.0 536.0 --

Integrated Systems Research 0.0 60.0 113.1 115.1 111.7 107.4 107.4

Aeronautics Test 131.6 72.0 76.4 76.4 75.6 77.4 78.2

Fundamental Aeronautics 307.6 220.0 228.5 231.4 236.0 241.8 244.6

Airspace Systems 121.5 80.0 82.2 82.9 85.9 86.6 87.4

Aviation Safety 89.3 75.0 79.3 78.9 81.2 81.9 82.7

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 650.0 507.0 579.6 584.7 590.4 595.1 600.3

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 65.6 63.7 61.4 59.1 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Theme Overview

AERO - 4
Theme: Aeronautics

Mission Directorate: Aeronautics Research

NASA's aeronautics programs ensure long-term focus in fundamental research in both traditional 

aeronautical disciplines and relevant emerging fields for integration into multidisciplinary system-level 

capabilities for broad application. This approach will enable revolutionary changes to both the 

airspace system and the aircraft that fly within it, leading to a safer, more environmentally friendly, 

and more efficient national air transportation system. Furthermore, NASA will disseminate all of its 

research results to the widest practicable extent. Through this process, we are able to bring 

numerous professors and students (graduate research and scientists) into the NASA aeronautics 

research programs. 







NASA uses the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) process to foster collaborative research 

partnerships with the academic and private sector communities. They are encouraged to spend time 

at NASA centers in order to enhance the exchange of ideas and expand the learning experience for 

everyone involved. NASA has focused its educational activities and resources to better attract the 

nation's best and brightest students to aeronautics. These activities include design competitions and 

the establishment of graduate and undergraduate scholarships and internships.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

NASA's aeronautics research programs are focused on the technologies that support the realization 

of the Next Generation Air Transportation Systems (NextGen), including the air traffic management 

system and the vehicles that operate in this system. The research conducted by NASA addresses 

aviation safety, energy efficiency and environmental compatibility, and airspace capacity and 

operational efficiency to ensure the nation's future aviation industry competitiveness. It also 

addresses the long-term research needs in access-to-space technologies that will be required for 

future NASA missions. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) National Science and 

Technology Council (NSTC) Committee on Technology chartered an Aeronautics Science and 

Technology (AS&T) Subcommittee in September 2005. NASA's Associate Administrator for 

Aeronautics is a co-chair of the Subcommittee, which drafted the Nation's first Aeronautics Research 

and Development Policy, released by the White House in December 2006. The policy establishes a 

set of U.S. aeronautics research objectives, defines the appropriate role of the federal government in 

aeronautics research and development (R&D), defines the roles and responsibilities of the various 

departments and agencies in aeronautics R&D, addresses R&D test and evaluation infrastructure, 

and addresses the coordination of aeronautics research across the federal government. NASA's 

efforts are aligned with the policy. In December 2007, the first National Plan for Aeronautics R&D 

and Related Infrastructure was approved, and in December 2008, a Technical Appendix to the Plan 

was released. The Aeronautics research portfolio is closely aligned with this National Plan and 

includes research content as the key areas called outreach plan of mobility, energy and environment, 

safety and national security.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

AERO - 5
Theme: Aeronautics

Mission Directorate: Aeronautics Research

The Airspace Systems Program and the University of California at Santa Cruz successfully 

demonstrated a prototype separation-assurance system in the presence of time-based constraints. In 

real-time high-fidelity simulations, ground-based automation was able to maintain safe separation for 

the entire Fort Worth Center airspace above 10,000 feet. Traffic demand was increased up to twice 

that of today, and system performance was found to be comparable or better than today. At critical 

merge points in transition airspace where demand exceeded capacity the system efficiently 

sequenced and spaced aircraft for arrival. Modeling uncertainties included wind, aircraft performance 

and trajectory intent. 







The Aviation Safety Program disseminated data mining technology, which has resulted in NASA 

methods being deployed in a prognostic way in a real, operational airline environment. NASA has 

open-sourced many of its key data mining algorithms for analysis of data from flight data recorders 

through DASHlink, our Web 2.0 portal. Southwest Airlines sought sequenceMiner and Orca, two 

advanced anomaly detection techniques. Initial application of these algorithms in their own safety data 

analysis system has discovered operationally significant events that would not be triggered by their 

existing methods alone. The airline plans to incorporate these algorithms into their daily operations.







The Fundamental Aeronautics Program made significant research progress to enable more effective 

use of alternative fuels and in increased knowledge of fuel characterization and performance. Lab and 

field experiments were conducted to evaluate new synthetic and biofuels for aviation applications. 

NASA partnered with DoD, EPA, and FAA in this effort. An experiment to examine the performance 

and emissions of alternative fuels was conducted with the NASA Dryden Flight Facility DC-8 aircraft. 

During this experiment, several Fischer/Tropsch (FT) fuels were tested. This test resulted in an 

extensive dataset related to jet engine performance and emissions. Researchers found that burning 

FT fuel did not appreciably affect engine performance, but did lead to aircraft and storage tank fuel 

leaks due to seal shrinkage from exposure to these fuels. The most profound effect of the alternative 

fuels was to reduce engine black carbon number density and mass emissions by more than 75% 

compared to JP-8, the current aviation fuel of choice. FT fuels also reduced Hazardous Air Pollutant 

emissions (HAPs) and the fuel's lack of sulfur impurities reduced formation of volatile aerosols in the 

test engine exhaust. NASA is also developing a database for alternative fuels. The database has all 

standard properties for 19 alternative fuels/fuel blends and can provide reports on fuels, fuel 

properties, or ranges of fuel properties that can be printed or exported for further processing.







In FY 2009 the Aeronautics Test Program (ATP), with Rand Corporation, developed a five-year 

Strategic Plan to ensure the continuous availability of a set of NASA-owned wind tunnels/ground test 

facilities which are strategically important to the nation. The program continued its strategic initiative to 

establish the National Force Measurement Technology Capability to improve operation efficiencies. 

This activity is intended to address the severe erosion of NASA's capability to utilize strain gage 

balances in wind tunnel testing. During FY 2009, ATP staff co-authored a technical paper highlighting 

the issue and the ATP strategy for restoring the national capability in this area. The paper was 

presented at the 47th annual American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aero-Sciences 

Conference in January 2009. ATP is collaborating with DoD communities of practice in this initiative, 

standardizing and developing a best-practices guide, re-capitalizing the NASA strain-gage balance 

inventory, and increasing research and development investment in critical force measurement 

technologies and capabilities.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

AERO - 6
Theme: Aeronautics

Mission Directorate: Aeronautics Research

Relevance Expert 10/2008 An assessment of NASA's aeronautics research 

portfolio was performed by the National 

Research Council (NRC) to determine how 

NASA is addressing the research challenges 

identified in the NRC Decadal Survey of Civil 

Aeronautics. The assessment found that NASA 

is addressing most of the 51 challenge areas but 

noted concerns about the lack of research in 

several areas, including UAS integration in the 

NAS. NASA has worked to address these 

concerns by including UAS research in ARRA 

funded activities.

N/A

Independent Reviews:

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

AERO - 7
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aviation Safety

Aviation Safety 89.3 60.1 59.6 59.2 61.7 62.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

89.3 60.1 59.6 59.2 61.7 62.5 --

Aviation Safety 89.3 75.0 79.3 78.9 81.2 81.9 82.7

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

89.3 75.0 79.3 78.9 81.2 81.9 82.7

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 14.9 19.7 19.7 19.5 19.4 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

AERO - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aviation Safety

By 2025, air traffic within American airspace may double or triple.(1) Radical innovation will be 

required to meet such demand. The goal of the NextGen is to make passage through increasingly 

crowded skies efficient and speedy while maintaining or increasing safety. NextGen will achieve its 

mandates with state-of-the-art networking technology, continually updating its data and sharing that 

information with pilots and controllers. Aircraft will be able to immediately adjust to changing factors 

such as weather, traffic congestion, the position of other aircraft, flight trajectories and any terrestrial 

or airborne security concerns. 







NASA's Aviation Safety Program (AvSP) helps to realize NextGen's full potential by examining 

concerns to further reduce risk in any complex, dynamic operating domain. AvSP's contribution 

ranges from providing fundamental research in known safety concerns, to working with partners to 

address the challenges created as we transition to NextGen, where we expect significant increases in 

air traffic, introduction of new vehicle concepts, continued operation of legacy vehicles, increased 

reliance on automation, and increased operating complexity.







AvSP is looking at hardware and software systems that will operate in the NextGen. The program is 

initiating an effort to examine key challenges in verifying and validating (V&V) that flight-critical 

systems meet the extremely high levels of safety required for NextGen operations. The program 

seeks to provide increasing capabilities to predict and prevent safety issues, to monitor for safety 

issues in-flight and mitigate against them should they occur, to analyze and design safety issues out 

of complex system behaviors, and to constantly analyze designs and operational data for potential 

hazards. These technologies can be leveraged to support safety in other complex systems, such as 

NASA long-duration missions in space science and exploration. 



 



For example, one goal of AvSP is to develop validated tools, technologies and techniques for 

automated detection, diagnosis and prognosis of adverse events that occur in flight. Another goal is 

pursing flight-deck-related technologies to ensure crew workload and situational awareness are both 

safely optimized and adapted to the NextGen operational environment. 







The program also advances state-of-the-art design tools to detect, avoid, and protect against loss-ofcontrol due to potential adverse events including atmospheric and vehicle system factors, and 

develops advanced capabilities for detection and mitigation of aging-related hazards before they 

become critical. 







For more information, see http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/programs_avsp.htm.







(1) Joint Planning and Development Office, http://www.jpdo.gov/nextgen.asp

Program Overview

AERO - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aviation Safety

AvSP has developed 5-year research plans with milestones and metrics in four research areas. 

Research into integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) addresses the challenge of using a 

prognostic approach to vehicle health management, in particular the integration, processing, and 

effective use of large amounts of data across highly integrated and complex flight critical systems. 

Aircraft aging and durability (AAD) research addresses the challenge of improving the operational 

resiliency of future structures and advanced materials against aging related hazards. The research 

into integrated intelligent flight deck (IIFD) technologies addresses the future challenges to ensure the 

proper integration of the human operator in a highly automated and complex operational environment. 

The integrated resilient aircraft control (IRAC) research seeks to prevent loss-of-control incidents 

through better understanding of upset flight conditions due to a variety of causes, including icing and 

structural degradation, and through detection, avoidance, and mitigation methods. 







Research into verification and validation of flight critical systems seeks to provide the fundamental 

knowledge required to safely manage increasing complexity by the development of theories and 

methods capable of verifying and validating a wide range of complex, flight-critical systems with 

confidence and in a cost- and time-effective manner. Highlighted here are key performance 

deliverables for FY 2011. 







AvSP will demonstrate self-healing material concepts to mitigate damage in structural elements. In 

2011, the program will develop an integrated system concept for the future production of commercial 

self-healing metallic structural elements.







The program will develop an aging mitigation technique that demonstrates a 25% improvement over 

the 2007 baseline, and in 2011 will develop corrosion resistant coatings for Ni-base Superalloy disks 

that will prevent corrosion pitting damage during hot corrosion and reduce the corrosion debit on 

704oC fatigue life by at least 25%. 







The program will evaluate selected results from NextGen-based simulator or flight environment 

experiments and, based on these results, revise concepts of operation for display, decision support, 

and human-automation designs. In 2011, the program will evaluate solution concepts specified for 

flight deck system function allocation, decision-support, and human-automation interactions during 4-

D trajectory-based operations in the terminal area; to include operations and conceptual system 

designs for displays, flight management tasks, role/responsibility assignments, and 

technology/human functions, as well as the performance metrics that the solution concepts seek to 

improve. Concepts and performance metrics will be derived from results of high-fidelity simulation 

studies and/or flight testing.







AvSP will also be developing designs and tools that detect or avoid the onset of loss of control as well 

as mitigate its effects, and will assess strategies for avoidance and recovery from potential loss-ofcontrol conditions.

Plans For FY 2011

AERO - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aviation Safety

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The goal of the IIFD research is to develop tools, methods, principles, guidelines, and technologies 

for revolutionary flight deck systems. In doing so, the program seeks to expand our ability to predict 

and create the comprehensive set of developments (technologies, procedures, and specifications for 

crew training) demanded for truly novel concepts of operation, such as those proposed for the Next 

Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Trajectories may be defined in distinctly new 

ways, pilots' tasks may expand to include collaboration and negotiation with other aircraft and with air 

traffic controllers, and may require managing large disparate sets of information to support a wide 

range of decisions made both individually and collaboratively. Current projections for NextGen 

operations also prescribe an increased use of automation, much of which will need to interact with, 

and support, the cognitive activities of pilots and air traffic controllers. The scope of the IIFD research 

also includes the development of a comprehensive surveillance system design that enables robust 

detection of external hazards with sufficient time-to-alarm for safe maneuvering to avoid the hazards. 

The products of the IIFD research should enable system designers to eliminate the safety risk of 

unintended consequences when introducing new and advanced systems into an operational 

environment.

Integrated Intelligent Flight Deck

The goal of the AAD research is to develop advanced diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for 

detection and mitigation of aging-related hazards. The research and technologies to be pursued will 

decrease the susceptibility of current and next generation aircraft and onboard systems to premature 

deterioration, thus greatly improving vehicle safety and mission success. Emerging civilian and 

military aircraft are introducing advanced material systems, fabrication techniques, and structural 

configurations for which there is limited service history. There will be an emphasis on new material 

systems/fabrication techniques and the potential hazards associated with aging-related degradation. 

The intent is to take a proactive approach to identifying aging-related hazards before they become 

critical, and to develop technology and processes to incorporate aging mitigation into the design of 

future aircraft. Foundational research in aging science will ultimately yield multidisciplinary 

subsystem and system-level integrated, and mitigation/management of aging-related hazards for 

future civilian and military aircraft.

Aircraft Aging and Durability

The goal of the IVHM research is to advance the state of highly integrated and complex flight-critical 

health management technologies and systems. These technologies will enable nearly continuous 

onboard situational awareness of the vehicle health state for use by the flight crew, ground crew, and 

maintenance depot. Improved safety and reliability will be achieved by onboard systems capable of 

performing self-diagnostics and self-correction of anomalies that could otherwise go unattended until 

a critical failure occurs in structures, propulsive systems, avionics hardware, or software. A key 

enabling technology will be the ability for sharing and processing large amounts of information 

among the various vehicle subsystems to more accurately diagnose the system health state and 

execute the logic to self-correct any critical anomalies detected. This data mining capability can also 

be applied to operational data about both aircraft and airspace.

Integrated Vehicle Health Management

AERO - 11
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aviation Safety

The goals of verification and validation of flight critical systems research include providing methods 

for rigorous and systematic high-level validation of system safety properties and requirements from 

initial design through implementation, maintenance and modification, as well an understanding of 

trade-offs between complexity and verification methods for supporting robustness and fault-tolerance 

in distributed systems, especially considering effective human-interaction. Further, the development 

of tools to reduce cost and increase safety through improved software assurance and dependability, 

as well as analysis and testing capabilities of systems-of-systems, will be pursued.

V&V of Flight Critical Systems

The goal of the IRAC research is to advance our ability to detect, avoid and prevent loss-of-control in 

flight. Taking into account the advanced automation and autonomy capabilities as envisioned by 

NextGen, the research will pursue methodologies to enable an aircraft to automatically detect, 

mitigate, and safely recover from an off-nominal condition that could lead to a loss of control. Key 

components of the research will be to develop technologies that would enable an aircraft control 

system to avoid or mitigate the effects of loss-of-control and the rigorous verification and validation of 

such software-based flight-critical systems. Likewise, research seeks to better understand causes of 

upset flight conditions, including icing and this structural degradation, and to detect the existence of 

degraded conditions.

Integrated Resilient Aircraft Control

In 2012, assess flight planning and control 

strategies for aircraft recovery from adverse 

conditions

Aviation Safety Same

Deliver multidisciplinary adaptive control design 

tools for loss-of-control and recovery by 2016

Aviation Safety Same

Deliver validated tools and methods that enable 

implementation of aircraft aging mitigations by 

2016

Aviation Safety Same

Demonstrate sensors, software and guidelines 

that will enable implementation of onboard IVHM 

by 2016

Aviation Safety Same

In 2016, deliver tools and flight deck 

technologies to enable advanced automation to 

support NextGen

Aviation Safety Same

In 2012, compare test results to models of 

human-automation interaction concepts for 

NextGen

Aviation Safety Same

In 2012, demonstrate forecasting technology that 

can predict known anomalies in large data 

sources

Aviation Safety Same

In 2012, develop life-prediction methodologies 

for refined physics based models for composite 

structural components

Aviation Safety New

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

AERO - 12
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aviation Safety

Program Management

Aviation Safety Program Director LARC, GRC, ARC, 

DFRC

FAA, JPDO, CAST (Commercial 

Aviation Safety Team), NOAA, DoD, 

Moog, and Boeing , JCAA (Joint 

Council on Aging Aircraft), Center for 

Rotorcraft Innovation, Alcoa, Williams 

International and Luna Innovations, 

National Research Council Canada, 

Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), 

American Kestrel Company, Goodrich

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The ARMD Associate Administrator has oversight responsibility for the program. The Program 

Director oversees program portfolio formulation, implementation, evaluation, and integration of results 

with other ARMD/NASA programs.

The Aviation Safety Program spans research and technology from foundational research to 

integrated system-level capabilities. This broad spectrum necessitates the use of a wide array of 

acquisition tools relevant to the appropriate work awarded externally through full and open 

competition. Teaming among large companies, small businesses, and universities is highly 

encouraged for all procurement actions. 







A full and open NASA Research Announcement (NRA) is used as the means to solicit innovative 

proposals in key research areas that compliment NASA expertise. One of the main objectives of the 

NRA investment is to stimulate close collaboration among NASA researchers and NRA award 

recipients to ensure effective knowledge transfer. The AvSP will award approximately $8.0 million in 

FY 2011 in grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, including renewals of multi-year awards 

made under previous NRAs, primarily with industry, academia and non-profit institutions. These 

awards will also help to strengthen the research capabilities that are of interest to NASA within the 

recipient organizations and institutions.

Acquisition Strategy

AERO - 13
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aviation Safety

Performance Expert Review 11/2009 The 12-month review is a formal independent 

peer review. Experts from other government 

agencies will report on their assessment of 

technical and programmatic risk and/or program 

weaknesses. Their recommendations will be 

received in a timely fashion and a response will 

be developed no later than the next quarterly 

review.

11/2010

Relevance National 

Research 

Council

Ongoing The review will assess whether the program: (a) 

has well-defined, prioritized, and appropriate 

research objectives; (b) is properly coordinated 

with the safety research programs of the FAA 

and other relevant Federal agencies; (c) has 

allocated appropriate resources to each of the 

research objectives; and (d) suitable 

mechanisms exist for transitioning the results 

from the program into operational technologies/ 

procedures and certification activities in a timely 

manner.

N/A

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

AERO - 14
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Airspace Systems

The Airspace Systems Program (ASP) focuses on mastery, intellectual stewardship, and technical 

excellence in fundamental air traffic management research. The ASP directly addresses the air traffic 

management research needs of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) in 

collaboration with the member agencies of the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO). NASA 

is working closely with the JPDO as well as other government, industry, and academic partners to 

enable the formation, development, integration, and demonstration of revolutionary concepts, 

capabilities, and technologies allowing significant increases in capacity, efficiency, and flexibility of 

the National Airspace System (NAS). These goals are in direct support of the guidelines in the 

National Aeronautics research and development policy and plan.







Increasing the capacity and efficiency of the air transportation system in a manner that does not 

negatively impact the environment or safety is critically important for the nation's economic well-being. 

More than half of the nation's busiest airports are already at capacity or will reach capacity limits in 

the next 10-20 years. Creating new capacity en route or on the airport surface is extraordinarily 

expensive and can take decades to complete, particularly if environmental constraints and safe 

separation standards are at issue. Specifically, environmental concerns forced 12 major commercial 

airports to cancel or indefinitely postpone expansion projects since the 1990s. Despite these 

constraints, air traffic is expected to continue to increase substantially in the next 20 years. All other 

factors remaining constant, increases will mean longer delays at airports already experiencing delays 

and create congestion delays at airports not currently experiencing any. The associated 

environmental impact and economic inefficiencies have been predicted by some to cost the nation 

tens of billions of dollars annually. The risk of loss of aircraft separation both during airborne and 

ground operations could increase as the volume of air traffic exceeds the capacity of the airspace and 

airports to safely and efficiently accommodate the increased growth. 







For more information, please see http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/programs_asp.htm.

Program Overview

Airspace Systems 121.5 81.4 82.9 83.9 87.2 88.3 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

121.5 81.4 82.9 83.9 87.2 88.3 --

Airspace Systems 121.5 80.0 82.2 82.9 85.9 86.6 87.4

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

121.5 80.0 82.2 82.9 85.9 86.6 87.4

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -1.4 -0.7 -0.9 -1.4 -1.7 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

AERO - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Airspace Systems

ASP conducts research into NextGen concepts and technology development and NextGen systems 

analysis, integration and evaluation. 







The NextGen concept and technology development research focuses on developing capabilities in 

traffic flow management, dynamic airspace configuration, separation assurance, super density 

operations, and airport surface operations. Key aspects include optimization for traffic scheduling and 

route planning, and balanced allocation of resources to maximize airspace productivity in response to 

arrival, departure, and surface traffic demands. Selected non-normal and off-nominal situations, 

including system failures, emergency events, and weather impacts will be studied. Technical 

concepts contributing to this activity will include continuous descents, runway balancing, precision 

terminal area scheduling and control, surface optimization, efficient flow management, and merging 

and spacing. Specifically, in FY 2011 ASP will conduct the initial evaluation of terminal tactical conflict 

prediction and resolution functions. This research will assess the air traffic controller and flight crew 

acceptability of the initial automated tactical conflict avoidance functionality in dense terminal 

airspace. It will further determine the acceptability of the initial avoidance function in terms of 

workload, situational awareness, and perceived safety using mid-fidelity air traffic control and flight 

deck simulators.







The NextGen systems analysis, integration, and evaluation research will focus on transition from the 

laboratory to the field of key systems concepts currently being pursued within the NextGen concept 

and technology development area (i.e., surface, terminal, transitional airspace, and en route domains) 

that will provide operational benefits, and demonstrate these integrated capabilities in relevant flight 

environments. Through systems analysis, key concepts will be down-selected based on their 

potential benefit towards improving operational efficiency, and then matured and tested in both fasttime and real-time full mission simulations to determine their technical viability. From this testing, a 

sub-set of these integrated concepts will be further demonstrated and evaluated through field tests 

integrating both air and ground capabilities. This work will continue in FY 2011 with analysis 

elements, advancing over several years to culminate in relevant field experiments and 

demonstrations. This work will be coordinated with the FAA, the JPDO, and the Research Transition 

Teams to ensure transition of NASA concepts, technologies and procedures to the field to help 

enable the transition of today's air transportation system to NextGen. Specifically, in FY 2011 ASP 

will determine the initial specification of operational requirements for performing Multi-Sector Planning 

(MSP) functions in the mid-term, including technical and conceptual requirements, with consideration 

of how requirements might change as the NAS evolves towards NextGen.







Both research activities contribute to ASP's High Priority Performance Goal to increase efficiency and 

throughput of aircraft operations during arrival phase of flight. Specifically, in FY 2011, ASP will 

conduct a field test, where an Enroute Descent Advisor (EDA) prototype will be deployed for real-time 

decision-making by presenting speed and path adjustment advisories on air traffic controllers' 

displays. EDA helps save hundreds of pounds of fuel and carbon dioxide emissions per participating 

flight, while also reducing noise over surrounding communities by selecting optimal descent speeds 

and paths for arriving aircraft under heavy traffic conditions. EDA provides advanced decision support 

to controllers, and is a key component of the FAA's 3D-Path Arrival Management Program and 

NextGen. The primary mechanism for deployment is the NASA-FAA Research Transition Team 

(RTT), through which NASA will deliver EDA Technology Transition Documentation to the FAA in FY 

2012.

Plans For FY 2011

AERO - 16
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Airspace Systems

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Researchers focused on NextGen concepts and technology will develop and explore fundamental 

concepts that address the optimal allocation of ground and air automation technologies necessary for 

NextGen. The program will focus NASA's technical expertise and world-class facilities to address the 

question of where, when, how, and the extent to which automation can be applied to moving aircraft 

safely and efficiently through the National Airspace System (NAS) including airport surfaces. 

Research in ASP will address Four-Dimensional Trajectory Operations, including advances in the 

science and applications of multi-aircraft trajectory optimization that solves the demand/capacity 

imbalance problem while taking into account weather information and forecast uncertainties, and 

keeping aircraft safely separated. The program's research will develop and test concepts for 

advanced traffic flow management to provide trajectory planning and execution across the spectrum 

of time horizons from "strategic planning" to "separation assurance." The program will also conduct 

research to explore dynamic airspace configuration that addresses the technical challenges of 

migrating from the current structured, static homogenous airspace to a dynamic, heterogeneous 

airspace that adapts to user demands and meets changing constraints of weather, traffic congestion, 

and a highly diverse aircraft fleet. Ultimately, the roles and responsibilities of humans and automation 

influence every technical area and will be addressed thoroughly. The program will respond to the 

need to achieve the maximum possible productivity in the combined use of gates, taxiways, runways, 

terminal airspace, and other airportal resources. Since every airport is a unique environment, and 

demand is not expected to increase equally at each airport as the system grows. 







Specific technical goals include: 



- Increasing capacity through dynamic allocation of airspace structure and controller resources



- Effectively allocating demand through departure-time management, route modification, adaptive 

speed control, etc., in the presence of uncertainty



- Developing algorithms, automation prototypes, and procedures that relieve the capacity constraints 

imposed by human-controlled separation of aircraft in transition and cruise airspace



- Quantifying the performance-enhancing effects of emerging airborne technologies



- Optimizing surface traffic operations to enable capacity enhancements



- Exploring transformational approaches, enabled by NextGen capabilities, for increasing airportal 

throughput



- Maximizing the capacity of individual runways and multiple runways with airspace and taxi 

interactions (closely-spaced parallel and converging/intersecting runways)



- Minimizing runway incursion threats in all weather conditions



- Balancing arrival and departure traffic management to enable capacity improvements.

NextGen Concepts and Technology Development

AERO - 17
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Airspace Systems

The high-level goal of the NextGen systems analysis, integration, and evaluation research is to 

conduct systems analysis, integration, and evaluation of key concepts currently being pursued within 

the surface, terminal, transitional airspace, and en route domains that will provide operational 

benefits, and demonstrate these integrated capabilities in a relevant environment. Through system 

analysis, key concepts will be down-selected based on their potential benefit towards increasing 

efficiency, and then matured and tested in both fast-time and real-time full mission simulations to 

determine their technical viability. From this testing, a sub-set of these integrated concepts will be 

further demonstrated and evaluated through field tests integrating both air and ground capabilities. 

To accomplish this goal, the following technical objectives will be satisfied:



- Define operational issues, factors and concerns that must be considered in conducting system 

analysis



- Assess collective impact of these technologies using fast-time modeling and simulation and feed 

back results into the baseline program to enhance and validate research concepts



- Examine the feasibility of the integrated concepts and technologies using human performance 

models and human-in-the-loop simulations



- Demonstrate the impact of the integrated concepts and technologies using field trials 



- Assess alternate fleet implications on trajectory based operations 



- Collaborate with industry and government partners to transition technologies that enable increases 

in capacity and efficiency, while maintaining safety and environmental conditions

NextGen Systems Analysis, Integration, and Evaluation

Program Management

Airspace Systems Program Director ARC, LARC FAA, JPDO, DOT, Air Force Research 

Lab (AFRL), Lockheed Martin, Air 

Services Australia and Eurocontrol

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The ARMD Associate Administrator has oversight responsibility for the program. The Program 

Director oversees program portfolio formulation, implementation, evaluation, and integration of results 

with other ARMD/NASA programs.

By 2016, integrate and evaluate systems 

performance of future concepts, capabilities, and 

technologies for NextGen operations.

Airspace Systems Same

By 2016, develop future concepts, capabilities, 

and technologies for NextGen operations.

Airspace Systems Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

AERO - 18
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Airspace Systems

Performance Expert Review 10/2009 The 12-month review is a formal independent 

peer review. Experts from other government 

agencies will report on their assessment of 

technical and programmatic risk and/or program 

weaknesses. Their recommendations will be 

received in a timely fashion and a response will 

be developed no later than the next quarterly 

review.

11/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

The Airspace Systems Program spans research and technology from foundational research to 

integrated system capabilities. This broad spectrum necessitates the use of a wide array of 

acquisition tools relevant to the appropriate work awarded externally through full and open 

competition. Teaming among large companies, small businesses, and universities is highly 

encouraged for all procurement actions.







A full and open NASA Research Announcement (NRA) is used as the means to solicit innovative 

proposals in key research areas that complement NASA expertise. One of the main objectives of the 

NRA investment is to stimulate close collaboration among NASA researchers and NRA award 

recipients to ensure effective knowledge transfer. The Airspace Systems Program will award 

approximately $15.1 million in FY 2011 in grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, primarily 

with industry, academia and non-profit institutions. These awards will also help strengthen the 

research capabilities that are of interest to NASA within the recipient organizations and institutions.

Acquisition Strategy

AERO - 19
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Fundamental Aeronautics

The Fundamental Aeronautics Program (FAP) focuses on conducting cutting-edge research to 

achieve technological capabilities necessary to overcome national challenges in air transportation 

including reduced noise, emissions, and fuel consumption, increased mobility through a faster means 

of transportation, and the ability to ascend/descend through planetary atmospheres. These 

technological capabilities enable design solutions for performance and environmental challenges of 

future air vehicles. FAP is dedicated to the mastery and intellectual stewardship of the core 

competencies of aeronautics for the Nation across all flight regimes. Research in revolutionary 

aircraft configurations, lighter and stronger materials, improved propulsion systems, and advanced 

concepts for high lift/drag reduction all target the efficiency and environmental compatibility of future 

air vehicles. The program also develops physics-based, multidisciplinary design, analysis and 

optimization tools to enable evaluation of new vehicle designs and to assess, with known 

uncertainties, the potential impact of design innovations on a vehicle's overall performance. All of 

these advances will realize revolutionary improvements in noise, emissions and performance 

enabling a new generation of air vehicles to meet the challenges of the NextGen air transportation 

system. 



 



Fundamental Aeronautics conducts research across four specific flight regimes. The subsonic fixed 

wing research focuses on new aircraft configurations, advanced propulsion systems, and enabling 

technologies to dramatically reduce noise, emissions, fuel burn, and runway field length for a variety 

of vehicles. The subsonic rotary wing research focuses on speed and range increases, payload 

capacity, noise reduction, propulsive efficiency, and rotorcraft unique technologies to enable 

development of new configurations that enhance mobility of the future air transportation system. 

Technologies to meet the environmental challenges specifically associated with supersonic flight, 

such as sonic boom and gaseous emissions, are addressed by the supersonics research. 

Elimination of these barriers will realize practical commercial supersonic cruise vehicles that can fly 

over land. Finally, the hypersonics research focuses on long-range, fundamental and 

multidisciplinary research to enable air-breathing launch vehicles with improved reliability for lowercost and more routine access to space. 







For more information, please see http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/fap.

Program Overview

Fundamental Aeronautics 307.6 228.4 230.0 233.6 239.0 245.9 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

307.6 228.4 230.0 233.6 239.0 245.9 --

Fundamental Aeronautics 307.6 220.0 228.5 231.4 236.0 241.8 244.6

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

307.6 220.0 228.5 231.4 236.0 241.8 244.6

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -8.4 -1.4 -2.1 -3.0 -4.2 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

AERO - 20
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Fundamental Aeronautics

Subsonic rotary wing research will result in the demonstration of new technologies and analysis 

methods to ensure that large rotorcraft will have sufficient crashworthiness characteristics to be viable 

commercial transport vehicles. The goal of using rotorcraft to carry as many passengers as current 

regional jets adds a level of safety consideration to the rotorcraft airframe design that is a much 

greater challenge than is currently considered in small rotary wing designs. Unlike fixed wing 

transports or automobiles, rotorcraft have the possibility of both vertical and horizontal velocities 

during impact. This unusual environment will be addressed through a combination of analytical tools 

and experimental validation using NASA's unique test facilities. New energy absorbing materials and 

techniques will be developed, and the goal of certification by analysis will be advanced through 

careful correlation between modeling and experimental verification. 







Subsonic fixed wing research will result in the completion and validation of the second generation of a 

multi-disciplinary analysis and design toolset to evaluate the trades between noise, emissions, and 

performance of future aircraft. Accuracy of the toolset will be assessed by comparing predictions of 

noise, emissions, fuel-burn, takeoff/landing performance, and aircraft weight to known characteristics 

from single-aisle (B737/CFM56) and twin-aisle (B777/GE90) aircraft. The toolset will then be used to 

predict the performance benefits of unconventional aircraft configurations (such as hybrid wing-body) 

to guide the development of enabling technologies for such configurations. 







Supersonics research will enable the completion of a multidisciplinary analysis and design system 

that enables the simultaneous achievement of high cruise efficiency and low sonic boom in future civil 

supersonic cruise aircraft. The system will integrate analysis tools of varying fidelity in a 

computational framework that allows rapid, accurate communication of data and control of the 

analysis and design processes. Higher order analysis tools, based on computational fluid dynamics 

(CFD) and rapid grid generation will be incorporated in the framework to reduce the uncertainty in the 

results of the design process. New tools for creating and optimizing the design targets for the sonic 

boom minimization will also be included. The goal for the design system is to reduce the time required 

to optimize an aircraft for low sonic boom from months to approximately two weeks. Such a reduction 

in time will enable the consideration of much more design detail early in the design process. 







Hypersonics research will allow CFD predictions of ramjet-to-scramjet mode-transition and compare 

the predictions to available wind tunnel and/or flight data. The ability to accurately predict scramjet 

performance under mode-transition fueling levels is a key enabler for the design of efficient highspeed propulsion systems. This CFD assessment activity will validate and verify the accuracy of two 

CFD codes (WIND and VULCAN) against available data from HIFiRE Flight 2 (Hypersonic 

International Flight Research Experimentation) wind tunnel tests and the upcoming HIFiRE Flight 2 

flight test.

Plans For FY 2011

AERO - 21
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Fundamental Aeronautics

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The projected growth of the air transportation system over the next 20 years will increase emissions 

of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOX), water vapor, and 

particulates, and the number of people exposed to airport noise. To meet the mobility needs of the 

future, the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) will also rely on the expanded use 

of secondary and reliever airports and may employ a new class of vehicles that are capable of short 

take-off and landing (STOL). Efforts in this area consist of conducting long-term, cutting-edge 

research in the core competencies of the fixed wing regime, thereby producing knowledge, data, 

capabilities, technologies, and design tools at the foundational, discipline, multidiscipline and system 

levels that will enable improved prediction methods and technologies for lower noise, lower 

emissions (including NOx, CO2, water vapor, volatiles, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, 

and soot), and higher performance for subsonic aircraft. The emphasis is in technology for enabling 

advances to future generations of fixed-wing vehicles starting with N+1 (the generation after the 

current one, represented by the Boeing-787), all the way to N+3 (two generations beyond that; 

expected to enter into service in the 2030-35 period). Higher performance includes energy efficiency 

to reduce fuel burn and operability technologies that enable takeoff and landing on shorter runways. 

Alternative fuels research includes characterization of synthetic and biofuels to understand the 

impact of these fuels on combustor design, performance, and emissions and also the development 

and application of fluid and mass transport models for use in enhancing the growth of biomass 

feedstocks for use in refining of biofuels. The goal of this research is to provide technologies, novel 

test methods, and validated prediction tools that can be used to improve system trades for advanced 

concepts capable of meeting longer-term noise, emissions, and performance targets. The following 

objectives address the overall goals: 







- Improvements in prediction tools and new experimental methods that provide fundamental 

properties and establish validation data



- Noise prediction and reduction technologies for airframe and propulsion systems enabling up to -71 

dB cumulative, below Stage IV (1) 



- Emissions reduction technologies and prediction tools enabling more than 70 percent reduction in 

landing and take-off NOx below the sixth state of regulation recommended by the Committee on 

Aviation Environmental Protection



- Improved vehicle performance through design and development of lightweight, multifunctional and 

durable structural components, low drag aerodynamic components, and higher bypass ratio engines 

with efficient power plants, and advanced aircraft configurations enabling a fuel burn reduction of 

more than 70% as compared to state of the art commercial subsonic transport



- Reduce take off and landing field length requirements to optimize utilization of all available runways 

within metropolitan areas (more than 50% reduction)



- Multi-disciplinary design and analysis tools and processes to enable design of advanced aircraft 

configurations with greater degree of confidence.







Since NASA does not design or manufacture aircraft that can operationally show these 

improvements, we will use demonstrated component technologies and system-level assessments to 

show that the goals could be operationally achieved. 











Footnotes: 



(1) Stage IV refers to a limit imposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization on the maximum 

allowable noise levels for current aircraft.

Subsonic Fixed Wing

AERO - 22
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Fundamental Aeronautics

Advanced rotorcraft can alleviate the capacity problems in the air transportation system by using 

simultaneous, non-interfering (SNI) approaches that includes non-primary runways, taxiways, and 

aprons. This approach would require a large, high-speed rotorcraft configuration with capability for 

300+ knots cruise. The limiting factor for the cruise speed of tiltrotors has been propeller efficiency, 

as the designer trades cruise efficiency for hover performance, with a proprotor speed reduction of 

nominally 15 percent from hover to cruise. The primary limiting factor for the cruise speed of 

helicopter configurations has been the dynamic stall encountered on the retreating side of the rotor 

as the forward speed is increased. 







Efforts in this area consist of conducting long-term, cutting-edge research in the core competencies 

of the rotary wing regime, thereby producing knowledge, data, capabilities, technologies, and design 

tools at the foundational, discipline, multidiscipline, and system levels that will enable improved 

prediction methods and technologies for lower noise, lower emissions, and higher performance for 

rotary wing aircraft. The FA program has set aggressive goals to develop technologies that enable 

high-speed, efficient rotorcraft of various sizes and configurations to be viable commercial vehicles 

operating in the NextGen airspace system. Research in the subsonic rotary wing area includes the 

following goals:



 



- Enable variable-speed rotor concepts that incorporate the ability to change rotor rotational speed by 

50% without performance or handling qualities penalties to enable optimum rotor aerodynamic 

performance in both hover and higher forward flight speeds than currently attainable, making 

rotorcraft competitive with fixed wing aircraft for short and medium-range missions within the 

NextGen.



- Contain the external noise within the landing area and reduce internal noise to less than 77 dB, and 

develop scenarios for low-noise rotorcraft flight operations.



- Assess multiple active rotorcraft concepts for effectiveness in simultaneously increasing 

aerodynamic efficiency, controlling dynamic stall control for high speed conditions, reducing 

vibration, and reducing noise. The goal for high speed is to increase the state-of-the-art cruise 

speed for any rotary wing configuration by 100 knots while maintaining low vibration and low noise 

characteristics.



- Advance technologies such as crashworthiness, safe operations in icing conditions, and conditionbased maintenance methodologies that are essential for rotary wing vehicles to be viable commercial 

transport concepts.

Subsonic Rotary Wing

AERO - 23
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Fundamental Aeronautics

Supersonic air travel has been possible for decades, but has not been commercially viable because 

of the significant environmental and performance challenges inherent in this speed regime including 

overland sonic boom annoyance, high fuel consumption, and NOx emission at high altitudes Efforts 

in this area consist of conducting long-term, cutting-edge research in the core competencies of the 

supersonic regime, thereby producing knowledge, data, capabilities, technologies, and design tools 

at the foundational, discipline, multidiscipline and system levels that will address the technical 

challenges for practical supersonic cruise aircraft. 







The supersonics research is organized along the following major technical challenges: efficiency 

(supersonic cruise, light weight and durability at high temperature); environmental challenges (airport 

noise, sonic boom, high altitude emissions); performance challenges (aero-propulso-servo-elastic 

analysis and design, cruise lift/drag ratio); and multidisciplinary design, analysis and optimization 

challenges.







The FA program will develop technologies to enable overland supersonic cruise with civilian and 

military applications at acceptable environmental impacts (no greater than subsonic fixed wing 

aircraft). Research in supersonics includes the following 10-year goals: 







- Cruise efficiency improvements in the airframe and propulsion system leading to approximately 30 

percent improvement in aircraft range factor vs. the final NASA High-Speed Research (HSR) 

program baseline; 



- Approximately 15 EPNdB (effective perceived noise, in decibels) of jet noise reduction relative to an 

unsuppressed jet; 



- A reduction of loudness on the order of 30 PLdB (perceived loudness, in decibels) relative to typical 

military aircraft sonic booms



- Minimization of impact from high-altitude emissions.

Supersonics

AERO - 24
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Fundamental Aeronautics

The hypersonics research is motivated by the fact that all access to Earth or planetary orbit, and all 

entry from orbit into Earth's atmosphere or any planet with an atmosphere, requires flight through the 

hypersonic regime. Efforts in this area consist of conducting long-term, cutting-edge research in the 

core competencies of the hypersonics regime, thereby producing knowledge, data, capabilities, and 

design tools at the foundational, discipline, multidiscipline, and system levels that will address the 

technical challenges for two high-payoff NASA missions: Airbreathing Reusable Launch Vehicle 

(RALV) and Planetary Atmospheric Entry Systems (PAES). 







Cutting-edge hypersonics research on RALV will enable sustained hypersonic flight through the 

atmosphere with space-access applications. The research focused on PAES will result in the 

development of technologies and concepts that can enable the safe and accurate delivery of large 

payloads to the surface of Mars as well as other bodies with an atmosphere. This effort will focus on 

the entry, descent, and landing (EDL) phase of both human and robotic planetary missions and is 

closely aligned with the long-term goals of NASA's space exploration activities. 







The FA Program will focus its hypersonics research on addressing some of the hardest challenges 

including:



 



- The development of materials for airframe and propulsion applications that can withstand the 

severe temperatures encountered in hypersonic flight for extended periods of time.



- The development of accurate predictive models for high-speed compressible flow including 

turbulence, heating, ablation, combustion, and their interactions in order to reduce the uncertainty in 

predictions of aerodynamic heat loads during the design of hypersonic vehicles. This improved 

knowledge and predictive capability will result in lower vehicle weight due to reduced design margins 

for thermal structures and thermal protection systems. 



- Airbreathing propulsion systems that operate efficiently over a very wide speed range by integrating 

high-speed turbine engines or rockets with scramjets. 



- Integrating all of the close interactions among the airframe, inlet, nozzle, and propulsion systems 

using a physics-based multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization approach.







The RALV mission class will help enable new air-breathing launch vehicle such as Two-Stage-toOrbit Turbine-Based Combined-Cycle systems to eventually provide more routine low-cost access to 

space. The PAES mission research will push EDL technology beyond the state of the art in 

hypersonic atmospheric entry to successfully land payloads on Mars with masses up to two orders of 

magnitude greater than is practically realizable today.

Hypersonics

By 2013 develop framework for analysis and 

design of supersonic aircraft that are efficient 

with low noise and emissions

Fundamental Aeronautics Same

By 2012 demonstrate a rotor concept 

incorporating the ability to change rotor speed 

without penalty

Fundamental Aeronautics Same

In 2013 develop Gen 1 integrated simulation tool 

for reusable airbreathing launch vehicles

Fundamental Aeronautics New

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

AERO - 25
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Fundamental Aeronautics

Acquisitions within the program provide the basic elements for fundamental research, tools and 

methods development, enabling technologies, and validation and verification of research results. 

This broad spectrum necessitates the use of a wide array of acquisition tools relevant to the 

appropriate work awarded externally through full and open competition. Teaming among large 

companies, small businesses, and universities is highly encouraged for all procurement actions. 







A full and open NASA Research Announcement (NRA) is used as the primary means to solicit 

innovative proposals in key research areas that compliment NASA expertise. One of the main 

objectives of the NRA investment is to stimulate close collaboration among NASA researchers and 

NRA award recipients to ensure effective knowledge transfer. The Fundamental Aeronautics 

Program will award at least $30M million in FY 2011 in grants, contracts, and cooperative 

agreements, primarily with industry, academia and non-profit institutions. These awards will also help 

to strengthen the research capabilities that are of interest to NASA within the recipient organizations 

and institutions.

Acquisition Strategy

Program Management

Fundamental Aeronautics Program Director ARC, DFRC, GRC, 

LaRC

Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), 

Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Northrop 

Grumman, A.R. Associates, ENrG Inc., 

General Electric Aviation, Gulfstream 

Aerospace, and United Technologies 

Corporation, Office of the Secretary of 

Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, 

Center for Rotorcraft Innovation (CRI), 

Bell Helicopter, Sikorsky, Boeing, 

DARPA, FAA, Polyumac, Technocore, 

and ONERA, JAXA, DLR, Lockheed 

martin, Aerion Corporation, U.S. Air 

Force Office of Scientific Research 

(AFOSR), U. S. Navy, Deputy 

Undersecretary of Defense for Science 

and Technology

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The ARMD Associate Administrator has oversight responsibility for the FA program. The Program 

Director oversees program portfolio formulation, implementation, evaluation, and integration of results 

with other ARMD/NASA programs.

AERO - 26
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Fundamental Aeronautics

Performance Expert Review 12/2009 The 12-month review is a formal independent 

peer review of the program. Experts from other 

government agencies will report on their 

assessment of technical and programmatic risk 

and/or program weaknesses. Their 

recommendations will be received in a timely 

fashion and a response will be developed no 

later than the next 6-month review.

12/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

AERO - 27
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aeronautics Test

Aeronautics Test 131.6 74.7 77.1 77.2 76.6 78.7 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

131.6 74.7 77.1 77.2 76.6 78.7 --

Aeronautics Test 131.6 72.0 76.4 76.4 75.6 77.4 78.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

131.6 72.0 76.4 76.4 75.6 77.4 78.2

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -2.7 -0.7 -0.9 -1.0 -1.3 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

AERO - 28
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aeronautics Test

The Aeronautics Test Program (ATP) is a long-term, funded commitment by NASA and the 

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) to retain and invest in test capabilities that are 

strategically important to both the Agency and the nation. ATP capabilities are located at the Ames 

Research Center (ARC), Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC), Glenn Research Center (GRC), 

and Langley Research Center (LaRC). ATP offers government agencies, corporations, and 

academic institutions unmatched basic and applied research and experimental opportunities that 

reflect four generations of accumulated aerospace skill and experience encompassing every aspect 

of aerospace ground and flight testing and engineering. ATP's vision for the future is a portfolio of 

aeronautics ground and flight test capabilities that advance U.S. leadership in aeronautics in the short 

and long term. 



 



Before ATP was established in 2006, a shrinking customer base and cuts in available test resources 

were diminishing NASA's aeronautics research capabilities. Lacking were both the strategic support 

and the financial resources to ensure that important national test capabilities were adequately 

maintained and accessible. Each of the NASA research Centers was fully responsible for its 

respective aeronautics test facilities, thereby limiting the potential ability to pursue agency-wide 

approaches and inter-Center collaboration. Occupancy costs for facilities were at risk of becoming 

unstable and incommensurate with the value provided to users; test customers were being 

increasingly burdened with broader, non-recurring infrastructure costs; and U.S. test capabilities were 

in danger of becoming inferior to foreign capabilities. 







ATP began addressing national aeronautics test concerns by leading in the implementation of 

consistent processes, procedures, and pricing structures across the test capabilities within its 

portfolio. ATP strives to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of its national aeronautics 

test assets through investments in facility workforce, maintenance, and technology development. 

ATP also provides leadership through national partnerships and collaborative activities, such as the 

National Partnership for Aeronautics Testing (NPAT) involving the Department of Defense (DoD) and 

the NASA ARMD. 







Looking to the future, ATP will continue maturation through implementing its strategic plan with its 

four thrusts: (1) provide management guidance and recommendations to the NASA ARMD Associate 

Administrator and Research Center Directors concerning NASA aeronautics ground and flight test 

capabilities; (2) represent the strategic interest of NASA and the nation with respect to stewardship of 

NASA ground and flight test capabilities; (3) provide direction to NASA test capability managers; and, 

(4) provide financial support to NASA test capabilities.







For more information, see http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/atp.

Program Overview

AERO - 29
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aeronautics Test

Strategic initiatives for FY 2011 include the finalization of a Capability Reliance Framework, which is a 

top-level view of the suite of capabilities that ATP oversees and supports. This framework will inform 

decision makers about capability needs, which facilities and resources operated by NASA and other 

entities could serve those needs, and condition and life-cycle costs. The framework will integrate a 

number of results from measures and initiatives to allow ATP and NASA to quickly identify areas of 

potential concern, for example, gaps in capabilities, redundancies, and potential opportunities for 

consolidation. In FY 2011, ATP will incorporate data produced by other ATP initiatives, such as the 

ATP/NPAT Hypersonic and Subsonic test facility studies that will be finished in FY 2010, to complete 

the Capability Reliance Framework. 







ATP Test Technology investments develop and implement new technologies that will increase 

aeronautics test capability, improve productivity and efficiency, and improve data quality. In FY 2011, 

the National Force Measurement Technology Capability will shift to full cost recovery and away from 

ATP funding. Also in FY 2011 and through the NPAT, ATP will lead a national test technology 

strategy involving the Arnold Engineering Development Center, Air Force Research Lab, and 

programs within the ARMD. The objective will be to make strategic investments based on customer 

requirements and the priorities set by ATP's Facility Capability and Reliability Framework as outlined 

in ATP's Strategic Plan.

Plans For FY 2011

AERO - 30
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aeronautics Test

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The flight operations and test infrastructure consists of an integrated set of elements including the 

Western Aeronautical Test Range (WATR), support aircraft maintenance and operations, and the 

testbed aircraft that provide the resources required for research flight and mission support projects. 

The goal is to provide up to 100 percent of the facility fixed costs for these flight facilities to ensure 

facility and staff availability and user price stability. 







The activity also includes the simulation and flight loads laboratories, a suite of ground based 

laboratories that support research flight and mission operations. The goal is to provide up to 20 

percent of the fixed costs for labs to ensure facility and staff availability and user price stability.

Flight Operations and Test Infrastructure

The aeronautics ground test facilities are different classes of facilities including low speed wind 

tunnels, transonic wind tunnels, supersonic wind tunnels, and hypersonic wind tunnels. The four 

primary efforts to support the long term viability of the facilities and to continually improve on the 

efficiency and effectiveness of operations are:



 



- Facility operations support, which provides a portion of the fixed costs for ground test facilities to 

ensure facility and staff availability and user price stability.



- Facility maintenance and upgrades, which provides funding for maintenance and the upgrades that 

correct known deficiencies in facility safety, reliability, and productivity and enable the facilities to 

meet near-term and future testing requirements. These activities will result in improved facility 

productivity and reduced operational cost.



- Facility test technology, which provides funding to develop and implement new technologies that 

increase test capability, improve productivity and efficiency, and improve data quality.



- Facility related research, whose activities are competed openly with a strong desire to involve 

universities with experimental work in major facilities. It is anticipated that one or more ATP assets 

will be utilized to develop technologies that will support either the facility operation or other ARMD 

research programs.

Aero Ground Test Facilities

By 2012, deliver at least 90% of on-time 

availability for operations and research facilities

Aeronautics Test Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

AERO - 31
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Aeronautics Test

Relevance Expert Panel 07/2009 Periodic reviews are carried out by the NASA 

Advisory Council (NAC) and the U.S. users of 

ATP facilities. The last ATP review was carried 

out by the Aeronautics Committee of the NAC in 

July 2009; no major findings were reported. The 

last major community outreach meeting was 

held in September 2008 with NASA, DoD and 

U.S. aerospace industry users at the Ohio 

Institute of Aerospace. The next meeting is 

planned for April 2010.

03/2010

Performance Expert Panel 12/2009 The 12-month review is a formal independent 

peer review. Experts from other government 

agencies will report on their assessment of 

technical and programmatic risk and/or program 

weaknesses. Recommendations will be 

addressed and a response will be developed no 

later than the next quarterly review.

12/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

Program Management

Aeronautics Test Program Director ARC, DFRC, GRC, 

and LaRC

DoD and Boeing

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The ARMD Associate Administrator has oversight responsibility for the program. The Program 

Director oversees program portfolio formulation, implementation, evaluation, and integration of results 

with other ARMD/NASA programs.

Acquisitions supporting ATP activity will be performed at each of the test sites consistent with the 

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS). Each Center will be 

responsible for coordinating major acquisitions supporting ATP activities through the ATP Office as 

required by the ATP Director. Acquisitions that support the ATP facilities are usually less than $0.5 

million and are initiated as early as possible in the fiscal year.

Acquisition Strategy

AERO - 32
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Integrated Systems Research

Green Aviation 0.0 62.4 64.4 67.1 64.4 60.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 62.4 64.4 67.1 64.4 60.5 --

UAS Integration in the NAS 0.0 0.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

Green Aviation 0.0 60.0 83.1 85.1 81.7 77.4 77.4

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 60.0 113.1 115.1 111.7 107.4 107.4

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -2.4 48.7 48.0 47.3 46.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

AERO - 33
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Integrated Systems Research

The Integrated Systems Research Program (ISRP) will conduct integrated system-level research on 

promising concepts and technologies and explore, assess or demonstrate their benefits in a relevant 

environment. The research in this program will be coordinated with on-going long-term, foundational 

research within the three other research programs, as well as efforts within other government 

agencies. ISRP will explore new vehicle concepts and enabling technologies through system-level 

experimentation and will focus specifically on maturing and integrating technologies in major vehicle 

systems/subsystems for accelerated transition to practical application. As the NextGen evolves to 

meet the projected growth in demand for air transportation, researchers must address the national 

challenges of mobility, capacity, safety, and energy and the environment to meet the expected growth 

in air traffic.







The number of flight operations at many of the nation's largest airports is projected to increase in the 

future. Environmental concerns over noise and emissions will limit the growth capacity of those 

airports, and therefore limit the capacity of the entire system. Recently, there have been several 

mandates, directives and recommendations issued to NASA by the National Research Council, 

Congress, the Executive Office of the President, and the NASA Advisory Council. These 

recommendations cite the need for NASA to develop a "green aircraft initiative" and advance the 

development of technologies and operational procedures to decrease the significant environmental 

impacts of the aviation system. These mandates and recommendations clearly point out the need for 

NASA to take the initiative to conduct system research and experiments of promising vehicle 

concepts and technologies that will simultaneously reduce fuel burn, noise and emissions.







NASA will also initiate a research and development effort to understand how advanced environmental 

technologies can best work in an integrated vehicle/aviation operations system. NASA will engage the 

external research community by beneficially including traditional and non-traditional research 

partners. NASA will initiate research activities to expand our current role in aviation alternate and biofuels research and will perform activities to determine if, and how, advances in air traffic management 

technologies can be used to limit aviation's effect on the environment.







In addition, ISRP will focus on delivering validated data and technology which could enable routine 

operations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) of all sizes and capabilities in the National Airspace 

System (NAS) and NextGen. Requirements will be developed and validated for all sizes and classes 

of airports and improvised locations necessary to support UAS operations.

Program Overview

AERO - 34
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Integrated Systems Research

Researchers working on environmentally responsible aviation technologies will develop a hot jet test 

technique, will complete acoustic upgrades to the Langley 14x22 Subsonic Wind Tunnel, will begin 

the low speed performance assessment of a Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) aircraft, and will begin to test 

the ability of the aircraft architecture to shield aircraft engine noise during simulated takeoff and 

approach conditions. The program will develop combustor concepts that offer the potential of 

reducing NOx emissions levels below those attainable with current technologies, and will partner with 

industry to conduct flametube tests to evaluate fuel injector designs for advanced Low NOx 

combustor concepts, and will design and fabricate combustor sector hardware to enable emissions 

testing at realistic engine conditions in FY 2012. Test hardware of a full-scale, multi-bay, pressurized, 

noncircular fuselage section utilizing an advanced lightweight stitched composite concepts will be 

fabricated and delivered for evaluation in FY 2012. In addition, flight tests will begin on a drag 

reduction approach using distributed roughness elements (DRE). The flight test will be conducted by 

using an experimental aircraft with DREs on a specially designed glove. Finally, near term work in 

propulsor technology will be conducted on an ultra high bypass (UHB) geared turbofan. The 

experiments will establish performance and acoustic characteristics.

Plans For FY 2011

AERO - 35
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Integrated Systems Research

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Addressing the challenges associated with all UAS sizes and capabilities will be formidable. With the 

removal of the pilot, UAS can become significantly smaller than existing aircraft and thus operate in 

flight regimes far different than aircraft do today. Issues associated with how the human interacts 

with such systems, reliability, spectrum management, separation assurance, and pilot qualifications 

are among the major issues requiring attention. Addressing these issues could also have a direct 

benefit to the safety of piloted aircraft through advances in technology and procedures. 







Initial program milestones will be scoped for public UAS access as a confidence builder on the path 

to enabling routine civil UAS access to NextGen. Because public UAS can be self-certified by the 

public agency, they do not need to wait for formal rules to be established by the FAA, which can take 

several years. The validated data and technologies delivered by this program would be a key 

enabler, and dramatically reduce the time required for the rule making process.







This work will be conducted in close coordination with efforts underway in the UAS Executive 

Committee (ExCom), comprised of senior executives from the FAA, DOD, NASA, and DHS, to 

ensure the products of this work are transitioned in to application.

UAS Integration in the NAS

The goal of the green aviation research is to explore and assess new vehicle concepts and enabling 

technologies through system-level experimentation to simultaneously reduce fuel burn, noise, and 

emissions and thus reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. The program will mature the 

concepts and technologies and evaluate their performance at the system and sub-system level in a 

relevant environment, as well as identify and assess issues relative to safety. Through system-level 

analysis, promising N+2 vehicle and propulsion concepts and technologies will be down-selected 

based on their potential benefit towards the stated national goals. These concepts and technologies 

will then be matured and their performance will be evaluated at the system and sub-system level in 

relevant environments. Among the technologies to be explored are the following:







- Non-conventional aircraft architectures that enable reduced drag and shielding of propulsion 

system noise,



- Drag reduction through laminar flow, 



- Advanced composite structural concepts for weight reduction,



- Low NOx combustors, and



- Propulsion/airframe integration for noise reduction and fuel burn improvements.







The program will expand the well-informed design trade space for these types of technologies, and 

will transfer knowledge outward to the aeronautics community so that aircraft and propulsion system 

manufacturers can confidently transition these technologies into new products. The program also has 

the potential to transfer knowledge back into to the Fundamental Aeronautics Program so that 

concepts and technologies which do not yield predicted performance benefits can be further 

investigated and developed at a foundational level. This would occur only after an evaluation of such 

concepts and technologies indicates that further fundamental research is warranted.

Green Aviation

AERO - 36
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Integrated Systems Research

The Integrated Systems Research Program will develop and further mature promising technologies 

to the integrated system-level. This necessitates the use of a wide array of acquisition tools relevant 

to the appropriate work awarded externally through full and open competition. Teaming among large 

companies, small businesses, and universities is highly encouraged for all procurement actions.







A full and open NASA Research Announcement (NRA) is used as the means to solicit innovative 

proposals in key research areas that complement NASA expertise. One of the main objectives of the 

NRA investment is to stimulate close collaboration among NASA researchers and NRA award 

recipients to ensure effective knowledge transfer. The Integrated Systems Research Program will 

award approximately $10.5 million in FY 2011 in grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, 

primarily with industry, academia and non-profit institutions. These awards will also help strengthen 

the research capabilities that are of interest to NASA within the recipient organizations and 

institutions

Acquisition Strategy

By FY 2012, conduct tests to validate low-noise 

characteristics of energy efficient unconventional 

aircraft concepts

Integrated Systems Research New

By FY 2012, demonstrate a low-weight, damagetolerant stitched composite structural concept on 

a large scale structure in a combined loads test 

facility

Integrated Systems Research New

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

Program Management

Integrated Systems Research Program Director ARC, DFRC, GRC, 

and LaRC

Boeing R&T, GE Aviation, Pratt & 

Whitney, AFRL

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The ARMD Associate Administrator has oversight responsibility for the program. The Program 

Director oversees program portfolio formulation, implementation, evaluation, and integration of results 

with other ARMD/NASA programs.

AERO - 37
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics

Program: Integrated Systems Research

Relevance Expert Review 09/2009 The Formulation Review is an internal and 

external review. The external component 

serves as a formal independent peer review. 

Experts from other government agencies give a 

recommendation to the ARMD Associate 

Administrator on whether or not the technical 

plans address relevant challenges and can 

achieve the stated objectives and schedule 

within the allocated resources. This 

recommendation decides whether or not the 

program and project are ready to move from 

formulation into implementation.

N/A

Relevance Subject Matter 

Experts

05/2009 The National Research Council of the National 

Academies is convening a meeting of experts to 

review NASA's plans for system-level research 

in Environmentally Responsible Aviation. The 

purpose of the review is for NASA to collect 

comments and observations from subject matter 

experts in the areas of aviation operations, 

vehicles and environmental impact. NASA will 

consider the comments and observations it 

receives in future refinement of its plans.

N/A

Performance Review Panel N/A The 12-month review is a formal independent 

peer review. Experts from other government 

agencies will report on their assessment of 

technical and programmatic risk and/or program 

weaknesses. Their recommendations will be 

received in a timely fashion and a response will 

be developed no later than the next quarterly 

review.

11/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

AERO - 38
Mission Directorate: Space Technology

NASA's Space Technology Program builds upon the success of its Innovative Partnerships Program and 

responds to input from the NRC in establishing an advanced space systems concepts and enabling technology 

development activity. The Space Technology program will advance multi-purpose technology, in some cases to 

flight-ready status. The Space Technology Program will complement the mission-focused technology 

development activities in NASA's Mission Directorates, delivering solutions to NASA's needs for new 

technologies in support of future NASA missions in science and exploration, as well as the needs of other 

government agencies and the Nation's space industry in a manner similar to the way National Advisory 

Committee for Aeronautics aided the early aeronautics industry. The Space Technology Program will enable new 

approaches to NASA's current mission set and allow NASA to pursue entirely new missions.







In contrast to the mission-focused technology development activities in the NASA Mission Directorates, there 

shall be multiple customers for Space Technology program products. Potential customers include any of the 

NASA mission directorates, other government agencies, and the Nation's space industry. The Space Technology 

program will employ a portfolio approach to innovation that ensures opportunities for technology investment and 

maturation over the entire Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum (see 

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codeq/trl/trl.pdf for TRL definitions). The Space Technology program will sponsor 

research in academia, industry, and NASA Centers based on the quality of research proposed at those 

institutions and in a manner that supports competition and balance. 







The FY 2011 budget request for Space Technology is $572.2 million, and $4,925.9 million is included in the fiveyear budget plan. While fostering and stimulating an innovative research and development culture at the NASA 

Centers, this initiative will expand NASA's technology and innovation portfolio through three major Program 

elements that span the TRL spectrum: open competitions that stimulate highly innovative early-stage space 

system concepts and ideas, development of game-changing technologies that can address NASA and national 

needs, and development of crosscutting capability demonstrations that permit infusion of new technological 

solutions into future spaceflight missions. While many visionary space systems concepts will be initiated by the 

Space Technology Program through early stage innovation awards and some of these concepts will progress 

through all three major program elements to achieve flight readiness status, it is important to note that the 

program also welcomes existing but immature technologies (TRL<6) from a wide range of sources for further 

development.







The Space Technology Program's space systems research and technology development activities leverage 

partnerships with the NASA field Centers, other Government agencies, academia, small businesses, and the 

emerging commercial space industry, while building the capabilities for tomorrow's space missions today. 

NASA's space technology investments are closely coordinated with the mission-focused technology investments 

of the NASA mission directorates, align with the Agency's Strategic Plan, and respond to both the President's 

space agenda and the Administration's research and development priorities.







The Space Technology Program is managed by NASA's new Office of the Chief Technologist, which reports 

directly to the NASA Administrator, outside the existing mission directorates. NASA will establish a deliberative 

panel of internal and external stakeholders - including stakeholders from industry and other government 

agencies - to review and advise on technology development priorities for the Space Technology Program 

through a transparent and balanced process. Beginning in FY 2011, activities associated with the Innovative 

Partnerships Program are integrated into Space Technology.

Overview

TECH - 1
Mission Directorate: Space Technology

Space Technology 0.0 0.0 572.2 1,012.2 1,059.7 1,063.9 1,217.9

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 0.0 572.2 1,012.2 1,059.7 1,063.9 1,217.9

Total Change from FY 2010 

President's Budget Request

0.0 0.0 572.2 1,012.2 1,059.7 1,063.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

TECH - 2
Theme: Space Technology

Mission Directorate: Space Technology

Partnership Development and Strategic 

Integration

0.0 0.0 42.0 46.5 48.2 47.7 55.0

Crosscutting Capability Demonstrations 0.0 0.0 102.0 302.0 362.0 362.0 424.0

Game Changing Technology 0.0 0.0 129.6 359.3 349.1 349.1 424.2

Early Stage Innovation 0.0 0.0 298.6 304.4 300.4 305.1 314.7

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 0.0 0.0 572.2 1,012.2 1,059.7 1,063.9 1,217.9

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 572.2 1,012.2 1,059.7 1,063.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

The Space Technology Program consists of three major program elements and an Agency 

partnership development and strategic integration function. Through the three major elements of this 

program (Early Stage Innovation, Game Changing Technology, and Crosscutting Capability 

Demonstrations), a broad array of participants including NASA Centers, other Government agencies, 

academia and industry are engaged through competitive awards. These three program elements have 

been established based on past successful approaches to technology development using the TRL 

scale to organize the program content and on a desire to balance the funding distribution against 

NASA's future mission needs. Strategic integration of NASA's technology portfolio - working with the 

Mission Directorates and NASA Centers to develop an Agency technology roadmap and measure the 

significance and performance of the Agency's technology investments is also performed within this 

Program. By enhancing the function of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program, the Space 

Technology Program also provides a single Agency entry point for technology transfer and 

commercialization, interagency coordination and joint activities, intellectual property management and 

partnership opportunities, providing additional value to external innovators, including a wide range of 

small businesses and the commercial space industry.

Theme Overview

TECH - 3
Theme: Space Technology

Mission Directorate: Space Technology

The need for additional space capabilities is increasing as NASA leads our nation in envisioning 

missions of increasing complexity to explore and understand the Earth, our solar system, and the 

universe. Technology and innovation are critical to successfully accomplishing these missions. The 

Space Technology Program will improve the Nation's leadership in key research areas, enable farterm capabilities, and spawn game-changing innovations to make space travel more affordable and 

sustainable. Many positive outcomes are likely from a long-term, broad NASA advanced space 

concepts and technology development program. Chief among these are a more exciting space 

science and exploration future than our country has today, and a more robust national capability for 

space activities that will improve our competitive posture in the international marketplace, enable new 

industries and contribute to economic growth. Space Technology Program efforts will also serve as a 

spark to innovation that can be applied broadly in a more robust technology-based economy, an 

international symbol of our country's scientific innovation, engineering creativity and technological 

skill, and a component of the remedy to our nation's scientific and mathematics literacy challenges. 







Major breakthroughs are needed to address our society's energy, health, transportation, and 

environment challenges. While NASA investments alone will not solve these grand challenges, NASA 

has proven to have a unique ability to attract and motivate many of the country's best young minds 

into educational programs and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A suite 

of game-changing space systems discoveries are within our nation's grasp. With a stronger focus on 

technology development, the intellectual capital at NASA's field centers will be utilized to deliver 

solutions to some of our nation's grand technological challenges.

Relevance

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

TECH - 4
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Early Stage Innovation

The Early-Stage Innovation program element sponsors a wide range of low TRL advanced space 

system concept and initial technology development efforts across academia, industry and at the 

NASA field Centers. This program element includes: (a) the Space Technology Research Grant 

program (analogous to the Fundamental Aeronautics program within NASA's Aeronautics Research 

Mission Directorate) that focuses on foundational research in advanced space systems and space 

technology, (b) re-establishment of a NIAC-like Program to engage innovators within and external to 

the Agency in accordance with the recommendations of the NRC's Fostering Visions of the Future 

report, (c) enhancement of the Innovative Partnership Programs Seed Fund into a Center Innovations 

Fund to stimulate aerospace creativity and innovation at the NASA field Centers, (d) NASA's 

SBIR/STTR program to engage small businesses, and (e) the Centennial Challenges Prize Program 

to address key technology needs with new sources of innovation outside the traditional aerospace 

community. All selections within this low TRL program element are performed competitively. The FY 

2011 budget request for the Early Stage Innovation program element within Space Technology is 

$298.6 million, and $1,523.2 million is included in the five-year budget plan. This program element 

incorporates two initiatives from NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program: $165.6 million in FY 2011 

and $842.2 million in the five-year budget for the NASA SBIR/STTR program, and $10 million in FY 

2011 and $50 million in the five-year budget for the NASA Centennial Challenges program.

Program Overview

Centennial Challenges 0.0 0.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0

SBIR/STTR 0.0 0.0 165.6 168.4 163.4 168.1 176.7

Center Innovations Fund 0.0 0.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0

NIAC Phase I and Phase II 0.0 0.0 3.0 6.0 7.0 7.0 8.0

Space Technology Research 

Grants

0.0 0.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 0.0 298.6 304.4 300.4 305.1 314.7

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 298.6 304.4 300.4 305.1 --

Note: SBIR/STTR totals will change as amounts are calculated in accordance with current SBIR/STTR authorization.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

TECH - 5
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Early Stage Innovation

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Space Technology Research Grant Projects will meet future space science and exploration needs of 

NASA, other government agencies, and the commercial space sector through technological 

innovation. This low TRL technology portfolio focuses on foundational research in advanced space 

systems and space technology performed primarily through collaborative efforts between academia 

and NASA field Centers, with the option of including small business and industry partners. Integration 

and assessment of emerging technologies and advances in related disciplines to change the state-of

-the-art in space systems design, hardware and modeling will be conducted. This thrust will provide 

idea maturation at the discipline and subsystem level prior to major R&D investment. This project will 

also provide innovations in space systems to help make space exploration more affordable. Project 

competition guidelines include a maximum award of $400k/yr for one year, with at most a one-year 

extension following technical evaluation of a renewal proposal. Examples of the types of foundational 

space system research that may be performed through this project include:Computational Materials 

Design, Nanotube Based Structural Materials, High Bandwidth Communications, Lightweight Low 

Transit Volume Space Structures, Non-Chemical In-Space Propulsion, Coatings and Adhesives, 

Flexible Power Arrays, Microwave/Laser Power Transmission, Energy Storage Systems, Space 

Robotic Assembly and Fabrication, Formation Flying Spacecraft Systems (Swarm Operations), 

Orbital Debris Removal, Planetary Protection Techniques, Nonconventional Access to Space, Print 

Manufacturing and Rapid 3D Prototyping, Extreme Environment (Temperature/Radiation) Sensors 

and Mechanisms,	Climate Sensors, Planetary Entry Decelerators, Reliable and Affordable 

Exploration Systems, Advanced Radiation Shielding Materials(Techniques and Systems), Safe 

Despin/Detumble Approaches for Large Non-operational Spacecraft, Material/Structural Concepts to 

Mitigate Impact of Small Debris, and Precision Timing and Navigation Using Only Celestial Objects.







A significant aspect of this project is the competitive selection of U.S. citizen graduate student 

research that shows significant promise for future application toward NASA missions and strategic 

goals. The Space Technology Grant Project will train the next generation of aerospace engineers 

and scientists by funding NASA-related graduate student research performed on campus during the 

academic year and research performed at a NASA Center during the summer months, gaining hands

-on experience. Each student in this project will be matched to a technically relevant and engaged 

NASA researcher who will serve as the student's NASA advisor. Through this experience, students 

will advance their STEM education, gain NASA experience and learn the research process. 

Innovative projects with high risk/high payoff will be encouraged. This project thrust will provide the 

Nation a new pipeline of engineers and scientists to improve the nation's technological 

competitiveness and serve NASA by providing a steady stream of new talent for potential hiring 

opportunities. Project guidelines include selection of as many as 500 graduate students per year for 

a two-year fellowship during their graduate studies, with at most a one-time extension following 

technical evaluation of a renewal proposal for two additional years. Funding will include tuition 

remission, a research stipend, fringe, and summer travel expenses. A small amount of funding for 

both the student's university advisor and NASA advisor will also be provided. Students will be 

selected based on demonstrated performance (GPA and GRE scores) and recommendations letters. 

Selected students are required to spend at least one summer, preferably two, at the host NASA 

center. The host Center will be provided resources for laboratory work and mentoring workforce.

Space Technology Research Grants

TECH - 6
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Early Stage Innovation

Responsive the NRC report, Fostering Visions for the Future: A Review of the NASA Institute for 

Advanced Concepts (2009), the NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts (NIAC) will be re-established 

as a project within the Early Stage Innovation Program. The project is formulated as a two-phase, 

low TRL activity, focused upon conceptual studies of visionary approaches addressing long-term 

NASA strategic goals. The first phase of NIAC will fund a competed set of conceptual studies and 

systems analyses that investigate how technology innovations will enable NASA's future missions 

and extend its goals. Second Phase NIAC proposals will further develop successful Phase I 

proposals and work to transition the key technical advances into projects within the Game Changing 

Technology Program. 



 



NIAC will serve as an incubator for bringing new technologies into future aerospace endeavors. By 

supporting innovative and visionary concepts aimed a decade or more into the future, NIAC-funded 

research significantly impacts the Agency's future missions as well as its roadmaps for future 

science, discovery and exploration. As a low-TRL early phase activity, NIAC will serve as a visible 

and recognized entry point for innovators and researchers who will enable future NASA missions and 

goals. 



 



While the NIAC seeks concepts that stretch the imagination, these concepts must be based on 

sound scientific principles. In the context of the NIAC requirements, successful proposals for 

advanced concepts or studies will be: (a) innovative, visionary and new; not incremental, 

evolutionary or duplicative of concepts previously studied by NASA, (b) an architecture, system, 

mission strategy or approach to meeting an aeronautics and/or space goal; not narrowly focused at 

the component or sub-system level, (c) described in an aeronautics and/or space mission context, 

(d) adequately substantiated with a description of the scientific principles that form the basis for the 

concept, and (e) focused on a technology that is either, newly emerging, a unique combination of 

emerging technologies, or a technology that is developed as an integral part of the proposal.



 



The NIAC Phase I Program will competitively select low TRL (1-2) conceptual studies and systems 

analyses that examine the impacts of visionary changes. Phase I studies will examine the overall 

technical viability of the technology or concept, as well as how the change will impact or enable 

future architectures, missions or goals. Successful Phase I study proposals will examine changes in 

technologies that will occur 10 or more years into the future, have a maximum duration of 1 year, and 

a maximum budget of $100K. Proposals will be accepted from NASA researchers, academia, other 

Government Agencies, industry and partnerships. Phase II NIAC proposals will be competitively 

selected from the set of highly successful Phase I awards and will have a maximum duration of two 

years and a maximum budget of $500K. Phase II awards will study the major feasibility issues 

associated with cost, performance, development time and key issues with the technology, concept or 

approach. The Phase NIAC II study will also examine the transition path for potentially infusing the 

concept, technology or approach into a future Game Changing Technology project. Both Phase I and 

Phase II awards will be competitively selected based upon independent peer reviews. Participation in 

these studies is open to all categories of U.S. individuals and organizations. To encourage external 

innovators, NASA organizations, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, would be limited to 

receiving no more than 30% of the total NIAC project budget line in any given year.

NIAC Phase I and Phase II

TECH - 7
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Early Stage Innovation

The Center Innovations Fund will be distributed among the ten NASA centers to provide seed 

funding for new ideas and idea generation activities. These funds will allow Centers to support low 

TRL innovative technology initiatives that leverage Center talent and capability. It is envisioned that 

the most promising ideas that emerge from the Center Innovation Funds will compete subsequently 

for funding from other parts of the Space Technology Program or other NASA technology 

development programs. By placing the competition for these funds at the Center level, the Space 

Technology Program aims to stimulate and encourage creativity and innovation from within the 

NASA Centers. Activities supported with these funds must fall within the scope of space technology, 

dual-use technology, or be a technology that addresses a significant national need. All Center 

Innovations Fund awards must demonstrate scientific/technical merit and feasibility, relevance and 

value to NASA, capability and strength of the team, and the potential for leveraging of resources.







Through the Center Chief Technologist, Centers will conduct competitions on 6-month cycles to 

select ideas and provide appropriate oversight. Detailed feedback on these activities will be required 

before the end of each FY. Feedback describing the innovation pursued, criteria for selection, its 

relevance to the stated goals of the Center Innovation Funds, and the final results of the effort will be 

collected and measured. Centers may choose to highlight some projects by having the individual or 

team present their results directly to the Office of the Chief Technologist. An end-of-year report will 

be generated at each Center describing the successes and failures of the funded ideas, with an 

emphasis on the creativity involved. Proposals that would have been selected if more funds had 

been available to that Center may also be described in an Appendix of the report. These annual 

Center Innovation and Creativity Reports will be reviewed and scored by the Space Technology 

Program for creativity of the investment portfolio (independent of their success or failure) and on the 

future promise of any individual project successes. This scoring will feed directly into the process of 

allocating funds for the following year's Innovation Funds so that both creativity and success are 

rewarded.







Building on the demonstrated success of the Innovative Partnerships Program Seed Fund, a 

significant portion of the Center Innovations Fund will be used to leverage technology development 

partnerships. Partners will be sought out by the Centers for the pursuit of innovation that is of 

common interest, as demonstrated by the willingness of partners to contribute with technologies, 

resources, and expertise. Partners will include private sector firms both large and small, universities, 

other government agencies and FFRDCs.

Center Innovations Fund

TECH - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Early Stage Innovation

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program was established by Congress in 1982 to 

increase research and development opportunities for small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, 

to increase employment, and to improve U.S. competitiveness. The program's specific objectives are 

to stimulate U.S. technological innovation, employ small businesses to meet federal research and 

development needs, increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal 

research and development, and encourage and facilitate participation by socially disadvantaged 

businesses. NASA, as a mission driven agency, seeks small, high-technology companies to 

participate in government-sponsored research and development efforts in technology areas critical to 

NASA's missions. NASA will implement the SBIR program consistent with pending reauthorization. 

Current authorization provides for SBIR funding at 2.5 percent of NASA's extramural research and 

development expenditures.







The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Program awards contracts to small 

business concerns for cooperative research and development with a non-profit research institution, 

such as a university. NASA's STTR program has the primary objective of facilitating the transfer of 

technology developed by a research institution through the entrepreneurship of a small business, 

resulting in technology to meet NASA's needs. The small business and its partnering institution are 

required to sign an intellectual property agreement. Modeled after the SBIR Program, STTR is a 

separately funded activity. STTR is smaller than SBIR, with funding set at 0.3 percent of the 

extramural research and development budget, approximately one-eighth of the amount for SBIR.







Beginning in FY 2011, SBIR and STTR activities associated with the Innovative Partnerships 

Program are transferred to Space Technology. The Space Technology Program implements NASA's 

SBIR and STTR programs with the dual objectives of providing the high technology small business 

sector with an opportunity to develop technology for NASA, and commercializing that technology to 

spur economic growth. NASA tracks the maturity of technologies funded by SBIR/STTR through use 

of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)(see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codeq/trl/trl.pdf for TRL 

definitions). This is important for understanding when technologies will be ready for infusion into 

NASA's programs and projects as well as their readiness for commercial use. Tracking TRLs also 

provides insight into the progress that technologies are making, and over time, the performance of 

different firms for successful maturing technologies. Included in this request, in addition to the 2.8% 

of extramural R&D for contract awards, are funds for SBIR/STTR Program Support to cover the 

administrative costs of running the program with operations at all ten NASA field centers, as well as 

the outreach efforts needed to increase participation in SBIR/STTR by the small business 

community. The percentage of new firms participating in NASA's SBIR/STTR programs each year 

has been in the 30-50% range, yielding new applicants each year. New participants have submitted 

between 20-35% of the total number of proposals in any given year. 







Technologies funded by SBIR/STTR have made important contributions to numerous NASA 

programs and projects and have also been commercial successes that are bringing important 

benefits to society. The Agency is actively working to increase the number of NASA-funded 

SBIR/STTR technologies used in NASA's missions and projects. Some of NASA's high-profile 

programs directly benefiting from SBIR technologies include the Space Shuttle, ISS, Mars 

Exploration Rovers, and the Phoenix lander.

SBIR/STTR

TECH - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Early Stage Innovation

The Centennial Challenges program seeks innovative solutions to technical problems that can drive 

progress in aerospace technology of value to NASA's missions in space operations, science, 

exploration and aeronautics. Beginning in FY 2011, Centennial Challenge activities associated with 

the Innovative Partnerships Program are transferred to the Space Technology Program. Centennial 

Challenges encourage the participation of independent teams, individual inventors, student groups 

and private companies of all sizes in aerospace research and development, and seek to find the 

most innovative solutions to technical challenges through competition and cooperation. NASA's 

original seven prize challenges have been successful in encouraging broad participation by 

innovators across our nation and across generations. Many of these technical challenges also have 

direct relevance to national and global needs such as energy and transportation.



 



Prize programs encourage diverse participation and multiple solution paths. A measure of diversity is 

seen in the geographic distribution of participants (from Hawaii to Maine) that reaches far beyond the 

locales of the NASA Centers and major aerospace industries. The participating teams have included 

individual inventors, small startup companies, and university students and professors. An example of 

multiple solution paths was seen in the 2009 Regolith Excavation Challenge. NASA can typically 

afford one or two working prototypes in a development program but at this Challenge event, over 

twenty different working prototypes were demonstrated for the NASA technologists. All of these 

prototypes were developed at no cost to the government. For three years of competitions with 

dozens of teams investing tens of thousands of hours, NASA spent only $750,000 in prize money.



 



The return on investment with prizes is exceptionally high as NASA expends no funds unless the 

accomplishment is demonstrated. NASA provides only the prize money and the administration of the 

competitions is done at no cost to NASA by non-profit allied organizations. For the Lunar Lander 

Challenge, twelve private teams spent nearly 70,000 hours and the equivalent of $12 million trying to 

win $2 million in prize money. Prizes also focus public attention on NASA programs and generate 

interest in science and engineering. Live webcasts of Centennial Challenge competitions attract 

thousands of viewers across the nation and around the world. The 2009 Power Beaming completion 

resulted in over 100 news articles and web features. Prizes also create new businesses and new 

partners for NASA. The winner of the 2007 Astronaut Glove Challenge started a new business to 

manufacture pressure suit gloves. Armadillo Aerospace began a partnership with NASA related to 

the reusable rocket engine that they developed for the Lunar Lander Challenge, and they also sell 

the engine commercially.



 



In selecting topics for prize competitions, NASA consults widely within and outside of the Federal 

Government. The $10 million per year FY 2011 request for Centennial Challenges will allow NASA 

to pursue new and more ambitious prize competitions. Topics for future challenges that are under 

consideration include revolutionary energy storage systems, solar and other renewable energy 

technologies, laser communications, demonstrating near-Earth object survey and deflection 

strategies, innovative approaches to improving the safety and efficiency of aviation systems including 

Next Generation Aeronautics efforts, closed-loop life support and other resource recycling 

techniques, and low-cost access to space. Annual funding for Centennial Challenges allows new 

prizes to be announced, addressing additional technology challenges that can benefit from the 

innovation of the Citizen inventor.

Centennial Challenges

TECH - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Game Changing Technology

The Game Changing Technology Program element focuses on maturing advanced space 

technologies that may lead to entirely new approaches for the Agency's future space missions and 

solutions to significant national needs. Responsive to the NRC report: America's Future in Space: 

Aligning the Civil Space Program with National Needs (2009), this program element demonstrates the 

feasibility of novel, early-stage ideas that have the potential to revolutionize future space missions 

through a significant ground-based test and/or laboratory experimentation program. Fixed duration 

awards are made to PI-led teams comprised of government, academia and industry partners. These 

high-risk awards are evaluated annually for progress against baseline milestones with the objective of 

maturing technologies to a TRL of 4, and in some cases TRL 5/6, through ground-based testing and 

laboratory experimentation (see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codeq/trl/trl.pdf for TRL definitions). 

NASA intends to collaborate with DARPA and other government agencies in this program element to 

create and implement collaborative game-changing space technology initiatives, and share program 

management lessons learned. In this program element, more than 70% of the funds are competitively 

awarded. 







New technologies considered may include advanced lightweight structures and materials, advanced 

in-space propulsion, nano-propellants, large aperture antennas and telescopes, power 

generation/transmission, surface robotic construction, energy storage, high bandwidth 

communications, and small satellite subsystem technology. With a focus on game-changing 

technologies, success is not expected with each investment; however, on the whole, and over time, 

dramatic advances in space technology that enable entirely new NASA missions and potential 

solutions for a wide variety of our society's grand technological challenges are expected and will be 

measured. The FY 2011 budget request for the Game Changing Technology program element within 

Space Technology is $129.6 million, and $1,611.3 million is included in the five-year budget plan.

Program Overview

Small Satellite Subsystem 

Technologies

0.0 0.0 6.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0

Game-Changing 

Developments

0.0 0.0 123.6 329.3 319.1 319.1 394.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 0.0 129.6 359.3 349.1 349.1 424.2

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 129.6 359.3 349.1 349.1 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

TECH - 11
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Game Changing Technology

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Game Changing Developments element will use a DARPA-like "end-game" approach. Research 

teams will be provided a list of challenge goals with top level requirements for the desired capability. 

The PI team then defines solution approaches and the anticipated technology needs. The PI is held 

accountable for ensuring that discoveries will move rapidly from the laboratory to application. Game 

Changing Development projects are intended to be capability-oriented and differ from traditional R&D 

methods that advance discipline or core knowledge. Instead of lengthy proposals, Heilmeier's 

Catechism is employed whereby seven key questions must be answered by the PI for each 

proposed effort:







- What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon. 



- How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice? 



- What's new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful? 



- Who cares? If you're successful, what difference will it make? 



- What are the risks and the payoffs? 



- How much will it cost? How long will it take? 



- What are the midterm and final "exams" to check for success? 







New capabilities considered may include advanced in-space propulsion, large aperture antennas and 

telescopes, power generation/transmission, robotic construction systems, energy storage and high 

bandwidth communications. 







An annual call for proposals will be made for game changing, "push" technologies that will be 

demonstrated at the subsystem or system level. In some cases, multiple technology advances may 

be required to achieve the stated capability. Awards will be made to PI-led teams comprised of 

government, academia and industry partners for high risk/ high payoff capabilities. Failure to achieve 

the stated capability goals within the schedule will necessarily result in termination. Review gates 

may also determine early cessation of an activity. Each high-risk activity will be made for a two-year 

duration to mature from TRL 3 to TRL of 4 or greater. These efforts will generally include the design, 

build and test of technology development units. Project success is measured both through 

technology advancement and demonstration of clear advantages enabling new NASA missions or 

dramatic improvements in their viability. A third optional year may be awarded to achieve TRL 5/6 if 

technically possible without the cost of orbital flight testing. Flight experiments will be conducted in 

the Crosscutting Capability Demonstration Program element; however, in some cases, ground 

testing or low cost (e.g. sub-orbital) flight testing may be used to raise the TRL (5/6) during the third 

year under the Game Changing Program element. Two year awards must be less than $45M. If an 

optional third year is awarded to achieve TRL 5/6, the total 3 year award cannot exceed $75M. 

Project selection guidelines include the establishment of PI-led teams willing to serve as 

communities of change-state advocates. Non-NASA PI's selected for participation may be offered an 

assignment to NASA for no more than three years, through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act 

(IPA) or NEX position.

Game Changing Developments

TECH - 12
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Game Changing Technology

Technologies that enable small satellites to provide game changing capabilities for the government 

and commercial sectors will be supported under a competed Small Satellite Subsystem 

Technologies project. These "push" technologies may include formation flying, long life power 

systems, miniaturized remote sensors, deployable apertures, autonomous swarm operations, and 

other technology enablers. Architectures, proximity operations, robotics, space-to-space power 

transmission and other system interoperability such as that being developed for standardization in 

the cubesat class of spacecraft will also be considered for TRL advancement from 3 to 4. In this 

project, ground testing of promising transformational small satellite capabilities are sought. Activities 

will have a two-year timeframe to mature to TRL 4. In some cases, based on performance and 

technology objectives, a third optional year may be granted to achieve TRL 5/6. However, 

technologies and capabilities that require flight testing must be submitted to the Crosscutting 

Capability Demonstration Program element. Annual review gates may determine early cessation of 

an activity. Two year funding must be less than $12M. If an optional third year is granted to achieve 

TRL 5/6, the total 3 year amount cannot exceed $18M. This small satellite subsystem technology 

development project will provide subsystem advances for the Edison Small Satellite Demonstration 

Missions and other small satellite missions.

Small Satellite Subsystem Technologies

TECH - 13
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Crosscutting Capability Demonstrations

One of the greatest challenges that NASA faces in incorporating advanced technologies into future 

missions is bridging the mid-TRL (3-6) gap between early conceptual studies and infusion of a new 

technology onto the critical path of a science or exploration mission. While the Game Changing 

Technology Program element will address an aspect of this gap, maturing a space technology to flight 

readiness status through relevant environment testing is a significant challenge from both a cost and 

risk perspective. Flight demonstration of a technology that has the potential for enormous economic 

savings in the long run is often considered too risky for a mission program or too costly for a 

technology program.







The Crosscutting Capability Demonstration program element matures a small number of technologies 

that are of benefit to multiple customers to flight readiness status, TRL 6. In this program element, 

more than 70% of the funds are competitively awarded. Technical risk, technology maturity, mission 

risk, customer interest, and proposed cost are discriminators used in the selection process. For 

infusion purposes, NASA-industry teams are required to have a sponsor (or sponsors) willing to cost 

share a minimum of 25% of the proposed development effort. With objectives analogous to the former 

New Millennium program, NASA will pursue flight demonstrations not only as standalone missions, 

but also as missions of opportunity using planned NASA missions as well as international and 

commercial partner space platforms through this program element. Examples of type of technologies 

that may be considered for this flight test program component include optical communications, and 

supersonic and hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerators.







The Crosscutting Capability Demonstration Program element also includes the Commercial 

Reuseable Suborbital Research Program (which provides suborbital flight opportunities for 

technology demonstrations, scientific research and education), the Facilitated Access to the Space 

environment for Technology (FAST) project (which focuses on testing technologies on parabolic 

aircraft flights that can simulate microgravity and reduced gravity environments) and the the Edison 

Small Satellite Demonstration project (which develops and operates small satellite missions in 

partnership with academia). The FY 2011 budget request for the Crosscutting Capability 

Demonstration program element within Space Technology is $102 million, and $1552 million is 

included in the five-year budget plan.

Program Overview

Flight Opportunities 0.0 0.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0

Edison Small Satellite 

Demonstration Missions

0.0 0.0 10.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0

Technology Demonstration 

Missions

0.0 0.0 75.0 265.0 325.0 325.0 387.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 0.0 102.0 302.0 362.0 362.0 424.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 102.0 302.0 362.0 362.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

TECH - 14
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Crosscutting Capability Demonstrations

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Edison Small Satellite Demonstration project will develop and operate a series of NASA-focused 

small satellite demonstration missions. Science objectives for these missions will focus on the life 

and physical sciences, including fundamental biology. Technology objectives could include formation 

flying, autonomous operations, collaborative observations, and approaches enabling payload 

recovery. NASA will pursue these missions in collaboration with academia and small business in 

close coordination with relevant successful programs under development at AFRL and the 

Operationally Responsive Space Office. NASA-university collaborative efforts will be explored to 

enable university students to gain hands-on experience within these project activities. In addition, this 

project seeks to serve the small satellite community by improving the affordability of small payload 

launch through secondary payload process improvements and other development efforts.

Edison Small Satellite Demonstration Missions

The most significant portion of the Crosscutting Capability Demonstration program element is the 

Technology Demonstration project. A key requirement for eligibility in this project is that the 

technology under consideration must be crosscutting (defined as a technology with potential to 

benefit to multiple NASA mission directorates, other government agencies or the space industry). 

Performing these flight demonstrations will advance the technology readiness of the selected 

systems, provide tangible products from the NASA innovation and technology program and capture 

significant public interest and awareness. Furthermore, executing these engaging and technically 

challenging space flight demonstrations, including designing the flight test program, building the flight 

hardware and performing/operating the mission is an outstanding means for developing the current 

NASA and industry workforce to handle more challenging space missions in the future.







This project will perform yearly calls for proposed flight test demonstrators. It is anticipated that 

between 3 and 8 openly competed proposals will be selected each year. Flight test projects that can 

be completed within a maximum of three years are sought. The Space Technology Program funding 

contribution to a given flight test demonstration is limited to a total of $150 M. The funding cap 

includes all elements of the flight test demonstration including test planning, flight hardware, launch 

costs, ground ops and post testing assessment/reporting. 







In addition to the above criteria, for selection as a Crosscutting Capability Demonstration project, the 

candidate technology must be relatively mature (TRL of 4 or above), and if successful must raise the 

TRL of the candidate technology to a TRL of 6 or higher, such that it may be infused into the critical 

path for future NASA missions. Competed flight test demonstration opportunities are open to teams 

involving NASA centers, industry, other Government agencies and academia. All participants must 

be U.S. entities.

Technology Demonstration Missions

TECH - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Crosscutting Capability Demonstrations

Through the Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research (CRuSR) project and the Facilitated Access 

to the Space environment for Technology (FAST) project, NASA provides flight opportunities for 

science, technology development and education efforts to reduced-gravity environments, brief 

periods of weightlessness, and high-altitude atmospheric research. Beginning in FY 2011, these two 

activities associated with the Innovative Partnerships Program are transferred to the Space 

Technology Program.







CRuSR will also help foster the development of the commercial reusable suborbital transportation 

industry, an important step in the longer-term path that envisions suborbital RLVs evolving to provide 

the Nation with much lower-cost and much more reliable access to orbital space. CRuSR establishes 

a series of suborbital flights that will yield many benefits to NASA by providing access to 3-4 minutes 

of microgravity for experimentation, discovery and testing. Results are expected to reduce the risk 

for use of new technologies in future missions by demonstrating application in the space 

environment, providing for routine recovery of payloads and frequent flights. As commercial 

suborbital capabilities become available, the CRuSR program will competitively secure flight services 

for experiment payloads supporting NASA's objectives in science, technology and education. 







The FAST project also provides opportunities for emerging technologies to be tested in the space 

environment thereby increasing their maturity and the potential for their use in NASA programs and 

in commercial applications. FAST focuses on testing technologies on parabolic aircraft flights that 

can simulate microgravity and the reduced gravity environments of the Moon or Mars. The FAST 

project promotes the growth of emerging commercial space services by employing competitively 

selected private reduced gravity flight services. In 2008, an initial set of FAST reduced gravity flights 

were accomplished with five SBIR companies. In 2009, 19 FAST-sponsored technology projects 

were flown during a flight week with two days of microgravity and two days of lunar gravity. The 

projects came from private companies, universities, government laboratories and partnerships 

among those entities. In 2011, NASA expects to fund up to four flight weeks for technology 

demonstration and research, allowing many more projects to benefit from the use of reduced gravity 

aircraft flights. A measure of FAST program success will be the extent to which it can infuse new 

technologies into NASA programs while encouraging the development of commercial space services 

by enlarging the customer base for this emerging industry.

Flight Opportunities

TECH - 16
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Partnership Development and Strategic Integration

Partnership Development and 

Strategic Integration

0.0 0.0 42.0 46.5 48.2 47.7 55.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 0.0 42.0 46.5 48.2 47.7 55.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 42.0 46.5 48.2 47.7 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

TECH - 17
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Technology

Space Technology

Program: Partnership Development and Strategic Integration

Partnerships are an integral part of NASA's strategy for reinvigorating technology and innovation. 

Building upon the success of the Innovative Partnerships Program, we will pursue partnerships with 

U.S. industry, academia, other Government agencies, and international partners. Partnerships 

provide rich sources of innovation to help address NASA's technical challenges, and also yield other 

applications of NASA-developed technologies that will benefit the public and contribute to economic 

growth. In addition, this program element will continue to build partnerships that facilitate the transfer 

of the NASA's Aeronautics research to American industry and government users. The Space 

Technology Program will work with entrepreneurs across the aerospace industry to enable new 

capabilities that will spur growth in commercial space activities in a manner similar to the way NACA 

aided the early aeronautics industry. NASA will also leverage the technology investments of other 

government agencies, engage universities, especially in early stage innovation and work with its 

partners to create inspiration in STEM education. 







One of the key partnership development functions is managing NASA's intellectual property and 

facilitating the transfer of NASA-derived technology for commercial application and other national 

benefit. In FY 2009, NASA documented more than 1,400 New Technology Reports on NASA-funded 

technology that could lead to patenting and transfer. 90 patent applications were filed and 188 

patents were awarded in FY 2009. NASA has continued its initiative to generate licenses for NASA 

technologies through an auctioning intermediary at no cost to NASA - a groundbreaking innovation 

previously unprecedented in government. NASA continues to document the top 40-50 recent 

successes in its "Spinoff" publication with over 1,600 examples of successful technology transfer 

having been documented. One of the ways NASA communicates these benefits is through 

NASA@Home/City, which helps the public identify how space technology is making positive 

contributions to their daily lives (http://www.nasa.gov/city). 







Strategic integration of NASA's technology portfolio is a significant responsibility within the Space 

Technology Program. This function centers on working with the Mission Directorates and NASA 

Centers to develop an Agency technology roadmap and measure the significance and performance of 

the Agency's technology investments. Technology roadmapping activities are driven by the Agency's 

strategic goals, are consistent with the NASA Strategic Plan and coordinated with the technology 

development activities of our partners in industry, academia and other government agencies. An 

integrated assessment of the Agency's technology portfolio is developed through the Mission 

Directorate Technology Council, chaired by the Agency's Chief Technologist with participation from 

the Mission Directorates and Office of the Chief Engineer. This council meets biweekly to track the 

status of technology plans within the Mission Directorates and the Space Technology Program. The 

Agency's overall technology investment content is reviewed quarterly and identified content gaps or 

redundancies are managed. In addition, annual assessments of the Agency's technology investment 

portfolio, program performance, and technology plans are performed. Space Technology Program 

managers gain insight into the Mission Directorate technology programs through these council 

meetings, daily interactions with their colleagues in the Mission Directorates, and at senior leadership 

team decision meetings where the Chief Technologist is present.







The FY 2011 budget request for Space Technology Program Partnership Development and Strategic 

Integration functions is $42 million, and $239.4 million is included in the five-year budget plan.

Program Overview

TECH - 18
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Overview 

The President’s FY 2011 Budget request outlines an innovative new path for human space exploration and 

strengthens the capability to extend human presence throughout the solar system. NASA is taking a new 

approach to this long-term goal; by laying the ground work that will enable humans to safely reach multiple 

potential destinations, including the Moon, asteroids, Lagrange points, and Mars and its environs. The research 

and technology investments described in this budget describe the many near-term steps NASA will be taking to 

create the new knowledge and capabilities required for humans to venture beyond low Earth orbit to stay. This 

strategic approach is designed to more efficiently further and sustain the course of human exploration. 

The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) will lead the Nation on a course of discovery and 

innovation that will provide the technologies, capabilities and infrastructure required for sustainable, affordable 

human presence in space. Investment in gaining critical knowledge about future destinations for human 

exploration, as well as transformational technology development and demonstration will serve as the foundation 

of NASA’s ongoing space exploration effort, broadening opportunities for crewed missions to explore our solar 

system. In order to allow NASA to focus on the space frontier, the Agency will also invest aggressively in the 

commercial sector so that they will, in the near-term, develop the capability to transport people and supplies to 

and from the International Space Station. This approach will strengthen America’s space industry, and could 

provide a catalyst for future business ventures to capitalize on affordable access to space. It will also leverage a 

broader range of American ingenuity to keep our nation on the leading edge of human space exploration 

capabilities. 

The transformational technologies highlighted in this budget for development and demonstration address critical 

capabilities for sending crews to a variety of exciting destinations beyond low Earth orbit. By allowing for flight 

demonstrations, some at a flagship caliber, this ESMD budget resolves the achievement gap between lab 

demonstration and flight testing that might otherwise prevent NASA from implementing exciting new 

technologies. Prior to baselining them for crewed missions, these demonstrations will validate new technologies 

that are not yet fully developed, but are essential for mission success, such as automated and autonomous 

rendezvous and docking, in situ resource utilization, aero capture, large mass entry descent and landing, highly 

efficient in-space propulsion, precision landing and hazard avoidance, cryogenics storage and transfer, 

lightweight/inflatable modules, and others. And before sending humans on extended missions beyond low Earth 

orbit, accelerated biomedical research will help us to ensure crew health and safety. 

A major thrust of this research and development activity will be related to space launch propulsion technologies. 

This effort will include first stage engine development, in-space engine demonstrations, and foundational 

propulsion research in areas such as new or largely untested propellants that can result in more capable and 

less expensive future rockets, including heavy-lift rockets. In addition, NASA will provide $25 million annually to 

fund commercial, university, and other non-governmental research organizations to conduct foundational 

propulsion research. 

 

The technology investments outlined in this budget are just one component needed to enable sustained and 

affordable human exploration endeavors. An additional key contributor to a robust exploration program will be 

the acquisition of critical knowledge gained through the pursuit of exploration precursor robotic missions. These 

missions will provide vital information—from soil chemistry to radiation dose levels to landing site scouting to 

resource identification—necessary to plan, design and operate future human missions. These missions will help 

us determine the next step for crews beyond low Earth orbit, answering such questions as: Is a particular 

asteroid a viable target for crewed mission? Do the resources at the lunar poles have the potential for crew 

utilization? Is Mars dust toxic? 

The intent of this exploration portfolio is not only to significantly improve capability, performance, and flexibility 

relative to current human space flight capabilities, but also to demonstrate that the resulting mature systems 

meet NASA’s goals in terms of cost effectiveness, risk reduction, and operability. As part of this new direction, 

ESMD will provide technology maturation analysis, which will focus on the life cycle cost perspective and risk 

EXP - 1
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

mitigation strategies. ESMD will also develop multi-mission operational concepts for future human space flight 

campaigns to such targets as the Moon, asteroids, Martian moons, and Mars itself, ensuring that the 

investments made today will have maximum utility in decision support for future missions into the solar system. 

ESMD will develop design reference missions (DRMs) for human exploration, setting priorities based upon the 

needs and requirements of the various DRMs. These DRMs will evolve as enabling technologies are defined, 

developed, and demonstrated, and as data from exploration precursor robotic missions are analyzed. 

Depending on the investment, implementation responsibility for new projects may be directed to in-house civil 

servants or competed within industry and academia. For example, a given flagship technology demonstration 

mission may be designated to a human space flight center in order to benefit from the unique skills of NASA civil 

servants who will be well-positioned to develop a productive, near-term mission with high relevance to future 

human spaceflight. In such a case, however, ESMD would expect to compete segments of the payloads and 

data analysis teams. Similarly, portions of the engine technology development effort may be competed within 

industry, where significant launch vehicle experience can augment NASA expertise. 

These programs present many opportunities for government-private sector-academic teams to collaborate and 

bring the best expertise from across the Nation to bear on future human space exploration needs. To tackle 

difficult design issues, ESMD will be responsive to innovations from outside NASA’s purview, whether from the 

academic community, industry, international sources or the defense/security sector. The additional emphasis on 

technology and human research will result in increased demonstration and research efforts on the ISS and an 

increased launch and mission tempo to support those efforts. Exploration robotic precursor efforts will benefit 

from collaboration with scientific and international communities, while smaller scale technology demonstrations 

could benefit from university-developed satellites. This greater diversity of missions and increased tempo will 

enhance opportunities for engineers and scientists to work on projects from end-to-end, gaining invaluable 

experience and learning from mistakes on demonstration efforts, not full-scale operational development 

programs where risk has not yet been adequately retired for key components and technologies. At the same 

time, technology will be able to evolve at a more rapid pace, as new techniques can be tested on successive 

demonstrations. Using a variety of contributors and platforms, ESMD will show significant results from this 

investment portfolio within a 5-year horizon. And to more fully engage the public in these efforts, NASA will 

establish a Participatory Exploration Office, funded at $5 million a year, with the goal of making NASA missions 

more participatory and even more collaborative. 

EXP - 2
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

FY 2011 Budget Request 

Budget Authority ($ millions) FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 3,905.5 3,779.8 4,263.4 4,577.4 4,718.9 4,923.3 5,179.3

Exploration Research and Development 1,551.4 2,577.4 3,318.9 3,623.3 3,979.3

Exploration Technology and Demonstrations 652.4 1,262.4 1,807.9 2,013.3 2,087.3

Heavy Lift and Propulsion Technology 559.0 594.0 597.0 598.0 754.0

Exploration Precursor Robotic Missions 125.0 506.0 699.0 797.0 923.0

Human Research 215.0 215.0 215.0 215.0 215.0

Commercial Spaceflight 812.0 1,400.0 1,400.0 1,300.0 1,200.0

Commercial Cargo 312.0

Commercial Crew 500.0 1,400.0 1,400.0 1,300.0 1,200.0

Constellation Transition 1,900.0 600.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Constellation Systems 3,433.2 3,325.8

Constellation Systems 3,190.1 3,286.7

Commercial Crew and Cargo 243.0 39.1

Advanced Capabilities 472.3 454.0

Human Research Program 151.9 151.5

Exploration Technology Development Program 264.1 283.4

Lunar Precursor Robotic Program 56.3 19.1

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 3,905.5 3,963.1 6,076.6 6,028.5 5,966.5 6,195.3 -

Constellation Systems 3,433.2 3,505.4 5,543.3 5,472.0 5,407.6 5,602.6 -

Advanced Capabilities 472.3 457.7 533.3 556.5 558.9 592.7 -

Total Change from FY 2010 President's Budget Request -183.3 -1,813.2 -1,451.1 -1,247.6 -1,272.0

EXP - 3
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Exploration Research and Development

Theme Overview 

The Exploration Research and Development Theme is focused on investment in expanding fundamental 

knowledge key to human space exploration, launching robotic pathfinders, and demonstrating technology 

trailblazers that will enable humans of all nations to explore space in a significantly more sustainable and 

affordable way than current capabilities allow. In addition to a significant boost in ongoing Human Research, 

three new programs will drive these efforts to provide the building blocks for a more capable, forward-looking 

approach to human exploration of space. 

EXP - 4
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Exploration Research and Development

Program: Exploration Technology and Demonstrations

Program Overview 

Activities within ESMD’s Technology Demonstration Program will be aimed at advancing technologies needed to 

expand our human exploration opportunities, reduce mission costs, and contribute NASA innovation to broader 

national challenges and applications. This will be accomplished through investment in demonstration of flagship 

technology projects, as well as enabling technology development and demonstration. NASA will provide an 

assessment of the highest leverage technologies and demonstrations. 

Flagship Technology Demonstrations

Projects selected as in-space, flagship demonstrations will be significant in scale, and offer high potential to 

demonstrate new capability and reduce the cost of future exploration missions. These missions will demonstrate 

such critical technologies as in-orbit propellant transfer and storage, inflatable modules, automated/autonomous 

rendezvous and docking, closed-loop life support systems, and other next generation capabilities key to 

sustainably exploring deep space. 

In FY 2011, NASA will initiate several Flagship Technology Demonstrators, each with an expected lifecycle cost 

in the $400 million to $1 billion range, over a lifetime of five years or less, with the first flying no later than 2014. 

In pursuit of these goals, international, commercial, and other government agency partners will be actively 

pursued as integrated team members where appropriate. NASA will not give responsibility for all demonstrations 

to any single NASA center but rather looks forward to engaging with the expertise of various centers to 

accomplish these objectives. Specific architecture and approach for missions to demonstrate key capabilities will 

be developed for initiation in FY2011. Technologies targeted for demonstration will likely include: 

In-Orbit Propellant Transfer and Storage: The capability to transfer and store propellant—particularly cryogenic 

propellants—in orbit can significantly increase the Nation’s ability to conduct complex and extended exploration 

missions beyond Earth’s orbit. It could also potentially be used to extend the lifetime of future government and 

commercial spacecraft in Earth orbit. This technology demonstration, building on previous ESMD technology 

investments and prior demonstrations such as Orbital Express, could test technologies and processes such as 

long-term storage of cryogenic propellant, automated physical connections between fuel lines in orbit, and 

verification of fuel acquisition, fuel withdrawal, and fuel transfer. 

Lightweight/Inflatable Modules: Inflatable modules can be larger, lighter, and potentially less expensive for future 

use than the rigid modules currently used by the International Space Station (ISS). Working closely with industry 

and international partners who have already demonstrated a number of capabilities and interest in this arena, 

and building on previous ESMD investments, NASA will pursue a demonstration of lightweight/inflatable modules 

for eventual in-space habitation, transportation, or even surface habitation needs. The demonstration could 

involve tests of a variety of systems, including closed-loop life support, radiation shielding, thermal control, 

communications, and interfaces between the module and external systems. Use of the ISS as the testbed for 

this technology is an option being considered to potentially benefit both programs. 

Automated/Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking: The ability of two spacecraft to rendezvous, operating 

independently from human controllers and without other back-up, requires advances in sensors, software, 

and real-time on-orbit positioning and flight control, among other challenges. This technology is critical to the 

ultimate success of capabilities such as in-orbit propellant storage and refueling, complex operations in 

assembling mission components for challenging destinations, in-space construction, and exploration 

operations far from Earth where the communications delay does not allow for effective human involvement. 

NASA will also begin work in 2011 on an additional Flagship Technology Demonstrator mission to be 

selected within the Agency, and map out a sequence of Flagship missions to be initiated in 2012 and later. 

Potential candidates include but are not limited to: 

EXP - 5
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Exploration Research and Development 

Program: Exploration Technology and Demonstrations

Closed–loop life support system demonstration at the ISS: This would validate the feasibility of human 

survival beyond Earth based on recycled materials with minimal logistics supply. A follow-on demonstration 

could involve an integrated inflatable module/closed-loop life support system demonstration. 

Aerocapture, and/or entry, descent and landing (EDL) technology: This could involve the development and 

demonstration of systems technologies for: precision landing of payloads on “high-g” and “low-g” planetary 

bodies; returning humans or collected samples to Earth; and enabling orbital insertion in various atmospheric 

conditions. Demonstrations could be ground-based or flight experiments. 

Enabling Technology Development and Demonstration 

Smaller scale development and testing of key, long-range exploration technologies will be pursued as part of the 

Enabling Technology effort. Projects will range from laboratory experiments to Earth-based field tests and inspace demonstrations and will be aimed at transitioning relevant technologies from lower to higher technology 

readiness levels. Although some work may be assigned to specific centers or other work groups in this program, 

we expect the majority of projects developing long-range, enabling technologies to be selected through full and 

open competition, including NASA centers, industry, academia, and international partners. International, 

commercial, and other government agency partners will also be actively pursued as integrated team members 

as appropriate; 

In some cases, once technologies have been matured, the NASA centers will manage their integration into 

prototype systems for demonstration of advanced capabilities. These projects will be designed to take full 

advantage of available assets such as wind tunnels, ground-based analogs, flight test aircraft, suborbital 

sounding rockets, commercial reusable suborbital vehicles, robotic spacecraft, ISS, and other test platforms. 

In FY 2011, NASA will initiate demonstration projects in the areas of in situ resource utilization (ISRU), 

autonomous precision landing and hazard avoidance, and advanced in-space propulsion, leading to 

demonstrations on either robotic precursor or flagship missions. 

In Situ Resource Utilization: NASA will fund research in a variety of ISRU activities aimed at using lunar, 

asteroidal, and Martian materials to produce oxygen and extract water from ice reservoirs. A flight experiment to 

demonstrate lunar resource prospecting, characterization, and extraction will be considered for testing on a 

future Flagship Technology Demonstration or robotic precursor exploration mission. Concepts to produce fuel, 

oxygen, and water from the Martian atmosphere and from subsurface ice will also be explored. 

Autonomous Precision Landing: In FY 2011, NASA will initiate development of a flight experiment to 

demonstrate an autonomous precision landing and hazard avoidance system. NASA will pursue use of this 

system on the first robotic precursor exploration mission to the Moon or other planetary body. 

Advanced In-Space Propulsion: NASA will work with partners in industry as appropriate, to conduct foundational 

research to study the requirements and potential designs for advanced high-energy in-space propulsion systems 

to support deep-space human exploration, and to reduce travel time between Earth’s orbit and future 

destinations for human activity. These technologies could include nuclear thermal propulsion, solar and nuclear 

electric propulsion, plasma propulsion, and other high-energy and/or high-efficiency propulsion concepts. One or 

more concepts may mature to the level of a demonstration on a robotic precursor or Flagship mission. 

In addition, the enabling technology projects line will consider a broad range of other technology development 

and demonstration projects in areas including: 

 

Closed-loop life support systems: NASA will demonstrate technologies for recycling air, water, and solid waste 

on the ISS to validate the feasibility of human survival beyond Earth on long-duration missions with minimal 

logistics supply. A follow-on demonstration could involve an integrated inflatable module/closed-loop life support 

EXP - 6
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Exploration Research and Development 

Program: Exploration Technology and Demonstrations

project. Combined with ISRU, mastering this capability will enable extended exploration missions that are more 

fully and effectively based on a self-reliant, “live off the land” approach proven essential during centuries of 

terrestrial exploration. 

Extravehicular Activity Demonstrations: Building on current EVA technology projects, NASA will work with 

industry and academia to develop advanced spacesuits to improve the ability of astronauts to assemble and 

service in-space systems, and to explore the surfaces of the Moon, Mars, and small bodies. Spacesuit 

technologies such as life support systems, thermal control, power systems, and improved fabric materials will be 

demonstrated in EVA operations in space, including from the ISS. 

Radiation Shielding Technology: NASA will test the feasibility of existing concepts, and also develop new 

concepts, to protect astronaut crews from the harmful effects of radiation, both in low Earth orbit and while 

conducting long-term missions away from Earth. This is one of the most critical areas for technology investment 

and demonstration in support of long-duration human missions beyond Earth. 

Human-Robotic Interactive Systems Demonstrations: NASA will advance the state of the art in areas like teleoperation, autonomy, human-robot interaction, robotic assistance, and other advanced robotic concepts aimed 

at significantly increasing human and robotic efficiency and productivity in space. 

High-Efficiency Space Power Systems: NASA will develop technologies to provide low-cost, abundant power for 

deep-space missions, including advanced batteries and regenerative fuel cells for energy storage, power 

management and distribution, wireless power transmission, thermoelectric and Stirling power conversion, solar 

(photovoltaic and solar-dynamic systems), and nuclear power systems. A major focus will be on the 

demonstration of dual-use technologies for clean and renewable energy for terrestrial applications. 

Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) Technology: NASA will develop and test concepts for large aeroshells and 

advanced thermal protection system materials to enable aero-capture and atmospheric entry of heavy payloads. 

These technologies will enable the demonstration of EDL capabilities on future robotic precursor and flagship 

missions. 

High-Performance Materials and Structures: NASA will develop high-temperature materials for propulsion and 

power systems, nano-structured materials to increase strength-to-weight fabric materials for spacesuits, and 

super-lightweight composite structures for exploration vehicles and crew habitats. New materials and structures 

will be tested in the space environment as components of other system-level flight experiments. 

Also within this budget line, NASA will establish a Participatory Exploration Office funded at $5 million a year, 

charged with encouraging public involvement and interaction in the experience of discovery. NASA understands 

that a primary goal of participatory exploration is making the Agency’s research, development and related 

discoveries more open and transparent so that the general public can understand why NASA is important to their 

everyday lives. We recognize that participatory exploration covers a spectrum of activities and audiences 

ranging from directed hand-on activities with students building flight hardware, to collaborating on interpretation 

of data and discoveries. 

This activity will focus on maximizing the strong efforts NASA already places on reaching various audiences, as 

well as leveraging open Government initiatives for public engagement, tying the two together for the maximum 

benefit of the public. Each year, NASA sponsors hundreds of programs, activities, events and resources, 

including award-winning educational Web sites, major exhibitions in museums and science centers, partnerships 

with minority universities, and research projects that allow the public to participate in NASA missions. NASA 

recognizes that when we do a better job at explaining the excitement and relevance of our missions to our 

stakeholders and to the public, they will want to be a part of those missions. 

EXP - 7
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Exploration Research and Development 

Program: Heavy Lift and Propulsion Technology

Program Overview 

ESMD will lead research and development (R&D) activities related to space launch propulsion technologies. This 

propulsion R&D effort will include development of a U.S. first-stage hydrocarbon engine for potential use in 

future heavy lift (and other) launch systems, as well as basic research in areas such as new propellants, 

advanced propulsion materials manufacturing techniques, combustion processes, and engine health monitoring. 

In support of this initiative, NASA will explore cooperative efforts with the Department of Defense (DOD) and also 

develop a competitive process for allocating a small portion of these funds to universities and other nongovernmental organizations. 

 

First-Stage Launch Propulsion: NASA’s efforts in this area will focus on development of a U.S. core stage 

hydrocarbon engine that would be suitable for use in a future heavy-lift rocket or as the first stage of a future 

launch vehicle. A strong candidate would be a hydrocarbon (liquid oxygen/kerosene) engine, capable of 

generating high levels of thrust approximately equal to or exceeding the performance of the Russian-built RD180 engine. Other key target characteristics for this new capability include improvements in overall engine 

robustness and efficiency, health monitoring, affordability, and operability. In every aspect of the design, NASA 

will seek to incorporate features that will reduce manufacturing and operating costs for this engine, once it 

achieves nominal production status. The level of funding for this project is intended to result in a fully operational 

engine by the end of this decade or perhaps sooner if a DOD partnership is established.

 

In-Space Engine Demonstration: NASA will initiate development and in-space testing of in-space engines. 

Areas of focus could include a liquid oxygen/methane engine and potentially also low-cost liquid oxygen/liquid 

hydrogen engines. This work will build from NASA’s recent R&D experience in this area, and the test articles will 

be viewed as a potential prototype for a subsequent operational engine that would be restartable and capable of 

high acceleration and reliability. Where appropriate, NASA will seek to leverage technologies that are under 

development in industry. 

 

Foundational Propulsion Research: As noted in a recent OSTP assessment of the state of the U.S. launch 

propulsion industry base (as well as other related reports); there has been a significant downturn in U.S. industry 

and governmental investment in foundational R&D regarding space launch propulsion technologies. This has led 

to concerns about sustaining U.S. expertise in this area and the related potential to identify potential 

breakthrough propulsion technologies for reducing the costs and improving the performance of future systems. 

Accordingly, NASA will allocate funds to performing foundational research in chemical propulsion technologies in 

areas such as new or largely untested propellants, advanced propulsion materials and manufacturing 

techniques, combustion processes, and engine health monitoring and safety. 

 

In support of this research initiative, NASA will also establish a transparent and equitable process for distributing 

$25 million in funds annually to commercial, university, and other non-governmental research organizations for 

foundational research in this area, with the goal of encouraging a broad range of innovative approaches and 

helping to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers in the space launch propulsion arena. This 

research effort will be coordinated to the extent possible with the broader Agency technology initiative led by the 

Chief Technology Officer in an effort to identify and leverage potential synergies between these programs. 

EXP - 8
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Exploration Research and Development

Program: Exploration Precursor Robotic Missions

Program Overview 

Led by ESMD, NASA will send precursor robotic missions to candidate destinations for human exploration such 

as the Moon, Mars and its moons, Lagrange points, and nearby asteroids to scout targets for future human 

activities, and identify hazards and resources that will determine the future course of expanding human 

civilization into space. Projects will make critical observations, test approaches and operations concepts, and 

identify specific target destinations directly beneficial to future human space activities. Instruments, destinations 

and missions will be prioritized based on their utility to future human activities. These will be evaluated in a study 

of potential demonstrations. While there may be some synergies between this program and the Planetary 

Science theme within SMD, care will be taken to avoid unnecessary duplication. Dedicated precursor exploration 

missions are planned to remain below $800 million in total cost, and most will be considerably less expensive. 

The Exploration Precursor Robotic Missions will springboard from the successes of the Lunar Reconnaissance 

Orbiter (LRO) and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS), ESMD’s first two robotic 

missions. Key programmatic and technical management lessons learned will be applied to future robotic 

precursors. While mission, spacecraft, and instrument selection processes will be derived from those used on 

LRO/LCROSS, mission objectives will be derived from the priorities of the Exploration Community internal and 

external to NASA, to assure relevancy and high value. Risk Management approaches developed on LCROSS to 

achieve mission goals under-budget will be applied to precursor robotic missions. 

ESMD will join with other NASA Directorates and international partners to fly precursor instruments aboard 

partner spacecraft as missions of opportunity, and provide opportunities for partners to fly instruments on 

ESMD’s exploration precursor missions. ESMD is already contributing to the Mars Science Laboratory mission 

with surface radiation measurement and entry instrumentation for atmospheric data collection. Similarly, ESMD 

and SMD will coordinate objectives for missions with similar destinations, such as the lunar South Pole and 

future Mars missions. This inter-directorate coordination will assure non-duplication of effort where appropriate, 

and the enhancement of robust common data sets elsewhere. However, the exploration precursor robotic 

missions will be unique—designed and developed to be relevant to the needs of future human exploration as the 

primary rationale. 

NASA will begin funding at least two dedicated precursor missions in 2011. One will likely be a lunar mission to 

demonstrate tele-operation capability from Earth and potentially from the International Space Station, including 

the ability to transmit near-live video to Earth. This will also result in investigations for validating the availability of 

resources for extraction. NASA will provide opportunities to participate in the payloads and observation teams, 

and potentially portions of the spacecraft, through open competition. 

 

NASA will also select at least one additional robotic precursor mission to initiate in 2011, and identify potential 

future missions to begin in 2012 and/or 2013. Potential missions may include: 

 

Landing on asteroids or the moons of Mars rather than orbiting these bodies would allow us to better determine 

whether they pose safety hazards to astronauts or contain materials useful for future explorers. Landing can also 

test technologies that could help future human missions. 

Landing a facility to test processing technologies for transforming lunar or asteroid materials for fuel could 

eventually allow astronauts to partially “live off the land.” 

These precursor exploration missions will cooperate closely with ESMD’s Technology and Demonstrations 

Program, potentially serving as test-beds for new technologies. Additionally, the Exploration Precursor Robotic 

Missions will leverage its experience from the successfully co-manifested LRO and LCROSS missions to seek 

other co-manifesting opportunities in an effort to save launch vehicle costs and to encourage collaboration. 

EXP - 9
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Exploration Research and Development

Program: Exploration Precursor Robotic Missions

Program formulation will define processes and criteria for implementation. Leveraging LRO and LCROSS 

experience, formulation activities will define processes for destination and mission selection, methodology for 

risk and project management, acquisition strategies, and metrics against which program and project success will 

be defined. The Exploration Precursor Robotic Missions will foster open competition in procurements, 

accommodation for partnerships, and actively engage the public in coordination with Participatory Exploration 

efforts. 

Additionally, a new portfolio of explorer scouts will execute small, rapid turn-around, highly competitive missions 

to exploration destinations. Generally budgeted at between $100M and $200M lifecycle cost, these missions will 

allow NASA to test new and innovative ways of doing robotic exploration of destinations of interest to future 

human exploration. Selected projects may provide multiple small scouting spacecraft to investigate multiple 

possible landing sites, or provide means of rapid-prototyping new spacecraft approaches. These missions will be 

fully and openly competed in a Principal Investigator mode. 

EXP - 10
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Exploration Research and Development 

Program: Human Research Program 

Program Overview 

This budget increases Human Research funding to $215 million per year to support effort focused on solving the 

long-term problems that need to be addressed for humans to safely live and work at various locations in the 

inner solar system (e.g., Earth orbit, Mars transfer orbit, lunar surface). 

The Human Research Program conducts research, develops countermeasures, and undertakes technology 

development to inform and support compliance with NASA's health, medical, human performance, and 

environmental standards. The Program will continue to address human health and performance risks 

endorsed by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine within the existing portfolio elements 

structure: 

 Human Health Countermeasures 

 Space Radiation 

 Space Habitability and Human Factors 

 Behavioral Health and Performance 

 Exploration Medical Capabilities 

 ISS Medical Project 

These risks address space radiation health concerns, behavioral health and team cohesion challenges 

associated with confinement and isolation, inadequate human-machine interfaces, emergency medical care 

issues, and effects of microgravity on the human body. Microgravity health effects include rapid muscle atrophy, 

bone loss, neurovestibular system changes that produce motion sickness, and significant fluid shifts that affect 

intracranial pressure, cardiovascular function, blood volume, and cause orthostatic intolerance. 

This funding will enhance current HRP work and enable creation of more robust exploration-enabling projects, 

with an increased focus on the following areas: 

 

Space radiation research to expand the knowledge base and reduce the uncertainty inherent in current radiation 

exposure limits for astronauts, leading to the development of radiation countermeasures. This work will be in 

coordination with space radiation protection demonstration projects by providing the latest progress on human 

vulnerabilities to the space environment. 

Biomedical technology research and development that supports long-duration human spaceflight (and may also 

have applicability to public health care needs) in areas like advanced medical care technology and 

bioinformatics. 

Research into human behavioral factors and psychological implications of long-duration spaceflight, and 

development of countermeasures to mitigate the risks of degraded human performance. 

In addition, the funding will enable: 

 Development of research and technology projects that fully utilize ISS as a space biomedical laboratory 

 Enhancement of STEM education and projects that return Earth benefits 

 Enhanced National Space Biomedical Research Institute leveraging of their U.S. National biomedical 

research infrastructure to address space related health risks 

 Additional collaborations involving other National (NIH, DOE, DOD for example) and International 

agencies (ESA, JAXA, DLR, CNES, CSA, ASI for example) 

 Additional National research solicitations to openly and competitively solicit, review, and select new 

research content 

EXP - 11
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Commercial Spaceflight

Theme Overview 

NASA’s newly established Commercial Spaceflight Theme represents more than a $6 billion investment increase 

in America’s space industry. Building on established partnerships with the emerging commercial space sector 

through the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) effort, the Agency will expand the market to 

include a range of both cargo and crew vehicles. 

One of NASA's strategic goals is to encourage the pursuit of appropriate partnerships with the emerging 

commercial space sector. The Agency's major activity in this area is the COTS effort, overseen by the 

Commercial Crew and Cargo Program. This Program is aimed at encouraging the development of commercial 

space transportation services and an associated market, with multiple suppliers and customers. NASA would be 

one of these customers, purchasing transportation services on the open market. 

COTS is being executed in two phases. The first is a period of private industry development and 

demonstration of the various space transportation capabilities to and from low Earth orbit determined to be 

most desirable for government and other customers. During this phase, NASA is providing $500 million of 

seed capital and technical assistance to promising space firms via funded and unfunded Space Act 

Agreements (SAA) to stimulate the commercial space transportation market. These COTS partners are to 

demonstrate capabilities that can be used for ISS resupply: Capability A, delivery of unpressurized cargo; 

Capability B, delivery of pressurized cargo; and Capability C, delivery and return of cargo to and from orbit. 

The second phase is a competitive procurement of orbital transportation services to supply ISS, and is the 

responsibility of the Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD). In addition, with Recovery act funding in 

FY 2009, NASA initiated development activities under the Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) effort to 

enable future commercial crew launches to the ISS. Space Act Agreements were awarded to five companies 

in February 2010 to demonstrate various technologies and capabilities necessary to reduce the risk of flying 

crew on commercial vehicles, with completion milestones in the November/December 2010 timeframe. 

The SAAs NASA has in place with the COTS partners are written to maximize the flexibility of private 

development efforts. Partners are paid when the Agency certifies that they have passed a series of discrete 

developmental milestones; if they fail to make progress, they are not paid. Government requirements are kept 

to a minimum, and are only concerned with assuring safe interaction with the ISS. The partners are not 

required to follow the standard NASA Program and Project Management Processes and Requirements, NPR 

7120.5. Rather, the relationship is intended to encourage innovation and allow partners to use alternatives to 

the standard NASA program management approaches, while still being held accountable for safety and ISS 

visiting vehicle requirements that NASA would impose were that partner being utilized for commercial 

transportation services. 

In addition to providing a conduit for funding, the Commercial Crew and Cargo Program coordinates the 

COTS Advisory Team, made up of over 100 technical experts located throughout NASA. Funded and 

unfunded partners can utilize these experts as necessary; if a partner requires extensive assistance, NASA 

helps arrange reimbursable agreements with NASA centers to acquire the expertise they need. Commercial 

crew activities build upon the COTS and CRS successes, realizing that transporting cargo is different than 

transporting crew. NASA is in the process of developing an acquisition strategy that accounts for the 

additional insight and oversight necessary, allowing commercial companies to benefit from the vast 

experience NASA has amassed over fifty years of human spaceflight, without placing undue burden on the 

commercial partners. NASA will also work with the commercial partners to clearly articulate human rating 

processes and requirements that will contribute to the safe flight and safe return of NASA crew members on 

commercial space vehicles. 

EXP - 12
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Commercial Spaceflight

Program: Commercial Cargo

Program Overview 

This budget allocates $312.0 million in FY 2011 for incentivizing NASA’s current commercial cargo program to 

improve the chance of mission success by adding or accelerating the achievement of already-planned 

milestones, adding additional capabilities, or tests that may ultimately expedite the pace of development of cargo 

flights to the ISS. Risk reduction activities may include adding milestones to complete the Probabilistic Risk 

Assessment (PRA) to identify early risks. Accelerating enhanced capabilities may include adding milestones for 

early development of items such as the high energy engine for Orbital’s Taurus II upper stage, and Block 2 

engine upgrades SpaceX’s Falcon 9; a demonstration flight may be added to validate the upgrades. NASA will 

continue to evaluate the Cargo Resupply Services (CRS) contract to determine if funds can be used to 

accelerate hardware fabrication and assembly of the CRS vehicles. 

Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) 

The Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) partner agreements are not projects by the standard 

NASA definition of the term, but individual firms that have entered into Space Act Agreements with the 

Agency. "Funded partners" are those receiving progress payments and technical assistance from NASA, 

while "unfunded partners" receive technical assistance, but are not paid. NASA has unfunded agreements 

with PlanetSpace of Chicago, IL and SpaceDev of Poway, CA, while our funded COTS partners are SpaceX, 

of Hawthorne CA, and Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, VA. 

SpaceX is developing new launch vehicles with the goal of providing reliable, globally cost competitive U.S. 

space transportation capabilities. Their Falcon 9 launch vehicle is an evolution of their clean sheet design of 

the Falcon 1 launch vehicle. Their "Dragon" spacecraft and launch vehicle are being designed for either cargo 

or crew transport. Both launch vehicle and spacecraft offer flexible configurations based on mission 

requirements, and are currently planned to be recoverable for refurbishment and reuse. SpaceX has chosen 

Cape Canaveral's launch complex 40 as the site for their launches, with the first ISS demonstration flight 

planned for completion by February 2011. For Phase 1, SpaceX will demonstrate cargo transportation 

Capabilities A-C. Additionally, SpaceX currently has an unfunded SAA option to demonstrate Capability D. 

Orbital Sciences Corporation is developing a launch system concept comprised of a Taurus II launch vehicle, 

a new medium class booster using two Aerojet AJ-26 engines and an ATK Castor 30 second stage. Taking 

advantage of heritage systems, Orbital will use a standard service module derived from the STAR and Dawn 

spacecraft for all missions and the pressurized cargo module will be based on the ISS multi-purpose logistics 

module. The Wallops Flight Facility will serve as Orbital's launch site for an ISS demonstration flight, currently 

scheduled for March 2011. For Phase 1, Orbital will demonstrate cargo transportation Capability B. 

EXP - 13
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Commercial Spaceflight

Program: Commercial Crew

Program Overview 

The Commercial Crew Program will provide $6 billion over the next five years to support the development of 

commercial crew transportation providers to whom NASA could competitively award a crew transportation 

services contract analogous to the Cargo Resupply Services contract for ISS. 

 

These funds will be competed through COTS-like, fixed-price, milestone-based Space Act Agreements that 

support the development, testing, and demonstration of multiple commercial crew systems. As with the COTS 

cargo program, some amount of private investment capital will be included as part of any Space Act Agreement 

and NASA will use this funding to support a range of higher- and lower-programmatic risk systems. Unlike the 

COTS program, which exclusively funded entirely new and integrated systems (launch vehicles plus capsules), 

this program will also be open to a broad range of commercial proposals including, but not limited to: humanrating existing launch vehicles, developing spacecraft for delivering crew to the ISS that can be launched on 

multiple launch vehicles, or developing new high-reliability rocket systems. 

NASA will leverage existing COTS and Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) activities to engage a broad 

spectrum of private industry, from emerging to established companies, with a full and open competition for 

commercial development activities at the conclusion of the CCDev activities. The competition will result in a 

targeted portfolio of up to four companies with a mixed risk balance consisting of launch vehicles, crew capsules, 

and supporting technologies, similar to the Commercial Crew Development awards from Recovery Act funds 

announced on February 2, 2010. The number of awardees will be based on such factors as technical 

competency and available funds. Firm-fixed-price awards will be issued for production of crew services after a 

key progress review of the down-selected commercial companies as necessary, within the available budget. 

At no point in the development and acquisition of commercial crew transportation services will NASA 

compromise crew safety. NASA has unique expertise and history in this area, and a clearly demonstrated 

record of success. NASA will bring that experience to bear in the appropriate way to make sure that commercial 

crew transportation services are a success both programmatically, and with respect to safety. In that regard, 

NASA agrees with the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, which stated, “it is crucial that NASA focus on 

establishing the certification requirements, a certification process for orbital transportation vehicles, and a 

process for validating compliance. The performance and safety requirements must be stated promptly and 

clearly to enable NASA and non-NASA entities to proceed in the most productive and effective manner 

possible.” NASA will work to complete an agency and industry-coordinated human rating draft by the end of 

2010. 

EXP - 14
Mission Directorate: Exploration Systems 

Theme: Constellation Transition

Theme Overview 

All funding within this theme provides for transition and closeout activities for the Constellation Program. This 

cancellation effort represents a fundamental strategic shift from a large, contract oversight and mission 

operations program to a more diverse development, demonstration, and precursor focus that will require 

significant realignment across the Agency. Constellation closeout will involve a comprehensive planning effort for 

the termination and resolution of existing contracts; safing, disposition and reallocation of facilities; workforce 

assessment and skills cross-mapping; and cataloguing and disposition of real and personal property. 

 

In addition to direct Constellation Program closeout activities, the transition and retirement plans for Space 

Shuttle assumed Constellation would receive and utilize assets that will no longer be required. Also, some 

Shuttle capabilities that Constellation was not going to use may be used by new programs, such as the Space 

Launch Complex Modernization effort. Although the total amount of Agency facilities to be retired and 

dispositioned will likely be increased versus the plan to date, existing Shuttle transition and retirement processes 

and planning will be leveraged for maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness. The $600 million provided to 

enable the Shuttle to fly into the first quarter of FY 2011 if necessary may also become available to aid in 

transition if the Shuttle completes its manifest on time. 

The funds allocated to Constellation closeout in FY11 and FY12 will be applied to such activities as: 

 Termination and liability for existing contracts (including severance pay) 

 Closeout costs of content and property disposition 

 Costs to safe facilities no longer in use, mothballed, or targeted for demolition 

 Potential remediation of Agency direct and support contractor facilities no longer in use 

 Coverage for transitional civil servants as new programs are being initiated 

NASA will work with Congress to initiate and complete these transition activities as quickly as possible. 

To that end, the Agency has established a Constellation Transition Team, leveraging expertise from across the 

Agency to develop a rapid and cost effective ramp down plan that will free the resources required for new 

programs. As part of the early characterization and integrated planning effort, this team has initiated a broad 

survey of current workforce, contracts, facilities, property, security, knowledge capture, information technology, 

and other government agency interface issues. The transition plan will outline three phases as part of an action 

plan for initial deliverables: 

 Near term actions 

 Primary termination of Constellation 

 Transition of assets/resources to new Exploration focus areas, where appropriate

The study team will initiate this planning effort and prepare for transfer to a Constellation Transition and 

Closeout Project. As planning matures, new focus area requirements will be iteratively applied to Transition 

Study Team efforts to refine workforce, facilities, infrastructure, and property assessments, and their 

associated budget and transfer schedules.

EXP - 15
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EXP - 16
Mission Directorate: Space Operations

NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) is responsible for providing space exploration services to 

both NASA customers and to other partners in the United States and throughout the world. SOMD manages the 

safe flyout of the Space Shuttle Program (SSP), oversees the operation of the system and payloads on the 

International Space Station (ISS), provides safe and reliable access to space through the Launch Services 

Program (LSP) and world-class rocket testing capabilities through the Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) Program, 

maintains secure and dependable communications to ground stations and between platforms across the solar 

system through the Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) Program; and provides the necessary 

training and supports the health and safety of our Nation's astronauts through the Human Space Flight 

Operations (HSFO) Program. 







The International Space Station is a unique multinational orbital outpost for learning how to live and work in 

space as well as carrying out the scientific and engineering research needed for prolonged stays in space, 

including on the Moon, Mars and other bodies. To enhance benefits, NASA has secured partnerships with other 

United States Government agencies and private firms to utilize a portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory. 

For over a decade, the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs have worked closely together to 

safely complete this critical element of our Nation's space infrastructure. Completing assembly of the 

International Space Station will be the crowning achievement of the Space Shuttle's forty year history. Once this 

historic task is complete after four more flights, estimated by the end of fiscal year 2010, the Space Shuttle will 

be retired so that NASA can focus on new challenges of a 21st century space agency. The FY 2011 budget for 

Space Shuttle Program continues to support the planning, optimized utilization, and responsive disposition of 

processes, personnel, resources, and real and personal property. We will embark on extended and enhanced 

International Space Station utilization, focusing on basic scientific research and technology demonstration that 

will prepare us for future exploration and benefit life on Earth. We will invest in the Space Station facility itself by 

initiating new activities to increase functionality. The activities are intended to support ISS upgrade efforts while 

proving new space technologies. 







In addition to these high-profile programs, SOMD also is responsible for ensuring that the critical infrastructure to 

access and use space is available to meet the needs of NASA's internal and external customers. The Space and 

Flight Support Theme (SFS) is comprised of multiple programs that provide Agency-level enabling capabilities 

that play a critical role in the success of NASA missions and goals. The Space Communication and Navigation 

Program operates NASA's extensive network of terrestrial and orbiting communications nodes, as well as all of 

the associated hardware and software needed to pull down the terabytes of data generated by NASA's fleet of 

crewed vehicles and robotic spacecraft. The Launch Services Program facilitates access to space by providing 

leadership, expertise and cost-effective Expendable Launch Vehicle services for NASA's missions. The Rocket 

Propulsion Test Program maintains NASA's wide variety of test facilities for use by NASA, other agencies and 

commercial partners. The Human Space Flight Operations Program ensures that NASA's astronauts are fully 

prepared for current and future missions. Funding also is being provided to establish a 21st Century Space 

Launch Complex Program at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This effort is intended to benefit not only NASA's 

current and future operations at the KSC including commercial activities, but also to enhance the capabilities of 

the Florida launch range for the benefit of future NASA launches.

Overview

SPA - 1
Mission Directorate: Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS) 722.8 751.5 732.7 745.9 749.7 748.9 --

International Space Station 2,060.2 2,267.0 2,548.2 2,651.6 2,568.9 2,405.9 --

Space Shuttle 2,981.7 3,157.1 382.8 87.8 0.0 0.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

5,764.7 6,175.6 3,663.8 3,485.3 3,318.6 3,154.8 --

Space and Flight Support (SFS) 725.0 724.2 1,119.0 1,220.6 1,123.9 1,140.7 947.7

International Space Station 2,060.2 2,317.0 2,779.8 2,983.6 3,129.4 3,221.9 3,182.8

Space Shuttle 2,979.5 3,139.4 989.1 86.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

5,764.7 6,180.6 4,887.8 4,290.2 4,253.3 4,362.6 4,130.5

Total Change from FY 2010 

President's Budget Request

0.0 5.0 1,224.0 804.9 934.7 1,207.8 --

Note: In all budget tables, the FY 2011 President's Budget Request depicts the July 2009 Operating Plan including American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the FY 2009 Actual column and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117) 

without the Administrative transfers for the FY 2010 enacted column.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 2
Mission Directorate: Space Operations

Major Changes:

We will invest in the Space Station facility itself by initiating new activities to increase functionality. The 

activities are intended to support ISS upgrade efforts while proving new space technologies. Potential 

objectives include reducing demands on crew time, lowering ground-based costs, mitigating capabilities lost 

when the Shuttle retires, improving ISS capabilities, improving ISS safety, and supporting activities benefiting 

future human spaceflight programs.







The ISS will also be used as a platform for developing and testing technologies and capabilities that are 

funded and operated within both the Exploration Technology and Space Technology programs. The 

Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) has budgeted $6 billion over the next five years to develop 

U.S. commercial crew transportation which will ultimately be utilized by ISS

The FY 2011 budget provides $2.5 billion in additional funding over five years to extend ISS, likely through 

2020 or beyond, to enable full utilization of ISS, and to initiate activities to increase ISS functionality and 

maximize operations. The budget also includes a $250 million increase over five years for science and 

engineering research, intended to augment current basic research on ISS and supports some transportation 

of these experiments.

Following assembly completion in FY 2010, the ISS will serve as a fully functional and permanently crewed 

research laboratory and technology test bed providing a critical stepping stone for exploration and future 

international cooperation. The Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contracts awarded to Space 

Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) will provide commercial 

resupply flights beginning in FY 2011. Cargo transportation to ISS will also be supplemented by the 

Japanese Hll Transfer Vehicle (HTV), European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) and Russian Progress 

flights. Crew transportation and rescue will be provided by the Russian Soyuz vehicle until domestic 

commercial services are available.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

New Initiatives:

International Space Station

Major Changes:

None.

New Initiatives:

NASA has manifested the last six Space Shuttle missions for FY 2010 including the STS-129 mission that 

was flown in November 2009. As of February 2010, NASA has four remaining missions to launch. NASA's 

focus has been and will continue to be on the safe execution of these flights. Once these flights are flown, 

the Space Shuttle will be retired.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

The FY 2011 budget includes an increase in FY 2011 to allow for flying the Space Shuttle through December 

31, 2010, if necessary, to safely execute the remaining manifest.

Space Shuttle

Plans for FY 2011

Space Operations

SPA - 3
Mission Directorate: Space Operations

Major Changes:

Funding is being provided to establish a 21st Century Space Launch Complex Program at the Kennedy 

Space Center and the Florida launch range to transform KSC and Cape Canaveral area into modern facilities 

poised to play a key role in 21st century space exploration. This new initiative focuses on upgrades to the 

Florida launch range, expanding capabilities to support commercial crew and cargo providers, consolidating 

and disposing of unused or underutilized facilites, and performing environmental work to improve the 

surrounding area. With this large, multi-year investment, this effort will benefit NASA's current and future 

operations at KSC and Cape Canaveral by targeting increased efficiency and safer operations.

New Initiatives:

In FY 2011, the SCaN Program will begin procurement of a 34m antenna as part of the effort to improve the 

robustness of the Deep Space Network and replace the aging 70m antenna capability. SCaN will conduct a 

System Requirements Review (SRR) of the Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS) Project in 

the third quarter of FY 2011 and will also complete the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Tracking and 

Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) K&L. The Communication Navigation and Networking Reconfigurable Testbed 

(CoNNeCT) will be installed on ISS during FY 2011. 







The LSP program has six planned NASA launches in FY 2011 including Glory, Aquarius, Juno, Nuclear 

Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) and the Gravity Recovery 

and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission. In addition to processing, mission analysis, spacecraft integration 

and launch services, LSP will continue to provide support for the development and certification of emerging 

launch services.







The RPT Program will continue to provide test facility management, and provide maintenance, sustaining 

engineering, operations, and facility modernization projects necessary to keep the test-related facilities in the 

appropriate state of operational readiness.







The HSFO Program includes CHS and Space Flight Crew Operations (SFCO). SFCO will provide trained 

crew for the manifested Shuttle requirements as well as four ISS long-duration crew rotation missions and 

crew expertise for development of future vehicles. CHS will identify necessary medical capabilities and 

identify and leverage the development of clinical care capabilities. NASA will also enlist the National 

Research Council (NRC) to conduct an independent study of the activities funded within NASA's Human 

Space Flight Operations program office to focus on the requirements post-Shuttle retirement, including the 

role and size of the astronaut corps, crew related facility requirements, and the most cost effective means to 

support NASA's new human spaceflight program.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

In FY 2011, changes are proposed to the SCaN Program and the HSFO Program within the SFS Theme. 

The Optical Communication System (OCS) was deleted from SCaN beginning in FY 2011, but is being 

considered for funding in the new Space Technology portfolio. The initial demonstration of OCS, the Lunar 

Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) will occur and is fully funded through FY 2010. Core 

crew health and medical services, which had been funded within ISS and CxP in FY 2010 are consolidated 

into a single budget line under Crew Health and Safety (CHS) and transferred to HSFO. The activities that 

will be included under HSFO in the future will be those deemed to be discrete multi-program functions that 

support the Agency's human space flight operations required regardless of vehicle supported.

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

SPA - 4
Theme: Space Shuttle

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

Space Shuttle Program 2,981.7 3,157.1 382.8 87.8 0.0 0.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 2,981.7 3,157.1 382.8 87.8 0.0 0.0 --

Space Shuttle Program 2,979.5 3,139.4 989.1 86.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 2,979.5 3,139.4 989.1 86.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Change from FY 2010 Request -2.2 -17.7 606.2 -1.7 0.0 0.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Thirty-eight years ago, NASA was charged with developing the world's first reusable space 

transportation system, a vehicle capable of astonishing power and versatility that would revolutionize 

humanity's ability to operate regularly in near-Earth space. With these last flights on the Space Shuttle 

manifest, the assembly and outfitting of the ISS, an extraordinary period in the history of space 

exploration will come to a close. As NASA retires the Space Shuttle, the Agency is transitioning key 

workforce, technology, facilities, and operational experience to a new generation of human spaceflight 

exploration activities. For more information, please visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle.

Theme Overview

NASA has manifested the last six Space Shuttle missions for FY 2010, including the STS-129 mission that 

was flown in November 2009 and the STS-130 mission in February 2010. The final six flights of the Space 

Shuttle are dedicated to completing assembly of the International Space Station (ISS), delivering and 

installing the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) to the ISS, and prepositioning equipment so that the ISS 

can achieve its full research potential. NASA will continue its priority to safely complete the remaining Space 

Shuttle manifest. 







The FY 2011 budget includes funds to support an additional three months of operations, if necessary, to 

safely complete the existing manifest by the end of the calendar year 2010. NASA's focus has been and will 

continue to be on the safe execution of these flights. While NASA remains confident that these last missions 

can be safely and successfully completed in FY 2010, the FY 2011 budget for the Space Shuttle Program will 

retain the capability to accommodate a slip of one or two of these flights into FY 2011, if that should prove 

necessary to finish the manifest. Once these flights are flown, the Space Shuttle will be retired. If retirement 

occurs earlier than December 2010, NASA will work with the Administration and Congress to determine the 

highest priority use of FY 2011 funds. FY 2011 is also the first year of major T&R activities. T&R plans will be 

in place for all SSP hardware elements as well as primary supporting Centers and all organizations with a 

substantial role in ensuring a safe and efficient phase-out of SSP capabilities.

Space Shuttle Program

Plans for FY 2011

SPA - 5
Theme: Space Shuttle

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

For twenty-nine years, the Space Shuttle has carried more people (over 320) and more cargo (almost 

four million pounds) on more (and more different types of) missions than any other launch system in 

history. For the past twelve years, the full capabilities of the Space Shuttle have been applied to the 

mission for which the system was originally conceived and uniquely designed: assembly of a large, 

advanced research station in low-Earth orbit, one which can serve as a critical international research 

technology test bed to learn how humans can live in space and to prepare for further missions out to 

the Moon, to Mars, and beyond. The Space Shuttle's final series of missions are essential to the 

completion of the ISS, a facility with potential for addressing national priorities including education, 

international cooperation, and economic competitiveness.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

NASA's mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics 

research. With the completion of ISS assembly and the retirement of the Space Shuttle, the 

program's next step is to only transfer the Space Shuttle program's assets that will support the next 

generation of human space exploration activities while safeguarding the long-term viability of key 

technical capabilities. Capabilities that are no longer needed or are obsolete will be retired.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

The Space Shuttle safely and successfully completed or exceeded every mission objective, including 4 

crew rotations, for all five flights in FY 2009. This was accomplished on budget while overcoming 

several significant technical problems. Flight STS-126, launched in November 2008, delivered a MultiPurpose Logistics Module loaded with hardware and supplies to support expansion of the ISS crew 

size from three to six. STS-126 also repaired the ISS's port Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ). The 10-

foot-wide, wagon-wheel-shaped SARJ allows the electricity-generating solar arrays to track the sun 

and generate power for the Station. STS-119 launched in March 2009 and focused on the installation 

of the S-6 starboard truss, the last truss and solar array assembly for the ISS. STS-125 launched in 

May 2009 to perform the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. In this mission, the 

crew successfully repaired two of Hubble's primary scientific instruments, replaced two other 

instruments with more advanced capabilities (including the new Wide Field Camera 3 and Cosmic 

Origins Spectrometer), attached a soft capture mechanism to facilitate eventual de-orbiting of the 

telescope, and refurbished the telescope's batteries, gyroscopes, guidance sensors, and thermal 

blankets. STS-127 launched in July 2009 to deliver and install the final pieces of the Japan Aerospace 

Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Kibo laboratory to provide a way to expose science experiments to the 

extreme environment of space. Although the Japanese provided this capability and will use it, the 

facility is available for use by NASA. A payload flown for NASA provided by the Naval Research 

laboratory is now collecting data from the exposed facility. STS-128 launched in August 2009 to 

deliver hardware and logistics in support of future ISS assembly and research support.







NASA continues to prepare for the retirement of the Space Shuttle once the Shuttle's role in 

assembling the ISS is complete. In FY 2009, the Space Shuttle program issued a request for 

information for final placement of the Space Shuttle Orbiters and Space Shuttle Main Engines after 

retirement. The program completed the final Space Shuttle Main Engine test at the Stennis Space 

Center, completed production of the final Main Engine, and continued production work on the last 

External Tank. The SSP released two Workforce Transition Strategy reports in FY 2009, and 

continues actively managing workforce reductions consistent with the reduction of Space Shuttle 

production capabilities.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

SPA - 6
Theme: Space Shuttle

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

Other NASA 

Advisory 

Council

10/2009 Provides independent guidance for the NASA 

Administrator. No recommendations were 

provided to SSP at this time.

02/2010

Other ASAP 10/2009 Provides independent assessments of safety to 

the NASA Administrator. In their 2008 Annual 

Report, the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel 

(ASAP) stated that they "strongly endorse the 

NASA position on not extending Shuttle 

operations beyond successful execution of the 

December 2008 manifest, completing the ISS". 

NASA will fly the Space Shuttle to complete the 

International Space Station and then retire the 

Shuttle.

TBD

Independent Reviews:

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

SPA - 7
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space Shuttle

Program: Space Shuttle Program

Flight Hardware 1,460.9 1,443.9 121.3 16.0 0.0 0.0 --

Flight and Ground Operations 1,031.2 1,035.1 109.5 49.1 0.0 0.0 --

Program Integration 489.6 678.1 152.0 22.7 0.0 0.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

2,981.7 3,157.1 382.8 87.8 0.0 0.0 --

Flight Hardware 1,483.6 1,426.2 331.1 32.3 0.0 0.0 0.0

Flight and Ground Operations 1,037.4 1,035.1 373.2 28.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

Program Integration 458.5 678.1 284.8 25.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

2,979.5 3,139.4 989.1 86.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request -2.2 -17.7 606.2 -1.7 0.0 0.0 --

Note: NASA will work with the Administration and Congress to determine the highest priority use of the FY 2011 funds if they 

are not required to fly the Shuttle in the first quarter of FY 2011.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space Shuttle

Program: Space Shuttle Program

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Program Integration budget for mission execution in FY 2011 is focused on maintaining 

workforce needed to extend operations into the first quarter of the fiscal year, if necessary, to safely 

complete the existing manifest. The Program Integration budget includes the following: funds for 

flight software; system engineering, flight operations, and management integration; safety and 

mission assurance; business management; propulsion system integration; safety and sustainability; 

payload integration into the Space Shuttle; and systems integration of the Flight Hardware elements 

through all phases of flight. It provides for the engineering analysis needed to ensure that payloads 

are safe and meet Space Shuttle interface requirements. Finally, Program Integration includes the 

necessary mechanical, aerodynamic and avionics engineering tasks to ensure that the launch 

vehicle can be safely launched, fly a safe ascent trajectory, achieve planned performance and 

descend to a safe landing through the last Shuttle flight. 







The Program Integration budget for transition and retirement (T&R) in FY 2011 is focused on 

retirement of the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) and the efficient transition of assets to other uses, as 

applicable to future exploration programs, once they are no longer needed for safe SSP mission 

execution. It includes the funds needed to ensure the overall safety and efficiency of SSP T&R 

activities. Similar to mission execution, Program Integration T&R provides for software support, 

systems engineering, business management, and overall support to the T&R process. Program 

Integration T&R funding also covers severance and retention costs associated with managing the 

drawdown of the Space Shuttle workforce.

Program Integration

SPA - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space Shuttle

Program: Space Shuttle Program

The Flight Hardware budget for mission execution in FY 2011 is focused on maintaining workforce 

needed to extend operations into the first quarter of the fiscal year, if necessary, to safely complete 

the manifest. By the end of FY 2010, production of all flight elements required to support the manifest 

will be completed and only sustaining engineering and mission execution support may be required in 

the first quarter FY 2011. 







The Flight Hardware budget for T&R includes resources needed to identify, process, safe, and 

transfer flight hardware assets once they are no longer needed for safe SSP mission execution. For 

Orbiter, these costs include safing the vehicles of hazardous materials. For the main engines, these 

costs also include safing and transportation preparation activities for components from both the 

current fleet of flight engines as well as older engines that are no longer used for flight but would be 

available for use or display. The flight hardware T&R budget also covers the costs of dispositioning 

Orbiter, Space Shuttle Main Engine, External Tank, and Reusable Solid Rocket Motor production 

tooling that NASA no longer needs once the Space Shuttle fleet is retired.

Flight Hardware

The Flight Operations budget for mission execution in FY 2011 is focused on maintaining workforce 

needed to extend operations into the first quarter of the fiscal year, if necessary to safely complete 

the existing manifest. The Flight Operations budget will provide the resources needed to ensure the 

successful accomplishment of pre-flight planning, mission training, operations control activities, and 

life sciences operations support for each mission. Flight operations funding also provides for the 

operation and maintenance of critical mission support facilities including the Mission Control Center, 

Integrated Training Facility, Integrated Planning System, and the Software Production Facility. The 

Ground Operations budget provides resources for final integration and checkout of all hardware 

elements for launch. It also includes coordination with other government agencies and foreign 

entities for Shuttle landing capabilities. The major launch site operational facilities at the Kennedy 

Space Center include three Orbiter Processing Facilities, two launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly 

Building, the Launch Control Center and three Mobile Launcher Platforms (MLP). Ground Operations 

support capabilities include launch countdown and landing for Space Shuttle missions. Ground 

support for Shuttle landing includes both the Kennedy Space Center and Edwards Air Force Base 

runways and multiple contingency landing sites in the United States and other countries. Ground 

Operations also includes the maintenance and operations of ground infrastructure to support launch 

and landing through the last Shuttle flight. 







The Flight and Ground Operations budget for T&R includes resources needed to identify, process, 

safe, and transfer flight and ground assets once they are no longer needed for safe SSP mission 

execution. The T&R budget includes funds needed for assets such as the Mission Control Center, 

the launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Launch Control Center to prepare these 

assets for modification, and use for future needs, or transferred to other users or disposed if 

appropriate.. For assets such as the Mobile Launch Platforms, the Orbiter Processing Facilities, and 

landing site hardware that NASA no longer needs after Space Shuttle retires, Flight and Ground 

Operations T&R funding is used to ensure that the property is safed of hazardous materials and 

ready for either transfer to other Federal government users or disposition.

Flight and Ground Operations

SPA - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space Shuttle

Program: Space Shuttle Program

Safely complete manifest by the end of FY2010, 

but fly into FY2011 if necessary to complete 

manifest.

The Space Shuttle Program Added an additional 3 months of 

operations funding so the 

program can be safely and 

affordably completed by the end 

of CY 2010 if necessary.

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

Flight Hardware 

(Planned end date is 

September 2010, but 

funding is requested to 

fly through December 

2010 if necessary.)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-04 Dec-10

Form

Flight and Ground 

Operations (Planned 

end date is September 

2010, but funding is 

requested to fly through 

December 2010 if 

necessary.)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-04 Dec-10

Form

Program Integration 

(Planned end date is 

September 2010, but 

funding is requested to 

fly through December 

2010 if necessary.)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Dec-04 Dec-10

Form

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

SPA - 11
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space Shuttle

Program: Space Shuttle Program

Program Management

Flight and Ground Operations Kennedy Space Center Kennedy Space 

Center and Johnson 

Space Center

N/A

Flight Hardware Johnson Space Center Johnson Space 

Center and Marshall 

Space Flight Center

N/A

Program Integration Johnson Space Center Johnson Space 

Center

N/A

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Space Shuttle Program Manager reports to the Associate Administrator for Space Operations at 

NASA Headquarters.

The Space Program Operations Contract (SPOC) prime contractor is United Space Alliance. Other 

prime contractors providing flight hardware are ATK Thiokol (Reusable Solid Rocket Motor), 

Lockheed Martin (External Tank), and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (Space Shuttle Main Engines).

Acquisition Strategy

SPA - 12
Theme: International Space Station

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

The ISS orbits the Earth 16 times a day at an altitude that ranges from 230 to 286 miles and at a 

speed of 17,500 miles per hour. The ISS is a research and development (R&D) test bed. It is an 

experiment in the design, development, and assembly of an orbital space facility. It serves as a habitat 

for its crew, a command post for orbital operations, and a port for the rendezvous and berthing of 

smaller orbiting vehicles. It functions as an orbital microgravity and life sciences laboratory, a test bed 

for new technologies in areas like life support and robotics, a platform for astronomical and Earth 

observations, and a market and destination for the burgeoning commercial crew and cargo 

transportation industry. ISS has been continuously crewed since November 2000. Through CY 2009, 

there have been 93 United States and International Partner flights to the ISS, including flights for 

assembly, crew rotation, and logistical support. At assembly complete, the ISS will be composed of 

approximately 1,000,000 pounds of hardware brought to orbit in approximately 40 separate launches 

over the course of more than a decade. The ISS is the largest human-made object ever to orbit Earth. 







The ISS Program represents an unprecedented level of international cooperation. The ISS 

international partnership is composed of NASA, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), the 

Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japanese Aerospace 

Exploration Agency (JAXA). International participation in the program has significantly enhanced the 

capabilities of the ISS. 







ISS will be extended beyond 2016, likely through 2020 or beyond, to fully utilize the orbiting facility as 

a basic research facility, a testbed for exploration technology development and demonstrations, and a 

market/destination for commercial crew and cargo transportation services. The FY 2011 budget 

provides $2.5 billion in additional funding to support these robust efforts, and to initiate activities to 

increase ISS functionality.







NASA has secured partnerships with other United States Government agencies and private firms to 

utilize a portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory, as designated by the NASA Authorization Act of 

2005. NASA's plan for the ISS National Laboratory, the National Lab Report, was submitted to 

Congress in May 2007. Approximately 50 percent of planned U.S. utilization resources and 

accommodations on ISS could be available for non-NASA use. Firm interest in ISS use has been 

demonstrated in the areas of education, human, plant and animal biotechnologies, aerospace 

technologies, and defense sciences research. NASA has signed Memoranda of Understanding 

(MOUs) for use of the ISS with the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Agriculture, and 

has pre-existing agreements with the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense and the 

National Science Foundation. In addition, NASA re-issued an announcement of "Opportunity for Use 

of the ISS by Non-Government Entities for Research and Development and Industrial Processing 

Purposes" in August 2009. To date, NASA has entered into Space Act Agreements (SAA) with 4 

private firms and a university. Additional MOUs and SAAs are in various stages of discussion. In 

addition, current basic research on ISS has been augmented by providing funding within ISS for basic 

science and engineering research.

Theme Overview

SPA - 13
Theme: International Space Station

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

International Space Station Program 2,060.2 2,267.0 2,548.2 2,651.6 2,568.9 2,405.9 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 2,060.2 2,267.0 2,548.2 2,651.6 2,568.9 2,405.9 --

International Space Station Program 2,060.2 2,317.0 2,779.8 2,983.6 3,129.4 3,221.9 3,182.8

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 2,060.2 2,317.0 2,779.8 2,983.6 3,129.4 3,221.9 3,182.8

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 0.0 50.0 231.5 332.0 560.5 816.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 14
Theme: International Space Station

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

Post assembly complete, having fulfilled its international partner agreements to launch and outfit their 

modules, NASA will focus on increasing research, continuing safe operations, and utilizing space station to its 

full capacity as a testbed for exploration technology demonstrations and development. These efforts are 

intended to revitalize, enhance, and augment the ISS program and are discussed below. 







Section 206 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 states "The 

Administrator shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the International Space Station remains a viable 

and productive facility capable of potential United States utilization through at least 2020 and shall take no 

steps that would preclude its continued operation and utilization by the United States after 2015." The FY 

2011 budget request provides funding for work required to extend and maximize utilization of ISS, likely 

through at least 2020.







NASA will invest in the Space Station facility itself by initiating new activities to revitalize ISS and increase 

functionality. The activities are intended to support ISS upgrade efforts while proving new space 

technologies, reducing costs, and increasing functionality. Potential objectives include reducing demands on 

crew time, lowering ground-based costs, mitigating capabilities lost when the Shuttle retires, improving ISS 

capabilities, improving ISS safety, and supporting activities benefiting future human spaceflight programs.







The Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) contracts awarded to Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) 

and Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) will provide commercial resupply flights beginning in FY 2011. The 

Exploration Systems Mission Directorate has budgeted $312 million for additional incentives for NASA's 

current domestic commercial cargo service providers. Cargo transportation to ISS will also be supplemented 

by the Japanese HII Transfer Vehicle (HTV), European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) and Russian 

Progress flights. Crew transportation and rescue will be provided by the Russian Soyuz vehicle until domestic 

transportation providers are available. The Exploration budget includes $6 billion over five years to support 

this effort.







As we embark on the full utilization phase, the ISS will be utilized to conduct multidisciplinary research and 

technology development and operate as an outpost for human exploration. In FY 2011, NASA will begin 

operations on new external unpressurized payloads including the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) 

particle physics detector, a communications navigation and networking demonstration, and an advanced 

materials technology testbed. 







Additionally, internal pressurized payloads will include ongoing studies to support NASA's human research 

program for exploration. NASA will continue National Laboratory collaborations with the National Institutes of 

Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), National Science Foundation 

(NSF); private industry collaborations with Astrogenetix, Inc. and Ad Astra Rocket Company; collaborations 

with academic institutions University of Colorado-Bioserve; and interagency collaborations on Science, 

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.







The ISS will be used as a major asset for demonstrating technologies and capabilities that are funded and 

operated within both the Space Technology Office and the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. The 

goal is to enhance the Nation's ability to operate future human spaceflight activities and make space 

exploration more affordable and effective. In addition to the ISS research funding in other programs, 

beginning in FY 2011, ISS Operations will have funding to assist in National Laboratory research and fund 

engineering research consistent with Agency overall research objectives.

International Space Station Program

Plans for FY 2011

SPA - 15
Theme: International Space Station

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

The benefits of ISS research cross all areas of American life, including public health, energy, 

environment, education, and promoting international cooperation. Specific examples include: new 

uses of ultrasound technology; embedded Web technology to allow remote monitoring and control of 

devices through a computer and Web browser; and, work to help researchers understand and 

mitigate muscle, balance, and bone problems.







Research performed on the ISS will contribute to a broader understanding of injury and disease in 

support of Earth-based medical applications. For example, a new vaccine for salmonella-induced 

infectious disease has been identified through ISS research and an investigational new drug (IND) 

classification will be applied for under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Ongoing 

investigations are being focused on a vaccine for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureas (MRSA), 

which has been responsible for over 19,000 deaths per year in the U.S. according to the Centers for 

Disease Control.







The ISS, an exploration research and technology test bed, will be used to develop and demonstrate, 

among other things, closed loop life support systems and remote medical care capabilities. Both 

technologies can be used to benefit people here on Earth. For example, water recycling technology is 

being used to provide potable water to places devastated by natural disasters. NASA will also 

demonstrate technologies on the ISS necessary for future space systems such as thermal control, 

environmental control, and power generation. As an earth observing platform, the onboard crew 

utilizes the ISS as a low-cost platform to monitor and record natural and human-driven changes and 

events on earth.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

NASA's mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics 

research. The ISS objective is to support scientific research and the development of new 

technologies and capabilities for human space exploration and other activities requiring the unique 

attributes of humans in space. Consistent with NASA's objectives, ISS research is focused on science 

and technology development that will prepare human explorers and spacecraft to travel beyond lowEarth orbit (LEO). Research aboard the ISS is critical to understand the effects of space 

environments on the human body and develop mitigation techniques, minimize the logistical burden 

of supporting humans far from Earth, address remote medical emergencies, and demonstrate 

enabling technologies for human exploration. NASA and the International Partners are applying the 

information learned to plan for future human and robotic missions. Techniques demonstrated in 

robotics, assembly, and maintainability on the ISS will guide development of next-generation space 

vehicles that will fly farther, faster, and for longer duration. 







Research conducted on ISS in its role as a National Laboratory by other U.S. government agencies, 

private firms and universities will yield important new data applicable to their respective missions in 

human health, energy and the environment. The ISS also promotes the commercial space 

transportation industry by providing a market for crew and cargo transportation. The ISS partnership 

also provides a successful example of peaceful and constructive international cooperation that 

provides tangible benefits here on earth.







The FY 2011 budget revitalizes and strengthens the ISS program by ensuring increased functionality 

that will allow ISS to meet its full potential, and by augmenting the program to pursue additional basic 

and applied research.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

SPA - 16
Theme: International Space Station

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

November 2, 2008 represented completion of the eighth year of continuous human presence in space 

on the ISS. The ISS celebrated the 10th anniversary of the first element on orbit, Zarya, on November 

20, 2008. In November 2008, ULF2 was launched delivering a galley, Crew Quarters, Waste and 

Hygiene Compartment, and Water Recovery System (WRS) among other equipment necessary to 

increase ISS crew size to six. The Water Recovery System recycles urine and condensate into 

drinking and coolant water, and helps reduce water upmass requirements after Shuttle retirement. As 

part of the Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System, WRS takes an important 

step toward the self sustaining crew support systems needed for long duration spaceflight beyond low 

Earth orbit. First drink of reprocessed water occurred on May 20, 2009. In March 2009, Flight15A 

added the S6 Truss and solar array completing assembly of the ISS power system. ISS six crew 

operations began with the docking of Soyuz 19S on May 29, 2009. 







In July 2009, Flight 2J/A delivered the final JAXA segment, the Kibo Exposed Facility (EF) completing 

assembly of International Partner laboratories. Flight 17A, in August 2009, delivered about 15,500 

pounds of pressurized cargo including three racks of research equipment, and additional crew 

habitation and environmental control equipment. This flight also delivered the Combined Operational 

Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill (COLBERT). 







JAXA launched the first H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) in September 2009 which was successfully 

captured and berthed to the ISS. HTV will contribute to the effort of resupplying the ISS when the 

Space Shuttle retires. 







The ISS program continued processing activities, ground testing, and integration of flight hardware for 

future missions, while operating and monitoring the health of the vehicle systems and conducting 

operations. One hundred and six research experiments were conducted on ISS in FY 2009. During 

this period ISS crews were supported by re-supply and crew rotation using the Space Shuttle, the HTV 

and four Russian Progress and four Russian Soyuz vehicles. Ground training is ongoing for future 

flight crews, and ISS is continuing to conduct ISS-based Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) for ISS 

maintenance, science, and assembly. More detailed information may be found at 

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html."

Performance Achievement Highlights:

SPA - 17
Theme: International Space Station

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

Other Program 

Implementatio

n Review

08/2008 Provides an independent review of ongoing ISS 

and SSP operations. The report cited concerns 

on budget resources which have been 

addressed in this budget and in cargo 

transportation availability post Shuttle.

2010

Other NASA 

Advisory 

Council (NAC)

10/2009 Provides independent guidance for the NASA 

Administrator. The NAC was briefed by the JSC 

Safety and Mission Assurance Office on NASA 

Lessons Learned program. The Space 

Operations committee made two 

recommendations on NASA utilization of known 

Lessons Learned, including expanding the 

teaching aspect.

02/2010

Other ASAP 10/2009 Provides independent assessments of safety to 

the NASA Administrator. No recommendations 

nor inquiries issued relating to the ISS.

02/2010

Other ISS Advisory 

Committee

10/2009 Assess ISS operational readiness to support 

new crew, assess Russian flight team 

preparedness to accommodate the Expedition 

15 mission, and assess health and flight 

readiness of Expedition 15 crew.

Ongoing

Independent Reviews:

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

SPA - 18
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

International Space Station

Program: International Space Station Program

ISS Cargo Crew Services 304.8 628.0 830.9 1,137.7 1,131.1 956.9 --

ISS Operations 1,755.4 1,639.0 1,717.3 1,513.9 1,437.8 1,449.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

2,060.2 2,267.0 2,548.2 2,651.6 2,568.9 2,405.9 --

ISS Cargo Crew Services 465.2 628.0 856.8 1,185.7 1,225.5 1,287.6 1,211.6

ISS Operations 1,594.9 1,689.0 1,923.0 1,797.8 1,903.9 1,934.2 1,971.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

2,060.2 2,317.0 2,779.8 2,983.6 3,129.4 3,221.9 3,182.8

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 50.0 231.5 332.0 560.5 816.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 19
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

International Space Station

Program: International Space Station Program

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The ISS Program brings together international flight crews; globally distributed launch, operations, 

training, engineering, and development facilities; communications networks; and the international 

scientific research community. Operating ISS is often more complicated than other space flight 

endeavors because of its many international partner components. Each ISS partner has the primary 

responsibility to manage and run the hardware it provides, but the various elements provided by the 

partners are not independent and they must be operated by NASA as an integrated system. The FY 

2011 budget provides funds for work required to extend ISS Operations and support full utilization, 

likely through at least CY 2020 including: recertification of ISS structures; purchase of additional 

spares and consumables; extension of baseline operational services; enabling services for National 

Laboratory partnerships; and initiation of activities to increase functionality intended to support ISS 

upgrade efforts while proving new space technologies, reducing costs, and increasing available 

research capacity. ISS Operations encompasses several key functions necessary to plan, control 

and execute the ISS Program. The ISS Systems Engineering, Analysis and Integration function 

entails optimization of the system architecture, integrated system performance and verification 

analyses, tracking of vehicle configuration, interface requirements, and mission design. The 

Spacecraft function is responsible for maintaining the ISS on orbit in a fully crewed and missionready mode. The Safety & Mission Assurance function implements safety, reliability, maintainability, 

and quality assurance requirements to ensure that all significant risks are reviewed, tracked, and 

mitigated so that ISS is safe, reliable, and fully operational. 







Having completed assembly, all of U.S. and International Partner elements and established sixperson crew capability, the ISS Program focus will turn to utilization beginning in FY 2011. Current 

basic research on ISS has been augmented by providing funding within ISS for science and 

engineering research, including some funding to cover additional transportation costs for non-NASA 

users. Plans will be finalized to establish an independent organization with responsibility to further 

develop national uses of the ISS through partnerships with other U.S. government agencies, private 

firms and non-profit institutions. Research opportunities will then be expanded to conduct research in 

life sciences, material sciences, biotechnologies, condensed matter physics and thermal sciences 

(fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer and combustion). The ISS Program will also 

continue pursuit of its primary research objective to serve as a test bed for the development and 

demonstration of technology for future space exploration missions. The Multi-User Systems Support 

(MUSS) function is responsible for projecting available utilization resources and accommodations, 

tactical planning and execution of the day-today ISS integrated research plan. This function manages 

all payload physical, analytical and operations integration activities.







During FY 2011, ISS Operations will establish an independent organization to further develop and 

facilitate national uses of the ISS, as well as to assist users and integrate the overall U.S. utilization 

strategy. The goals of this organization will be to act as a single entry point to allow users to 

interface efficiently with the Space Station; assist researchers in developing experiments, in meeting 

safety and integration rules, and in acting as an ombudsman on researchers' behalf; perform 

outreach to draw in researchers and to disseminate the results of ISS research activities; and further 

develop online ISS information materials to provide easy access to details about laboratory facilities, 

available research hardware, resource constraints, etc.

Operations

SPA - 20
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

International Space Station

Program: International Space Station Program

Other key operational activities include Mission Integration and Operations, Medical Support, and 

Launch Site processing.

Operations (Continued)

The ISS Cargo Crew Services budget supports cargo and crew transportation to and from ISS. It 

funds services provided by International Partners and commercial purchases. NASA has contracted 

with Roscosmos to purchase cargo transportation through CY 2011 and crew transportation through 

CY 2012. The ISS Program plans to purchase crew transportation services from Russia as needed 

until a domestic capability is available. NASA has also contracted with domestic companies to 

provide cargo supply and cargo return services beginning in CY 2011 via the Commercial Resupply 

Services (CRS) contract. NASA does not plan to purchase any cargo services from Russia after CY 

2011. The FY 2011 budget provides for the acquisition of cargo transportation through CY 2020, 

including cargo transportation for National Laboratory research payloads. In addition, the 

Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) has budgeted $6 billion over the next five years to 

develop U.S. commercial crew transportation which will ultimately be utilized by ISS.

ISS Cargo Crew Services

Program Management

On-orbit assembly and 

operations

NASA Johnson Space 

Center

NASA Johnson 

Space Center

Russian Federal Space Agency, 

European Space Agency, Japan 

Aerospace Exploration Agency, 

Canadian Space Agency, and Italian 

Space Agency (ASI).

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The ISS Program Manager reports to the Associate Administrator for Space Operations at NASA 

Headquarters.

ISS Assembly complete by 2010 International Space Station (ISS) Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

ISS



(extend beyond 2016, 

likely to 2020 or 

beyond)

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-93

Oct-07

Oct-11

Sep-07

Sep-20

Sep-20

Form

Development (Dev)

Formulation (Form)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Research (Res)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

SPA - 21
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

International Space Station

Program: International Space Station Program

NASA extended the Boeing U.S. On-Orbit Segment (USOS) contract until September 30, 2010; a 

follow-on extension is currently in process. NASA has also exercised the final options under the 

Cargo Mission Contract (CMC) and the Mission Integration Contract (MIC) for ongoing services 

through September 2010 and is in the process of re-competing these services. The Program 

Integration Contract (PIC) was awarded earlier this year for services beginning in October, 2009 and 

continuing for up to five years.



 



NASA awarded commercial cargo transportation services to Space Exploration Technologies 

Corporation (Space X) and Orbital Sciences Corporation through the CRS contracts on December 

23, 2008. Initial activities have begun for cargo services beginning as early as CY 2011, with 

services available until early 2016. NASA has also extended its contract with Roscosmos to 

purchase crew launches through CY 2012 and crew rescue and return through mid 2013 and plans 

to continue to purchase Russian crew transportation services until a domestic capability is available. 

The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) has budgeted $312 million for additional 

incentives for NASA's current domestic commercial cargo service providers, and $6 billion over five 

years to develop commercial crew transportation.

Acquisition Strategy

SPA - 22
Theme: Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

As explorers, pioneers and innovators, NASA boldly expands frontiers to inspire and serve America 

and to benefit the quality of life on Earth. Space and Flight Support (SFS) provides multiple Agencylevel capabilities that enable exploration and science.







The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program is a vital element of the underlying 

support structure needed to conduct exploration and science. SCaN manages multiple space 

communication networks including the Deep Space Network, the Space Network, the Near Earth 

Network and also provides the support functions to regulate, maintain, and grow NASA's space 

communication and navigation capabilities in support of all NASA's space missions. Whether NASA 

missions are providing data about our home planet, focusing science instruments on cosmic 

phenomena or exploring far regions in space, reliable communication with Earth-based control centers 

is critical to mission success. As new spacecraft with different objectives and advanced technology 

are launched, the communication needs change. In response, NASA modifies and evolves its space 

communications capabilities to ensure Agency mission needs are fulfilled.







NASA has assigned responsibility for understanding the full range of civil space launch needs to the 

Launch Services Program (LSP). LSP works closely with other government agencies and the launch 

industry, seeking to ensure that safe, reliable, on-time and cost-effective launch opportunities are 

available on a wide range of launch systems.



 



The 21st Century Space Launch Complex Program at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is being 

established in the SFS Theme to transform KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station into modern 

facilities poised to play a key role in 21st century space exploration. Focused on benefiting NASA's 

current and future operations at KSC, these operations will include NASA test flights, commercial 

cargo flights in support of ISS, and expendable launch vehicles in support of the Science mission 

directorate payloads, and robotic precursor missions. These upgrades will additionally help to improve 

KSC launch operations for future and current non NASA users of the range. It will also include 

consolidating and disposing of unused or underutilized facilites, and performing environmental work 

to improve the surrounding area. 



 



The Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) Program reviews, approves and provides direction on rocket 

propulsion test assignments, capital asset improvements, test facility modernization and 

refurbishments, integration for multi-site test activities, identification and protection of core capabilities 

and the advancement and development of test technologies.







The Human Space Flight Operations (HSFO) Program provides multi-program capabilities that 

support all current SOMD programs and future exploration activities. HSFO is comprised of the Space 

Flight Crew Operations (SFCO) and Crew Health and Safety (CHS). SFCO provides trained crew 

members for all NASA human space flight endeavors and is responsible for all JSC aircraft operations 

including aircrew training. The care of the Astronaut Corps is the responsibility of space medical 

operations at the Johnson Space Center. A portion of these responsibilities are managed within CHS 

which is realigned to HSFO beginning in FY 2011. CHS enables healthy and productive crew during 

all phases of space flight missions; implementation of a comprehensive health care program for 

astronauts; and the prevention and mitigation of negative long-term health consequences of 

spaceflight. NASA will also enlist the National Research Council (NRC) to conduct an independent 

study of the activities funded within NASA's Human Space Flight Operations program office to focus 

on the requirements, post-Shuttle retirement, including the role and size of the astronaut corps, crew 

related facility requirements, and the most cost effective means to support NASA's new human 

spaceflight program.

Theme Overview

SPA - 23
Theme: Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

Crew Health & Safety 8.6 8.6 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 --

Rocket Propulsion Test 41.8 45.8 44.6 44.5 44.5 44.5 --

Launch Services 89.6 85.9 84.1 83.9 83.9 82.8 --

Human Space Flight Operations 0.0 114.7 88.5 88.6 88.7 89.0 --

Space Communications and Navigation 582.9 496.6 506.9 520.3 524.0 524.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 722.8 751.5 732.7 745.9 749.7 748.9 --

Crew Health & Safety 8.6 8.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Rocket Propulsion Test 41.8 44.3 44.3 44.2 44.2 48.2 49.2

Launch Services 91.7 83.8 78.9 82.6 82.5 86.0 87.9

Human Space Flight Operations 0.0 102.3 114.4 115.8 117.7 118.1 121.0

Space Communications and Navigation 582.9 485.3 452.9 478.0 479.5 488.4 489.6

21st Century Space Launch Complex 0.0 0.0 428.6 500.0 400.0 400.0 200.0

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 725.0 724.2 1,119.0 1,220.6 1,123.9 1,140.7 947.7

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 2.2 -27.3 386.2 474.6 374.2 391.8 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 24
Theme: Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

RPT will continue to provide test facility management, and provide maintenance, sustaining engineering, 

operations, and facility modernization projects necessary to keep the test-related facilities in the appropriate 

state of operational readiness. RPT continues to use the established testing requirements from all of the RPT 

customers to identify excess and "at-risk" test facilities and will support decisions relative to test asset 

consolidation initiatives.

Rocket Propulsion Test

The LSP program has six planned NASA launches including: 1) Glory, which will be launched on a Taurus 

XL; 2) Aquarius on a Delta II;3) Juno on an Atlas V; 4) Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) on 

a Pegasus XL; 5) NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) on a Delta II and 6) the Gravity Recovery and Interior 

Laboratory (GRAIL) mission, the last mission to be launched on a Delta II. In addition to processing, mission 

analysis, spacecraft integration and launch services of the above missions, LSP will continue to provide 

support for the development and certification of emerging launch services.

Launch Services

HSFO is comprised of SFCO and CHS. For FY 2011, SFCO will provide crew expertise for future vehicle 

development and will support the manifested Shuttle Program requirements as well as four ISS long-duration 

crew rotation missions by providing and maintaining an adequate number of astronauts with appropriate skills 

and experience. This will be accomplished by maintaining safe and effective aircraft operation, supporting 

human space flight program activities such as boards, and technical evaluations that require operational input 

and expertise, and representing NASA to the public directly and through media. Also under HSFO, CHS will 

work to identify necessary medical capabilities including the identification and development of cost efficient 

clinical care capabilities. NASA will enlist the National Research Council (NRC) to conduct an independent 

study of the activities funded within NASA's Human Space Flight Operations program. The study will focus 

on the role and size of the human spaceflight office in the post Space Shuttle retirement and Space Station 

assembly environment; the crew-related facility, aircraft and training requirements to support the astronaut 

corps' for the requirements of NASA's new human spaceflight program, and the more cost-effective means of 

meeting these requirements. Initiation of the study will commence as soon as possible.

Human Space Flight Operations

In FY 2011, the SCaN Program will continue to successfully provide space communications and navigation 

capabilities to all missions and continue to define future communications requirements. SCaN will also 

continue to advance cross support opportunities with foreign space agencies through the definition and 

adoption of common standards and protocols, as well as proceed with the implementation of infrastructure 

upgrades and continue the development of enabling capabilities and technologies. Milestones to be 

completed in FY 2011 include completion of the SRR for the Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment 

Project, completion of the CDR for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) K&L, completion of the CDR 

for the Optical Communication System payload Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD), 

installation of the Communication Navigation and Networking Reconfigurable Testbed (CoNNeCT) on ISS 

and begin procurement of a 34m antenna to increase the robustness of the Deep Space Network.

Space Communications and Navigation

Efforts for the 21st Century Space Launch Complex Program are intended to benefit NASA's current and 

future operations at the KSC, but also to enhance the capabilities for non NASA users of the range. This new 

initiative focuses on upgrades to the Florida launch range, expanding capabilities to support commercial 

launch providers, and transforming KSC into a modern facility that is well positioned to support the next 

century of space exploration. Areas under consideration include modernization activities to support safer and 

more efficient launch operations; enhancing payload processing capabilities; relocating the KSC perimeter to 

facilitate certain private sector activities and operations; environmental remediation; and supporting the 

modernization of the launch range capabilities.

21st Century Space Launch Complex

Plans for FY 2011

SPA - 25
Theme: Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

The benefits of SFS to education and the public includes the return of scientific and educational data 

from space to Earth; the safe launching of expendable launch vehicles necessary for research; the 

assurance that rocket systems have been adequately tested; and the testing and implementation of 

various human health and illness prevention measures. A space program properly supported by this 

Theme will produce research data that can be used to generate new scientific knowledge through the 

study of heliophysics, astrophysics, solar system exploration, Earth science, biological and physical 

research, and more. 







SFCO provides support to the NASA Education Outreach program by assigning astronauts for 

requested appearances and supplying the accompanying presentation materials. Astronauts support 

numerous public appearances with a variety of groups to disseminate information to the general 

public regarding current and future space missions. These appearances had a major impact on the 

spread of information about the space program and the development of critical relationships that help 

NASA programs.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

The SFS theme provides the enabling capabilities required to advance space exploration and expand 

scientific knowledge of Earth and the universe. Without these capabilities NASA could not perform 

any of its missions.







The SCaN Program provides able and dependable space communications and navigation capabilities 

vital to successfully conduct human and robotic space missions.







The LSP enables access to space for NASA and other select government missions. The LSP 

provides safe, reliable, cost-effective, and on-time commercial launch services for NASA and NASAsponsored payloads using expendable launch vehicles. 







The RPT capabilities continue to support safe operation of the Space Shuttle through retirement, and 

provide test facilities for use by other DOD and commercial programs. 







SFCO provides trained crew members for all NASA human space flight endeavors, brings expertise 

to resolve operational or development issues and plays a major role in the public advocacy of human 

space flight. CHS provides enhancements to the health care provision environment both in space and 

on the ground for the Astronaut Corps. CHS contributes to the medical and health certification of 

astronauts before flight and the provision of care throughout their careers.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

SPA - 26
Theme: Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Mission Directorate: Space Operations

SCaN has successfully provided space communications services to over 80 NASA and non-NASA 

missions meeting or exceeding the SCaN proficiency metric despite aging network infrastructure and 

hardware obsolescence. SCaN successfully completed the PDR, the Non-Advocate Review (NAR) 

and the Sub-System PDR for TDRS K & L. In September 2009, SCaN initiated a request for proposal 

(RFP) for the Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS) contract and plans to award the 

contract by June 2010. The SGSS will replace aging and obsolete infrastructure and move the network 

into an integrated architecture thus reducing operational costs. Studies have also been completed for 

the Deep Space Network 70-meter antenna replacement effort and plans for the 34-meter phased 

array antenna system are being initiated. SCaN successfully completed the CoNNeCT PDR in 

September 2009, This test bed will become NASA's orbiting Space Communications and Navigation 

National Laboratory on ISS and will be used to validate new flexible technology enabling greater 

spacecraft productivity. 







In calendar year 2009, there were seven successful NASA/LSP launches including; NOAA-N, Kepler, 

STSS ATRR, LRO/LCROSS, STSS DEMO and WISE and one unsuccessful launch of the OCO 

satellite. NASA/LSP also served in an advisory role for the GOES-O mission. Also in FY 2009, the 

ISS Program Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract was issued. Contract terms and 

deliverables are included for the LSP evaluation of the launch vehicles to be used to resupply the 

space station. The LSP has begun initial technical exchanges with SpaceX under the CRS contract. 

Furthermore, two Space Act Agreements (SAAs) have been established by LSP, one is for Taurus II, 

and the second with ATK for their SLV A and B small launch vehicles. Technical exchanges between 

LSP and ATK have been initiated in FY 2009 as a result of this SAA.







The Rocket Propulsion Test Program (RPT) continued to maintain the Agency's ability to safely test 

rocket propulsion systems by evaluating requirements and focusing resources to complete those 

requirements. To assure the accuracy of requirements, RPT has maintained close coordination with 

NASA and the Department of Defense (DOD) programs. 







SFCO provided trained crew members to successfully complete five Space Shuttle missions. SFCO 

also provided trained crew members to successfully complete three long-duration crew rotation 

missions on the ISS and provided space flight readiness training in support of future Space Shuttle 

and ISS long-duration flights on the space flight manifest. Lastly, SFCO completed over 460 

appearances to the public on behalf of the Agency in support of public outreach. CHS further 

enhanced the Longitudinal Study of Astronaut Health (LSAH) and implemented a system to enable 

flight surgeons easy access to analysis of medical requirements. CHS has also continued to identify 

and leverage the development of clinical care capabilities such as ultrasound units and is developing 

new technologies such as the Lightweight Trauma Module for hazardous and/or extreme 

environments ranging from the battlefield to space exploration use.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

SPA - 27
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: 21st Century Space Launch Complex

This funding establishes a 21st Century Space Launch Complex Program at Kennedy Space Center 

(KSC) and the Florida launch range. This effort will benefit both NASA's current and future operations 

at the KSC, as well as help to improve KSC launch operations for future and current non NASA users 

of the range. Working with other users of the Florida launch range, the goal is to transform KSC into 

a modern facility poised to play a key role in 21st century space exploration. This new initiative 

focuses on upgrades to the Florida launch range, expanding capabilities to support commercial 

launch providers, such as commercial cargo flights and future commercial crew flights in support of 

ISS, and expendable launch vehicles in support of the Science mission directorate payloads and 

robotic precursor missions. Additional areas under consideration include modernization activities to 

support safer and more efficient launch operations; enhancing payload processing capabilities 

through capacity increases, improvement, and modernization, in addition to potentially relocating the 

KSC perimeter where appropriate and feasible, to enable certain existing private sector facilities to lie 

outside the security perimeter, thus making it far more convenient to use those facilities; 

environmental remediation to reduce the impact on the surrounding areas; and supporting the 

modernization of the launch range capabilities.

Program Overview

21st Century Space Launch 

Complex

0.0 0.0 428.6 500.0 400.0 400.0 200.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 0.0 428.6 500.0 400.0 400.0 200.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 428.6 500.0 400.0 400.0 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Efforts for the 21st Century Space Launch Complex Program are intended to benefit NASA's current 

and future operations at the KSC, but also to enhance the capabilities for non NASA users of the 

range. Working closely with other users of the range, this new initiative focuses on upgrades to the 

Florida launch range, expanding capabilities to support commercial launch providers, and 

transforming KSC into a modern facility. Areas under consideration include modernization activities to 

support safer and more efficient launch operations; enhancing payload processing capabilities; 

relocating the KSC perimeter to facilitate certain private sector activities and operations; 

environmental remediation; and supporting the modernization of the launch range capabilities. 

Implementation will be targeted to achieve increased operational efficiency and reduced launch costs 

not only for NASA, but also for other users of these facilities. The program will encompass overall 

launch and processing operations. We will be working closely with the KSC, the USAF, FAA, and the 

space user community to develop a plan that includes specific requirements, as well as a list of 

ongoing or future projects to which NASA may contribute and build upon.

Plans For FY 2011

SPA - 28
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

TDRS Replenishment 154.0 26.0 19.0 22.6 13.4 0.0 --

Space Communications 

Support

65.4 43.4 64.9 56.9 79.5 79.7 --

Space Communications 

Networks

363.5 427.2 423.0 440.8 431.1 444.3 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

582.9 496.6 506.9 520.3 524.0 524.0 --

TDRS Replenishment 154.0 26.0 19.0 22.6 13.4 0.0 0.0

Space Communications 

Support

86.7 86.6 62.6 50.7 53.8 59.2 53.5

Space Communications 

Networks

342.2 372.8 371.2 404.7 412.3 429.2 436.1

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

582.9 485.3 452.9 478.0 479.5 488.4 489.6

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -11.3 -54.0 -42.3 -44.5 -35.6 --

Note: The FY 2011 President's Budget request numbers in the FY 2010 column reflects the Initial Operating Plan budget 

numbers to be submitted to Congress.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 29
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Today's spacecraft are increasingly more powerful, complex, and capable of acquiring increasing 

amounts of mission data. They can also employ artificial intelligence enabling autonomous decisions. 

However complex and sophisticated these machines have become, two key functions have not 

changed: the need to communicate with Earth and to navigate in space. A failure of space 

communications and navigation on the spacecraft or on Earth could result in a complete loss of a 

mission. Hence, space communications and navigation is a fundamental capability of missions that 

depends on a high quality of hardware and software present on the spacecraft and the ground. 







NASA's space communications and navigation capabilities rely on ground-based and space-based 

assets that enable near Earth and deep space missions, as well as those of the other U.S. agencies 

and of our international partners. These national assets are managed as dedicated projects within the 

Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program. The SCaN program manages these assets 

for the Agency and provides a cost efficient approach to effectively meeting all missions' needs 

throughout all stages of their life. 







SCaN is also responsible for all Spectrum Management and Data Standards policy, oversight and 

management for the Agency. It represents NASA before all domestic and international regulatory or 

technical bodies dealing with Spectrum and/or Data Standards, thus providing NASA with an 

integrated approach to promoting and safeguarding its SCaN equities and interests. Additionally, 

SCaN leads all NASA activities associated with present and future navigation technology and 

capabilities such as supporting spacecraft tracking and position determination. 







These seemingly disparate functions, sustainment of existing assets, technology development, 

spectrum management, and international standards, are integrated through a robust System 

Engineering and Integration (SE&I) activity to assure uninterrupted SCaN capabilities and to avoid 

loss of or any impact to science or exploration missions. In addition, SE&I also conducts long-range 

planning based on projected mission needs and identifies technical performance targets for new 

technologies such as Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), Optical Communications, and Software 

Defined Radio.







By planning, developing, operating, and maintaining space and ground networks of tracking and data 

systems, SCaN services the Nation's space missions, both crewed and robotic, from low Earth orbit 

to the fringes of the solar system. 







For more information, please see https://www.spacecomm.nasa.gov/spacecomm/.

Program Overview

SPA - 30
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

The SCaN Program will award the contract for the Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment 

(SGSS) by June 2010 and will conduct the System Requirement Review for this project. The 

implementation of the SGSS will be in full swing in FY 2011 with an expected completion by FY 2015. 

The SGSS will introduce a concept of operations and new technology that will enable integration of all 

NASA assets into a unified and integrated network with robust capabilities critical to meeting evolving 

NASA mission needs in science and exploration, through the next decade and beyond. SCan will 

continue to work towards the demonstration of Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) on ISS and 

Extrasolar Planet Observatory and Deep Impact Extended Investigation (EPOXI). SCaN will 

complete the Critical Design Review (CDR) for both the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) K 

&L and for the Optical Communications Systems payload Lunar Laser Communications 

Demonstration (LLCD) manifested on the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer 

(LADEE) and their implementation will be well underway in FY 2011. SCaN will also have begun the 

procurement of 34m antennas to replace the aging Deep Space Network (DSN) 70m antennas in a 

scalable array configuration designed to provide maximum flexibility and robustness as well as 

substantial increase of capabilities and support to DSN users. The Communication Navigation and 

Networking Reconfigurable Testbed (CoNNeCT) will be installed on ISS during FY 2011.

Plans For FY 2011

SPA - 31
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

Deep Space Network (DSN): The DSN consists of three facilities spaced approximately 120 degrees 

apart on the globe to enable continuous communications to spacecraft as the Earth rotates. The 

facilities are located in Spain, Australia, and California. DSN stations are NASA-owned assets 

managed by the DSN Project Office at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To maintain facility assets, 

SCaN utilizes Construction of Facilities (CoF) funding to provide minor revitalization of the three DSN 

facilities. A list of the total COF projects are included in the Construction and ECR section of this 

document. 







Near Earth Network (NEN): The NEN consists of globally distributed tracking stations that are 

strategically located to maximize the communications service coverage provided to flight missions. 

The stations are located in Norway and Alaska, with additional antennas located at Wallops Island, 

VA and Merritt Island, FL. The NEN Project Office at GSFC manages the network, which includes 

both commercially owned assets and NASA facilities. The NEN provides communications services to 

a variety of missions in certain orbital and suborbital locations, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), 

Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), lunar, and highly elliptical orbits. SCaN is presently looking into 

implementing higher data rate capability in the Ka-Band to meet the evolving needs of future NASA 

missions such as DesDNyl and reduce the mission load on the X-Band that is limited in capacity. 







Space Network (SN): The SN is a combination of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System 

(TDRSS) and a set of supporting Space-to-Ground Link Terminals (SGLT) located at White Sands, 

NM and Guam. The ground terminals transmit signals to and from the TDRSS, which in turn relays 

those signals to and from flight missions. The SN predominantly supports LEO missions with global 

coverage, but it can also support launch vehicles and provide communications services to 

researchers in remote locations on Earth, such as the South Pole. The SN has demonstrated to be 

an effective National Asset meeting critical NASA and U.S. needs that cannot be supported by 

commercial providers or any other U.S. assets. 







SN Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS): SGSS is responsible for replacing outdated equipment 

and standardizing systems at all SN ground locations. The ground locations are White Sands, NM 

and the Guam Remote Ground Terminal (GRGT). After replacement, the SGLT equipment at each 

SN ground station will be capable of supporting any spacecraft in the TDRSS fleet. A key objective of 

SGSS is to establish the capabilities required to support future space exploration vehicles. 







NASA Integrated Services Network (NISN): This network has commercial service backbones 

providing point-to-point terrestrial signal transport services and routing network services. The Office 

of Chief Information Officer has management responsibility for this project.

Space Communications Networks

SPA - 32
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Space Communications Support manages cross-cutting communication functions, which are 

responsible for defining and protecting the integrity of the overall SCaN architecture, including 

identifying, assessing, and establishing policy or response to external policies. These functions 

include Spectrum Management, Systems Planning, and advanced concept enabling technology such 

as Optical Communications and the Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN). 







Spectrum Management ensures the availability and allocation of radio frequency (RF) spectrum for 

all Agency programs to support the operation of navigation systems, space and ground based radio 

transmission, and mission active and passive remote sensing requirements. 







Systems Planning develops the communications and navigation architecture to support Exploration 

and Science Programs through FY 2030. This includes Space Data Standards, which pursues the 

implementation of national and international space data standards with the aim of improved 

interoperability; Technology, which aims to predict the needs of future communications missions in a 

manner that will yield initiatives with performance enhancements with reduced costs; and Systems 

Engineering, which coordinates all SCaN systems engineering activities and manages the 

requirements that enable NASA to fulfill its space communications and navigation needs for future 

missions. 







An important part of the SCaN Technology Program is Optical Communications technology 

development and demonstration. The first NASA demonstration of this technology will be during the 

LADEE mission, which is fully funded through FY 2010 and schedule to launch in June 2012. The 

optical communication capability would provide NASA with a high rate communication technique for 

deep space mission data with an objective of at least a 10-fold data rate increase over that 

achievable with RF technology. This revolutionary technology will provide higher data rates for less 

space, weight, and power burden compared to RF technology. Higher data rates will allow more 

science spacecraft to share the same Earth-based optical receivers, and enable greater science 

return over spacecraft life, thus gaining higher mission utilization. Funding for additional Optical 

Communications technology demonstrations is currently under consideration within the Space 

Technology portfolio. 







Another SCaN Technology Program effort currently in the demonstration phase is DTN. Two DTN 

nodes have been installed on ISS and initial demonstration results indicate significant productivity 

gains through automation of data transfers in the ISS's disruptive communications environment. DTN 

has also been demonstrated in a deep space environment during FY 2009 aboard the EPOXI 

spacecraft and a more rigorous second demonstration is planned for FY 2010 that will show that data 

transport efficiency can be improved 100%. International standardization of the DTN protocols will be 

moved forward by the SCaN Standards Program along with other communication data standards that 

provide a sound base for interoperability of NASA missions with other International space agencies. 







In addition, SCaN provides subject matter expertise to the NASA Deputy Administrator for the 

Deputy Secretary-level Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Executive Committee that 

manages the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS is a critical infrastructure component for 

NASA human spaceflight and science, and enables greater autonomous navigation of spacecraft 

while reducing the operational and cost burdens of traditional two-way ranging and tracking.

Space Communications Support

SPA - 33
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

The TDRS Replenishment Project is responsible for the acquisition of two new Tracking and Data 

Relay Satellites, TDRS-K and TDRS-L, to replenish the aging fleet of communications spacecraft in 

the SN. The TDRS K and L Project Office at the Goddard Space Flight Center is managing the 

procurement, which includes on-orbit delivery, and acceptance of two spacecraft: TDRS-K to be 

launched in December 2012, followed by launch of TDRS-L in December 2013. Modifications of the 

SGLT equipment at the White Sands Complex (WSC) are included. In July 2009, the TDRS 

Replenishment Project completed Key Decision Point (KDP) - C, and the development 

documentation was approved. The SN is an effective National Asset meeting critical NASA and U.S. 

needs that cannot be supported by commercial providers or any other U.S. assets. The mission load 

on the SN has grown substantially potentially requiring additional TDRS spacecrafts. In light of the 

recent decommissioning of TDRS-1 and the emerging battery problem with the older generation 

spacecraft, SCaN is presently using the TDRS reliability model to assess future requirements for the 

TDRS Constellation.

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) Replenishment

Achieve less than 3% of lost operating time on 

NISN available services.

NASA Integrated Services Network, 

NISN

Same

Achieve at least 98% Network proficiency for 

delivery of Space Communications services.

Space Network, Deep Space Network, 

and Near Earth Network

Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

TDRS Replenishment - 

TDRS L

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-09

Jun-13

May-13

Jun-28

Form Oct-07 Jul-09

TDRS Replenishment - 

TDRS K

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Jul-09

Aug-12

Jul-12

Aug-27

Form Oct-07 Jul-09

Space Communications 

and Navigation 

Operations

Tech

Dev

Ops

Res

Oct-05 Oct-20

Form

Formulation (Form)

Research (Res)

Represents a period of no activity for the Project

Development (Dev)

Operations (Ops)

Tech & Adv Concepts (Tech)

Implementation Schedule

Prior 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Beg End

Project Schedule by Fiscal Year Phase Dates

SPA - 34
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Program Management

Space Communications 

Support

Space Communications 

Program Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Glenn Research 

Center, Goddard 

Space Flight Center, 

Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory, Johnson 

Space Center

N/A

Space Network Space Communications 

and Navigation Program 

Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Goddard Space 

Flight Center

Other Government Agencies

NASA Integrated Services 

Network

Space Communications 

and Navigation Program 

Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Goddard Space 

Flight Center, 

Marshall Space 

Flight Center

N/A

Optical Communications Space Communications 

and Navigation Program 

Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Goddard Space 

Flight Center, Jet 

Propulsion 

Laboratory

Other Government Agencies

TDRS Replenishment Space Communications 

and Navigation Program 

Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Goddard Space 

Flight Center, 

Kennedy Space 

Center

Other Government Agencies

Deep Space Network Space Communications 

and Navigation Program 

Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory

N/A

Network Integration and 

Engineering

Space Communications 

and Navigation Program 

Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Goddard Space 

Flight Center, Glenn 

Research Center, 

Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory

N/A

SN Ground Segment 

Sustainment

Space Communications 

and Navigation Program 

Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Goddard Space 

Flight Center

Other Government Agencies

Near Earth Network Space Communications 

and Navigation Program 

Office - NASA 

Headquarters

Goddard Space 

Flight Center

N/A

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) reports to the 

Associate Administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters. SCaN projects are managed 

from NASA Headquarters.

SPA - 35
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Other NASA 

Advisory 

Committee

09/2009 SCaN was reviewed by the NASA Advisory 

Committee with the report delivered by 

09/30/2009. The report recommended that an 

independent study to review the aging 

infrastructure that will need to be upgraded or 

replaced to support the science and operational 

space missions be conducted. The improved 

infrastructure will support the human and robotic 

exploration of the moon, the solar system and 

the universe.

10/2011

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

NASA owns a large, established base of space communications assets located nationally, 

internationally, and in orbit near Earth and Mars. The SCaN Program conducts acquisition planning 

with the objective of preserving the governments past investments, and altering capability or capacity 

in response to mission needs and NASA SCaN architecture goals. 







NASA conducts major SCaN acquisitions on a competitive basis. To meet mission support 

objectives and achieve best value for NASA, mission suitability and cost criteria are appropriately 

weighted and evaluated for competitively awarded acquisitions. When feasible, NASA pursues 

commercially available space communications services and products in preference to developing 

NASA-owned systems. NASA may also consider unique technical capabilities and maintenance of 

core competency in the NASA work force during the "make versus buy" decision process. To further 

achieve best value for NASA and the U.S. Government, the Agency may place task orders on 

Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC).







To support future Agency SCaN requirements, flight systems and associated ground terminals will be 

required at several locations in the Solar System. The type of contract depends upon the maturity of 

the technology and the associated mission risk. In general, lower risk radio frequency relay 

spacecraft near the Earth are acquired under "fixed price" terms with delivery on-orbit. Relay 

satellites at distant locations or acquisitions involving new technology, such as optical space 

communications, may be acquired under "cost plus award fee" terms.

Acquisition Strategy

SPA - 36
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Project In Development: TDRS Replenishment

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Formulation 65.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 65.0

Changes from FY 2010 

Request

65.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 65.0

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 128.4 26.0 19.0 22.6 13.4 0.0 -- 0.0 209.4

Formulation 150.0 25.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0 175.6

FY 2010 President's 

Budget Request

150.0 154.0 26.0 19.0 22.6 13.4 0.0 -- 0.0 385.0

Operations / Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

Development / 

Implementation

0.0 128.4 26.0 19.0 22.6 13.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 209.4

Formulation 215.0 25.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 240.6

FY 2011 President's 

Budget Request

215.0 154.0 26.0 19.0 22.6 13.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 450.0

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority



($ millions) Prior

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 BTC LCC TOTAL

SPA - 37
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Project In Development: TDRS Replenishment

Project Commitments

TDRS Replenishment NASA Aging hardware 

replacement Same Same

Project Element Provider Description FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The TDRS-K and TDRS-L spacecraft will be fully compatible and capable of functioning as a part of 

the existing TDRS System operated by the White Sands Complex (WSC) and Guam ground 

terminals. Contract requirements are design, development, fabrication, integration, test, on-orbit 

delivery, and launch vehicle and services. Launch dates for TDRS-K and TDRS-L are in December 

2012 and December 2013 respectively. The spacecraft are required to have an operational life of 11 

years. The basic requirement will also include modification of the WSC Space-to-Ground Link 

Terminals (SGLT) to provide compatibility with the new spacecraft.

The existing fleet of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) supports tracking, data, 

voice, and video services to the International Space Station (ISS), Space and Earth science missions, 

as well as other government agency users. The total mission load is predicted to increase, which will 

require additional satellites to be added to the fleet. The existing fleet is aging and reliability analyses 

predicts a shortage of flight assets to support NASA missions and the user community by FY 2011. As 

a result, NASA began in FY 2007 the acquisition of two additional spacecraft, TDRS-K and TDRS-L, 

to be launched in December 2012 and December 2013 respectively. By adding these two spacecraft 

to the TDRSS fleet, continuity of service will be insured for NASA and other government agency user 

missions through approximately FY 2016. The TDRS Replenishment Project supports future Agency 

requirements and technology initiatives consistent with the approved baseline of the SCaN 

architecture.

Project Purpose

The TDRS system consists of in-orbit telecommunications satellites stationed at a geosynchronous 

altitude with associated ground stations located at White Sands, NM and Guam. This system of 

satellites and ground stations is the Space Network (SN) which provides services for near earth user 

satellites and orbiting resources. The SN supports spacecraft that depend on it for reliable services to 

continue their missions. The TDRSS constellation includes the first-generation satellites (TDRS 1-6), 

the replacement satellite (TDRS 7), and the second-generation satellites (TDRS 8, 9, and 10).

Project Parameters

SPA - 38
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Project In Development: TDRS Replenishment

Schedule Commitments

TDRS L Launch Readiness Date (LRD) December 2013 N/A Same

TDRS K Launch Readiness Date (LRD) December 2012 N/A Same

TDRS Flight Readiness Review (FRR) November 2012 N/A Same

TDRS Systems Integration Review (SIR) January 2011 N/A Same

TDRS System Critical Design Review (CDR) January 2010 N/A Same

Development

Milestone Name Confirmation 

Baseline

FY 2010 PB 

Request

FY 2011 PB 

Request

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) Replenishment project was approved for entry into 

Phase C, Development in July 2009. The launch vehicle and payload are to be delivered to the 

Kennedy Space Center for processing to meet the TDRS-K and TDRS-L launch dates in December 

2012 and December 2013 respectively.

TDRS 

Replenishment 2010 209.4 2010 209.4 0 LRD 12/2013 12/2013 0

Project Base 

Year

Base Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Develop-



ment Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key Milestone

Base Year 

Milestone 

Date

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Date

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

Other Direct Project Cost 99.0 99.0 0.0

Ground Systems 53.7 53.7 0.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 56.7 56.7 0.0

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Delta

Total: 209.4 209.4 0.0

The TDRS Replenishment LRD represents the completion of both TDRS K and L launches.

Development Cost and Schedule Summary

There are no changes to between the base year and current year cost estimates.

Development Cost Details

SPA - 39
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Space Communications and Navigation

Project In Development: TDRS Replenishment

TDRS-K and TDRS-L 

Obsolescence Risk 

Management

Aging spacecraft requires 

replacement hardware by FY 

2013. The mission load is 

predicted to exceed current 

capacity and will need 

additional spacecraft to 

provide enough capacity.

The project has awarded a Firm Fixed Price with Incentive 

Fee contract as of December 2007 to Boeing Satellite 

Systems, Inc. Spacecraft will launch in December 2012 and 

December 2013, respectively.

Project Risk Management

Title Risk Statement Risk Management Approach and Plan

Project Management

The Acquisition Strategy for this procurement uses a Firm Fixed Price with Incentive Fee contract.

Acquisition Strategy

TDRS Replenishment Space Communications and 

Navigation (SCAN) Office

Headquarters SCaN Program 

Office

GSFC, KSC, and Non-NASA 

Agencies

Project Element Project Management 

Responsibility NASA Center Performers Cost-Sharing Partners

The Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Communications and Navigation reports to the 

Associate Administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters.

SPA - 40
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Human Space Flight Operations

As the Space Shuttle program (SSP) completes the International Space Station (ISS) in 2010, there 

are a number of unique human spaceflight capabilities and facilities that have primarily supported the 

Space Shuttle and ISS assembly that NASA may wish to preserve. These capabilities are required for 

continued support of the ISS and future support of human space exploration activities. In FY 2011, 

Human Space Flight Operations (HSFO) includes Space Flight Crew Operations (SFCO) and the 

realignment of Crew Health and Safety (CHS). NASA will continue to assess and define projects 

requiring crew to provide program support, including technical input, via boards and panels; 

requirements, concept and design support; hardware development and testing support; mission 

support; and essential training.

Program Overview

Space Flight Crew Operations 0.0 114.7 88.5 88.6 88.7 89.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 114.7 88.5 88.6 88.7 89.0 --

Human Space Flight 

Operations

0.0 102.3 114.4 115.8 117.7 118.1 121.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 102.3 114.4 115.8 117.7 118.1 121.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -12.4 25.8 27.2 29.0 29.1 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 41
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Human Space Flight Operations

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

In FY 2011, SFCO and CHS are funded under the HSFO Program. SFCO provides trained 

astronauts for all of NASA human space flight endeavors and brings astronaut expertise to help 

resolve operations or development issues within the human space flight programs. SFCO is 

responsible for all JSC aircraft operations including aircrew training. CHS will continue to help 

develop and refine a standardized battery of clinical and physiological tests for all crew members. 

The Crew Health Surveillance will focus on developing and refining medical standards that are 

critical to meet the needs that will facilitate human space exploration activities. Similarly, real-time 

mission evaluation will continue to help define and deliver medical operations hardware for current 

programs and meet the needs of known architectures.

Human Space Flight Operations

SFCO provides trained astronauts for all of NASA human space flight endeavors. For FY 2011, the 

SFCO will support four ISS long-duration crew rotation missions, which will include the support of the 

first commercial delivery of cargo to the ISS under the contract with Space Exploration Technologies. 

If necessary to complete the existing manifest, SFCO will also support Space Shuttle flight into 

FY2011.







NASA will enlist the National Research Council (NRC) to conduct an independent study of the 

activities funded within NASA's Human Space Flight Operations program. The study will focus on the 

role and size of the human spaceflight office in the post Space Shuttle retirement and Space Station 

assembly environment; the crew-related facility, aircraft and training requirements to support the 

astronaut corps' for the requirements of NASA's new human spaceflight program, and the more costeffective means of meeting these requirements. Initiation of the study will commence as soon as 

possible, with the goal of being completed in time to inform the FY 2013 budget process. The SFCO 

will also provide support and training for astronauts preparing for future flights to the ISS as well as 

provide technical and safety panel support to development of future human space systems. 







CHS will enable healthy and productive crew during all phases of space flight missions; 

implementation of a comprehensive health care program for astronauts; and the prevention and 

mitigation of negative long-term health consequences of spaceflight. CHS will continue to collect, 

maintain, and mine health data related to the long term affects of space flight in order to enable the 

mitigation of those affects. This data will be useful to ongoing operations and assist human space 

exploration activities in defining requirements for the assuring safe human space operations for future 

systems. CHS will also work to implement technologies for monitoring health status before, during, 

and after flight and assure that medical personnel and crew members are trained to best use those 

technologies.

Plans For FY 2011

SPA - 42
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Human Space Flight Operations

The contracts supporting SFCO are the Aircraft Maintenance and Modification Program (AMMP) 

provided by the Computer Services Corp. and the Aircraft Simulation Pro (ASP) contract with 

Lockheed Martin. The contract supporting CHS Bioastronautics is provided by Wyle Labs.

Acquisition Strategy

SFCO will provide trained astronauts for all U.S. 

human space flight endeavors and bring 

experienced astronauts expertise to help resolve 

operations or development issues.

HSFO/SFCO Transfer flight crew operations 

engineering support from ISS.

CHS will provide the full suite of medical 

capabilities necessary for the health and safety 

of the astronauts, and to assure they are mission 

ready from a health perspective.

HSFO/CHS Realignment of Crew Health and 

Safety to HSFO.

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

Program Management

The SFCO and CHS managers report to the Associate Administrator for Space Operations at NASA 

Headquarters.

SPA - 43
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Human Space Flight Operations

Performance Institute of 

Medicine

04/2009 This report examines NASA's plans to assemble 

the available evidence on human health risks of 

spaceflight and to move forward in identifying 

and addressing gaps in research. The 

committee provided recommendations to 

strengthen the content, composition, and 

dissemination of the evidence books.

TBD

Performance ASAP 10/2009 Provides independent assessments of safety to 

the NASA Administrator. In their 2008 Annual 

Report, the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel 

(ASAP) stated that they "strongly endorse the 

NASA position on not extending Shuttle 

operations beyond successful execution of the 

December 2008 manifest, completing the ISS". 

NASA will fly the Space Shuttle to complete the 

International Space Station and then retire the 

Shuttle.

TBD

Performance Institute of 

Medicine

03/2007 At the request of NASA, the Institute of Medicine 

established a committee and issued this report. 

The committee was charged with examining the 

process by which NASA establishes space flight 

health standards for human performance. It 

assured the transparency of the current process, 

as well as considering its validity and integrity, 

particularly related to ensuring worker safety 

and integrating stakeholder input.

TBD

Performance NASA 

Advisory 

Council

10/2009 Provides independent guidance for the NASA 

Administrator. No recommendations were 

provided to SFCO at this time.

02/2010

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

SPA - 44
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Launch Services

Assuring reliable and cost-effective access to space for missions is critical to achieving NASA's goals. 

NASA has assigned responsibility for understanding the full range of civil space launch needs to the 

Space Operations Mission Directorate's Launch Services Program (LSP). The LSP, which works 

closely with other government agencies and the launch industry, seeks to ensure that the most safe, 

reliable, on-time, cost-effective commercial launch opportunities are available on a wide range of 

launch systems. The program works with customers from universities, industry, government 

agencies, and international partners from the earliest phase of a mission. A key challenge for the 

program is matching the launch capabilities to the needs of the different customers. Through various 

scientific missions, these customers seek to: understand the origins, evolution, and destiny of the 

universe; the nature of life in the universe and what kinds of life may exist beyond Earth's orbit; the 

solar system, both scientifically and in preparation for human exploration; and the Sun and Earth and 

the consequences of the Earth-Sun relationship for life on Earth. Customers further seek to provide 

integrated space communications, navigation and data system services that enable mission success 

in addition to providing missile technologies for improved National Security. The program purchases 

fixed-price launch services from domestic suppliers and provides oversight to ensure that these 

valuable, one-of-a-kind missions safely leave Earth to explore this planet and the universe beyond. 

The funding provides the capability for NASA to maintain critical skills that provide technical 

management of launch services on the full fleet of existing and new launch systems. For more 

information, please see http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/index.html. 







The LSP budget also supports integration activities for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer particle 

physics and astrophysics experiment planned for the ISS that will look for dark matter, anti-matter, 

and strange matter. This experiment is sponsored by the Department of Energy and funded largely by 

International Partners.

Program Overview

Launch Services 89.6 85.9 84.1 83.9 83.9 82.8 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

89.6 85.9 84.1 83.9 83.9 82.8 --

Launch Services 91.7 83.8 78.9 82.6 82.5 86.0 87.9

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

91.7 83.8 78.9 82.6 82.5 86.0 87.9

Changes from FY 2010 Request 2.2 -2.1 -5.3 -1.3 -1.4 3.2 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 45
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Launch Services

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The primary elements of the LSP are described below. The LSP provides the acquisition and 

program management of Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) missions using primarily domestic 

launch vehicles and associated standard services with mission unique options. These services are 

contracted through LSP at the Kennedy Space Center. The LSP provides all program-related 

services including program-level financial management and the integration and insight of the launch 

services tasks across multiple Centers as well as management of all program resource 

requirements. The LSP provides the Contracting Officer Technical Representative function for 

launch service contracts, and support services contracts, ensuring consistency and best practices. 

The LSP assures that NASA retains the technical, management, and acquisition skills necessary to 

meet Agency and customer needs.



 



The LSP provides mission integration, technical, and launch management functions. Manifesting 

and scheduling of payload launches are accomplished through the auspices of the Flight Planning 

Board. Through this process all space access requirements and priorities are assessed to develop 

flight planning manifests that best meet customer requirements. The LSP acquires launch services 

to meet the full range of requirements, ranging from finding space for small payloads as secondary 

payloads to the launch of dedicated payloads on a range of launch vehicles. The LSP also provides 

technical management of the launch service, including planning, execution, and support for flight 

project customer requirements. This element of the program provides for planning and 

implementation of mission-specific integration activities, coordination and approval of mission-unique 

launch vehicle hardware/software development, and provision of payload-processing 

accommodations. Additionally, LSP offers management of the launch campaign/countdown 

including coordination with other government agencies and the commercial sector. 







The LSP provides engineering services and analysis for launch vehicle certification at levels of detail 

commensurate with the mission risk tolerance. The program maximizes the mission success of 

commercially developed expendable launch services by employing a technical oversight approach 

that includes a combination of specified approvals and targeted insight. This element also provides 

for the coordination of mission-specific and fleet-wide launch vehicle analyses, hardware changes, 

and production oversight, assessments, and out-of-family anomaly resolution. 







The LSP Construction of Facility (COF) projects support repairs and modifications to existing 

buildings and launch pads on the East and West Coasts, which sustain the processing, operations, 

and launch of NASA spacecrafts. A list of the total COF projects are included in the Construction 

and ECR section of this document.

Launch Services Program

The LSP program has six planned NASA launches including: 1) Glory, which will be launched on a 

Taurus XL; 2) Aquarius on a Delta II; 3) Juno on an Atlas V; 4) Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope 

Array (NuSTAR) on a Pegasus XL; 5) NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) on a Delta II; and 6) the 

Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission, the last mission to be launched on a Delta 

II. In addition to processing, mission analysis, spacecraft integration and launch services of the above 

missions, LSP will continue to provide support for the development and certification of emerging 

launch providers that will be critical to supporting NASA programs.

Plans For FY 2011

SPA - 46
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Launch Services

Under the NASA Launch Services (NLS) contracts with United Launch Alliance, Orbital Sciences 

Corporation (OSC), and Space Exploration Technologies, Inc. (SpaceX), the program acquires 

services associated with launches of Delta, Atlas, Pegasus, Taurus, and Falcon launch vehicles. 

Services are provided on a Firm-Fixed-Price / Indefinite-Delivery-Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) basis, and 

missions can be ordered under these contracts through June 2010. Missions not presently under 

contract are competed among existing NLS contractors through use of a Launch Service Task Order 

mechanism. In addition to the NLS contracts, Glory is the only active mission remaining under the 

Small Expendable Launch Vehicle Services contract with OSC. Award of the NLS II follow-on 

contract is anticipated by the end of June 2010. 







The NLS solicitation contains a provision that permits technology infusion or improvements. New 

offerors may seek an NLS contract during open seasons that occur each year in February and 

August. The NLS contracts enable ordering of standard and non-standard services, as well as 

special studies and mission-unique modifications.







Integrated launch services are provided by the Analex Corporation through a hybrid fixed-price/cost 

contract which contains options to continue performance through September 2011. Payload 

processing for East Coast missions is provided by Astrotech Space Operations. West Coast payload 

processing is provided after a competitive selection by either Astrotech or Spaceport Systems 

International.

Acquisition Strategy

The Launch Services Program is planning for 11 

Missions by FY 2014 and is providing an 

advisory role for 6 additional missions.

SMD - 9 Missions, and SOMD - 2 

Missions

Updated number of missions

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

Program Management

Vehicle Production Insight LSP, Kennedy Space 

Center

Marshall Space 

Flight Center

Air Force, National Reconnaissance 

Office

Mission Planning and 

Integration

LSP, Kennedy Space 

Center

Kennedy Space 

Center

Science Mission Directorate, 

Exploration Systems Mission 

Directorate, Space Operations Mission 

Directorate, Missile Defense Agency, 

NOAA

Engine Assembly and Test LSP, Kennedy Space 

Center

Stennis Space 

Center

Air Force, National Reconnaissance 

Office

Launch Services Acquisition 

and Management

LSP, Kennedy Space 

Center

Kennedy Space 

Center

Air Force, National Reconnaissance 

Office

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Launch Services Program Manager reports to the Assistant Associate Administrator for Launch 

Services, Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.

SPA - 47
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Launch Services

Performance IPAO 

Assessment

08/2009 This was a Non-Advocate Review (NAR) of LSP 

to present information to Agency decisionmaking councils. The IPAO Review Team found 

that LSP is a highly successful program 

compliant with Agency direction, policy and 

directives. The review, completed before the 

OCO launch failure, further illustrated that LSP's 

100 percent launch success record, together 

with sound cost management, and 

demonstrates exceptional performance.

2012

Independent Reviews

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

SPA - 48
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Rocket Propulsion Test

As the principal implementing authority for NASA's rocket propulsion testing, the Rocket Propulsion 

Test (RPT) Program reviews, approves, and provides direction on rocket propulsion test 

assignments, capital asset improvements, test facility modernizations and refurbishments, integration 

for multi-site test activities, identification and protection of core capabilities, and the advancement and 

development of test technologies. 







RPT employs a collaborative approach to ensure rocket propulsion test activities are conducted in a 

manner that reduces cost, enhances safety, provides credible schedules, achieves technical 

objectives, and leverages the lessons learned. RPT reduces propulsion test costs through the safe 

and efficient utilization of rocket propulsion test facilities in support of NASA programs, commercial 

partners, and the Department of Defense, while eliminating unwarranted duplication. RPT sustains 

and improves Agency-wide rocket propulsion test core capabilities (both infrastructure and critical 

skills) and ensures appropriate levels of capability and competency are maintained. 







The program strategy is to fund and maintain a core competency of skilled test and engineering 

crews and test stand facilities; consolidate and streamline NASA's rocket test infrastructure; establish 

and maintain world-class test facilities; modernize test facility equipment; provide non-project specific 

equipment and supplies; and develop effective facility/infrastructure maintenance strategies and 

performance. RPT provides critical institutional and program capabilities to support NASA's missions. 







Further information on the RPT Program can be found at http://rockettest.nasa.gov/.

Program Overview

Rocket Propulsion Testing 41.8 45.8 44.6 44.5 44.5 44.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

41.8 45.8 44.6 44.5 44.5 44.5 --

Rocket Propulsion Testing 41.8 44.3 44.3 44.2 44.2 48.2 49.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

41.8 44.3 44.3 44.2 44.2 48.2 49.2

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -1.5 -0.4 -0.4 -0.3 3.6 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

SPA - 49
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Rocket Propulsion Test

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

RPT represents the single point interface for NASA's rocket propulsion test facilities located at: 

Stennis Space Center (SSC), Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Johnson Space Center-White 

Sands Test Facility (JSC-WSTF), and Glenn Research Center-Plum Brook Station (GRC-PBS). 

These facilities have a replacement value of greater than $2 billion. The RPT sustains and improves 

Agency-wide rocket propulsion test core competencies (both infrastructure and critical skills), 

ensures appropriate levels of capability and competency are maintained, and eliminates unwarranted 

duplication. The program strategy is to fund and maintain core competencies of skilled test and 

engineering crews and test stand facilities; consolidate and streamline NASA's rocket test 

infrastructure; establish and maintain world-class test facilities; modernize test facility equipment; 

provide non-project specific equipment and supplies; and develop effective facility/infrastructure 

maintenance strategies and performance. The RPT budget does not include resources to support the 

marginal costs of testing (e.g., direct labor, propellants, materials, program-unique facility 

modifications, etc.) since these activities are funded by programs as a direct cost when they utilize 

the RPT test stands. When NASA, DoD, and commercial partners use the RPT-supported test 

stands, they are responsible for program-specific facility modifications in addition to the active testing 

of the program-specific test article.

RPT

Test facility management, maintenance, sustaining engineering, operations, and facility 

modernization projects required to keep the test-related facilities in the appropriate state of 

operational readiness will continue to be funded. Established testing requirements for the Agency's 

exploration program will be used to identify excess and "at-risk" test facilities and will support 

decisions relative to test asset consolidation initiatives. RPT's inventory of 32 test locations, ranging 

from active to mothballed facilities, will continue to be maintained at various states of operational 

readiness as required. Propulsion test technology development will also be continued.



By working with Exploration and the new Heavy Lift and propulsion technology development projects, 

RPT will continue to identify new technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of the 

propulsion test infrastructure.



 



The RPT Program will also continue to assist in the rocket propulsion testing requirements definition 

for low Earth orbit and in-space propulsion systems and related technologies.

Plans For FY 2011

Support continued commercial testing of RS-68 

engine

Pratt Whitney Rocketdyne/Air Force Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

SPA - 50
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Space Operations

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

Program: Rocket Propulsion Test

Program Management

Technical Services and Support Stennis Space Center Jacobs-Sverdrup, 

Mississippi Space 

Services, Plum 

Brook Operations 

Support Group

Rocket Propulsion Test Management 

Board Members: Stennis Space 

Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, 

Johnson Space Center, White Sands 

Test Facility, Glenn Research Center's 

Plum Brook Station, Kennedy Space 

Center (associate member), and Glenn 

Research Center (associate member). 

National Rocket Propulsion Test 

Management Board Department of 

Defense Members: Air Force 

Research Lab, Arnold Engineering 

Development Center, Redstone 

Technical Test Center, and Naval Air 

Warfare Center.

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Rocket Propulsion Testing Program Manager reports to the Assistant Associate Administrator for 

Launch Services, Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.

The Test Operations Contract (TOC) will be completing its final option contract period in September 

2010. A 3-month extension to December 2010 is in negotiation. A new contract will be openly 

competed at that time.

Acquisition Strategy

SPA - 51
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SPA - 52
Mission Directorate: Education

"The nation that out-educates us today will out-compete us tomorrow", said President Barack Obama in an April 

27, 2009 speech to the National Academy of Science. NASA performs a leading role in assuring that the U.S. is 

not out-educated by inspiring the next generation of explorers in the disciplines of science, technology, 

engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The FY 2011 President's Budget provides a 14% increase to NASA's 

Education budget, which will enable NASA to continue to capitalize on the excitement of NASA's mission to 

inspire innovative solutions, approaches, and tools that inspire student and educator interest and proficiency in 

STEM disciplines and pursue new innovative approaches to reaching students. NASA will continue to capitalize 

on the excitement of NASA's mission to inspire innovative solutions, approaches, and tools that inspire student 

and educator interest and proficiency in STEM disciplines. This strategy will increase the distribution and impact 

of NASA's progressive opportunities for elementary and secondary teachers, university faculty, students of all 

ages, and the public. 







NASA is a leader among Federal Research and Development agencies in promoting STEM education 

opportunities, and NASA has recently established an Agency High Priority Performance Goal related to 

education and future workforce development. NASA partners with academic institutions, professional education 

associations, industry, and other Government agencies to provide teachers and faculty with the experiences that 

capitalize on the excitement of NASA's discoveries to spark their students interest and involvement. Strategies 

include offering professional development experiences, lessons, and classroom materials; using emerging 

communications and education technologies; and providing research opportunities, and hands-on science and 

engineering activities that draw on NASA's unique missions. NASA resources and opportunities are available to 

a diverse audience of educators and students, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Special 

projects within the NASA portfolio of investments ensure that a diverse audience is actively engaged in NASA 

STEM education. In FY 2011, NASA will pursue the following education priorities:







Support the Administration's STEM education teaching and learning improvement education efforts, including 

Race to the Top and Educate to Innovate; 



- NASA will support the Summer of Innovation project by partnering with internal and external stakeholders, and 

other education organizations to leverage the excitement of NASA's missions.



- Continue efforts to incorporate NASA content into STEM education efforts of other federal agencies.







Engage the Nation's universities, colleges, students and faculty;



- Stimulate competitive NASA-themed STEM research, through NASA Research Announcements and 

Announcements of Opportunity offered to targeted states, universities, and other educational institutions. In order 

to prepare institutions for future competitions, benefit NASA, and prepare students for future employment (at 

NASA, in aerospace industry, or academia), research and engineering activities will be directly tied to NASA 

missions and research objectives (e.g. Mars Exploration; global climate change; aeronautics).



- Collaborate with the Office of Human Capital Management to recruit participants in NASA's scholarship, 

internship and fellowship projects into cooperative-education (co-op) and Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP) 

positions at NASA.



- Broaden community college participation in NASA research and STEM workforce development.







Inspire and engage the Nation's K-12 students and educators;



- Pursue innovative approaches that enable additional student launch initiatives and other hands-on payload 

development and engineering opportunities for NASA missions. Through partnerships with NASA centers, 

universities, and industry, students will gain research experiences and hands-on engineering experience on a 

variety of real-world platforms that may include high altitude balloons, sounding rockets, aircraft, space satellites, 

and the International Space Station (ISS). High school students will intern under mentorship of NASA scientists 

and engineers, and university students will participate in ongoing space and aeronautics research missions. 

Many will contribute to original research and support designing hardware to fly on future NASA missions.



- Expand teacher pre-service, professional development and training opportunities that are based on education 

research and reflect current and future NASA science and exploration missions.



- Prepare pre-college students for undergraduate study through "transitional" experiences that blend NASA 

research and engineering experiences with classroom study and near-peer/NASA mentoring.



- Immerse students and educators in current NASA science and technology, with an increasing emphasis on eEducation and cyber-learning opportunities.

Overview

EDU - 1
Mission Directorate: Education

Education 169.2 126.1 123.8 123.8 123.8 125.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

169.2 126.1 123.8 123.8 123.8 125.5 --

Education 169.2 183.8 145.8 145.8 145.7 145.7 146.8

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

169.2 183.8 145.8 145.8 145.7 145.7 146.8

Total Change from FY 2010 

President's Budget Request

0.0 57.7 22.0 22.0 21.9 20.2 --

Note: In all budget tables, the FY 2011 President's Budget Request depicts the July 2009 Operating Plan including American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the FY 2009 Actual column and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117) 

without the Administrative transfers for the FY 2010 enacted column.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EDU - 2
Mission Directorate: Education

Major Changes:

In FY 2011, NASA will implement the Summer of Innovation initiative to provide an intensive STEM teaching 

and learning experiences during the summer. It is targeted at the middle school level and complements 

school year curricula. Summer camps, Saturday-programs, and other forms of intensive NASA and STEMfocused experiences, will be offered in the summer and beyond. These strategies are designed to help 

STEM underperformers catch up to, and perhaps surpass, standard expectations of STEM performance for 

their grade level. A significant outcome of the program will be to expand the pool of students - particularly 

females, those from low-income and underserved/underrepresented populations, and those underperforming 

in STEM - who consider and pursue STEM professions. STEM learning experiences provided by the 

Summer of Innovation will engage at least 100,000+ middle school students and 5,000+ teachers (programwide, not per state) with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of future scientists, mathematicians, and 

engineers in the U.S.

In FY 2011, NASA will explore innovative ways to reach university level students and improve STEM 

retention; engage younger K-12 students through authentic hands-on STEM learning; and capture the 

public's attention by an innovative approach to imparting informal education in the Nation's science centers, 

museums, community groups, and other organizations. These new innovative projects will include:







The Innovation in Higher Education STEM Education and Innovations in Global Change Education, projects 

within the Higher Education STEM Education Program, will focus on innovative ways to reach undergraduate 

and graduate student, improve student retention in STEM disciplines, leverage the research platform of the 

ISS, and better engage community colleges and minority institutions. 







The Innovation in K-12 STEM Education, a project within the K-12 STEM Education program, will provide 

competitive opportunities for NASA partners to engage students through authentic hands-on learning 

opportunities that build STEM knowledge and skills. The Summer of Innovation initiative will fall under this 

project.







The NASA Informal Education Opportunities, a project within the Informal STEM Education program, will 

seek innovative approaches to conducting informal education in the Nation's science centers, museums, 

community groups, and other organizations. NASA Informal STEM Education will continue to support both 

the NASA Field Center requests from local, state, and other informal education providers who use NASA 

content to engage their audiences in STEM experiences that inspire STEM achievement and increase public 

understanding and awareness of NASA's mission achievements. 







NASA does not request FY 2011 funding for the Global Climate Change Education, the K-12 Competitive 

Educational Grant Program, Science Museums and Planetarium Grants, or NASA Visitors Centers. NASA 

will be able to achieve the intended outcomes of these Congressional-directed initiatives (in FY 2008 and FY 

2009), as well as NASA's stated education goals, through the programs for which the Agency is requesting 

funding.

New Initiatives:

Education

Plans for FY 2011

Education

EDU - 3
Mission Directorate: Education

Major Highlights for FY 2011

In FY 2011, NASA will continue its investment in STEM education and proposes to:







-Continue the Summer of Innovation pilot project, encouraging participation from additional states and 

education organizations. The FY 2011 Summer of Innovation will provide intensive Summer STEM 

experiences for middle school students.







-Expand Innovations in STEM Higher Education to build on pilot projects initiated in FY 2010 and to align to 

the innovation agenda of the Agency. 







-Support more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students participating in NASA education 

opportunities.







-Expand collaborations with the more than 850 college, university and industry partners in the National 

Space Grant College and Fellowship Program to engage students in student launch activities, research and 

engineering grants, and courses based upon NASA science and engineering.







-Refocus the Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) to a Graduate Student STEM Education (GSE) 

to include support of graduate studies in STEM education and education administration.







-Provide over $20M in grants to universities to support NASA-related research and to enhance their capacity 

to compete for new Federal research dollars.







-Fully realize and execute new infrastructures to improve higher education student recruitment, application 

processes, and mentoring through the One Stop Shopping Initiative and Virtual Student Ambassadors.







-Work with the Office of Human Capital Management and other internal and external stakeholders to improve 

the conversion of NASA Higher Education student participants into full time employment with NASA, 

aerospace industry, and STEM education organizations. This reflects the Agency's High Priority 

Performance Goal related to education and future workforce development.







-Engage 1,000,000 elementary and secondary student participants in NASA instructional and enrichment 

activities. Authentic hand-on experiences leverage NASA's education technologies and other communication 

tools. Student design competitions will be tied to NASA's ongoing priorities, allowing teachers to engage 

students in real-time, cutting edge science and engineering problems. NASA will make extensive use of 

telepresence technologies, from web disseminated information and remote control of science instruments, to 

learning in virtual worlds.







-Engage 75,000 formal and informal educators in NASA's education programs by providing NASA-related 

STEM education resources and opportunities.







-Actively engage 350 science centers, museums and planetariums, and community-based informal 

education providers in sharing the excitement of NASA's mission with the American public.

EDU - 4
Theme: Education

Mission Directorate: Education

Informal STEM Education 14.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 --

K-12 STEM Education 47.5 43.3 41.0 41.0 41.0 42.7 --

Higher Ed. STEM Education 107.7 80.6 80.6 80.6 80.7 80.7 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 169.2 126.1 123.8 123.8 123.8 125.5 --

Informal STEM Education 14.0 16.1 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

K-12 STEM Education 47.5 46.5 62.8 62.8 62.7 62.7 63.8

Higher Ed. STEM Education 107.7 121.2 81.0 81.0 81.0 81.0 81.0

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 169.2 183.8 145.8 145.8 145.7 145.7 146.8

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 0.0 57.7 22.0 22.0 21.9 20.2 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Theme Overview

EDU - 5
Theme: Education

Mission Directorate: Education

NASA Education projects (such as Space Grant and MUREP) increase the number of students who 

are proficient in, who choose to major in, and who pursue careers in STEM fields. Improving STEM 

ability, increasing public scientific literacy, increasing the talent pool of future STEM workers, and 

developing the STEM skills of the future workforce are imperatives for a nation to remain globally 

competitive and sustain a strong economy. To effect STEM improvement, it is simply not enough to 

offer a grant or provide materials to educators and students. NASA actively works through mutually 

beneficial relationships with 500+ colleges and universities, hundreds of K-12 schools/districts, and 

350+ museums and science centers to provide education experiences so that all students can learn 

deeply and think critically in STEM disciplines. Such relationships enable NASA to reach tens of 

thousands of collegians, a million K-12 students and innumerable members of the public. 







NASA is a supporter of STEM education efforts that engage a broad range of students and 

educators, providing access to personnel, research, technology and access to facilities that allow 

participation in NASA's missions. NASA supports cutting-edge student research that contributes to 

NASA missions while training the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. NASA 

works with state and community leaders to offer professional development opportunities needed by 

teachers, better preparing pre-service and in-service educators to teach STEM topics. NASA pursues 

collaborative partnerships that improve STEM teaching and learning. NASA targets recruitment and 

retention of underserved and underrepresented students, including women and girls, drawing on a 

rich and underutilized for education opportunities and developing our future workforce.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

The Obama Administration has identified STEM education as a high priority and is calling on federal 

agencies to help "improve the performance and participation of American students in STEM". A 

strong U.S. economy is founded on the abilities, interests and innovations of its citizens, yet 

performance of American students on international assessments of STEM ability is "middle of the 

pack" and falling (as identified in the Third International Mathematics & Science Study). NASA will 

partner with K-12 schools and districts, other federal agencies, industries, colleges and universities, 

and other education institutions. 







NASA's Education programs are fully supportive of national STEM priorities (e.g. Race to the Top) 

that focus on state-based education and student performance. NASA Education specialists, scientists 

and engineers work collaboratively with school/district administrators, universities, science centers 

and industry partners to offer hands-on learning, mentoring and participatory exploration. Programs 

are based on STEM research and best practices. Investments are evaluated and assessed for impact 

and performance. NASA provides practical experience and skills development for the future 

workforce through internships, fellowships and student research related to NASA missions. NASA is 

uniquely qualified to attract students to STEM study and careers as it is able to engage these future 

workers in inspiring NASA missions, foster relationships with the current workforce, offer opportunities 

to work in "out of this world" facilities, and capitalize on the innovative perspectives and problemsolving approaches offered by student researchers. Hands-on challenges with expert mentors 

increase the likelihood of undergraduate STEM study and increase the number of students who seek 

employment in a STEM or related field. It also fosters pursuit of graduate study aligned to NASA's 

missions.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

EDU - 6
Theme: Education

Mission Directorate: Education

NASA provided opportunities to help students and educators gain hands-on experiences in STEM 

through internships, fellowships and research. NASA reached more than 24,000 higher education 

students, of which more than 4,500 received substantial research/fellowship awards. This included 

550 intensive study opportunities for underserved students, teachers and faculties. Of students 

participating in undergraduate programs, 41 percent continued to pursue advanced degrees; 57 

percent entering the workforce pursued NASA-related careers, including work for NASA, aerospace 

industry and STEM education.







NASA awarded 43 institutional research awards, worth more than $32M, to targeted colleges and 

universities. This NASA-related research, will better enable these institutions to compete for funding 

from sources other than NASA's Office of Education. 







NASA increased its commitment to high quality professional development projects targeted to pre- and 

in-service educators. Education research shows that in-depth and sustained experiences increase the 

impact of training and improve STEM teaching practices. NASA launched the first year of the 

Endeavor Science Teacher Certificate Project, reaching 40 educators through intensive professional 

development that will culminate in a NASA STEM teaching certificate. NASA also supported teachers 

through short experiences offered by the Digital Learning Network (reached 13,000 educators), 

Education Flight Project (reached 13,000 educators), Aerospace Education Services (reached 8,000 

educators) and other projects. NASA is increasing use of technology to provide "virtual" workshops 

and other experiences to educators and students. 







NASA attracted and retained students in STEM disciplines by: engaging over 1300 high school interns 

in NASA STEM activities through the Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating 

Research & Education that targets underserved students; leveraging partner distribution 

infrastructures to reach more than 7 million on-line viewers (e.g. Channel One); and supported 

Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Aerospace Academy activities that actively engaged over 

40,000 students. According to the National Research Council, NASA has had a unique role in 

inspiring, engaging, and educating students about STEM and STEM careers.







Partnerships through the NASA Museum Alliance, the Space Place Network, Smithsonian, Visitor 

Centers and others engage and inform the public. The NASA Museum Alliance provided programming 

at 400 science centers and museums across the U.S.. Museums were able to share features and 

education materials related to STS-119 and the flight of two Educator Astronauts. Coverage/exhibits 

on a number of aeronautics and space activities, materials and experts were provided to institutions 

during the International Year of Astronomy.







NASA awarded 22 innovative grants through the Global Climate Change Education initiative, and 

awarded 11 grants to public schools and nonprofit organizations through the K-12 Competitive 

Educational Grant Program, Science Museums and Planetarium Grants, and NASA Visitor Centers as 

directed by Congress in FY 2008 and 2009. NASA's FY 2009 Performance and Accountability Report 

provides further discussion and detail regarding the performance of NASA's Education Program. The 

report can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/budget.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

EDU - 7
Theme: Education

Mission Directorate: Education

All Abt 

Associates, 

Cambridge, 

MA

FY 2009 The external evaluation contractor is initiating 

the planning phase for reviewing selected 

projects in the Higher Education program. Abt is 

to provide results at the end of Q1 2011

FY 2010

All NRC - 

National 

Academies

FY 2008 The recommendations for the NASA K-12 

Education Program, provided by the NRC 

review, reinforced the important complementary 

role of NASA STEM education. Improvement 

areas include: (1) the nature of NASA's role in K

-12 STEM education, (2) continuous 

improvement of projects, (3) partnerships and 

expertise in education, and (4) information and 

communications technology; for details go to 

http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12081.html.

FY 2010-12

All Abt 

Associates, 

Cambridge, 

MA

FY 2010 The external evaluation contractor is initiating 

the planning phase for the Informal Education 

program. Abt is to provide results at the end of 

Q4 2010

FY 2010

All Booz-Allen 

Hamilton

FY 2009 An external independent evaluation of the NES 

project was conducted by Booz-Allen Hamilton 

(BAH), per Congressional Direction. The 

evaluation included review of previous 

assessments and the NES redesign model. 

Results were received by NASA in FY 2009. 

BAH identified several structural elements that 

limited the NES project's ability to scale up to a 

level that would support significantly greater 

numbers of schools, students and educators. A 

redesign of the project is underway.

FY 2010-12

All Abt 

Associates, 

Cambridge, 

MA

FY 2008 An external independent evaluation of the 

SEMAA project, (including RCT), is assessing 

the effectiveness and determining how intended 

goals are being implemented. Evaluation will 

consider the overall effort, provide data on how 

differences in effectiveness are associated with 

site-site variations, and offer explanations for 

observed outcomes. Abt is to provide results in 

Q2 2010.

FY 2013

Independent Reviews:

Review Type Performer Last Review Purpose/Outcome Next Review

EDU - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Higher Ed. STEM Education

Global Climate Change 

Education

10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

Minority University Research 

& Education Program

28.2 30.7 30.7 30.7 30.7 30.7 --

Experimental Program to 

Stimulate Competetive 

Research

20.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 --

NASA Space Grant 40.0 28.4 28.4 28.4 28.4 28.4 --

STEM Opportunities (Higher 

Education)

9.5 11.6 11.6 11.6 11.6 11.6 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

107.7 80.6 80.6 80.6 80.7 80.7 --

Global Climate Change 

Education

10.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Minority University Research 

& Education Program

28.2 28.4 27.2 27.2 27.2 27.2 27.2

Experimental Program to 

Stimulate Competetive 

Research

20.0 24.9 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3

NASA Space Grant 40.0 45.5 27.7 27.7 27.7 27.7 27.7

STEM Opportunities (Higher 

Education)

9.5 12.4 16.9 16.9 16.9 16.9 16.9

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

107.7 121.2 81.0 81.0 81.0 81.0 81.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 40.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EDU - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Higher Ed. STEM Education

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

STEM Opportunities focuses on strengthening the research capabilities of the Nation's colleges and 

universities, and providing opportunities that attract and prepare increasing numbers of students for 

NASA-related careers. The research conducted by these institutions contributes to the research 

needs of NASA's Mission Directorates and furthers the Nation's scientific and technology innovation 

agendas. The student projects serve as a major link in the pipeline for addressing NASA's Human 

Capital Strategies. The projects build, sustain, and effectively deploy the skilled, knowledgeable, 

diverse, and high-performing workforce needed to meet the current and emerging needs of NASA 

and the Nation's workforce. 







STEM Opportunities consist of the Undergraduate Student Researchers Project (USRP), the 

Graduate Student Education (GSE) project, and the Innovations in Higher Education STEM 

Education project. USRP attracts undergraduate students from a wide array of backgrounds, who are 

representative of America's racial, economic, ethnic, and cultural diversity. It provides them with 

hands-on, challenging research experiences that stimulate continued student interest in the 

fields/disciplines aligned with NASA's research and development mission. 







The GSE project awards research fellowships for graduate study leading to masters or doctoral 

degrees in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering related to NASA research and 

development, and education, thereby cultivating research ties to the academic community and 

helping meet the continuing needs of the Nation's aeronautics, space research, and STEM education 

efforts. GSE increases the number of highly trained scientists and engineers in aeronautics and 

space-related disciplines, broadens the base of students pursuing advanced degrees in science, 

mathematics, and engineering; and supports graduate level education in STEM education and 

education administration. 







The Innovation in Higher Education STEM Education project enables NASA to seek out and support 

innovative and replicable approaches to improve STEM learning and instruction, and opportunities 

for student and faculty to participate in NASA related research and launch/payload development 

activities. These activities include working with the ISS Program Office to reach students and faculty 

in developing new ISS hardware, conducting experiments, and identifying new strategies for utilizing 

ISS data in classroom activities.

STEM Opportunities (Higher Education)

EDU - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Higher Ed. STEM Education

The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) strives to develop 

academic research enterprises that are long term, self-sustaining, and nationally competitive by 

supporting states with modest research infrastructure to become more competitive in attracting 

research funding. Funding is awarded to lead academic institutions in twenty-eight eligible states 

(designated by NSF each year) to foster a STEM relationship with industries for research and 

development opportunities. NASA actively seeks to integrate the research conducted by EPSCoR 

jurisdictions and the aerospace and exploration agenda being pursued by the Agency. 







Representatives from each of NASA's Mission Directorates work closely with EPSCoR program 

management so that current and future research and engineering needs are reflected in EPSCoR 

solicitations. The Mission Directorate representatives serve as the proposal selection committee, 

further ensuring that the selected work contributes to NASA priorities. Technical Monitors at the 

NASA Field Centers and Headquarters monitor and assess the progress of each award. They 

provide scientific guidance and technical advice throughout the year, as required, on the overall 

progress of the proposed effort, and review the annual progress report. Additional involvement may 

occur, depending upon the nature of the collaboration already established or desired. This includes, 

but is not limited to, integrating the EPSCoR research into ongoing activities or research efforts, and 

increasing the Principal Investigator and his/her team's awareness of other related or relevant 

research in NASA.

Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research

NASA initiated the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant) in FY 1989. 

Space Grant is now composed of 52 consortia in 50 states, the District of Columbia and the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Space Grant national network includes over 850 affiliates from 

universities, colleges (including minority-serving institutions), community colleges, industry, 

museums, science centers, and state and local government agencies. These institutions support a 

national network that expands opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA's 

aeronautics and space projects. Space Grant institutions leverage the resources of the members, 

state and local aerospace industries to support and enhance science and engineering education, 

research, and public outreach efforts in higher education, elementary and secondary education, and 

informal education. 







The Space Grant consortia fund fellowships and scholarships for students pursuing NASA-related 

STEM careers, and fund curriculum enhancement and faculty development. Between FY 2003 and 

FY 2009, Space Grant awarded almost 20,000 scholarships and fellowships, over 700 research 

infrastructure development grants, 850 higher education program grants, and conducted over 400 

public service/engagement program awards, reaching hundreds of thousands of students across the 

U.S. In recent years, scholarship and fellowship recipients included 21% underrepresented minorities 

and 42% women, well above other non-targeted and/or STEM-directed programs. In FY 2009, Space 

Grant programs reached over 21,000 higher education participants, including 3,400 individuals 

receiving significant education and research support. Longitudinal tracking of students indicates that 

typically 90% of Space Grant award recipients become employed in STEM fields after graduation or 

matriculate into an advanced STEM degree program.







In FY 2011, increased funding for Space Grant will enable NASA to increase the depth and breadth 

of collaborations with lead institutions, affiliates and previously unengaged institutions. Specific goals 

are to increase the active participation of community colleges and underserved/underrepresented 

students.

National Space Grant

EDU - 11
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Higher Ed. STEM Education

In FY 2011, Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP) will add one project and 

phase out another. Innovations in Global Climate Change Education, a new project in FY 2011, will 

seek innovative approaches to providing opportunities for students and teachers to engage in 

research, use of technological tools, and access NASA data sets to improve teaching and learning in 

the area of global climate change. The NASA Administrator's Fellowship Project will be phased out in 

FY 2011. 







MUREP engages underserved and underrepresented populations in two ways: 1) multiyear grants 

awarded to assist minority institutions, faculty, and students in research pertinent to NASA missions; 

and 2) recruitment and retention of underserved and underrepresented students. Methods by which 

these are achieved are by providing scholarships, fellowships, internships; mentoring & tutoring; 

ensuring their completion of undergraduate and graduate degrees; and supporting their entry into the 

scientific and technical workforce. The program is composed of Research Clusters, University 

Research Centers and Minority Institution Collaborations. 







Research Clusters is composed of five research activities. Motivating Undergraduates in Science 

and Technology (MUST) provides partial scholarships to underserved undergraduate students to 

support up to 50% of tuition and fees. Students also participate in a NASA Center internship. 

Curriculum Improvement Partnership Award for the Integration of Research (CIPAIR) is a 3-year 

undergraduate STEM curriculum improvement effort, using NASA related content, for minority 

institutions (MI), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving 

Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and others. NASA Science and 

Technology Institute for Minority Institutions (NSTI-MI) provides research opportunities for faculty and 

students from MIs that contribute to NASA's astrobiology, biotechnology, IT, and nanotechnology 

research agenda. Faculty and students collaborate with scientists at NASA, industry, academia and 

nonprofit organizations to research technologies enabling future exploration. Jenkins Pre-doctoral 

Fellowship Project (JPFP) provides support for underrepresented students (women, minorities, and 

persons with disabilities) in STEM disciplines who seek advanced degrees and opportunities in 

NASA-related disciplines, thereby increasing the number of skilled workers. The JPFP provides its 

participants with access to NASA mentors, NASA research opportunities, and the ability to network 

and collaborate with the aerospace professionals. 







University Research Centers provide a broad-based, competitive NASA-related research capability 

among the Nation's MIs to foster new aerospace science and technology concepts; expand the 

Nation's base for aerospace R&D; develop mechanisms for increased participation by faculty and 

students of MI in mainstream research; and increase the number of underserved students obtaining 

advanced degrees in STEM disciplines. 







Minority Institutions Collaborations is a project made up of two activities. Tribal, HSI, and HBCU 

Collaborations Project enables NASA to partner with these minority institutions to increase student 

and faculty involvement in space exploration and cutting-edge technology, improve competitiveness 

for Federal grants and resources, and provide high-quality educational opportunities to traditionally 

underserved students and faculty. MUREP Small Projects support a variety of opportunities for 

students, teachers, faculty and researchers from underrepresented and underserved communities in 

NASA related STEM fields.

Minority University Research and Education Program

EDU - 12
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Higher Ed. STEM Education

Promote a nationwide network of state-based 

consortia to engage students and faculty in 

NASA research and other opportunities;enhance 

capabilities of eligible states and institutions to 

compete for NASA-sponsored research and 

technology opportunities

Higher Education STEM Education 

Program/ Space Grant, EPSCoR

Same

Provide undergraduates and graduate students 

opportunities to engage in research and 

engineering supporting NASA missions.

Higher Education STEM Education 

Program/ STEM Opportunities

Same

Target underserved and under-represented 

students with opportunities to engage in 

research and engineering supporting NASA 

missions. Enhance capabilities of minority 

serving institutions to compete for NASAsponsored work.

Higher Education STEM Education 

Program/ MUREP (Research Clusters, 

URC, MI Collaborations)

Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

EDU - 13
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Higher Ed. STEM Education

Program Management

MUREP: Research Cluster Ames Res Center (ARC), 

Glenn Res Center (GRC), 

Jet Prop Lab (JPL), 

Marshal Space Flight 

Center(MSFC

All NASA Centers None

Experimental Project to 

Stimulate Competitive Research 

(EPSCoR)

Kennedy Space Center 

(KSC)

All NASA Centers Twenty-seven EPSCoR eligible states 

provided required cost sharing funds. 

In FY 2009 it is anticipated that the 

average ratio of cost sharing to award 

for EPSCoR research awards will be 

$0.81 to $1.00 and EPSCoR RID 

awards will average to approximately 

$1.04 to $1.00 cost sharing, as 

reported in FY 2008.

MUREP: Minority Institutions 

Collaborations

NASA Headquarters Office 

of Education

All NASA Centers None

MUREP: University Research 

Centers (URC)

Dryden Research Flight 

Center (DRFC)

All NASA Centers None

MUREP: Innovations in Global 

Climate Change Education

Langley Research Center 

(LaRC)

All NASA Centers None

Undergraduate Student 

Research Program (USRP)

Johnson Space Center 

(JSC)

All NASA Centers None

National Space Grant College 

and Fellowship Project (Space 

Grant)

NASA Headquarters Office 

of Education

All NASA Centers Fifty-two (52) state (including Puerto 

Rico and District of Columbia) 

consortia provide required cost 

sharing. In FY 2009 it is anticipated 

that the average ratio of cost sharing 

to award will be $0.82 to $1.00; as 

reported in FY 2008.

Innovation in STEM Education NASA Headquarters Office 

of Education

All NASA Centers None

Graduate Student Research 

Program (GSRP)

Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) All NASA Centers None

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Assistant Administrator for Education is responsible to the NASA Administrator for NASA's 

education portfolio, reports to the NASA Administrator, serves as NASA Education Officer, and 

manages all education responsibilities.

EDU - 14
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Higher Ed. STEM Education

NASA solicits new and innovative education products, tools, and services from qualified external 

organizations. This occurs in response to changes in STEM education trends, identified gaps or 

opportunities in the education portfolio of investments, a response to demonstrated customer need or 

demand, or when the Administration or Congress identifies new priorities.







NASA encourages participation of new or less experienced organizations and awards education 

grants and contracts through full and open competition. NASA includes feedback from staff, subject 

matter experts, and public in developing solicitations, including the requirements, expected 

outcomes, schedules, proposal instructions, and evaluation approaches. NASA solicits comments on 

perceived programmatic risk issues associated with performance of the work. Procurement offices at 

NASA review all solicitations.







NASA awards all major grants and cooperative agreements based on reviews by external panels of 

peers for educational merit; NASA and external scientists and engineers for content, merit, feasibility, 

and alignment to education goals; and Mission Directorates for alignment with NASA's research and 

development interests. Indications of a clear competitive process are an integral part of reviews.



NASA makes awards only after qualified assessments of merit. While competition may sometimes be 

restricted by legislation to designated participants, such as defined EPSCoR states, grant awards 

and selection of participating institutions are still determined competitively. When designated 

participants are identified, all proposals are reviewed for merit, and each award must be justified and 

deemed worthy of funding.

Acquisition Strategy

EDU - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: K-12 STEM Education

K-12 Competitive Educational 

Grant Program

16.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

STEM Teacher Development 

(K-12)

21.0 28.9 26.5 26.5 26.5 28.2 --

STEM Student Opportunities 

(K-12)

10.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

47.5 43.3 41.0 41.0 41.0 42.7 --

K-12 Competitive Educational 

Grant Program

16.0 15.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

STEM Teacher Development 

(K-12)

16.3 14.3 16.7 16.7 16.6 16.6 17.7

STEM Student Opportunities 

(K-12)

15.2 17.2 46.1 46.1 46.1 46.1 46.1

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

47.5 46.5 62.8 62.8 62.7 62.7 63.8

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 3.2 21.7 21.7 21.6 19.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

EDU - 16
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: K-12 STEM Education

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

STEM Student Opportunities focus on engaging and retaining students in STEM education programs 

to encourage pursuit of NASA's future engineering, scientific, and technical missions through flight 

opportunities, hands on research and engineering experiences, and increased knowledge of NASA 

science and technology content. STEM Student Opportunities is adding Innovations in K-12 STEM 

Education as a new project in FY 2011. Innovations in K-12 STEM Education will support the 

Administration's national STEM education efforts by seeking, piloting, and fostering innovative 

approaches that provide authentic hands-on opportunities for students and teachers to engage in 

NASA science, engineering, and exploration missions, improving teaching proficiency, student ability, 

and student interest in STEM. This project will include the Summer of Innovation (SOI) initiative. SOI 

will provide an intensive Summer learning experience to middle school students. This effort is 

designed to enable, underperforming and at-risk students to make gains in STEM skills and 

knowledge during summer breaks. 







The STEM Student Opportunities portfolio also includes the following projects. Education Flight 

Projects provide hands-on experiences through participation in NASA research applications, in order 

to inspire and motivate students to pursue studies and careers in STEM. Activities include ISS Earth 

Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM), Amateur Radio on the International 

Space Station (ARISS), ISS In-flight Education Downlinks, and On-orbit Education Activities.







The Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience 

(INSPIRE) is designed to maximize student participation and involvement in NASA and STEM, and 

enhance the STEM pipeline from high school (grades 9-12) into the undergraduate level. 







The Science Engineering Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) reaches K-12 minority 

and underserved students that are traditionally underrepresented in careers involving STEM. 

Students meet during school, after school, or on Saturday mornings during the school year, as well 

as during the summer, to engage in NASA-based hands-on, interactive learning sessions that are 

specifically designed for each grade level. 







The NASA Explorer Schools (NES) project will fully implement its new secondary education model. 

The NES project will be open to all interested secondary schools and will utilize current technologies 

in the delivery of opportunities and experiences to meet the needs of today's learning and learners. 







The Learning Technologies Project (LTP) develops and refines cutting-edge technologies that are in 

use within NASA missions and/or projects to enhance the teaching and learning of scientific 

concepts. Technologies funded under LTP are developed, evaluated, and leveraged with strategic 

partners throughout the federal government in order to extend their reach into educational and 

commercial applications.

STEM Student Opportunities (K-12)

EDU - 17
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: K-12 STEM Education

STEM Teacher Development uses NASA's unique content and resources to provide pre-service and 

classroom teachers with learning experiences that build critical instructional STEM skills and enable 

teachers to better motivate students to achieve academic excellence and pursue STEM careers. The 

following are projects included in the STEM Teacher Development portfolio. 







Aerospace Education Services (AES) has shifted its focus to providing sustained training to inservice and pre-service teachers. AES provides appropriate classroom resources and 

demonstrations to support classroom instruction. 







The Endeavor Science Teacher Certificate Program (ESTCP) provides workshops to in-service and 

alternate route teachers, as well as faculty at colleges of education who are preparing future STEM 

educators. Participants receive assistance in delivering NASA content through on-line methods and 

practicum courses. The majority of the Endeavor fellows serve underrepresented student 

populations. ESTCP meets state requirements for certification, and enabling teachers to reach a 

"highly-qualified" STEM teaching status. 







NASA Educational Technologies Services (NETS) is responsible for maintaining educational content 

on NASA Portal, managing operations of the Office of Education web site and other e-based 

dissemination/publishing networks. Additional web support is provided to the education video file 

(education programming) on the NASA TV Public Services channel and NASA TV Education 

Services channel. 







The Learning Environments and Research Network (LEARN) encompasses 3 major activities: NASA

-sponsored Classroom of the Future, Digital Learning Network (DLN), and electronic professional 

development network infrastructure (ePDN). The intent of LEARN is to conduct empirical educational 

research that is the basis for development and testing of off-the-shelf and new educational 

technologies, enabling NASA to better meet the needs of its educational audiences. LEARN will 

incorporate research findings on cognition, effective application of technology to educational settings, 

integration of NASA content, and delivery through videoconferencing, Internet multimedia, handheld 

devices, and dissemination infrastructures available to the Agency. 







e-Education Small Projects develop infrastructure and deploy research-based technology 

applications, products, and services to enhance the educational process for formal and informal 

education. The project emphasis is implementation of educational product development, review, and 

meta-tagging processes and final distribution through approved media, electronic, and/or site-based 

channels. Another aspect of e-Education Small Projects is the Central Operations for Resources for 

Educators (CORE). CORE is a national distribution center for NASA's audiovisual educational 

materials.

STEM Teacher Development (K-12)

Provide experiences, tools, & opportunities to 

educators & students, to engage in missions & 

learning experiences, & ability to teach/learn in 

STEM disciplines, & increased use of leveraged 

multimedia-rich products & technology 

infrastructures.

K-12 STEM Education/STEM Student 

Opportunities, STEM Teacher 

Development

Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

EDU - 18
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: K-12 STEM Education

Program Management

NASA Education Technology 

Services (NETS) (STEM 

Teacher Development)

Marshall Space Flight 

Center (MSFC)

All NASA Centers None

Endeavour Teacher Science 

Certificate Project (STEM 

Teacher Development)

Goddard Space Flight 

Center (GSFC)

All NASA Centers None

Summer of Innovation (STEM 

Student Opportunities)

NASA Headquarters (HQ) All NASA Centers None

Innovation in K-12 STEM 

Education (STEM Student 

Opportunities)

Goddard Space Flight 

Center (GSFC)

All NASA Centers None

eEducation Small Projects 

(STEM Teacher Development)

Marshall Space Flight 

Center (MSFC)

All NASA Centers None

Learning Environment and 

Research Network (LEARN) 

(STEM Teacher Development)

Langley Research Center 

(LaRC)

All NASA Centers None

Interdisciplinary Nat Sci Prog 

Inc Res & Ed Exper (INSPIRE)

(STEM Student Opportunity)

Kennedy Space Center 

(KSC)

All NASA Centers None

Flight Projects (STEM Student 

Opportunities)

Johnson Space Center 

(JSC)

All NASA Centers None

NASA Explorer Schools (NES) 

(STEM Student Opportunities)

Glenn Research Center 

(GRC)

All NASA Centers None

Aerospace Education Services 

Program (AESP) (STEM 

Teacher Development)

Langley Research Center 

(LaRC)

All NASA Centers None

NASA Learning Technologies 

Project (LTP) (STEM Student 

Opportunity)

Goddard Space Flight 

Center (GSFC)

All NASA Centers Project Whitecard, Information in Place 

and Virtual Heroes (competitively 

selected) will provide in-kind labor and 

product development costs for an 

educational game.

Science, Engin. Math & 

Aerospace Acad.(SEMAA) 

(STEM Student Opportunity)

Glenn Research Center 

(GRC)

All NASA Centers Fourteen implementation sites are 

required to develop local partnerships 

for cost and resource sharing

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Assistant Administrator for Education is responsible to the NASA Administrator for NASA's 

education portfolio, reports to the NASA Administrator, serves as NASA Education Officer, and 

manages all education responsibilities.

EDU - 19
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: K-12 STEM Education

NASA solicits new and innovative education products, tools, and services from qualified external 

organizations. This occurs in response to changes in STEM education trends, identified gaps or 

opportunities in the education portfolio of investments, a response to demonstrated customer need or 

demand, or when the Administration or Congress identifies new priorities.







NASA encourages participation of new or less experienced organizations and awards education 

grants and contracts through full and open competition. NASA includes feedback from staff, subject 

matter experts, and public in developing solicitations, including the requirements, expected 

outcomes, schedules, proposal instructions, and evaluation approaches. NASA solicits comments on 

perceived programmatic risk issues associated with performance of the work. Procurement offices at 

NASA review all solicitations.







NASA awards all major grants and cooperative agreements based on reviews by external panels of 

peers for educational merit; NASA and external scientists and engineers for content, merit, feasibility, 

and alignment to education goals; and Mission Directorates for alignment with NASA's research and 

development interests. Indications of a clear competitive process are an integral part of reviews.



NASA makes awards only after qualified assessments of merit. While competition may sometimes be 

restricted by legislation to designated participants, such as defined EPSCoR states, grant awards 

and selection of participating institutions are still determined competitively. When designated 

participants are identified, all proposals are reviewed for merit, and each award must be justified and 

deemed worthy of funding.

Acquisition Strategy

EDU - 20
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Informal STEM Education

NASA Informal Education 

Opportunities

0.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 --

NASA Visitor Centers 7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

Science Museums and 

Planetarium Grants

7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

14.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 --

NASA Informal Education 

Opportunities

0.0 2.7 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

NASA Visitor Centers 7.0 6.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Science Museums and 

Planetarium Grants

7.0 7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

14.0 16.1 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 14.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The NASA Informal Education Opportunities (NIEO) project supports the needs of the informal 

education community. Through informal education experts at NASA centers, NASA provides 

technical assistance to museums, planetariums, community-based organizations, and other informal 

education partners in all 50 states. NIEO-funded innovations at NASA Centers, NASA Visitor Centers 

and elsewhere respond to state, local or national needs, while sharing NASA's mission with students, 

educators and the public. NIEO significantly invests in support of the NASA Museum Alliance, a freeof-charge, nation-wide online-community of science centers, museums and planetariums hosted by 

JPL. NIEO at NASA's nine field centers includes mini-grants, cooperative agreements, contracts or 

other types of assistance to museums, science centers, planetariums, libraries, other institutions of 

informal education or individuals who seek to partner with NASA to provide STEM education 

activities, including exhibits or special events, to diverse audiences.

NASA Informal Education Opportunities (NIEO)

EDU - 21
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Education

Education

Program: Informal STEM Education

NASA solicits new and innovative education products, tools, and services from qualified external 

organizations. This occurs in response to changes in STEM education trends, identified gaps or 

opportunities in the education portfolio of investments, a response to demonstrated customer need or 

demand, or when the Administration or Congress identifies new priorities.







NASA encourages participation of new or less experienced organizations and awards education 

grants and contracts through full and open competition. NASA includes feedback from staff, subject 

matter experts, and public in developing solicitations, including the requirements, expected 

outcomes, schedules, proposal instructions, and evaluation approaches. NASA solicits comments on 

perceived programmatic risk issues associated with performance of the work. Procurement offices at 

NASA review all solicitations.







NASA awards all major grants and cooperative agreements based on reviews by external panels of 

peers for educational merit; NASA and external scientists and engineers for content, merit, feasibility, 

and alignment to education goals; and Mission Directorates for alignment with NASA's research and 

development interests. Indications of a clear competitive process are an integral part of reviews.



NASA makes awards only after qualified assessments of merit. While competition may sometimes be 

restricted by legislation to designated participants, such as defined EPSCoR states, grant awards 

and selection of participating institutions are still determined competitively. When designated 

participants are identified, all proposals are reviewed for merit, and each award must be justified and 

deemed worthy of funding.

Acquisition Strategy

Provide educators and students with tools, 

experiences and opportunities to engage in 

NASA missions and learning experiences, 

improving their knowledge of, and ability to 

teach/learn in STEM disciplines.

Informal STEM Education Program/ 

NASA Informal Education Opportunities 

(NIEO)

Same

Program Commitments

Commitment/Output



FY 2011

Program/Project Changes from



FY 2010 PB Request

Program Management

NASA Informal Education 

Opportunities (NIEO)

NASA Headquarters Office 

of Education

All NASA Centers None

Project Management 

Responsibility

NASA Center 

Performers

Cost-Sharing Partners

The Assistant Administrator for Education is responsible to the NASA Administrator for NASA's 

education portfolio, reports to the NASA Administrator, serves as NASA Education Officer, and 

manages all education responsibilities.

EDU - 22
Cross-Agency Support

NASA's Cross-Agency Support (CAS) provides critical mission support activities that are necessary to ensure the 

efficient and effective operation and administration of the Agency but cannot be directly aligned to a specific 

program or project requirement. These functions align and sustain institutional and program capabilities for the 

purpose of supporting NASA's mission portfolio by leveraging resources to meet mission needs, establishing 

Agency-wide capabilities, and providing institutional checks and balances. NASA's CAS includes two themes: 

Center Management and Operations and Agency Management and Operations. CAS institutional and program 

capabilities ensure core services are ready and available for performing NASA Mission roles and responsibilities. 

CAS institutional capabilities ensure agency operations are effective and efficient and activities are conducted in 

accordance with all statutory, regulatory, and fiduciary responsibilities. CAS program capabilities ensure vital 

skills and assets are ready and available to meet technical milestones for programs and projects; missions and 

research are technically and scientifically sound; and that Agency practices adhere to standards and processes 

that provide safety and reliability through proper management of risk.







Center Management and Operations directly supports Agency programs and projects that are hosted and 

executed at NASA Centers. This theme provides for the care of institutional assets, for establishing and 

maintaining the staff and their competencies, and for the facilities required by current and future programs and 

projects at nine field Centers. Center Institutional Capabilities provides resources, oversees the assignment of 

workforce and facilities, and manages Center operations. Center Program Capabilities sustains the technical 

facilities, workforce expertise and skills, equipment, tools, and other resources required to facilitate program and 

project execution.







NASA's Agency Management and Operations activities provide policy and oversight to assure compliance with 

external and internal requirements, assure safety and mission success, and sustain Agency-wide critical 

capabilities. These activities provide management of human capital, acquisitions, financial performance, 

information technology, and performance improvement, including additional funding to improve the capability and 

capacity of the Agency's acquisition workforce. Agency Management and Operations provides for near and longterm alignment of its human capital policy and a corporate approach to managing its unique or highly-specialized 

facilities. It maintains a core complement of civil service professionals to resolve its financial, acquisition, and 

business challenges.

Overview

CROSS - 1
Cross-Agency Support

Congressionally Directed Items 67.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

Institutional Investments 343.7 355.4 392.3 418.7 423.0 450.0 --

Agency Management and 

Operations

921.2 961.2 956.9 964.5 972.3 981.5 --

Center Management and 

Operations

2,024.0 2,084.0 2,119.2 2,142.5 2,166.1 2,189.9 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

3,356.4 3,400.6 3,468.4 3,525.7 3,561.4 3,621.4 --

Congressionally Directed Items 67.2 63.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Institutional Investments 343.7 23.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Agency Management and 

Operations

921.2 941.7 841.2 842.2 849.1 856.8 867.9

Center Management and 

Operations

2,024.3 2,067.0 2,270.2 2,347.4 2,427.7 2,509.7 2,594.3

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

3,356.4 3,095.1 3,111.4 3,189.6 3,276.8 3,366.5 3,462.2

Total Change from FY 2010 

President's Budget Request

0.0 -305.5 -357.1 -336.2 -284.6 -254.9 --

Note: In all budget tables, the FY 2011 President's Budget Request depicts the July 2009 Operating Plan including American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the FY 2009 Actual column and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117) 

without the Administrative transfers for the FY 2010 enacted column. The Institution Investments (II) budget has transferred to 

the new Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration (CECR) appropriation for FY 2010 and beyond. The 

remaining FY 2010 enacted funding includes labor and travel to support CECR activities. The II labor and travel budget will 

transfer to Center Management and Operations in FY 2011. The Innovative Partnerships Program (IPP) has transferred to the 

new Aeronautics and Space Research and Technology appropriation.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

CROSS - 2
Cross-Agency Support

Center Management and Operations provides for continuing operations of nine field Centers, including four 

major component facilities, in ten separate states in support of NASA's mission portfolio. It ensures that 

Centers can provide the basic support required to meet internal and external requirements; effectively 

manage its human capital, information technology, and facility assets; responsibly execute its financial 

management and acquisition responsibilities; ensure independent technical oversight of NASA's programs 

and projects in support of safety and mission success; and provide a safe, secure, and environmentally 

sustainable workplace. These center capabilities provide the services and products required by the programs 

and projects; enable technology innovation for NASA and the broader science and engineering communities; 

and serve as unique national capabilities to industry, academia, and government.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

None

New Initiatives:

Labor to support the construction and environmental activities of the Construction and Environmental 

Compliance and Restoration account was transferred to Center Management and Operation from 

Institutional Investments.

Major Changes:

Center Management and Operations

Plans for FY 2011

Cross-Agency Support

CROSS - 3
Cross-Agency Support

Major Changes:

None

New Initiatives:

The Agency Management and Operations (AMO) FY 2011 budget request includes increased funding for two 

new requirements. The first requirement is for a new government-wide initiative to improve the capability 

and capacity of our acquisition workforce. An additional $3.6M is designated for training, recruiting, 

retention, and hiring of the agency's acquisition workforce as well as for information technology and 

management solutions to improve the agency's acquisition management. The second requirement is for the 

Independent Verification and Validation (IVV) activities that are increased by $10.0M to increase the software 

analysis activities on NASA's critical software systems. 







A funding augmentation of $5.1M is designated to Agency Management to complete electrical metering of all 

appropriate Center buildings as required by Executive Order 13423. An addition of $3.0M is designated to 

fund natural gas metering effort at the NASA Centers in FY 2011.







This FY 2011 request includes three zero-sum transfers of content and budget into Agency Management and 

Operations all pertaining to the Agency Information Technology Services (AITS) activities. 







To improve Information Technology (IT) security and efficiency, NASA is implementing new Agency-wide IT 

service contracts that consolidate or replace Agency and Center specific contracts. Currently, there are 

multiple approaches in place for funding for IT services across the NASA Centers making it difficult to 

efficiently execute critical IT services. This budget request includes a zero-sum transfer of content and 

budget from program budgets to Cross Agency Support to replace these multiple approaches with common, 

consolidated approach. As a result, the Agency Management and Operations includes an increase of 

$18.3M due to the transfer of common enterprise IT activities, such as integrated email, calendaring, instant 

messaging, and directory services into Agency IT Services (AITS). 







In addition, $11.8M was transferred to Agency IT Services (AITS) for transformation and renewal of the 

NASA IT network infrastructure at the NASA Centers. This IT initiative will mitigate IT security threats and 

vulnerabilities through network security zones and provide enterprise-wide benefits of consolidated network 

management and monitoring, coupled with sufficient capacity and reliability to support increasing missionrelated data transfer requirements.



 



To achieve cost savings and efficiencies, NASA will also retire the NASA Data Center (NDC) mainframe six 

months following the last planned shuttle flight. To facilitate this, $8.5M was transferred from the program 

and center budgets into AITS to transition the legacy NASA Supply Management System application from 

the NASA Data Center mainframe to the NASA's Enterprise Resource Planning suite.

Agency Management and Operations

CROSS - 4
Cross-Agency Support

The Agency Management and Operations programs deliver policies, controls, and oversight across a range 

of functional and administrative management service areas including procurement, finance, human capital, 

real property and infrastructure, security, diversity, equal opportunity, and small business. For FY 2011 and 

beyond, the Innovative Partnerships Program has transferred to the new Aeronautics and Space Research 

and Technology appropriation.







The Safety and Mission Success program will continue to administer and refine policies, procedural 

requirements, and technical standards. Safety and Mission Success program activities are a key component 

of the forums that provide advice to the Administrator, Mission Directorates, Program Managers and Center 

Directors who are ultimately accountable for the safety and mission success of all NASA programs, projects, 

and operations. The plans for FY 2011 provide for an effective NASA Engineering and Safety Center, NASA 

Safety Center, and Independent Verification and Validation Facility as established and recognized 

components of a comprehensive remedial response to lessons learned from NASA's greatest tragedies. The 

plans include the required support for independent research, audit, and assessment of NASA activities that 

have risk for loss or failure.







NASA will complete deployment of several initiatives to improve security, efficiency and integration of 

information and systems. The NASA CIO will consolidate several IT contracts and implement centralized 

management of the IT infrastructure, which is expected to yield efficiencies and improved security of 

networks, end-user devices, and data center services. The NASA Communications Improvement (NCI) 

project will reconfigure border routers, gateways and circuits to better control and secure the network 

perimeter, enabling implementation of Trusted Internet Connections. The Center Zoned Architecture Project 

(CZAP) will establish network security zones to enable secure collaboration across NASA Centers and 

programs, while still allowing necessary connectivity with external partners and universities for research. 

Finally, the use of Smart Cards for logical access to many NASA systems will complete testing and undergo 

initial implementation.







Strategic Capabilities Assets Program (SCAP) will continue to provide strategic management and funding for 

critical facilities. The current portfolio consists of thermal vacuum chambers which provide for the thermal 

testing of spacecraft, flight simulators which provide for simulation of air and space vehicle flight 

characteristics, and an arc jet facility for critical testing of re-entry materials.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

CROSS - 5
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

CROSS - 6
Theme: Center Management and Operations

Mission Directorate: Cross-Agency Support

Center Management and Operations 2,024.0 2,084.0 2,119.2 2,142.5 2,166.1 2,189.9 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 2,024.0 2,084.0 2,119.2 2,142.5 2,166.1 2,189.9 --

Center Management and Operations 2,024.3 2,067.0 2,270.2 2,347.4 2,427.7 2,509.7 2,594.3

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 2,024.3 2,067.0 2,270.2 2,347.4 2,427.7 2,509.7 2,594.3

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 0.3 -17.0 151.0 204.9 261.6 319.8 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

NASA's Center Management and Operations (CMO) budget request funds the ongoing management, 

operations, and maintenance of nine NASA field Centers, including four major component facilities, in 

ten separate states across the Country. It provides Center Institutional and Program Capabilities to 

satisfy program requirements and schedules. The Center Management and Operations budget 

request enables execution of NASA's mission at the Centers by providing the resources required to 

effectively oversee the assignment of workforce and facilities and manage Center operations to 

facilitate program and project execution while ensuring that statutory, regulatory, and fiduciary 

compliance requirements are met.

Theme Overview

Activities funded within the CMO budget request include a wide variety of essential operations:







Security, environmental management, and safety services to ensure that Centers meet basic workplace 

standards for the public and for the NASA workforce;







Facility maintenance and operations, including utility funding, to support the Agency's infrastructure, including 

support to more than 5,500 facilities with a Current Replacement Value of over $23B;







Information Technology services to provide video, voice, network, data center, and desktop computer support 

at the Centers;







Program Capability support required to ensure that the Agency's Science, Engineering, and Technical 

Authority staff have the resources, services, and laboratory support required to achieve the Agency's 

technical mission;







Training, logistics, occupational health, and human resources services required to support the Agency's 

16,600 Center civil servants;







Senior management, legal, Equal Employment Opportunity, and public affairs support at the Centers;







Procurement and Financial services supporting contract and financial management; and







Labor for the civil servants and on-site contractors that provide the above essential services at the Centers.

Center Management and Operations

Plans for FY 2011

CROSS - 7
Theme: Center Management and Operations

Mission Directorate: Cross-Agency Support

NASA Centers continued to provide high quality support for the execution of Programs and Projects. 

NASA faces the challenge of providing adequate levels of institutional support to the current programs 

while absorbing labor and utility cost increases and new requirements such as inititatives to reduce 

Green House Gas emissions.







To partially offset these increasing costs, NASA has implemented energy savings initiatives, 

consolidated activities, and reduced or deferred some Center Management and Operations activities, 

particularly in the area of facility maintenance. 







To support energy savings, NASA updated its facilities maintenance and operations practices to 

strengthen the commitment to and use of sustainable procedures and methods within existing facilities 

as outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council LEED re-commissioning guidelines. NASA continued 

implementing its plans to provide electrical service metering and monitoring for facilities, installing 

metering, as appropriate, in most facilities. This enables a reduction in electrical power use by 

monitoring real-time usage to identify and resolve inefficient practices. NASA conducted water 

conservation assessments at many of its sites to enable progress towards its goal of reducing water 

usage 15% by FY 2015.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

Strategic communications and education activities at the Centers keep stakeholders and the public 

informed in a way that helps them understand our policies, programs, and plans. It also fulfills the 

mandate of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 "[to] provide for the widest practicable 

and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and results thereof."

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

Center program capability support to NASA's mission contributes to the development of advances in 

U.S. leadership in human space exploration,aeronautics, space and earth sciences, advancement of 

technical partnerships in the commercial space sector, and development of innovative technologies 

that benefit society.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

CROSS - 8
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Center Management and Operations

Program: Center Management and Operations

Center Programmatic 

Capabilities

445.0 475.4 493.1 510.8 528.9 545.4 --

Center Institutional 

Capabilities

1,579.0 1,608.6 1,626.1 1,631.7 1,637.2 1,644.5 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

2,024.0 2,084.0 2,119.2 2,142.5 2,166.1 2,189.9 --

Center Programmatic 

Capabilities

482.2 475.3 494.0 516.8 536.8 553.4 572.5

Center Institutional 

Capabilities

1,542.1 1,591.7 1,776.1 1,830.5 1,890.9 1,956.3 2,021.8

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

2,024.3 2,067.0 2,270.2 2,347.4 2,427.7 2,509.7 2,594.3

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.3 -17.0 151.0 204.9 261.6 319.8 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

CROSS - 9
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Center Management and Operations

Program: Center Management and Operations

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

NASA's Center Institutional Capability encompasses a diverse set of activities including financial and 

human capital management; acquisition services; facility maintenance; utilities; information 

technology; and safety and security. This capability manages and sustains the Center staff, facilities 

and operations required for program and project execution and provides for the ongoing operations 

of nine NASA field Centers, including four major component facilities to maintain a safe, healthy, and 

environmentally responsible workplace. Center institutionally-sustained services are the most 

efficient approach to providing services and products required by programs to implement their 

assigned missions as well as to preserve unique national capabilities relied upon by industry, 

academia and government.







Center Institutional Capability is critical to the successful execution of the programs and projects 

executed at NASA Centers. For years, center facility maintenance and operations has been 

underfunded as labor, utility, and operations costs continue to grow at a higher rate than the budget. 

The impact of this under-funding is most evident in aging and deteriorating buildings and other 

infrastructure. In FY 2009, total CMO costs were $2127M, funded with FY 2009 and prior year 

unobligated funds. This FY 2011 request funds Center Institutional Capability at FY 2009 levels plus 

4% inflation to cover increases in utilities and labor. Without this increase Centers will be forced to 

reduce services, increasing deferred maintenance and the risk of costly unplanned repairs, 

unscheduled outages and disruption to program activities.







Additionally, this request includes three zero-sum transfers of content and budget into Center 

Institutional Capability: 







To improve Information Technology (IT) security and efficiency, NASA is implementing new Agencywide IT service contracts that consolidate or replace Agency and Center specific contracts. Currently, 

there are multiple approaches in place for funding IT services across the NASA Centers making it 

difficult to efficiently execute critical IT services. This budget request includes a zero-sum transfer of 

content and budget from program budgets to Cross-Agency Support to replace these multiple 

approaches with a common, consolidated approach. As a result, the Center Institutional Capability 

request includes an increase of $17M due to the transfer of IT activities into Center Institutional 

Capability.







This request reflects an increase of $4.4M above the FY 10 level due to a transfer of facility support 

at Kennedy Space Center from program budgets to CMO. This zero-sum transfer of content and 

budget better aligns the Kennedy facility services CMO content with that of the rest of the Agency to 

improve efficiency, consistency and clarity.







$29.5M for labor to support the construction and environmental activities of the Construction and 

Environmental Compliance and Restoration account was transferred to Center Institutional Capability 

from Institutional Investments.

Center Institutional Capability

CROSS - 10
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Center Management and Operations

Program: Center Management and Operations

NASA's Center Program Capability supports the scientific and engineering staff across the Agency 

tasked with providing engineering assessment and safety oversight pertaining to the technical 

readiness and execution of NASA programs and projects. It also sustains NASA's analysis, design, 

research, test services, and fabrication capabilities; enabling efficient execution of the programs and 

projects hosted at the Centers. A key component of NASA's overall system of checks and balances 

is provided within Technical Capabilities through formally delegated Technical Authorities. The 

Technical Authorities at NASA's nine Centers number 800 civil servant FTE who provide 

independent oversight and review of programs and projects in support of safety and mission 

success. This is to assure that NASA's activities are safely implemented in accordance with accepted 

standards of professional practice and applicable NASA requirements.

Center Program Capability

CROSS - 11
Mission Directorate: Cross Agency Support 

Theme: Center Management and Operations

Program: Center Management and Operations Program

CENTER MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

SMA Technical Authority 

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Total $M $51.6 $55.6 $57.6 $59.9 $62.0 $64.2

Ames Research Center $3.4 $3.8 $3.9 $4.1 $4.2 $4.4

Dryden Flight Research Center $4.6 $4.9 $5.0 $5.2 $5.4 $5.6

Glenn Research Center $2.1 $2.2 $2.3 $2.4 $2.5 $2.6

Goddard Space Flight Center $12.6 $14.5 $15.1 $15.8 $16.4 $17.1

Johnson Space Center $6.8 $6.6 $6.8 $7.1 $7.3 $7.6

Kennedy Space Center $9.3 $10.7 $11.0 $11.3 $11.6 $11.9

Langley Research Center $3.1 $3.2 $3.3 $3.4 $3.6 $3.7

Marshall Space Flight Center $8.2 $8.5 $8.8 $9.2 $9.4 $9.8

Engineering Technical 

Authority

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Total $M $124.3 $130.7 $135.6 $140.9 $145.9 $151.2

Ames Research Center $2.3 $3.3 $3.5 $3.6 $3.8 $3.9

Dryden Flight Research Center $6.9 $7.1 $7.4 $7.6 $7.9 $8.2

Glenn Research Center $13.8 $14.4 $15.0 $15.7 $16.4 $17.1

Goddard Space Flight Center $11.6 $12.4 $12.9 $13.6 $14.3 $15.0

Johnson Space Center $21.4 $22.4 $23.2 $24.0 $24.8 $25.7

Kennedy Space Center $12.2 $12.8 $13.2 $13.6 $14.0 $14.5

Langley Research Center $16.0 $16.7 $17.4 $18.2 $18.9 $19.7

Marshall Space Flight Center $37.1 $38.4 $39.7 $41.2 $42.3 $43.7

Stennis Space Center $3.1 $3.2 $3.3 $3.4 $3.5 $3.5

CROSS - 12
Theme: Agency Management and Operations

Mission Directorate: Cross-Agency Support

Strategic Capabilities Assets Program 28.0 29.4 30.2 30.2 30.2 30.5 --

Innovative Partnerships Program 160.2 184.8 184.9 185.7 186.3 187.0 --

Agency IT Services (AITS) 163.9 150.4 138.3 138.0 138.3 139.7 --

Safety and Mission Success 179.1 183.9 186.1 188.6 190.9 193.0 --

Agency Management 390.0 412.7 417.4 422.0 426.6 431.3 --

FY 2010 President's Budget Request 921.2 961.2 956.9 964.5 972.3 981.5 --

Strategic Capabilities Assets Program 28.0 29.4 29.8 29.8 29.8 30.1 30.5

Innovative Partnerships Program 160.2 175.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Agency IT Services (AITS) 163.9 145.3 177.8 157.5 157.7 159.5 161.7

Safety and Mission Success 179.8 192.9 201.6 203.8 205.8 206.6 208.7

Agency Management 389.3 398.9 432.0 451.1 455.8 460.6 467.0

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 921.2 941.7 841.2 842.2 849.1 856.8 867.9

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -19.5 -115.7 -122.3 -123.2 -124.7 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Agency Management and Operations provides for the management and oversight of Agency 

missions, programs, functions and performance of NASA-wide activities. Agency Management and 

Operations activities at NASA Headquarters ensure that 1) core services are ready and available 

Agency-wide for performing our Mission roles and responsibilities, 2) the Agency operations are 

effective and efficient, and 3) our activities are conducted in accordance with all statutory, regulatory, 

and fiduciary responsibilities. NASA Headquarters develops policy and guidance for the Centers and 

provides strategic planning and leadership on the issues concerning availability, readiness, and 

sustainability. They also establish programs and initiatives to maximize individual and organizational 

capabilities. NASA Headquarters establishes Agency-wide requirements and capabilities that improve 

collaboration, efficiency, and effectiveness. Agency management leverages resources and 

capabilities to meet mission needs, eliminate excess Agency capacity, and scale assets accordingly. 







Agency Management and Operations includes the Headquarters management of all essential 

corporate functions such as human capital, finance, information technology, infrastructure, 

procurement, chief counsel, protective services, occupational health and safety, equal opportunity and 

diversity, small business programs, external relations, and strategic communications. This theme is 

divided into the following four programs: Agency Management, Safety and Mission Success, Agency 

Information Technology Services, and Strategic Capabilities Assets Program. Beginning in this FY 

2011 budget request, Innovative Partnerships Program has been transferred from Agency 

Management and Operations to Space Technology.

Theme Overview

CROSS - 13
Theme: Agency Management and Operations

Mission Directorate: Cross-Agency Support

Strategic Capabilities Assets Program (SCAP) will continue to provide management oversight and critical 

funding for our current portfolio of assets. These portfolios include thermal vacuum chambers which provide 

capability for thermally testing spacecraft, flight simulators which test air and space vehicles flight 

characteristics, and arc jet which provides capability for critical testing of re-entry materials.

Strategic Capabilities Assets Program

NASA will continue operations for essential Agency IT services such as the Agency business applications, the 

NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) program, NASA Public Web portal, NASA Enterprise 

Architecture, and E-Government in FY 2011. The NASA Information Resources Management Strategic Plan 

focuses on four goals in this budget year associated with the Agency IT Services program. The four goals are: 

1) improve the management of information and information technology, 2) improve the security of NASA 

information and information technology, 3) improve IT efficiency and collaboration capabilities, and 4) improve 

IT service delivery and visibility.

Agency IT Services (AITS)

The Safety and Mission Success program will continue to administer and refine the pertinent policies, 

procedural requirements, and technical standards. The program will participate in forums that provide advice 

to the Administrator, Mission Directorates, Program Managers and Center Directors who are ultimately 

accountable for the safety and mission success of all NASA programs, projects, and operations. The plans for 

FY 2011 provide for an effective NASA Engineering and Safety Center, NASA Safety Center, and 

Independent Verification and Validation Facility as established and recognized components of a 

comprehensive remedial response to lessons learned from NASA's greatest tragedies. These organizations 

form a basis for a disciplined execution of safety, reliability, quality and system engineering needed for the 

successful pursuit of NASA's missions.

Safety and Mission Success

The Agency Management program will continue to deliver policies, controls, and oversight across a range of 

functional and administrative management service areas including procurement, finance, human capital, real 

property and infrastructure, protective services, diversity, equal opportunity, and small business. The Agency 

Management program will continue to provide infrastructure support and facility operations for NASA 

Headquarters.

Agency Management

Plans for FY 2011

CROSS - 14
Theme: Agency Management and Operations

Mission Directorate: Cross-Agency Support

AMO supported on-going management and operations activities across the Agency and was 

responsible for operational efficiency gains in many mission support areas during this past year. 







NASA implemented the initial phase of Security Operations Center (SOC) and initiated the second 

phase to improve incident management. The Agency re-architected NASA's identity, credentialing, 

and authentication management services to align with Federal Homeland Security Presidential 

Directive (HSPD-12) requirements. Several NASA Centers implemented a single directory service for 

managing desktops and laptops, enabling smartcard (HSPD-12 badges) access to desktops. As well, 

significant progress was achieved in implementation of Federal Desktop Core Configurations to 

strengthen Federal IT security by reducing opportunities for hackers to access and exploit government 

computer systems.







NASA finalized Requests for Proposals for new IT contracts that will consolidate and improve NASA's 

IT infrastructure. The Agency initiated development of an enterprise service desk and ordering system 

at the NASA Shared Services Center, which will effectively serve the entire Agency. NASA also 

completed design of a defense-in-depth network architecture and procured necessary hardware for a 

common border infrastructure at the network perimeter to improve network security.







NASA implemented Application Portfolio Management processes at all Centers, creating accurate 

application inventories and increased application visibility. The Agency established an enterprise 

licensing office at the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) that manages 375,000 licenses across 

eight product suites, resulting in $2.5M cost efficiencies and cost avoidance for the Agency.







NASA established a fully integrated state-of-the-art photo and ID/access control system in compliance 

with HSPD-12 requirements and deadlines. Currently, NASA has issued 100% of HSPD-12 compliant 

credentials/badges to NASA's eligible workforce. Noted counterintelligence accomplishments included 

conducting 17 full field investigations and producing Agency and Center-specific counterintelligence 

(CI) and counterterrorism (CT) threat assessments for all 9 centers and JPL.







The Agency established a solid baseline for the successful implementation of an Agency Safety 

Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Accomplishments include the 1) development of a technical qualification 

program for Agency Safety and mission assurance technical excellence, 2) trending of root causes 

and communication of lessons learned from Agency mishap investigations, and 3) continuation and 

improvement of the Agency safety and mission assurance review and audit program.







The NASA Engineering and Safety Center made progress resolving NASA's most critical mission 

success issues including the Shuttle Engine Cut-off Sensor reliability, Shuttle Wing Leading Edge 

reinforced carbon spallation, ISS rotary joint bearing life, and Orion seat landing loads attenuation, 

power system optimization, and acceleration options. The Agency developed a strategy for Agencywide support of Product Data Management/Product Lifecycle Management standards and 

implementation.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

CROSS - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency Management

Agency Management 390.0 412.7 417.4 422.0 426.6 431.3 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

390.0 412.7 417.4 422.0 426.6 431.3 --

Agency Management 389.3 398.9 432.0 451.1 455.8 460.6 467.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

389.3 398.9 432.0 451.1 455.8 460.6 467.0

Changes from FY 2010 Request -0.8 -13.8 14.6 29.1 29.2 29.3 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

CROSS - 16
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency Management

Agency Management provides governance and functional and administrative management oversight 

for the Agency and operational support for NASA Headquarters. Through Agency Management, 

policies, controls, and oversight are delivered across a range of functional and administrative 

management service areas. This program function primarily supports on-going operations. Agency 

Management support reflects the activities required for being in business in the federal sector and 

provides the capability to respond to legislated or other mandated services that the Agency must 

provide.







Agency Management activities are performed at NASA Headquarters with critical support provided by 

the NASA field centers. Distributed Agency Management activities are also performed at the NASA 

Management Office (NMO) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), and 

the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) at Stennis Space Center. The Agency Management 

program supports over thirty-five discrete operations and mission support projects with over 210 

separate activity line items. 







Agency Management governance and oversight activities include the NASA Administrator and staff, 

finance, protective services, general counsel, public affairs, external relations, legislative affairs, 

training, human capital, procurement, real property and infrastructure, budget management, systems 

support, internal controls, diversity, equal opportunity, program analysis and evaluation, and small 

business programs.







The Agency Management program provides for the operational activities of Headquarters as an 

installation. These activities include building lease costs, facility operations costs such as physical 

security, maintenance, logistics, information technology hardware and software costs, and automated 

business systems implementation and operations costs including e-Government initiatives.







Agency Management provides for all the Headquarters civil service labor and related personnel costs 

(e.g. employee training, relocation allowances, workers' compensation) including the civil service 

labor for all the Mission Directorates. The program also covers the travel and business costs for over 

twenty mission support and staff offices of the Headquarters workforce.







The program is responsible for conducting independent technical assessments of Agency programs 

and delivers strategic planning services. Through Agency Management efforts, NASA program and 

mission performance are assessed and evaluated.

Program Overview

Agency Management will deliver policies, controls, and oversight across a range of functional and 

administrative management service areas, and provide independent technical assessments and 

strategic planning service, and direct the activities in procurement, finance, human capital, real 

property and infrastructure, protective services, diversity, equal opportunity, and small business.







Determination will be made in FY 2011 for the future housing of Headquarters office operations 

following the expiration of the current office building lease in July 2012. Award is tentatively 

scheduled for the summer of 2010. If any additional funding is required in FY 2011, it will be paid for 

by reallocations within the requested CAS funding level.

Plans For FY 2011

CROSS - 17
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency Management

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The Agency Management budget includes Headquarters personnel salaries, benefits, travel, training, 

and operational costs such as rents, IT support, payroll information services, and facility services. 

Civil Service labor components include employee salaries and benefits and associated employee 

costs, such as, employee awards, promotions, lump sum retirement payments, worker's 

compensation, permanent change of station, recruit and retention allowances, transit subsidy 

program, student loan repayments and employee training. The FY 2011 labor budget supports 1,224 

FTE. 







HQ Operations elements include the lease costs for the rent of the HQ office building, and Inspector 

General leased space in New Jersey and California. Other significant operations activities include: 

IT and Communications infrastructure hardware and software acquisitions and maintenance, 

contracted IT support services, printing, graphics; facility operations support including physical 

security, custodial and maintenance services, equipment, expendable supplies, mail services, motor 

pool operations, logistics services, emergency preparedness, employee occupational health/fitness 

and medical services; human resources staffing, employee payroll and benefits processing, 

retirement services, grants awards, and employee training; costs of support provided by the Goddard 

Space Flight Center for accounting and procurement operations; costs of operations support, 

configuration maintenance, automated business and administrative systems; contract close-out 

services and payments to the Office of Naval Research for grants management ; equal opportunity 

alternate dispute resolution services, EEO complaint investigations and special emphasis diversity 

recognition program; and human resources.







Agency Management also provides the agency-wide management functions of finance, protective 

services, and program analysis. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the financial 

leadership of NASA and its primary duty is to uphold strong financial management and accountability 

while providing timely, accurate, and reliable financial information and enhancing internal control. 

The Office of Protective Services (OPS) serves as the focal point for policy formulation, oversight, 

coordination and management of the Agency security, counter-intelligence (CI), counter-terrorism 

(CT), emergency preparedness planning, and continuity of operations functions. Independent 

Program and Cost Evaluation is an independent assessment organization that provides objective, 

transparent, and multidisciplinary analysis to support strategic decision making.

Agency Management

CROSS - 18
Mission Directorate: Cross Agency Support

Theme: Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency Management

HEADQUARTERS BUDGET BY OFFICE

Agency Management Budget 

by Offiice ($ in miilions)

FY 2009 Funding

FY 2010 Enacted

FY 2011 EstimatedFY 2012 EstimatedFY 2013 EstimatedFY 2014 EstimatedFY 2015 Estimated

Total Agency Management 389.3 398.9 432.0 451.1 455.8 460.6 467.0

Missions 60.9 67.5 71.2 74.0 75.5 78.4 80.2

Science 23.7 26.2 27.6 28.7 29.3 30.4 31.1

Aeronautics Research 4.9 6.1 6.5 6.7 6.9 7.1 7.3

Space Technology (includes IPP)* 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.5

Exploration Systems 13.1 14.1 14.9 15.4 15.8 16.4 16.7

Space Operations 14.5 15.7 16.6 17.3 17.6 18.3 18.7

Education 2.7 3.2 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8

Staff Offices 121.3 124.4 129.2 132.3 132.6 136.6 138.9

Office of the Administrator 3.3 4.2 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8

Chief Engineer 4.0 4.6 4.9 5.0 5.1 5.3 5.5

Chief Financial Officer 27.4 27.8 29.1 29.9 30.2 31.3 31.6

Chief Health and Medical Officer 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.6

Chief Information Officer 5.1 6.7 7.1 7.3 7.5 7.8 8.0

Chief Scientist*

Communications 17.4 14.5 10.8 10.7 10.6 10.9 11.2

Diversity and Equal Opportunity 5.7 4.5 4.6 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9

General Counsel 9.0 8.9 9.4 9.7 9.8 10.1 10.3

Independent Program and Cost Evaluation 24.2 25.7 30.5 31.1 31.5 32.1 32.6

International and Inter-Agency Relations 11.8 13.0 13.5 13.9 13.3 13.6 13.9

Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.3 4.3 4.5 4.6

Safety and Mission Assurance 6.4 6.8 7.2 7.4 7.6 7.9 8.1

Small Business Programs 1.9 2.3 2.4 2.4 1.9 1.9 2.0

Mission Support 207.0 207.0 231.6 244.8 247.7 245.6 247.9

Budget Management and Systems Support 7.3 7.7 8.0 8.0 8.1 8.0 8.0

Human Capital Management 31.5 32.7 34.4 35.4 35.4 36.1 36.9

Headquarters Operations 115.9 114.0 124.3 123.0 126.1 122.1 122.6

Infrastructure 18.8 16.4 24.7 41.9 41.6 42.0 42.3

Internal Controls and Management Systems 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.7 2.7

Procurement 7.0 7.6 11.5 8.0 7.7 7.9 8.1

Program and Institutional Integration 10.5 10.6 11.2 10.8 10.9 11.1 11.2

Protective Services 13.7 15.7 15.1 15.2 15.4 15.7 16.0

* Budget for the offices of the Chief Scientist and Technology Innovation have not yet been allocated

CROSS - 19
Mission Directorate: Cross Agency Support

Theme: Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency Management

HEADQUARTERS TRAVEL BUDGET BY OFFICE

FY 

2009

FY 

2010 FY 2011

Headquarters Travel Budget ($ in millions) Actual Current Estimated

Total Headquarters Travel Budget 11.2 11.5 11.4

Missions 5.2 5.3 5.3

Science 1.3 1.2 1.2

Aeronautics Research 0.6 0.6 0.6

Space Technology (includes IPP)* 0.3 0.2 0.2

Exploration Systems 1.3 1.4 1.4

Space Operations 1.6 1.7 1.7

Education 0.2 0.2 0.2

Staff Offices 4.6 4.8 4.7

Office of the Administrator 0.4 0.4 0.4

Chief Engineer 0.5 0.5 0.5

Chief Financial Officer 0.4 0.6 0.6

Chief Health and Medical Officer 0.1 0.1 0.1

Chief Information Officer 0.4 0.4 0.3

Chief Scientist

Communications 0.2 0.2 0.2

Diversity and Equal Opportunity 0.1 0.1 0.1

General Counsel 0.1 0.1 0.1

Independent Program and Cost Evaluation 0.9 1.1 1.2

International and Inter-Agency Relations 0.8 0.7 0.7

Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs 0.1 0.1 0.1

Safety and Mission Assurance 0.3 0.3 0.3

Small Business Programs 0.1 0.1 0.1

Mission Support 1.4 1.4 1.4

Budget Management and Systems Support 0.0 0.0 0.0

Human Capital Management 0.1 0.1 0.1

Headquarters Operations 0.1 0.1 0.1

Infrastructure 0.4 0.4 0.4

Internal Controls and Management Systems 0.1 0.1 0.1

Procurement 0.2 0.2 0.2

Program and Institutional Integration 0.2 0.2 0.2

Protective Services 0.4 0.4 0.4

CROSS - 20
Mission Directorate: Cross Agency Support

Theme: Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency Management

HEADQUARTERS FTE ASSIGNMENTS BY OFFICE

Headquarters 

Total FTE FY 2009

SES FY 2009

Non-Career FY 2009

Contract WYE FY 2009

Total FTE FY 2010

SES FY 2010

Non-Career FY 2010

Contract WYE FY 2010

Total FTE FY 2011

SES FY 2011

Non-Career FY 2011

Contract WYE FY 2011

Total Agency Management 1179 128 11 729 1225 146 11 699 1225 146 11 666

Missions 374 40 0 213 393 48 0 171 393 48 0 138

Science 142 16 0 78 150 17 0 62 150 17 0 62

Aeronautics Research 31 5 0 12 36 9 0 7 36 9 0 7

Space Technology (includes IPP)* 12 1 0 1 12 1 0 1 12 1 0 1

Exploration Systems 81 6 0 44 84 8 0 14 84 8 0 14

Space Operations 91 9 0 62 93 10 0 71 93 10 0 38

Education 17 3 0 16 18 3 0 16 18 3 0 16

Staff Offices 472 63 11 171 490 71 11 163 490 71 11 164

Office of the Administrator 20 5 7 0 24 6 7 0 24 6 7 0

Chief Engineer 23 8 0 30 25 8 0 15 25 8 0 15

Chief Financial Officer 109 9 1 28 113 10 1 31 113 10 1 31

Chief Health and Medical Officer 8 1 0 3 8 1 0 3 8 1 0 4

Chief Information Officer 30 5 0 25 38 6 0 35 38 6 0 35

Chief Scientist 

Communications 51 5 1 26 48 6 1 26 48 6 1 26

Diversity and Equal Opportunity 20 3 0 13 20 3 0 5 20 3 0 5

General Counsel 44 5 0 0 43 6 0 0 43 6 0 0

Independent Program and Cost 

Evaluation 48 5 0 21 50 7 0 21 50 7 0 21

International and Inter-Agency Relations 51 7 0 12 53 7 0 6 53 7 0 6

Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs 27 3 2 0 26 4 2 0 26 4 2 0 

Safety and Mission Assurance 37 6 0 11 37 6 0 19 37 6 0 19

Small Business Programs 5 1 0 3 5 1 0 2 5 1 0 2

Mission Support 333 25 0 345 342 27 0 365 342 27 0 364

Budget Management and Systems 

Support 17 1 0 24 18 1 0 21 18 1 0 21

Human Capital Management 37 4 0 39 38 5 0 17 38 5 0 17

Headquarters Operations 91 3 0 273 96 4 0 302 96 4 0 302

Infrastructure 61 7 0 2 61 7 0 10 61 7 0 10

Internal Controls and Management 

Systems 11 1 0 1 11 1 0 1 11 1 0 1

Procurement 36 4 0 0 35 4 0 0 35 4 0 0

Program and Institutional Integration 34 3 0 3 35 3 0 5 35 3 0 4 

Protective Services 46 2 0 5 49 2 0 9 49 2 0 9

CROSS - 21
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Safety and Mission Success

Independent Verification and 

Validation

45.0 29.7 30.0 30.3 30.6 31.9 --

Chief Health and Medical 

Officer

4.1 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.8 3.8 --

Chief Engineer 87.0 102.2 103.6 105.3 106.8 107.0 --

Safety and Mission Assurance 42.9 48.3 48.8 49.3 49.7 50.4 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

179.1 183.9 186.1 188.6 190.9 193.0 --

Independent Verification and 

Validation

45.0 40.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0

Chief Health and Medical 

Officer

3.6 3.6 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.2

Chief Engineer 87.0 101.1 103.6 105.2 106.8 106.9 108.4

Safety and Mission Assurance 44.3 48.2 49.0 49.5 49.9 50.5 51.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

179.8 192.9 201.6 203.8 205.8 206.6 208.7

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.8 9.0 15.5 15.2 14.9 13.6 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

CROSS - 22
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Safety and Mission Success

The Safety and Mission Success (SMS) program includes the NASA Headquarters programs for 

technical excellence, mission assurance and technical authority. SMS includes the corporate work 

managed by the offices of the Chief, Safety and Mission Assurance (including the NASA Safety 

Center and the Independent Verification and Validation Facility), the Chief Engineer (including the 

NASA Engineering and Safety Center), and the Chief Health and Medical Officer. The elements of 

SMS reflect the recommendations of many studies, boards and panels including the direct 

recommendations from two major accident investigations resulting in the loss of 14 astronauts 

(Challenger, 1986 and Columbia, 2003). The features of these programs directly support NASA's core 

values and serve to improve the likelihood for safety and mission success for NASA's programs, 

projects, and operations while protecting the health and safety of NASA's workforce. Aerospace 

technology advancement, because it is leading the edge of known capability, will always present a 

risk of catastrophe. SMS is the only resource that has the reduction of risk of failure as its exclusive 

focus.







SMS is responsible for developing policy and procedural requirements. The program provides advice 

to the Administrator, Mission Directorates, Program Managers and Center Directors who, due to their 

line management responsibilities, are ultimately accountable for the safety and mission success of all 

NASA programs, projects and operations and the safety and health of the associated workforce. In 

addition, SMS resources provide the foundation for NASA's system of "checks and balances" 

enabling the effective application of the strategic management framework and the technical 

authorities defined in NASA's Strategic Management and Governance Handbook. SMS funding 

maintains and trains a competent technical workforce within the disciplines of system engineering 

(including system safety, reliability, and quality) and space medicine.







Resources provided by SMS are essential for judging the implications on safety and mission success, 

as well as the health and medical aspects of new requirements and departures from existing 

requirements. With this funding, discipline experts judge the criticality of the associated risk and 

evaluate the risk acceptability through an established process of independent review and 

assessment. The information and advice from these experts is critical for developing key decision 

information for the proper execution of the delegated technical authority applied at program and 

project decision forums.

Program Overview

CROSS - 23
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Safety and Mission Success

For FY 2011, the individual plans for each element of the SMS align with and directly support the 

objectives of the Agency's Mission Directorates by helping to improve the likelihood of safety and 

mission success for all NASA programs, projects, and operations. SMS managers will continue to 

administer and refine the pertinent policies, procedural requirements, and technical standards. The 

managers will participate in forums that provide advice to the Administrator, Mission Directorates, 

Program Managers and Center Directors who are ultimately accountable for the safety and mission 

success of all NASA programs, projects, and operations.







The plans for FY 2011 provide for an effective NASA Engineering and Safety Center, NASA Safety 

Center, and Independent Verification and Validation Facility as adjuncts and necessary to fulfilling the 

organization's assigned missions. This support assures that NASA civil service employees have, and 

continue to apply, the appropriate knowledge, skills, abilities, and tools for sound and well-informed 

decision-making on matters critical to safety and mission success. The plans will include prioritized 

development, maintenance, and conduct of training and education necessary for assuring the 

existence of a competent technical workforce. The plans include the required support for independent 

research, audit, and assessment of NASA activities that have risk for loss or failure.







These organizations charter independent reviews under SMS resources that judge the safety and 

likelihood of success of NASA activities and the health of those individuals exposed to risks that are 

not commonplace. The ability to author effective requirements, evaluate precisely the departures from 

conformance with existing requirements, and determine the criticality of the risk and evaluate and 

advise on its acceptability are totally reliant on the proper investment in SMS. This established 

process of independent review supports informed decision-making through the execution of 

delegated technical authority applied to program and project decisions. Without a robust application 

of these resources, the Agency strategy to challenge the validity of complex engineering and 

operational plans and proposals is flawed and subject to incuring unneccessary risks.







Due to the tremendous energies possessed by space debris, the collision between a piece of debris 

only a half-inch in diameter and an operational spacecraft has the potential for catastrophic 

consequences. The intentional destruction of the Chinese Fengyun-1C weather satellite in January 

of 2007 and the accidental collision of American and Russian spacecraft in February 2009 have 

increased the cataloged debris population by nearly 40 percent, in comparison with all the debris 

remaining from the first 50 years of the Space Age. For FY 2011, NASA, in connection with the U.S. 

Space Surveillance Network, will increase its effort in scientific studies to characterize the near-Earth 

space debris environment, to assess its potential hazards to current and future space operations, and 

to identify and to implement means of mitigating its growth. Enhancements to this space situational 

awareness data program during FY 2011, especially close approach predictions, offer the greatest 

near-term and lowest cost improvement to space safety.

Plans For FY 2011

CROSS - 24
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Safety and Mission Success

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The SMS supports the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) by providing resources for 

independent evaluations of their approaches to improving mission success. OSMA is responsible for 

establishing and maintaining an acceptable level of technical excellence and competence in safety, 

reliability, maintainability and quality engineering within the Agency. OSMA assures that the risk 

presented by either a lack of safety requirement or from lack of compliance with a safety requirement 

is analyzed, assessed, communicated and used for proper decision-making and risk acceptance by 

the appropriate organizational leader. 







Fundamental to these two responsibilities is the definition and execution of a robust and well 

understood methodology and process for the application of the disciplines of safety, reliability and 

quality (S, R and Q) in defining the level of risk. In addition, the organization conducts a schedule of 

review and assessments that focus on the life cycle decision milestones for crucial NASA programs 

and projects and S, R, and Q processes. Embodied in this program is a structured development of 

methodology and investigation into system attributes that improve the probability of mission success. 







The NASA Safety Center (NSC) in Cleveland, OH assists OSMA in achieving its objectives in 

consolidating SMS efforts agency-wide in four key areas: safety and mission assurance (SMA) 

technical excellence, knowledge management, audits and assessments, and mishap investigation 

support. Since being established in FY 2007, the NSC has: (1) established a Technical Excellence 

initiative to improve and formalize training and qualification requirements for five SMA engineering 

disciplines (system safety; reliability and maintainability; quality; software assurance; and operational 

and aviation safety); (2) undertaken streamlined processes to increase and sustain domain 

knowledge within the SMA community through the facilitation, storage and retrieval of important 

documents and lessons learned; by providing data analysis and trending of mishap-related data; by 

rapidly disseminating mishap-related Agency Safety Alerts; and improving the Agency Incident 

Reporting Information System, a comprehensive, Agency-wide tool used for reporting mishaps and 

close calls; (3) continued to evaluate and streamline the conduct of facilities, programmatic and 

supplier audits; and (4) assembled and deployed a trained team of mishap investigators to support 

mishap investigations boards. The end result of these activities is to promote the highest level of 

safety and reliability for NASA's programs and projects. This increase in request is to make the 

NASA Safety Center in Cleveland, OH fully operational.

Safety and Mission Assurance

CROSS - 25
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Safety and Mission Success

The Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer (OCHMO) promulgates Agency health and 

medical policy, standards, and requirements, assuring the medical technical excellence of the 

Agency, assuring the physical and mental health and well being of the NASA workforce, and 

assuring the safe and ethical conduct of NASA-sponsored human and animal research. OCHMO 

exercises oversight of NASA medical and health related activities through audit processes, and 

monitors the implementation of health and medical related requirements and standards in all 

developmental human spaceflight programs through designated discipline experts at NASA Centers. 

OCHMO also provides oversight of medical and health related activities in operational human 

spaceflight through Center-based discipline experts and clinical boards. On-going medical and health 

discipline professionalism and licensure is supported through annual certified Continuing Medical 

Education (CME) activities, and flight surgeon education and clinical currency is provided through 

OCHMO-sponsored, university based physician training programs. NASA's biomedical research 

programs in support of human spaceflight are guided by OCHMO-developed health and medical 

standards. Center-based review boards under OCHMO sponsorship provide direct supervision of 

NASA-sponsored human and animal research safety and ethics, completing a comprehensive 

system of oversight to maintain robust health and medical support of NASA personnel at all levels.

Chief Health and Medical Officer

The SMS supports the Office of Chief Engineer (OCE) by providing the resources for independent 

and senior engineering expertise to enhance mission success. The OCE promulgates policy and 

requirements for program and project management, for the engineering excellence of the Agency, 

system engineering methodology, and for the Agency's system of engineering standards. The Office 

of Chief Engineer manages the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC), which is responsible 

for rapid, cross-Agency response to mission-critical engineering issues and for improving the state of 

practice in critical engineering areas. OCE also sponsors the Academy of Program/Project and 

Engineering Leadership (APPEL) to develop Program and Project Management and Systems 

Engineering skills.







APPEL delivers the necessary program/project management and engineering competence learning 

through the application of learning strategies, methods, models and tools. APPEL provides 

professional development products and services for individual practitioners and program and project 

teams. This includes a formal training curriculum designed to address four career levels from recent 

college graduate to executive; direct support to project teams in the field through workshops, 

coaching, and technical experts; and conferences, forums and publications.







The NESC, established in FY 2003 in response to the Columbia accident, responds rapidly to crossAgency mission-critical engineering issues and for improving the state of the practice in critical 

engineering areas. The NESC performs value-added independent testing and analyses and technical 

assessments of NASA's projects and technical activities to enhance safety and mission success. The 

NESC works proactively to help NASA avoid problem recurrence and to prevent future problems. 

SMS funding provides for the core NESC organization of senior engineering experts from across the 

Agency, including the NASA Technical Fellows and their Technical Discipline Teams composed of 

experts from NASA, industry, and academia.

Chief Engineer

CROSS - 26
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Safety and Mission Success

The NASA Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Project, as a part of the Agency's overall 

Safety and Mission Success Program, supports the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) 

by providing software expertise, services and resources to improve the likelihood for safety and 

mission success for NASA's programs, projects, and operations while protecting the health and 

safety of NASA's workforce. The NASA IV&V Project performs independent software analysis 

activities on NASA's most critical software systems as a "checks and balances" to assure safety and 

mission success of those systems.







The IV&V Project provides systems engineering activities that improve software safety, reliability, 

and quality of NASA programs and projects through effective applications of systems and software 

IV&V methods, practices, techniques, and tools. The NASA IV&V Facility applies software 

engineering best practices to evaluate the correctness and quality of critical and complex software 

systems throughout the project's System Development Life Cycle.







The IV&V Project provides resources and expertise to other OSMA elements in support of 

independent evaluations of software related approaches and processes, developing software related 

policy and procedural requirements, evaluating risks associated with new software requirements 

and/or departures from existing requirements, sustaining software technical excellence in the SMA 

community, sustaining software domain knowledge within the SMA organization, and in developing 

software development improvement recommendations to the Agency.

Independent Verification and Validation

CROSS - 27
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency IT Services (AITS)

Infrastructure 79.4 48.3 46.4 46.2 47.2 47.9 --

Applications 67.2 70.2 66.1 66.7 67.1 68.8 --

IT Management 17.3 31.9 25.8 25.1 24.0 23.0 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

163.9 150.4 138.3 138.0 138.3 139.7 --

Infrastructure 81.8 48.3 82.6 70.4 70.4 71.1 72.1

Applications 64.0 68.4 79.1 70.6 70.9 71.7 72.6

IT Management 18.1 28.6 16.1 16.6 16.4 16.7 17.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

163.9 145.3 177.8 157.5 157.7 159.5 161.7

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 -5.1 39.5 19.5 19.4 19.8 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

CROSS - 28
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency IT Services (AITS)

The principles underlying the Agency IT Services (AITS) program are for NASA's information and 

information technology to enable the NASA mission, to provide for efficiencies and be efficiently 

delivered, and to be secure and integrated. Accordingly, the program provides for centrally-managed, 

consolidated enterprise-level services benefitting the entire Agency. The three following projects 

constitute the AITS program: IT Management, Applications, and IT Infrastructure (which includes IT 

security). 







Within the IT Management project, NASA incorporates the necessary budget for the NASA Chief 

Information Officer to ensure effective management of the Agency's IT resources in accordance with 

federal laws and regulations, OMB guidance, and industry best practices. It enables the Agency to 

meet requirements in areas such as privacy, records management, information collections, and 

information quality, as well as value-added activities such as enterprise architecture, capital planning 

and investment control, and IT project management. Additionally, it incorporates payments to other 

Federal agencies for E-Government services.







Within the Applications project, NASA incorporates the development and sustaining support of 

Agency applications for mission support functions, such as financial management, supply 

management, procurement management, human capital management, etc. These services are 

provided by the NASA Enterprise Applications Competency Center in Huntsville, Alabama. It also 

includes enterprise licensing agreements and Scientific and Technical Information management on 

behalf of the Agency.







Within the IT Infrastructure project, NASA incorporates core IT and infrastructure services such as the 

NASA Public Web Portal, email, calendaring, directory services, enterprise license management, 

identity and credential management. Due to the close relationship between IT infrastructure and IT 

security, NASA incorporates IT security-related initiatives within the IT Infrastructure project. These 

initiatives include the NASA Security Operations Center, Agency penetration testing, vulnerability 

scanning, patch management and reporting, and other proactive measures to mitigate security 

threats.

Program Overview

CROSS - 29
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency IT Services (AITS)

For FY 2011, the AITS program will largely provide sustaining operations for essential Agency 

information management and IT needs under the IT Management project, Applications project and 

the IT Infrastructure project, with some development, modernization and enhancement (DME) 

planned. 



 



The Applications project is planning significant DME activities for FY 2011 including the 

implementation of the SAP module for Supply Management, which will enable NASA to 

decommission the existing NASA Supply Management System (NSMS). NSMS currently runs on the 

only remaining mainframe computer at NASA, which NASA intends to decommission in concert with 

termination of the Space Shuttle program. 







The IT Infrastructure and Security project is planning significant DME activities for FY 2011 including 

implementation of new contracts for for End-User Services, Integrated Communications Services 

(local and wide area networks), Consolidated Data Center Services, and Public Web Services. In 

addition, the Agency plans to implement an Enterprise Service Desk and Ordering System for Agency 

IT services beginning in FY 2011. The implementation of these new contracts and services will pave 

the way towards consolidation of NASA's networks and network management to gain efficiencies, 

improve security and enable cross Center data sharing required to effectively execute the NASA 

mission. In addition, it provides the means to consolidate data center capabilities in order to gain 

efficiencies and reduce related infrastructure on NASA Centers. Under the consolidated End User 

Services contract, NASA expects improved standardization of desktop and laptop configurations, as 

well as increased effectiveness in applying patches. In addition, NASA will invest in renewal of 

network infrastructure where necessary to mitigate risks of prolonged network outages, most notably 

by replacing obsolete routers on the mission network and replacing outdated wiring and electronics 

within some Center networks.

Plans For FY 2011

CROSS - 30
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Agency IT Services (AITS)

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The IT Infrastructure Project provides common core infrastructure services across the Agency, such 

as, the NASA Public Web portal, enterprise licensing, Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card 

systems required for identity and credential management for logical access control, and configuration 

control capabilities for networks, end-user services, and data centers. This project also provides IT 

security capabilities at the Agency level, such as the Security Operations Center (SOC), third party 

penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and patch management. For FY 2011, an increase in 

funding will be applied to renew the aging IT network infrastructure including the mission network. 

Additionally, NASA has realigned IT funds within the Agency in order to implement a common 

funding model for IT services beginning in FY 2011. Under this model, email, calendaring, directory 

services, software management and other core Agency infrastructure services will be provided by the 

Agency End User Services contract and funded by the AITS IT Infrastructure project.

Infrastructure

The Applications Project provides steady state operations of NASA's business and management 

systems developed under the Integrated Enterprise Management Program, such as, the Core 

Financial System (SAP), Integrated Asset Management System, the Human Capital Information 

Environment, and Aircraft Management Module. This project also provides Scientific and Technical 

Information (STI) services for the Agency. It also supports the implementation of E-Gov initiatives 

across the Agency, such as, E-Travel, Grants.gov and E-Training. Changes for FY 2011 include 

$8.45M to transition the existing NASA Supply Management System off of the mainframe computer, 

which is being decommissioned by NASA.

Applications

The IT Management Project provides Agency level services for managing IT and meeting internal 

and external requirements relative to Agency CIO responsibilities. Included in this project are fees 

paid to E-Gov managing partners for the various E-Gov activities and Federal CIO Council 

Committees in which NASA participates. This project also constitutes the budget for the NASA Office 

of the CIO to meet OMB guidance, Executive Orders, laws and regulations relative to E-Government, 

Paperwork Reduction and Information Collection, the Federal Information Security Management Act, 

Records Management, Mail Management, Forms Management, Privacy, Capital Planning and 

Investment Control, and IT Budget Formulation under Circular A-11.

IT Management

CROSS - 31
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Strategic Capabilities Assets Program

NASA's Strategic Capabilities Assets Program (SCAP) ensures that identified operational core assets 

and capabilities are available to support NASA's current and future missions. The SCAP establishes 

an alliance between all centers with like assets; makes decisions on disposition of capabilities no 

longer required; identifies re-investment/re-capitalization requirements within and among classes of 

assets; and implements changes. SCAP reviews the assets' capabilities each year to ensure the 

requirements continue to be valid. 







SCAP ensures that essential test facilities are in a state of "ready to test". It maintains the skilled 

operational workforce and performs essential preventative maintenance to keep core facilities 

available to meet program requirements. The core capabilities supported within SCAP are Thermal 

Vacuum Chambers, Simulators, and Arc Jet facilities.







For additional information on SCAP, please see: http://oim.hq.nasa.gov/oia/scap/index.html.

Program Overview

Arc Jets 9.3 9.4 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.9 --

Thermal Vacuum Chambers 7.2 8.3 8.4 8.4 8.4 8.7 --

Simulators 11.5 11.7 12.1 12.1 12.1 11.9 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

28.0 29.4 30.2 30.2 30.2 30.5 --

Arc Jets 9.3 9.4 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.8 9.8

Thermal Vacuum Chambers 7.2 8.3 8.4 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.5

Simulators 11.5 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.8 12.2

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

28.0 29.4 29.8 29.8 29.8 30.1 30.5

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 0.0 -0.4 -0.4 -0.4 -0.4 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

CROSS - 32
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Strategic Capabilities Assets Program

SCAP will sustain the strategic technical capabilities needed by NASA for successful missions. 

SCAP will institute consistency in reimbursable pricing policies, perform quarterly program 

performance reviews continually reassess the strategy and provide a forum for cooperation between 

all centers within asset classes. 







SCAP will ensure maximum benefit across government by broadening its alliances outside of the 

Agency for capabilities, such as, thermal vacuum chambers. By initiating new organizations, such as, 

the Space Environments Simulation Facilities Alliance (SESFA) between NASA, DOD, and other 

entities. This year an arc jet alliance will be established to allow coordination between DOD and 

NASA in this test area. SCAP will examine and scrutinize new proposals for additional capabilities 

that are submitted as part of the FY 2011 budget process. 







SCAP is committed to continue developing and implementing disposition plans for assets which are 

no longer required by the Agency.

Plans For FY 2011

CROSS - 33
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Cross-Agency Support

Agency Management and Operations

Program: Strategic Capabilities Assets Program

Project Descriptions and Explanation of Changes

The NASA SCAP sustains arc-jet complexes located at Ames Research Center and the Johnson 

Space Center. An arc jet provides simulated high temperature, high velocity environments that 

support the design, development, test and evaluation (DDT&E) activities in thermal protection 

materials, vehicle structures, aerothermodynamics, and hypersonics. A gas (typically air) is heated 

and accelerated to supersonic/hypersonic speeds by a continuous electrical arc. This hightemperature gas passes over a test sample, producing an approximation of the surface temperature 

and pressure environments experienced by a vehicle on atmospheric entry. Arc jet testing has been 

critical in the safe return of Space Shuttles from orbit with tile damage. In addition, arc jet testing 

performed essential validation of materials for the Mars entry missions such as Mars Science 

Laboratory. NASA maintains two of the four arc jets in the United States providing a critical national 

capability.

Arc Jets

SCAP sustains thermal-vacuum, vacuum, and acoustic chambers at NASA facilities (Glenn 

Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, 

Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and Plum Brook Station) that simulate 

conditions in the launch and space environments. These assets are large enough to accommodate a 

spacecraft with adequate space surrounding the structure for safe, easy access while inside the 

chamber. Chambers with minimum outline dimensions of 10 ft. by 10 ft. will generally meet this 

provision. These chambers have the capability of producing pressures of 1 X 10-2 torr or lower and 

thermal shrouds capable of liquid nitrogen temperatures or lower. Acoustic chambers are capable of 

generating approximately 150 dB at frequencies in the range of 25 to 1000 Hertz. These chambers 

perform significant risk mitigation for most of NASA payloads launched into space as well as many in 

other government agencies such as NOAA, and DOD. Almost all spacecraft launched into space 

must first be tested in one of NASA's thermal vacuum chambers.

Thermal Vacuum Chambers

SCAP sustains operations of simulators which are critical components of the success of NASA's 

Aeronautics Research in the areas of fundamental aeronautics and aviation safety. This capability 

includes an array of research and development manned flight simulator assets at ARC and LaRC 

which are in the operations phase. Principal assets include the Vertical Motion Simulator, a large 

motion system, and its supporting cabs, laboratories, and equipment at ARC which provides 

scientists and engineers with tools to explore, define, and resolve issues in both vehicle design and 

missions operations. The Cockpit Motion Facility and its supporting suite of simulators (the 

Differential Maneuvering Simulator and the Visual Motion Simulator) and other central support 

facilities at LaRC are designed to support aeronautics and spaceflight vehicle research studies in 

which motion cues are critical to the realism of the experiments being conducted.

Simulators

CROSS - 34
Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration (CECR) provides for design and execution of 

programmatic and non-programmatic discrete and minor revitalization construction of facilities projects, facility 

demolition projects, and environmental compliance and restoration activities.







The Construction of Facilities (CoF) program ensures that the facilities critical to achieving NASA's space and 

aeronautics programs are the right size and type, and that they are safe, secure, environmentally sound, and 

operated efficiently and effectively. It also ensures that NASA installations conform to requirements and 

initiatives for the protection of the environment and human health. NASA facilities are essential to the Agency 

and facility revitalization is needed to maintain infrastructure that is safe and capable of supporting NASA's 

missions. The facilities being revitalized or constructed in this program are expected to remain active in the long 

term.







The purpose of NASA's Environmental Compliance and Restoration (ECR) program is to clean up chemicals 

released to the environment from past activities. Cleanups are prioritized to ensure that the highest priority 

liabilities are addressed first in order to protect human health and the environment and preserve natural 

resources for future missions.

Overview

Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration

0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5

Construction of Facilities 0.0 381.1 335.2 316.3 319.5 344.6 349.0

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 448.3 397.3 363.8 366.9 393.5 398.5

Total Change from FY 2010 

President's Budget Request

0.0 448.3 397.3 363.8 366.9 393.5 --

Note: In all budget tables, the FY 2011 President's Budget Request depicts the July 2009 Operating Plan including American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the FY 2009 Actual column and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117) 

without the Administrative transfers for the FY 2010 enacted column.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

1

CECR - 1
Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Major Changes:

None

New Initiatives:

FY 2011 funding should be sufficient to successfully complete the decommissioning of the Plum Brook 

Reactor Facility at NASA's Plum Brook Station in Ohio. Funding will also further NASA's goal of cleaning up 

the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in preparation for excessing the property.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

The Environmental Compliance and Restoration budget has been transferred to the new Construction and 

Environmental Restoration account established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2010 

(P.L. 111-117).

Environmental Compliance and Restoration

FY 2011 funding will continue essential infrastructure repair and revitalization activities. Repair by 

replacement projects will provide sustainable and energy efficient infrastructure by replacing old, inefficient, 

deteriorated buildings with new efficient high performance buildings. NASA will reduce infrastructure by 

disposing of un-needed facilities.

Major Highlights for FY 2011

Further detailed in the Space Operations section of this document, NASA is initiating the development of the 

21st Century Launch Complex at the Kennedy Space Center and the Florida launch range. The goal is to 

transform KSC and Cape Canaveral AFS into modern facilities poised to play a key role in 21st century 

space exploration. To do so, this new initiative focuses on upgrades to the Florida launch range, in 

cooperation with other interested users; expanding capabilities to support commercial launch providers, such 

as commercial cargo flights and future commercial crew flights in support of ISS, and expendable launch 

vehicles in support of the Science mission directorate payloads and robotic precursor missions. Other 

important work will include consolidating and disposing of unused or underutilized facilities, and performing 

environmental work to improve the surrounding area. With this large, multi-year investment, this effort will 

benefit NASA's current and future operations at KSC and Cape Canaveral by targeting increased efficiency 

and safer operations. Once details of this initiative have been established, NASA will work with Congress to 

ensure that appropriate funds are transferred to the construction account.

New Initiatives:

All institutional and programmatic CoF budgets are consolidated in the new Construction and Environmental 

Restoration account established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117).

Major Changes:

Construction of Facilities

Plans for FY 2011

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

2

CECR - 2
Theme: Construction of Facilities

Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Institutional CoF 0.0 249.3 280.8 316.3 319.5 344.6 349.0

Space Operations CoF 0.0 27.3 14.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Exploration CoF 0.0 90.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Science CoF 0.0 13.7 40.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 0.0 381.1 335.2 316.3 319.5 344.6 349.0

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 0.0 381.1 335.2 316.3 319.5 344.6 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Construction of Facilities (CoF) provides for design and execution of all programmatic and nonprogrammatic facilities projects including discrete, minor revitalization and construction, and 

demolition of facilities. The CoF programs are managed via NASA's Capital Facility Investment 

Program which includes institutional and programmatic facility investments. The construction planning 

process starts several years in advance, with design being funded two budget years prior to 

construction start. CoF requirements are developed through a process involving both internal and 

external stakeholders. Institutional CoF requirements from all the Centers are reviewed and prioritized 

annually to ensure that only the highest ranking priorities are funded. Programmatic facility 

requirements are identified as an integral part of the Mission Directorates program development 

process which ensures that only those programmatic CoF projects that are necessary for mission 

success are funded.

Theme Overview

CECR - 3
Theme: Construction of Facilities

Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

The Institutional CoF Program will make capital repairs to NASA's critical infrastructure and make 

improvements that will improve safety and security, protect NASA's infrastructure, and improve NASA's 

operating efficiency by reducing utility usage. The program will continue to right size the infrastructure by 

demolishing infrastructure that is no longer needed. Projects with initial cost estimates between $1.0 million 

and $10.0 million are included in the program as Minor Revitalization and Construction projects, and projects 

with initial cost estimates of $10.0 million or greater are budgeted as discrete projects. Projects with initial cost 

estimates of $1.0 million or less are accomplished by routine day-to-day facility maintenance and repair 

activities provided for in program and Center operating budgets. NASA will invest in projects that protect the 

agency's critical assets, improve mission assurance, reduce mission risk and support capabilities needed for 

mission. Investment in projects such as launch facility protection at Wallops Island will protect NASA's critical 

assets in the case of natural disasters. Fire protection system repairs and upgrades will improve worker safety 

and provide safer operations. NASA's repair by replacement program will provide sustainable and energy 

efficient infrastructure by replacing old, inefficient, deteriorated buildings with new efficient high performance 

buildings. In some cases, NASA will be able to refurbish existing facilities into sustainable buildings that will 

meet NASA's future technology needs by retaining only the structure and replacing the systems necessary for 

mission operations. When this approach is viable, the projects will save capital investment over wholesale 

replacement but still yield a good return on investment through reduced operating costs. By investing in 

demolition, NASA will be able to reduce un-needed infrastructure and avoid future expenses for maintaining 

this infrastructure. The FY 2011 program will demolish some of the first facilities that the agency has identified 

as un-necessary once the Space Shuttle is retired. This will allow the agency to shift some investment in 

Shuttle facilities to support new programs shortly after the Shuttle's last flight. More than 80% of NASA's 

infrastructure is beyond its design life. As NASA's facilities age beyond their useful life, the facilities become 

unreliable and put NASA's programs and operations at risk. To mitigate the increasing risk to NASA's 

missions from infrastructure failure, NASA must maintain its investment in infrastructure repair and 

refurbishment.

Institutional CoF

Space Operations CoF continues construction of the 24-Meter Beam Waveguide Antenna, DSS-35 at 

Canberra Aaustralia. It also provides for the revitalization of facilities utilized by the Launch Services Program 

and at Deep Space Network sites.

Space Operations CoF

FY 2011 CoF requirements necessary to support the Exploration Mission are being considered in conjunction 

with the restructuring of the Exploration Programs and will be identified within the Program's total funding. 

The funds will be transferred to the Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration account 

upon enactment of the FY 2011 Budget.

Exploration CoF

The Science CoF Program continues the modification of the thermal vacuum Chamber A at the Johnson 

Space Center to achieve the required temperature and contamination control test conditions for hardware 

prior to flight. Renovation of the NASA Space Science Data Center at Goddard Space Flight Center will 

create a sustainable office facility in accordance with federal energy mandates, and in compliance with 

applicable codes and standards.

Science CoF

Plans for FY 2011

CECR - 4
Theme: Construction of Facilities

Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Construction of Facilities funding ensures that NASA's facilities and field installations meet the 

Agency's infrastructure needs in a safe, secure, and environmentally sound manner. Activities 

implement sustainable design practices and support compliance with state and national 

environmental laws and initiatives outlined under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Relevance

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

NASA continued essential infrastructure repair and revitalization activities, completing $391 million of 

construction. 







Additionally NASA continued reducing its infrastructure by disposing of 117 un-needed facilities. 

Assertive recycling strategies and sustainable demolition practices facilitated demolishing a large 

inactive Wind Tunnel.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

CECR - 5
Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

Theme: Construction of Facilities

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS OF CHANGES

SUMMARY OF FY 2011 COF PROJECTS

In Millions of Dollars

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010

Enacted FY 2011

SCIENCE 16.2 13.7 40.5

Restoration of Building 26 (GSFC) --- --- 14.0

Modify Thermal Vacuum Chamber A (JSC) --- --- 26.5

Improve Launch Pad Infrastructure, WFF (GSFC) 14.0 --- ---

Minor Revitalization and Construction at Various Locations greater than $1M 

but less than $10M 2.2 12.6 ---

Facility Planning and Design --- 1.1 ---

EXPLORATION 89.8 90.8 ---

Modify Space Power Facility, Plum Brook Station (GRC) 21.8 2.3 ---

Modify Launch Complex 39B for ARES 1 Vehicles (KSC) --- 6.8 ---

Modify Multi-Payload Processing Facility for Orion (KSC) --- 1.0 ---

Modify Vehicle Assembly Building (KSC) 2.5 35.8 ---

Modify Building 103 to Support Upper Stage Manufacturing, MAF (MSFC) 11.0 2.5 ---

Construct A-3 Propulsion Test Facility (SSC) --- 16.8 ---

Construct Vertical Assembly & Welding Highbay in Building 103, MAF (MSFC) 42.3 --- ---

Modify A-1 Propulsion Test Facility (SSC) 0.9 --- --- 

Minor Revitalization and Construction at Various Locations greater than $1M 

but less than $10M 11.3 23.2 ---

Facility Planning and Design --- 2.4 ---

SPACE OPERATIONS 15.7 27.3 14.0

Construct 34-Meter Beam Waveguide Antenna, DSS-35, Canberra, Australia 

(JPL) --- 6.8 7.3

Minor Revitalization and Construction at Various Locations greater than $1M 

but less than $10M 15.7 20.0 6.7

Facility Planning and Design 0.5

INSTITUTIONAL CoF PROJECTS 268.9 249.3 280.7

Construct Replacement Facilities Support Center (DFRC) --- --- 12.5

Launch Facilities Protection, WFF (GSFC) --- 7.0 13.0

Construct Integrated Services Building (LaRC) --- --- 30.4

Construct Replacement Engineering Office Building 4220 (MSFC) --- --- 40.0

Repair Hangar, Fire Protection and Electrical, Building 4820 (DFRC) --- 10.0 --- 

Repair Primary Electrical Distribution-Phase 6 (DFRC) --- 10.0 ---

Construct Centralized Office Building (GRC) --- 25.3 --- 

Construct Shipping and Receiving Facility (GSFC) --- 12.5 ---

Revitalize Administrative Support Building 12 (JSC) --- 22.0 --- 

Renovation of Operations & Checkout Building (KSC) 6.0 16.0 ---

Revitalize High and Medium Voltage Electrical Distribution Systems (KSC) --- 19.0 ---

Replace Asbestos Siding and Provide Energy/Safety Upgrades, Bldg 4707

(MSFC) 7.4 5.0 ---

CECR - 6
Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

Theme: Construction of Facilities

Construct Collaborative Support Facility, Building N232 (ARC) 29.0 --- ---

Upgrade Electrical Supply for NASA Advanced Supercomputing Facility N258 

(ARC) 11.5 --- --- 

Repair and Construct Consolidated Information Technology Center (DFRC) 10.8 --- ---

Upgrade Auxiliary Chiller Plant (JSC) 8.3 --- --- 

Replace Propellant North Admin and Maintenance Facility (KSC) 4.5 --- ---

Revitalize Electrical Maintenance Facility (KSC) 5.9 --- ---

Repair of Hurricane Damage (JSC) 50.0 --- ---

Minor Revitalization and Construction at Various Locations greater than $1M 

but less than $10M 81.6 84.5 137.2 

Demolition of Facilities 15.0 15.0 19.9

Facility Planning and Design 38.9 23.0 27.7

DISCRETE PROJECTS

Science CoF

Project Title: Restoration of Building 26

Location: Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

Mission Directorate: Science 

FY 2011 Estimate: $14.0M

This project renovates the NASA Space Science Data Center, Building 26 to create a sustainable 

office facility in ac cordance w ith f ederal e nergy m andates, and in c ompliance w ith a pplicable 

codes and standards. Work will include replacing building system components including HVAC, 

plumbing, sprinklers, electrical lighting and power, doors and windows, finishes, roofing, elevator, 

fire alarm and removal of asbestos and lead paint. Most of the building components are original 

and over 40 years old. The HVAC system currently functions poorly requiring costly maintenance 

and is highly energy-inefficient. The steam system was installed in 1964 with the construction of 

the building, is in poor condition and failing. The building’s electrical distribution system is original 

and replacement parts are discontinued. This project will improve overall facility condition of the 

building, extend the life of the building 25-40 years, and be LEED Silver certified.

Project Title: Modify Thermal Vacuum Chamber A

Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

Mission Directorate: Science 

FY 2011 Estimate: $26.5M 

This project continues modifications to Chamber A to prepare for testing the James Webb Space 

Telescope (JWST) Optical Telescope Element and Integrated Science Instrument Module. 

Modifications include upgrade of LN2 Systems and upgrade of High vacuum systems which 

include installation of new gates valves and new cryo pumps, the installation of a Helium system 

(both refrigeration system and shroud), and installation of a new clean air system in the chamber. 

These modifications to the thermal vacuum Chamber A are necessary to achieve the required 

temperature and contamination control test conditions for flight hardware. This is the fourth of 

five increments for this project with the final increment planned for FY 2012. The total project 

cost is $73.9M. 

CECR - 7
Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

Theme: Construction of Facilities

Space Operations CoF

Project Title: Construct 34-Meter Beam Waveguide Antenna, DSS-35

Location: Canberra, Australia

Mission Directorate: Space Operations 

FY 2011 Estimate: $7.3M 

This project includes fabrication and installation of the antenna structure, panels, gearboxes, 

bearings, electric drives, encoders, beam waveguide mirrors, subreflector and subreflector 

positioner. It also includes the design and construction of the foundation and pedestal, as well as 

facilities in and around the Canberra Complex, antenna structure and pedestal, such as paved 

access road, trenches, drainage, flood control devices, water main and distribution system, 

antenna apron, security fence, HVAC, electrical power distribution, fire detection and suppression 

system, and surveillance system assembly. A Beam Waveguide antenna is needed to add 

resilience in the southern hemisphere for the Deep Space Network. This antenna is needed to 

support additional mission loading from projects currently under development and scheduled for 

launch during or after FY 2015. This is the second of three increments with a total estimated 

construction cost of $23.9 million with the last phase planned for FY 2012.

Institutional CoF

Project Title: Construct Replacement Facilities Support Center

Location: Dryden Flight Research Center, Kern County, CA 

FY 2011 Estimate: $12.5M 

This project constructs a new 20,000 square-foot Facilities Support Center (FSC) consolidating 

the functions of the Dryden Facilities Engineering & Asset Management Office along with the 

Safety, Health & Environmental Office as more than 100 people move into the new FSC. These 

functions are currently scattered in seven old buildings and 25 sheds and conex boxes. Many of 

these structures are 50-60 years old, inefficient and obsolete with high maintenance and energy 

costs. Most of these sites are alongside the hazardous, active aircraft flight line exposing 

employees to aircraft engine fumes and high noise levels. The functions need to be relocated to 

higher ground in the Support Services Zone. When the new FSC is complete, about 23,000 

square feet of old, inefficient and obsolete structures will be demolished. The FSC will be 

designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating fully 

conforming to current structural, life safety, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) codes.

Project Title: Launch Facilities Protection

Location: Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia 

FY 2011 Estimate: $13.0M

This is the second of three increments for Wallops Island Launch Facilities Protection. The first 

increment extends the seawall south approximately 1500 feet to protect existing assets and repair 

the failing seawall based on results of a detailed inspection. This increment will begin the sand fill 

portion of the project. The goal of the completed beach fill segment is to provide a 70-foot wide 

dry beach in front of the seawall (~3M cubic yards) along its entire length (6,800 meters). 

Wallops Island has experienced erosion throughout the six decades that NASA has occupied the 

site. Since the 1990’s, part of the island has been protected with a stone rubble-mound seawall. 

Although the seawall has temporarily limited the shoreline’s erosion, the structure is being 

undermined and failing because there is little or no protective sand beach remaining and waves 

break directly on the sea wall. The south end of the island is currently unprotected and suffers 

continuous erosion. A 2006 Army Corps of Engineers study titled “Beach Erosion Mitigation and 

Sediment Management Alternatives at Wallops Island, VA” validates the need and outlines the 

CECR - 8
Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

Theme: Construction of Facilities

requirements for protection. The Wallops Launch Range supports sounding rocket and NASA 

small satellites launches; Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration and 

re-supply the ISS; launches for other federal and commercial entities; and unmanned aerial 

vehicle (UAV) flights. The final increment is planned for FY 2012 with a total project cost of $37.6 

million. The project will not provide a complete solution until final increment is executed.

Project Title: Construct Integrated Services Building

Location: Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 

FY 2011 Estimate: $30.4M 

This project constructs a two-story integrated services building and provides related site 

improvements. The new 95,000 sq. ft building will house up to 125 administrative personnel and 

incorporate the media services center, main conference facilities, cafeteria, training classrooms, 

and many other services now scattered throughout Langley. The Integrated Services Building will 

be located very close to the center of the campus and will be energy efficient, designed to the 

United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 

certification requirements of silver as a minimum. Site improvements include upgrades to the 

existing pedestrian walkway, addition of a civic mall in the center of the campus, and expansion 

of surrounding parking lots. The project also includes demolition of six older buildings directly 

impacted by this project, removing 98,000 sq. ft of floor space and eliminating $37.8M in deferred 

maintenance. The buildings to be replaced by the new Integrated Services Building are over 60 

years old. The fire protection systems in these older facilities are very inadequate. Most do not 

have sprinkler systems and many of the fire alarms, smoke detection systems, and fire exits are 

not code compliant. The majority of these older facilities have antiquated HVAC systems, which 

frequently break down and disrupt operations. The existing media services are located in four 

separate locations, causing this service to be very inefficient. These buildings have potential 

problems with hazardous materials such as asbestos; Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) ballasts; 

mercury thermostats; and lead, chromium, and cadmium based paints. Half of the buildings are 

not ADA compliant. All of these facilities are run down, inefficient, and inadequate to perform 

their intended functions. Renovation of the existing facilities is not cost effective and eliminating 

these facilities reduces the risk of accidental injury or death from fire or other system failures. 

This is the first of two increments with a total estimated construction cost of $50.4 million. The 

final increment is planned for FY 2012. The project will not provide a complete and usable facility 

until completion of increment 2.

Project Title: Construct Replacement Engineering Office Building 4220

Location: Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama 

FY 2011 Estimate: $40.0M 

This building is the first major replacement building in the Main Administrative Complex which 

comprises the northern end of the North Campus portion of the MSFC Master Plan. This project 

will replace Building 4202 , a deteriorated, high-maintenance, high operating cost building, with 

an energy and operationally efficient state-of-the art office building and will allow the efficient 

consolidation and co-location of a multi-discipline work force that has been widely dispersed 

throughout MSFC, improving functional efficiency and coordination between the various 

operations. The facility will meet "LEED Silver" criteria, as well as MSFC standard energy 

conservation requirements to ensure low operating costs for the life of the facility. This project 

will include the demolition of building 4202, totaling approximately 110,000 square feet and will 

eliminate over $4M of deferred maintenance. Building 4202 was originally constructed in 1964 

and is not suitable for a renovation due to its advanced age, its configuration, the presence of 

friable asbestos, and code compliance issues such as ADA compliance. Building 4220 is a cost 

effective solution that will provide significant operating and energy cost savings and will eliminate 

numerous code-compliance issues. Current HVAC inefficiencies in 4202 are significant due to the 

poor sealing of the windows on this six story curtain-wall structure. 

CECR - 9
Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

Theme: Construction of Facilities

MINOR REVITALIZATION & CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES (PROJECTS LESS THAN $10.0M

EACH)

This request includes facility revitalization and construction needs with initial cost estimate greater

than $1.0 million but less than $10.0 million per project. Projects with initial cost estimates of $1.0 

million or less are normally accomplished by routine day-to-day facility maintenance and repair 

activities provided for in direct program and Center operating budgets. Proposed FY 2011 

Institutional minor revitalization and construction projects total $137.3 million for components of 

the basic infrastructure and institutional facilities, funded in Institutional Investments, and $6.7

million for Program funded projects. These resources provide for revitalization and construction 

of facilities at NASA field installations and government-owned industrial plants supporting NASA 

activities. Revitalization and modernization projects provide for the repair, modernization, and/or 

upgrade of facilities and collateral equipment. Repair projects restore facilities and components 

to a condition substantially equivalent to the originally intended and designed capability. Repair 

and modernization work includes the substantially equivalent replacement of utility systems and 

collateral equipment necessitated by incipient or actual breakdown. It also includes major 

preventive measures that are normally accomplished on a cyclic schedule and those quickly 

needed out-of-cycle based on adverse condition information revealed during predictive testing 

and inspection efforts. Modernization and upgrade projects include both restoration of current 

functional capability and enhancement of the condition of a facility so that it can more effectively 

accomplish its designated purpose or increase its functional capability or so that it can meet new 

building, fire, and accessibility codes. 

NASA’s facilities are primarily from the Apollo era. Most of NASA’s facilities are beyond their 

original design life, resulting in increased reliability problems and occasional impacts to NASA 

missions. Assessments of NASA’s facilities indicate that the repair backlog has increased over 

recent years and the facilities continue to degrade. To reverse this trend, NASA has developed a 

long term strategy that includes increasing facility repair investments, replacing facilities when it 

makes economic sense and eliminating facilities that are no longer needed. The minor 

revitalization and construction projects that comprise this request are of the highest priority, 

based on relative urgency and expected return on investment. Work to be accomplished includes 

repair and upgrades of fire protection systems; utilities systems such as electrical distribution, 

water and waste water, and steam; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems; roofs; roads 

and paved areas; and building exteriors/interiors. The amount requested addresses the most 

urgent repairs needed as well as component and system replacement to improve the reliability of 

NASA’s facilities over time and reduce impacts to NASA’s critical missions. 

 

MINOR REVITALIZATION CENTER DISTRIBUTION

SPACE OPERATIONS

A. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), $2.7 million

B. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), $4.0 million

INSTITUTIONAL

A. Ames Research Center (ARC), $14.0 million 

B. Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC), $12.4 million 

C. Glenn Research Center (GRC), $11.4 million

D. Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), $8.1 million

E. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), $5.3 million

CECR - 10
Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

Theme: Construction of Facilities

F. Johnson Space Center (JSC), $23.7 million

G. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), $21.7 million

H. Langley Research Center (LaRC), $19.0 million

I. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), $14.6 million

J. Stennis Space Center, $7.1 million

DEMOLITION OF FACILITIES

Cognizant Office: Office of Infrastructure 

FY 2011 Estimate: $19.9M 

The funds requested will be used to eliminate inactive and obsolete facilities that are no longer 

required for NASA’s Mission. Abandoned facilities present eyesores on the Centers, and pose a 

potential safety and environmental liability. These abandoned facilities must still be maintained at 

minimal levels to prevent increasing safety and environmental hazards. These recurring 

maintenance costs exacerbate the limited maintenance dollars needed at the Centers. 

Demolishing these abandoned facilities will allow the Agency to avoid non-productive operating 

costs required to keep abandoned facilities safe and secure. Furthermore, demolition is the most 

cost effective way to reduce the Agency deferred maintenance.

NASA identifies potential facilities for the demolition program through special studies to determine 

if the facility is required for a current of future missions. Facilities that are no longer needed are 

included in a 5 year demolition plan that sets project schedules based on last need, annual costs 

avoided, potential liability, and project execution factors. Individual project schedules are 

sometimes adjusted in response to factors such as consultation with states on historic properties, 

changes in operational schedules, environmental remediation, funding profiles, local market 

forces, and cost of recycled materials. Proposed FY 2011 demolition projects will reduce facilities 

inventory current replacement value by roughly $188M.

FACILITY PLANNING AND DESIGN

Cognizant Office: Office of Infrastructure 

FY 2011 Estimate: $27.7M 

These funds are required to provide for: advance planning and design activities; special 

engineering studies; facility engineering research; preliminary engineering efforts required to 

initiate design-build projects; preparation of final designs, construction plans, specifications, and 

associated cost estimates; and participation in facilities-related professional engineering 

associations and organizations. These resources provide for project planning and design 

activities associated with non-programmatic construction projects. Project planning and design 

activities for construction projects required to conduct specific programs or projects are included 

in the appropriate budget line item. Other activities funded include: master planning; value 

engineering studies; design and construction management studies; facility operation and 

maintenance studies; facilities utilization analyses; engineering support for facilities management 

systems; and capital leveraging research activities.

CECR - 11
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

CECR - 12
Theme: Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Environmental Compliance and Restoration 0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5

FY 2011 President's Budget Request 0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5

Total Change from FY 2010 Request 0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

NASA's Environmental Compliance and Restoration (ECR) Program primarily provides funding to 

complete the cleanup of hazardous materials and wastes that have been released to the surface or 

groundwater at NASA installations, NASA-owned industrial plants supporting NASA activities, and 

other current or former sites where NASA operations have contributed to environmental problems and 

where the agency is legally obligated to address these hazardous releases. Nearly $1 Billion worth of 

cleanup liabilities impacting all NASA centers are prioritized to ensure that the highest priority liabilities 

are addressed first in order to protect human health and the environment, and preserve natural 

resources for future missions. Specific program activities include projects, studies, assessments, 

investigations, plans, designs, related engineering, program support, sampling, monitoring, regulatory 

agency oversight costs, and any land acquisitions necessary to ensure operation of remedial 

treatment processes and sites as part of the remediation and cleanup measures. In an effort to 

respond to recent executive orders and address the increasing impacts of global climate change on 

NASA facilities and projects, the ECR program also provides for strategic investment in environmental 

methods and practices to ensure that NASA may continue to carry out its primary missions. Included 

are investments in methodologies for sustainably reducing energy intensity and greenhouse gas 

emissions and supporting operational activities by ensuring that advances in chemical risk 

management are incorporated early in the mission project design phase. Additional information 

concerning NASA's ECR program can be found at http://oim.hq.nasa.gov/oia/emd/ecr.html

Theme Overview

The FY 2011 funding request represents a prioritized, risk-based approach for addressing a total of 136 

cleanup projects remaining at all NASA centers and is based upon the relative urgency and the potential 

health and safety hazards related to each individual cleanup. As studies, assessments, investigations, plans, 

regulatory approvals, and designs progress and as new discoveries or regulatory requirements change, it is 

expected that program priorities may change requiring revisions to planned activities. Major cleanups with the 

highest priority requirements planned for accomplishment in FY 2011 include the following:



1) Continue decommissioning and demolition of NASA's Plum Brook Reactor Facility. FY 2011 funding 

should allow NASA to terminate its Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license.



2) Address ground water and drinking water issues associated with contamination emanating from NASA's 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory;



3) Continue cleanup of ground water contamination at White Sands Test Facility; and



4) Accelerate cleanup of contamination at Santa Susana Field Laboratory to facilitate property transfer.

Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Plans for FY 2011

CECR - 13
Theme: Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Mission Directorate: Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

The Environmental Compliance and Restoration program ensures that the public is not exposed to 

hazards and that impacted natural resources are restored for future use.

Relevance to education and public benefits:

Relevance

ECR funding ensures that contaminated sites at NASA centers, several of which are listed on EPA's 

National Priorities List (Superfund) or have high congressional or public interest, are completed 

effectively and in accordance with existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Relevance to national priorities, relevant fields, and customer needs:

In FY09, NASA continued to address high priority cleanups, completing 12 sites and continuing 

remediation operations at another 75 sites out of a total of 150 individual cleanups. Soil and 

groundwater remediation at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory continued in preparation for 

transferring this property as excess. At the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA initiated construction of a 

groundwater treatment system to address offsite contamination. Additionally, concerns about releases 

to an offsite estuary were alleviated and final status survey work commenced at the Plum Brook 

Nuclear Reactor Facility.

Performance Achievement Highlights:

CECR - 14
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Program: Environmental Compliance and Restoration

NASA's Environmental Compliance and Restoration (ECR) Program primarily provides funding to 

complete the cleanup of hazardous materials and wastes that have been released to the surface or 

groundwater at NASA installations, NASA-owned industrial plants supporting NASA activities, and 

other current or former sites where NASA operations have contributed to environmental problems and 

where the agency is legally obligated to address these hazardous releases. Liquidating these 

liabilities is estimated to cost nearly one billion dollars with much of that work planned in the next 

decade. Specific program activities include projects, studies, assessments, investigations, plans, 

designs, related engineering, program support, sampling, monitoring, regulatory agency oversight 

costs, and any land acquisitions necessary to ensure operation of remedial treatment processes and 

sites as part of the remediation and cleanup measures. This program also invests in methodologies 

for sustainably reducing energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions and supports operational 

activities by ensuring that advances in chemical risk management are incorporated early in the 

mission project design phase. Additional information concerning NASA's ECR program can be found 

at http://oim.hq.nasa.gov/oia/emd/ecr.html

Program Overview

Environmental Compliance 

and Restoration

0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 49.5

Changes from FY 2010 Request 0.0 67.2 62.1 47.5 47.4 48.9 --

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

The FY 2011 funding request represents a prioritized, risk-based approach for addressing a total of 

136 cleanup projects remaining at all NASA centers and is based upon the relative urgency and the 

potential health and safety hazards related to each individual cleanup. As studies, assessments, 

investigations, plans, regulatory approvals, and designs progress and as new discoveries or 

regulatory requirements change, it is expected that program priorities may change requiring revisions 

to planned activities. Major cleanups with the highest priority requirements planned for 

accomplishment in FY 2011 include the following:



1) Continue decontamination and demolition of NASA's Plum Brook Reactor Facility. FY 2011 

funding should allow NASA to terminate its Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license.



2) Address ground water and drinking water issues associated with contamination emanating from 

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory;



3) Continue cleanup of ground water contamination at White Sands Test Facility; and



4) Accelerate cleanup of contamination at Santa Susana Field Laboratory to facilitate property 

transfer.

Plans For FY 2011

CECR - 15
Mission Directorate:

Theme:

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Program: Environmental Compliance and Restoration

Services necessary for carrying out the ECR program are provided primarily through external 

contractors managed by in house environmental engineers at affected NASA centers.

Acquisition Strategy

Program Management

Primary responsibility for managing the ECR program and determining program priorities resides 

within the Environmental Management Division at NASA HQ.

CECR - 16
Inspector General

The NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) budget request for FY 2011 is $37.0 million. The NASA OIG 

consists of 192 auditors, analysts, specialists, investigators, and support staff at NASA Headquarters in 

Washington, DC, and NASA Centers throughout the United States. The FY 2011 request supports the OIG 

mission to prevent and detect crime, fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement while promoting economy, 

effectiveness, and efficiency within the Agency.







The OIG Office of Audits (OA) conducts independent, objective audits and reviews of NASA and NASA 

contractor programs and projects to improve NASA operations, as well as a broad range of professional audit 

and advisory services. It also comments on NASA policies and is responsible for the oversight of audits 

performed under contract. OA helps NASA accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined 

approach to evaluate and improve the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of NASA operations. 







The OIG Office of Investigations (OI) identifies, investigates, and refers for prosecution cases of crime, waste, 

fraud, and abuse in NASA programs and operations. The OIG's federal law enforcement officers investigate false 

claims, false statements, conspiracy, theft, computer crimes, mail fraud, and violations of federal laws, such as 

the Procurement Integrity Act and the Anti-Kickback Act. Through its investigations, OI also seeks to prevent and 

deter crime at NASA. 







NASA's FY 2011 OIG request is broken out as follows: 







- $30.9M (83.5 percent) of the proposed budget is dedicated to personnel and related costs, including salaries, 

benefits, monetary awards, worker's compensation, permanent change of station costs, as well as the 

Government's contributions for Social Security, Medicare, health and life insurance, retirement accounts, and 

matching contributions to Thrift Savings Plan accounts. Salaries include the required additional 25 percent law 

enforcement availability pay for criminal investigators. 







- $1.2M (3.3 percent) of the proposed budget is dedicated to travel, per diem at current rates, and related 

expenses. The OIG staff is located at 12 offices on or near NASA installations and contractor facilities. 







- $1.7M (4.6 percent) of the proposed budget is dedicated to operations and includes funding for training, 

government vehicles, special equipment for criminal investigators, metro subsidies, and information technology 

equipment unique to the OIG.







- $3.2M (8.6 percent) of the proposed budget is funding for the Agency's annual financial audit.

Overview

IG - 1
Inspector General

Major Changes:

None

Major Highlights for FY 2011

None

The FY 2011 budget estimates for the IG is a total of $37.0 million: 



Personnel and related costs $30.9 million 



Travel $1.2 million 



Operations and Equipment $4.9 million

New Initiatives:

Inspector General

Plans for FY 2011

Inspector General

Inspector General 35.6 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 --

FY 2010 President's Budget 

Request

35.6 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 --

Inspector General 35.6 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 40.5

FY 2011 President's Budget 

Request

35.6 36.4 37.0 37.8 38.7 39.6 40.5

Total Change from FY 2010 

President's Budget Request

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 --

Note: In accordance with Public Law 110-409, Inspector General Reform Act of 2008, the Inspector General certifies that the 

$.4M for staff training and $.1M to support the Council of Inspectors General on Economy and Efficiency included in the budget 

request satisfy all known training requirements and planned contributions to the Council.







In all budget tables, the FY 2011 President's Budget Request depicts the July 2009 Operating Plan including American Recovery 

and Reinvestment Act for the FY 2009 Actual column and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117) without 

the Administrative transfers for the FY 2010 enacted column. Budget shown is the same as the IG's original request to the 

Agency.

FY 2011 Budget Request

Budget Authority ($ millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

IG - 2
SUP - 1 

Supporting Data: Table of Contents

SUPPORTING DATA TABLE OF CONTENTS

Civil Service Full-Time Equivalent Distribution by Center SUP-2 

Budget for FY 2011 by Object Class SUP-3 

Status of Unobligated Funds SUP-4 

Reimbursable Estimates SUP-5 

Enhanced Use Leasing SUP-6 

 

Budget for Safety Oversight SUP-7 

Budget for Public Relations SUP-9 

Consulting Services SUP-10

 

E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits SUP-11 
SUP - 2 

Supporting Data: Civil Service Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Distribution by Center

CIVIL SERVICE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT DISTRIBUTION BY CENTER

The workforce level proposed in the budget supports NASA’s traditional investments in space exploration, 

aeronautics research, space technology development, science investigation, and sharing the results of 

Agency activities with the public, educators, and students. 

Average Agency FTE levels of nearly 18,300 are expected from FY 2010 through FY 2015. The 

workforce will demonstrate the relevance to society of its work, apply itself to contemporary problems, 

lead or participate in emergent technology opportunities, and communicate the results of Agency 

programs and activities.

The Agency will apply its capabilities to the range of mission, research and technology work while 

continuing workforce reshaping and realignment to adjust to emerging requirements. The Agency 

anticipates offering buyouts in selected surplus skill areas, and it expects to identify, recruit, and retain 

employees who possess essential/critical skills and competencies. To promote workforce revitalization 

and adaptability, the Agency has set a goal of having no more than 85% of all Civil Service Science and 

Engineering (S&E) employees employed as Full-Time Permanent (FTE) Employees. These strategies are 

making good use of the flexibilities granted to the Agency in the NASA Flexibility Act of 2004.

Actuals1 FTE Estimates2

FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15

ARC 1,254 1,233 1,234 1,222 1,222 1,222 1,222

DFRC 556 553 555 551 547 547 547

GRC 1,607 1,659 1,662 1,652 1,642 1,634 1,634

GSFC 3,131 3,263 3,272 3,252 3,232 3,212 3,212

JSC 3,342 3,336 3,338 3,322 3,322 3,322 3,322

KSC 2,131 2,153 2,156 2,136 2,136 2,136 2,136

LaRC 1,895 1,945 1,946 1,927 1,927 1,927 1,927

MSFC 2,609 2,566 2,567 2,561 2,561 2,561 2,561

SSC 268 275 276 272 272 272 272

HQ 1,179 1,225 1,225 1,225 1,225 1,225 1,225

NSSC 128 146 146 146 146 146 146

TOTAL 18,100 18,354 18,377 18,266 18,232 18,204 18,204

1

Includes 250 student FTE 2Includes 267 student FTE each FY
SUP - 3 

Supporting Data: Budget for FY 2011 by Object Class Code

BUDGET FOR FY 2011 BY OBJECT CLASS CODE

The following tables reflect projections of obligations for FY 2011 based on FY 2009 actual obligations. 

The tables and data are organized to reflect the Mission Directorate structure which began in the FY 2009 

budget with the exception of the Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration mission 

which was initiated in FY 2010.

FY 2011 Total and Mission 

Directorate Estimates ($M)

NASASCIENCEAERONAUTICS AND SPACE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGYEXPLORATIONSPACE OPERATIONSEDUCATIONCROSS AGENCY SUPPORTCONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

Personnel compensation

Full-time permanent 1,906 213 209 368 275 4 837 0

Other than full-time permanent 148 16 17 42 26 0 48 0

Other personnel compensation 52 1 2 3 3 0 43 0

Special personal service payments 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Total Personnel compensation 2,108 230 228 413 304 4 929 0

Civilian personnel benefits 534 59 57 109 77 0 231 0

Benefits to former personnel 5 0 0 1 1 0 3 0

Travel & transportation of persons 85 16 8 20 15 1 25 0

Transportation of things 837 1 0 1 832 0 3 0

Rental payments to GSA 26 0 0 0 0 0 26 0

Rental payments to others 8 5 0 0 1 0 2 0

Communications, utilities & misc charges 126 6 8 7 26 0 79 0

Printing and reproduction 8 2 0 0 1 0 5 0

Advisory and assistance services 660 121 31 289 52 3 164 0

Other services 811 249 50 66 118 7 322 0

Other purchases of goods & services from 

Gov accounts 310 111 6 52 86 0 54 0

Operation and maintenance of facilities 2,059 20 45 187 1,144 1 279 382

Research & development contracts 8,594 3,488 490 2,475 1,822 7 312 0

Medical care 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0

Operation and maintenance of equipment 625 63 21 50 175 2 315 0

Supplies and materials 155 24 21 41 39 0 30 0

Equipment 207 41 19 19 81 0 47 0

Land and structures 281 9 10 65 26 0 172 0

Grants, subsidies, and contributions 880 551 53 85 4 127 60 0

TOTAL DIRECT 18,322 4,996 1,047 3,880 4,804 151 3,062 382
SUP - 4 

Supporting Data: Status of Unobligated Funds

STATUS OF UNOBLIGATED FUNDS

The figures below represent actual unobligated balances within NASA’s individual appropriation accounts 

as of September 30, 2009, and estimates for the disposition of those accounts at the future dates 

specified. 

FY 2009 – FY 2011 Appropriations ($ in millions)

Unobligated 

Balances Sept. 30, 

2009 1

Estimated 

Unobligated 

Balances Sept. 30, 

2010

Estimated 

Unobligated 

Balances Sept. 30, 

2011

Science 317 91 100

Aeronautics and Space Research & Technology 154 10 115

Exploration 229 47 430

Space Operations 12 63 147

Education 28 27 22

Cross-Agency Support 80 22 71

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 112 127

Inspector General 2 0 0

Total NASA 822 372 1,012

Prior Year Appropriations ($ in millions)

Unobligated 

Balances Sept. 30, 

2009

Estimated 

Unobligated 

Balances Sept. 30, 

2010

Estimated 

Unobligated 

Balances Sept. 30, 

2011

Science, Exploration, & Aeronautics 27

Exploration Capabilities 31

Science

Aeronautics

Exploration

Space Operations

Education

Cross-Agency Support

CoF & ECR

Total NASA 58 0 0

1

 FY 2009 Unobligated balances includes $608 million of 2009 Recovery Act funding
SUP - 5 

Supporting Data: Reimbursable Estimates

REIMBURSABLE ESTIMATES

Reimbursable agreements are agreements where the NASA costs associated with the undertaking are 

borne by the non-NASA partner. NASA undertakes reimbursable agreements when it has equipment, 

facilities, and services that it can make available to others in a manner that does not interfere with NASA 

mission requirements. As most reimbursable requests to NASA do not occur until the year of execution, 

the FY 2011 estimate is based on historical data.

Budget Authority ($ in millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011

Cross Agency Support 1,351.4 1,717.2 1,700.0

Office of Inspector General 0.5 1.2 1.2

Total 1,351.9 1,718.4 1,701.2
SUP - 6 

Supporting Data: Enhanced Use Leasing

ENHANCED USE LEASING

In 2003, NASA was authorized by Congress to demonstrate leasing authority and collections at two 

Centers. In 2007 and in 2008, that authority was amended by Congress such that NASA may enter into 

leasing arrangements at all Centers after December, 2008. After deducting the costs of administering the 

leases, Centers are then permitted to retain 65% of net receipt revenue, and the balance is made 

available Agency-wide for NASA. These funds are in addition to annual appropriations. To ensure annual 

oversight and review, the 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act, P.L. 111-117, contains a provision that 

requires NASA to submit an estimate of gross receipts and collections and proposed use of all funds 

collected in the annual budget justification submission to Congress. There are no civil servants funded 

from EUL income. The table below depicts the estimated FY 2011 Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) 

expenses and revenues. The amounts identified under Capital Asset Account Expenditures may be 

adjusted between projects listed based on actual contract award.

Enhanced Use Leasing Definitions: 

Base Rent - Revenue collected from tenant for rent of land or buildings. 

Institutional Support Costs - Cost for institutional shared services such as fire, security, first responder, 

communications, common grounds, road, and infrastructure maintenance, and routine administrative 

support and management oversight (i.e., environmental).

Total Rental Income - Total gross proceeds from EUL activities for expenses due to renting NASA 

property. 

In-Kind - Consideration accepted in lieu of rent payment. (Only applies to selected leases signed prior to 

Jan 1, 2009). 

Reimbursable Demand Services - Services such as janitorial, communications, and maintenance that 

solely benefit the tenant and provided for their convenience. There is no net income received by NASA, 

as these payments may only cover the costs of NASA and its vendors providing these services.

Overhead - General and administrative costs associated with management of the specified demand 

services.

FY2011 EUL Expenses and Revenues ($K) ARC KSC Agency Total

Base Rent $6,612.2 $57.9 $6,670.1

Institutional Support Income $1,747.5 $14.4 $1,761.9

 Total Rent Income $8,359.7 $8,359.7

Institutional Support Costs -$1,747.5 -$14.4 -$1,761.9

Lease Management and Administration -$720.0 -$720.0

Tenant Building Maintenance and Repair -$320.0 -$320.0

 Total Cost Associated with Leases -$2,787.5 -$14.4 -$2,801.9

Net Revenue from Lease Activity $5,572.2 $57.9 $5,630.1

Beginning Balance, Capital Asset Account $0.0 $0.0 $0.0

Net Revenue from Lease Activity $3,621.9 $37.6 $1,970.5 $5,630.0

 - Planned Maintenance, Various building (ARC) $1,600.0 $1,600.0

 - Life Safety and Seismic Repairs, Various Buildings (ARC) $212.0 $212.0

 - Replace Roofs, Various Building (ARC) $1,750.9 $1,750.9

 - Replace Roof on Building N231 ARC Jet Lab & Machine Shop (ARC) $59.0 $59.0

 - Energy and Sustainability Upgrades, Various Buildings (Various Centers) $1,970.5

Center Capital Asset Account Expenditures $3,621.9 $0.0 $1,970.5 $5,592.4

Capital Asset Account Ending Balance $0.0 $37.6 $0.0 $37.6

Additional Reimbursable Demand Services Requested by Leasees 

(including overhead) $1,091.8 $1,091.8

Cost to Fulfill Reimbursable Demand Services (including overhead) -$1,091.8 -$1,091.8

 Net activity due to Reimbursable Demand Services $ - $ - $0.0

In Kind $425.0 $ - $425.0
SUP - 7 

Supporting Data: Budget for Safety Oversight

BUDGET FOR SAFETY OVERSIGHT

The following table provides the safety and mission assurance budget estimates. This includes the 

Agency-wide safety oversight functions as well as the estimated project specific safety, reliability, 

maintainability and quality assurance elements embedded within individual projects. The figures shown in 

the table below do not include safety and mission assurance costs associated with lower level NASA 

projects. The out-year numbers are estimates.

Agency-wide Safety Oversight: Agency level programs and activities that support the overarching NASA 

Safety and Mission Success program.

Safety and Mission Assurance

The Safety and Mission Assurance program administers and refines the pertinent policies, procedural 

requirements, and technical safety standards. The program participate in forums that provide advice to 

the Administrator, Mission Directorates, Program Managers and Center Directors who are ultimately 

accountable for the safety and mission success of all NASA programs, projects, and operations. Specific 

program responsibility include, among other activities, managing NASA’s Orbital Debris program, NASA’s 

Electronic Parts program and the NASA Safety Center.

Institutional Operational Safety 

NASA’s institutional operational safety program is driven by OSHA 29 CFR 1960, OSHA Standards, NPR 

8715.1, NASA Safety and Health Handbook Occupational Safety and Health Programs, NPR 8715.3, and 

NASA’s general safety program requirements. The program includes construction safety, the mishap 

prevention program including reporting and investigations, safety training, safety awareness, the safety 

management program, safety metrics and trend analysis, contractor insight/oversight, support to safety 

boards and committees, support to emergency preparedness and fire safety program, aviation safety, 

explosives and propellants safety, nuclear safety requirements, radiation safety protection, confined 

space entry, fall protection, lifting devices, pressure vessel safety, hazard reporting and abatement 

systems, cryogenic safety, electrical safety requirements (lock out/tag out), facility systems safety, risk 

management, institutional safety policy development, visitor and public safety, and institutional safety 

engineering. The institutional operational safety program requires significant federal state and local 

coordination. 

$ In Millions

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Total Safety Oversight 485.3 498.2 494.8 498.2 507.8 517.5 527.5

Agency-wide Safety Oversight 115.7 121.2 123.0 125.0 127.1 129.2 131.5

 Safety and Mission Assurance 44.3 48.3 48.8 49.3 49.8 50.4 51.0

 Institutional Operational Safety 25.2 25.7 26.2 26.7 27.3 27.8 28.4

 Technical Authority 23.4 23.9 24.3 24.8 25.3 25.8 26.4

 Safety & Mission Assurance Spt. 22.8 23.3 23.7 24.2 24.7 25.2 25.7

Program Specific 369.6 377.0 371.8 373.2 380.7 388.3 396.0

 Exploration 43.4 44.3 185.0 275.0 280.5 286.1 291.8

 Science 69.0 70.4 71.8 73.2 74.7 76.2 77.7

 Space Operations 257.2 262.3 115.0 25.0 25.5 26.0 26.5
SUP - 8 

Supporting Data: Budget for Safety Oversight (continued)

Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) Technical Authority 

The S&MA technical authority program includes labor and travel only for all S&MA supervisors, branch 

chiefs or above and designated deputies. In addition, where the principal job function of a nonsupervisory S&MA person consists of rendering authoritative decisions on S&MA requirement matters 

relating to the design or operation of a program or project, that person’s salary is included. These 

positions often are the lead S&MA manager positions for large programs where the decision making 

process is nearly a full time demand. This category does not include salary for those whose work only 

occasionally falls as an authority task. This includes travel funds in direct support of these individuals.

Safety & Mission Assurance Mission Support 

S&MA mission support, including administrative support, which cannot be directly charged to a program. 

This budget includes policy development across the programs, range safety, payload safety (ground 

processing), independent assessments, metrology and calibration (for Center), reliability and 

maintainability policy, Center-wide S&MA program integration and analysis, business and administrative 

support to S&MA Directorates, and quality assurance for facilities and ground support hardware. 

Program Specific: Project specific activities that support the safety and mission success needs of an 

individual project.
SUP - 9 

Supporting Data: Budget for Public Relations

BUDGET FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS BY CENTER

The NASA budget for Public Affairs is not funded by programs. Instead, it is budgeted in two separate 

accounts under 1) Center Management and Operations (CMO) and 2) Agency Management and 

Operations (AMO). All the Installations listed below with the exception of Headquarters are in the CMO 

account. The Headquarters budget is in the AMO account. 

These budgets include dissemination of information to the news media and the general public concerning 

NASA programs. Content includes support for public affairs/public relations, Center newsletters, internal 

communications, guest operations (including bus transportation), public inquiries, NASA TV, nasa.gov 

portal and other multimedia support. Funding by installation is shown below. 

Center ($ in millions)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Enacted FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015

Ames Research Center 1.0 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.9

Dryden Flight Research Center 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

Glenn Research Center 1.9 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.1 3.2

Goddard Space Flight Center 3.6 4.3 4.4 4.6 4.8 5.0 5.2

Headquarters 7.9 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8

Johnson Space Center 6.6 6.8 5.6 5.8 6.2 6.1 6.7

Kennedy Space Center 4.7 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.2

Langley Research Center 2.1 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.7 2.7

Marshall Space Flight Center 2.7 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5

Stennis Space Center 1.4 11.1 8.6 8.5 8.7 9.1 9.2

Total 32.6 36.5 33.3 34.0 35.1 36.0 37.2
SUP - 10 

Supporting Data: Consulting Services

SUMMARY OF CONSULTING SERVICES

NASA uses paid experts and consultants to provide advice and expertise to or beyond that which is 

available from its in-house civil service workforce. Management controls are established which assure 

that before entering into a consultant or expert services arrangement with an individual that there is ample 

justification. 

Most of the expert and consultant services are used by the NASA Advisory Council and the Aerospace 

Safety Advisory Panel. NASA uses experts and consultants to provide expertise on the selection of 

experiments for future space missions. The use of these experts and consultants provides the Agency 

with an independent view that assures the selection of experiments likely to have the greatest scientific 

merit. Other individuals are used to provide independent looks at technical and functional problems in 

order to give top management the widest possible range of views before making major decisions.

Note: Definition of Consultants and Experts

A consultant is a person who can provide valuable and pertinent advice generally drawn from a high 

degree of broad administrative, professional, or technical knowledge or experience. When an agency 

requires public advisory participation, a consultant also may be a person who is affected by a particular 

program and can provide useful views from personal experience. 

An expert is a person who is specially qualified by education and experience to perform difficult and 

challenging tasks in a particular field beyond the usual range of achievement of competent persons in that 

field. An expert is regarded by other persons in the field as an authority or practitioner of unusual 

competence and skill in a professional, scientific, technical or other activity. 

These definitions are located under 5 CFR 304.102. The appointments are made under 5 U.S.C. 3109. 

and the use of this authority is reported to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) annually.

Expert / Consultants (Total NASA)

FY 2009 

Actual

FY 2010 

Current

FY 2011 

Estimate

Number of Paid Experts and Consultants 46 40 40

Annual FTE Usage 6 5 5

Salaries $0.5 $0.3 $0.3 

Total Salary and Benefits Costs $0.6 $0.4 $0.4 

Travel Costs $0.3 $0.3 $0.3 

Total Costs $0.9 $0.7 $0.7 
SUP - 11 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits

E-GOV INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS

NASA is providing funding contributions in FY 2011 for each of the following E-Government Initiatives:

Initiative

2011 Contributions 

(Includes In-Kind) 2011 Service Fees *

E-Rulemaking 

026-00-01-99-04-0060-24 $55,113

Grants.gov 

026-00-01-99-04-0160-24 $208,424

E-Training

026-00-01-99-04-1217-24 $700,000

Recruitment One-Stop $96,791

EHRI 

026-00-01-99-04-1219-24 $362,772

E-Payroll 

026-00-01-99-04-1221-24 $3,825,650

E-Travel 

026-00-01-99-04-0220-24 $1,552,396

Integrated Acquisition Environment 

026-00-01-99-04-0230-24 $1,783,828

IAE-Loans and Grants 

026-00-01-99-04-4300-24 $2,156

Financial Management LoB 

026-00-01-99-04-1100-24 $75,000

Human Resources Management LoB

026-00-01-99-04-1200-24 $65,217

Grants Management LoB 

026-00-01-99-04-1300-24 $59,316

Geospatial LoB 

026-00-01-99-04-3100-24 $15,000

Budget Formulation and Execution LoB

026-00-01-99-04-3200-24 $105,000

NASA Total $527,957 $8,378,706

* Service Fees are estimates as provided by the E-Government Initiative Managing Partners

NASA’s FY 2010 Exhibit 300 IT business cases will be posted at: 

www.nasa.gov/offices/ocio/reports/exhibit300.html within two weeks of the release of the President’s 

Budget. NASA’s Congressional Justification, which will be posted online, will include a link to the Exhibit 

300s. Additional information about these NASA investments (along with other Federal IT investments) 

can be explored in more detail at the IT Dashboard, located at: http://it.usaspending.gov/.
SUP - 12 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

The E-Government initiatives serve citizens, businesses, and federal employees by delivering high quality 

services more efficiently at a lower price. Instead of expensive “stove-piped” operations, agencies work 

together to develop common solutions that achieve mission requirements at reduced cost, thereby 

making resources available for higher priority needs. Benefits realized through the use of these initiatives 

for NASA in FY 2011 are as follows: 

NASA’s benefits for the E-Rulemaking initiative are largely focused on public benefits. One-stop access to 

NASA and other Federal agency information on rulemakings and non-rulemaking activities is included in 

the more than 2 million documents posted on Regulations.gov. The rate at which the public uses 

Regulations.gov to submit comments (known as public submissions) is increasing rapidly. The public 

initially submitted about 1,000 comments per month during the first 18 months of the public site. Now, the

public submits nearly 40,000 comments per month. The public has also visited Regulations.gov more 

than 200 million times, averaging 5 million hits per month in 2006, 6.2 million in 2007, and 12.5 million in 

2008. 

E-Rulemaking (Managing Partner EPA) FY 2011 Benefits

Regulations.gov site active is illustrated by the following statistics for FY 2009:

• Monthly average number of site hits is 10.5 million;

• Monthly average number of page views is 6.6 million;

• Approximately 39,000 documents added per month on average; and

• Nearly 2.2 million documents are available to the public on the site;

Since FY 2008, over thirty departments and independent agencies (constituting more than 90% of 

Federal rulemaking activity) have fully implemented the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) 

and additional agencies continue to join the program each year. The E-Rulemaking program currently 

supports nearly 7,500 Federal agency users from more than 160 rulemaking entities.

In addition to the process benefits the E-Rulemaking solution offers, it is estimated to provide cost 

avoidance benefits over traditional baseline paper processes to a level of $30 million over five years. The 

electronic docket solution selected by E-Rulemaking governance bodies is a centralized architecture that 

is configurable for each participating entity allowing role-based access to develop workflow and 

collaboration processes to manage their content. This centrally managed solution is estimated to save a 

range of $106 – $129 million over five years as compared to other alternatives that seek the same 

benefits but are based on decentralized architectures. These figures were calculated in the summer of 

2007 by an independent economist hired by the E-Rulemaking Program to develop a Cost-Benefit Model.

NASA benefits in several ways through its participation and reliance on FDMS and Regulations.gov. 

NASA reaps substantial benefits by improving the transparency of its rulemaking actions as well as 

increasing public participation in the regulatory process. Direct budget cost savings and cost avoidance 

result from NASA’s transition to FDMS and Regulations.gov, enabling the Agency to discontinue efforts to 

develop, deploy and operate specific individual online docket and public comment systems. Over a fiveyear period, NASA is estimated to save over $700 thousand over alternative options that would provide 

similar services.

The Grants.gov Initiative benefits NASA and its grant programs by providing a single location to publish 

grant (funding) opportunities and application packages, making the process easier for applicants to apply 

to multiple agencies. Grants.gov achieved tremendous growth during FY 2009 exceeding the previous 

Fiscal Year total of 202,366 submissions. Grants.gov received a total of 309,771 submissions in FY 2009 

– a 53% increase. 

Grants.gov (Managing Partner HHS) FY 2011 Benefits
SUP - 13 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

All 26 major Federal grant making agencies posted 100% of their synopses for discretionary funding 

opportunity announcements on Grants.gov. 4,547 discretionary application packages were posted in FY 

2009, 717 of those accompanying a matching synopsis. The remaining 3,830 approved exemptions 

included some fellowships and collaborative grants (government-wide processing is still in initial 

government-wide functional requirements phase with the agencies and Grants.gov), or were not 

discretionary applications but were requests for information (RFI), broad agency announcements (BAA), 

or by the nature of their business process had not been posted within the quarter that was being 

measured. By the end of FY 2009, 717 opportunities were available for electronic application through 

Grants.gov, representing an increase of more then 20% over FY 2008. 

Additionally, 886 discretionary synopses were posted in FY 2009, with 12,927 posted since the launch of 

the Grants.gov website and 795,915 application submissions have being processed by Grants.gov since 

full processing was deployed in FY 2004. These submissions cover all agency and application 

populations – small to large, research to state and local governments, not-for-profit, etc.

Through the government-wide Grants.gov Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Service Level 

Agreement (SLA) with all 26 Federal agencies, Grants.gov provided contact center operations servicing 

on over 220,862 phone calls and 64,180 emails for a total of 285,042 contacts on behalf of the grant 

making agencies. The Grants.gov Program Management office serviced and trained over 8,500 people 

including Federal, state and local grant administrators, Congressional workshops, and grant 

organizations. Additionally, over 24,198 registration brochures were distributed during FY 2009. 

Grants.gov instituted quarterly satellite webcasts to provide outreach, status,technical and program 

management status and support servicing to the grant community.

The Grants.gov Initiative benefits NASA and its grant programs by providing broader exposure to a wider 

community who could potentially apply for NASA funding. In addition, Grants.gov provides a single site 

for the grantee community to apply for grants using a standard set of forms, processes and systems 

giving greater access and ability to apply for Federal funding. Through the use of Grants.gov NASA is

able to reduce operating costs associated with online posting and application of grants. Additionally, the 

Agency is able to improve operational effectiveness through use of Grants.Gov by increasing data 

accuracy and reducing processing cycle times. 

The E-Training Initiative provides a premier electronic training environment to support the development of 

the Federal workforce. The initiative advanced the accomplishment of agency missions through simplified 

and one-stop access to E-Training products and services. The availability of an electronic training 

environment enhances the ability of the Federal government to attract, retain, manage, and educate the 

highly skilled professionals needed for a flexible and high-performing government workforce. 

E-Training (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2011 Benefits

The E-Training Initiative benefits NASA and other Federal workforce by reducing redundancies and 

achieving economies of scale in the purchase and/or development of E-Learning content and in purchase 

of learning technology infrastructure. In 2006, NASA streamlined its three separate online training 

systems into one centralized learning management system, SATERN. SATERN is a “one-stop” approach 

offering Web-based access to training and career development resources. This centralized approach has

allowed NASA to reduce costs through the consolidation of multiple learning systems.
SUP - 14 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits

Through these consolidations in SATERN, employees can more comprehensively view required training, 

launch online content, view training history, and self-register for courses. In addition, the system allows 

NASA to identify offices that have not met training requirements and bring them in line with Federal 

mandates. SATERN also offers employees access to career planning tools, individual development plans, 

and competency management tools. Currently SATERN has more than 2,000 online courses and 10,000 

online books in its catalog, and recently added new SkillSoft courses covering a wide variety of topics and 

subject areas for business, information technology, and engineering. SkillSoft and Books 24x7 are 

available through SATERN at anytime, so they can easily be accessed at the employee’s convenience 

either at work or at home.

USAJOBS is the United States Government’s official system and program for Federal jobs and 

employment information. The USAJOBS system delivers the service by which Federal agencies meet 

their legal obligation (5 USC 3327 and 5 USC 3330) to provide public notice of Federal employment 

opportunities to Federal employees and American citizens. USAJOBS receives revenue from other 

government agencies through a fee-for-service funding model. In FY 2010, USAJOBS expects to collect 

$9.780 million in revenue and incur expenses of $9.058 million. 

Recruitment One-Stop (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2011 Benefits

Since the inception of the Recruitment One Stop (ROS) Initiative, Federal agencies have enjoyed the 

uninterrupted use of the USAJOBS System. In previous years, the Competitive Service Components bore

the cost of maintaining the site and the functionality associated with the system. Beginning in FY 2008, all 

agencies using USAJOBS shared in the cost of operation. The FY 2009 fee assessment was lowered by 

21% to return FY 2008 savings to agency stakeholders in a manner that allowed funds to be used for 

other HR programs in FY 2009.

The following program enhancements and major initiatives are scheduled during FY 2010:

• Billing and Collection of fees from agencies using a historically based “per-posting” model that 

mimics the private sector fee structure.

• Continuous Monitoring and Independent Verification and Validation program will be managed by 

the USAJOBS Program Office. All vendor systems entering through the Business Gateway 

(BGW) and connecting to USAJOBS must meet minimal connectivity standards prior to access 

being granted.

• Expiration of the current master technology contract and the re-compete for services contract. 

• Intensified and targeted Marketing and Outreach Program

Integration with Recruitment One-Stop allows NASA to better attract individuals who can accomplish the 

Agency’s mission. The USAJOBS interface allows job seekers to view and apply for all NASA 

employment opportunities, as well as those from other Federal agencies. On average, USAJOBS.gov has 

over 250,000 visitors per day (the online portal serviced over 50 million applications during FY 2008) and 

over 100,000 resumes are created monthly.

NASA adopted the USAJOBS resume as the basic application document for all NASA positions, except 

for Astronaut positions, with Phase II implementation completed in 2005. Although the Agency believes 

that implementation of ROS has resulted in significant intangible benefits in terms of providing better 

vacancy information to applicants, it has not resulted in any specific cost savings to NASA. However, 

numerous intangible benefits ROS provides to NASA and other agencies include:

• Decreasing hiring time for managers;

• Providing an integrated solution to agency applicant assessment systems;

• Providing a cost effective marketing and recruitment tool;

• Realizing cost savings over commercial job posting boards;
SUP - 15 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

• Reducing the delay associated with filling critical agency vacancies; and

• Enhancing competition with the private sector for the best and brightest talent for Federal service.

Enterprise HR Integration (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2011 Benefits

The Enterprise HR Integration (EHRI) Program supports the strategic management of human capital by 

providing agency customers with access to timely and accurate Federal workforce data. In support of this 

objective, EHRI has the following goals: 1) streamline and automate the exchange of Federal employee 

human resources (HR) information government-wide; 2) provide comprehensive knowledge management 

and workforce analysis, forecasting, and reporting across the Executive Branch; 3) maximize cost savings 

captured through automation; and 4) enhance retirement processing throughout the Executive Branch.

A key initiative of EHRI is the electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF), a web-based application that is 

capable of storing, processing, and displaying the OPFs of all current, separated, and retired Federal 

employees. When fully implemented, the eOPF will cover the entire Executive Branch as well as some 

other Federal and Local Governments with a total user population of more than 1.9.million The system 

will replace the existing manual HR process by automating the Federal Government’s HR processes and 

thereby creating a streamlined Federal HR system for all Federal employees. The initiative is achieving 

cost savings that are recognized on a per-folder basis. The total cost avoidance per folder is estimated at 

$55.56. In FY 2009, EHRI increased the number of converted folders to more than 1.2 million for more 

than 30 agencies.

Specific EHRI/eOPF benefits to NASA include improved convenience in searching, better security and 

safety to electronic files, is more economical streamlined business processes, and enabled the ability to 

have a central repository of OPF records for the Agency. Specific NASA employee benefits include 

secure online access to OPFs, automatic notification when documents are added, exchange of retirement 

and HR data across agencies and systems, and the elimination of duplicate and repetitive personnel data 

in personnel folders. NASA completed its implementation to eOPF in March, 2008, and transitioned 

personnel action processing to the NASA Shared Service Center (NSSC).

The E-Payroll Initiative standardizes and consolidates government-wide Federal civilian payroll services 

and processes by simplifying and standardizing human resources (HR)/payroll policies and procedures 

and better integrating payroll, HR, and finance functions. Prior to beginning the initiative, 26 Federal 

agencies provided payroll services. Now four providers furnish payroll services for the Executive Branch. 

In 2004, the Department of Interior (DOI) began serving as NASA's payroll provider, using their system 

called the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS), to process NASA's HR and Payroll 

transactions. The E-Payroll initiative benefits NASA by permitting the Agency to focus on its mission 

related activities rather than on administrative payroll functions. Payroll processing costs are reduced 

through economies of scale and cost avoidance of duplicative capital system modernization activities. 

The initiative also promotes standardization of business processes and practices and a unified service 

delivery. 

E-Payroll (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2011 Benefits
SUP - 16 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

The E-Gov Travel Service (ETS) is a government-wide web-based service that provides standardized 

travel management practices to consolidate federal travel, minimize cost and produce superior customer 

satisfaction. The ETS is commercially hosted to minimize technology development costs to the 

government and guarantee refreshed functionality for basic travel services included in the master 

contract. From travel planning and authorization to the review and approval of post-travel reimbursement, 

this end-to-end service streamlines travel management and enables the government to capture real-time 

visibility into the buying choices of travelers while assisting agencies in optimizing their travel budgets 

thus producing a savings to the taxpayer.

E-Travel (Managing Partner GSA) FY 2011 Benefits

The benefits of the ETS include: 

• Increased cost savings associated with overall reduction to Travel Management Center 

transaction service fees;

• Improved strategic source pricing through cross-government purchasing agreements; 

• Improved business process functionality as a result of streamlined travel policies and processes;

• Enhanced security and privacy controls for the protection of government and personal data; and

• Improved Agency oversight and audit capabilities. 

As the ETS is a fully integrated, end-to-end travel solution, program cost avoidance is realized by a 

reduction of traveler and manager time for planning, arranging, authorizing, approving and post-travel 

reimbursement processing. Travelers also benefit from ETS’ increased efficiency in the end-to-end 

electronic solution as their reimbursements are expedited. Additional initiative savings are realized from 

the elimination of costly paper-based systems, the decommissioning of legacy travel systems and the 

reduction of agency overhead by consolidating the number of travel contracts. Prior to ETS, the estimated 

overall government-wide on-line adoption rate for travel reservations was approximately 6%. To date, in 

agencies using the ETS end-to-end, the on-line booking engine (OBE) adoption rate is over 76% resulting 

in dramatic cost savings as a result of lowering travel agent service fees.

NASA completed migration of its travel services to Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS), one of 

the three designated E-Travel service providers, in mid-2009. Completing this migration has allowed 

NASA to provide more efficient and effective travel management services. Potential benefits include cost 

savings associated with cross-government purchasing agreements and improved functionality through 

streamlined travel policies and processes, strict security and privacy controls, and enhanced Agency 

oversight and audit capabilities. NASA employees are also benefitting through more efficient travel 

planning, authorization, and reimbursement processes. 

The Integrated Acquisition Environment (IAE) initiative is designed to streamline the process of reporting 

on subcontracting plans and to provide agencies with access to analytical data on subcontracting 

performance. Use of the IAE common functions and services allows agencies to focus on agency-specific 

needs such as strategy, operations, and management while leveraging shared services for common 

functions. Furthermore, use of a government-wide business focused service environment reduces funding 

and resources for technical services and support for acquisition systems originally housed by individual 

agencies. Over 6.5 million hours were saved by the contributing agencies in completing over 14.4 million 

recorded acquisition business process transactions. Contributing agencies received estimated benefits of 

$341.6 million based upon the processes, personnel, roles, steps, and actions involved. Additionally, 

agencies realized an estimated cost avoidance of $5.8 million and estimated operational cost savings of 

$31.5 million. 

Integrated Acquisition Environment (Managing Partner GSA) FY 2011 Benefits
SUP - 17 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

The IAE services were greatly impacted by the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 

of 2009 (“the Recovery Act”). In order to provide greater transparency and openness for Recovery Act 

opportunities, the FedBizOpps (FBO) team quickly took several actions to flag Recovery Act actions and 

simplify searches for Recovery actions. The Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) team also was 

able to respond quickly to the demands for transparency related to Recovery Act expenditures by 

insertion of Treasury Account Symbols into FPDS and providing a report to track recovery spending.

IAE facilitates and supports cost-effective acquisition of goods and services by agencies. The IAE 

initiative provides common acquisition functions and shared services that benefit all agencies, such as the 

maintenance of information about business-partner organizations (e.g., banking, certifications, business 

types, capabilities, performance). IAE provides benefits to the government and business-partner 

organizations by improving cross-agency coordination that helps to improve the government’s buying 

power, while providing business partners maximum visibility and transparency into the process. IAE 

provides various services, tools and capabilities that can be leveraged by the acquisition community 

including buyers, sellers, and the public to conduct business across the Federal government space.

Government buyers can:

• Search for commercial and government sources

• Post synopses and solicitations

• Securely post sensitive solicitation documents 

• Access reports on vendors’ performance

• Retrieve vendor data validated by SBA and Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

• Identify excluded parties

• Report contract awards

Business suppliers can:

• Search business opportunities by product, service, agency, or location

• Receive e-mail notification of solicitations based on specific criteria

• Register to do business with the Federal government 

• Enter representations and certifications one time

• Revalidate registration data annually

• Report subcontracting accomplishments

Citizens can:

• Retrieve data on contract awards 

• Track Federal spending

• Search to find registered businesses

• Monitor business opportunities

Through adoption of the tools and services provided by IAE, NASA improves its ability to make informed 

and efficient purchasing decisions and allows it to replace manual processes. If NASA were not allowed 

to use the IAE systems, they would need to build and maintain separate systems to record vendor and 

contract information, and to post procurement opportunities. Agency purchasing officials would not have 

access to databases of important information from other agencies on vendor performance and could not

use systems to replace paper-based and labor-intensive work efforts. 

Integrated Acquisition Environment – Loans & Grants FY 2011 Benefits

All agencies participating in the posting and/or awarding of Federal Contracts, Grants and Loans are 

required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006, as well as the 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) reporting requirements, to disclose award 

information on a publicly accessible website. FFATA requires OMB to lead the development of a single, 

searchable website through which the public can readily access information about grants and contracts 

provided by Federal government agencies.1

 

1 More information on the development of this website can be found at: 

 

http://www.federalspending.gov. 
SUP - 18 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continuing)

Based on the recommendations of the Transparency Act Taskforce, the website leverages functionality 

provided by the Integrated Acquisition Environment (IAE) initiative to provide Data Universal Numbering 

System (DUNS) numbers as the unique identifier. An existing IAE Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) transactionbased contract for the contract community was expanded to provide government-wide D&B services for 

the Grants & Loans community. These services include parent linkage, help desk support, world 

database lookup, business validation and linkage monitoring, matching services, as well as the use of 

DUNS numbers. The enterprise D&B contract provides substantial savings to the participating agencies 

over their previous agency transaction-based D&B contracts.

On December 14, 2007, OMB launched www.USASpending.gov to meet the FFATA statutory 

requirements, ahead of schedule. Since launch, OMB has and will continue to work with agencies to 

improve the quality, timeliness, and accuracy of their data submissions and has released a series of 

enhancements to the site. USASpending.gov complements other websites providing the public Federal 

program performance information (e.g., USA.gov, Results.gov and ExpectMore.gov). 

USASpending.gov provides:

• the name of the entity receiving the award; 

• the amount of the award; 

• information on the award including transaction type, funding agency, etc; 

• the location of the entity receiving the award; 

• a unique identifier of the entity receiving the award. 

In addition to routine enhancements to improve usability and maintainability, USASpending.gov is 

focused on supporting implementation of sub-contract and sub-grant awards reporting.

Cross government cooperation with OMB’s IAE initiative allows agencies and contributing bureaus to 

meet the requirements of the FFATA by assigning a unique identifier, determining corporate hierarchy, 

and validating and cleaning up incorrect or incomplete data. The FFATA enhances transparency of 

Federal program performance information and funding. 

The FY 2011 IAE Loans and Grants funding requirement supports the FFATA for the relationship with 

D&B and DUNS support services. In addition to provision of DUNS numbers, D&B is now providing 

business and linkage data seamlessly, and the business arrangement supports the quality of data by realtime updates. NASA and other agencies will leverage the linkages to corporate organizational rollups 

based on parental and subsidiary relationships.
SUP - 19 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

LINES OF BUSINESS

The Financial Management Line of Business (FM LoB) leverages shared service solutions that improve 

the quality of Federal financial data and decrease known inefficiencies—and costs—that are typical of 

redundant financial management systems. FM LoB’s Shared Services Providers (SSPs) offer participating 

agencies the economies of scale and expertise in IT and financial reporting not always available within a 

single agency. An emphasis is being placed on greater standardization, transparency and business 

process improvements as opposed to solely technology improvements.

Financial Management LoB (Managing Partners DOE and DOL) FY 2011 Benefits

The FM LoB initiative uses standard business practices and meets federal accounting standards for 

financial reporting. This level of standardization across all Federal agencies would provide executive 

decision makers with accurate information from which to assess program performance and risks, evaluate 

costs, and improve stewardship across the Federal government. Agencies will be able to improve 

financial management decision making and program performance. 

Current OMB FM LoB policy requires agencies to conduct a competition among Federal and Commercial 

Shared Services Providers (SSPs) before attempting to modernize financial systems. Commercial SSPs 

have not yet been designated to support the same range of services provided by Federal SSPs.

Benefits of these SSPs include:

• Cost Avoidance: 

o Agencies using SSPs will not have to configure, operate and maintain individual financial 

systems, whether customized or commercial off-the-shelf (COTS); 

o Share common costs for standard application management and IT support functions; and

o Minimize costs of testing and evaluation for upgrades.

• Facilitate Best Practices:

o Agency SSP customers leverage IT and financial processing expertise to provide shared 

services to multiple agencies, boards, and commissions;

o Share consistent, reliable financial data that can be shared across agency business 

systems

o Use standardized, government-wide financial codes and categorizations of financial 

transactions that improve financial reporting and accountability;

o Increase efficiency of financial transactions through reengineered and stream-lined 

business processes; and

o Minimize risks associated with financial system implementation by providing a uniform 

starting point for configuration

In October 2009, FMLoB released the standard business processes for Reporting and Reimbursable

Management. Currently, FM LoB is creating tools that will offer agencies a boilerplate solicitation template 

and guidelines for completing an RFP or system migrations. FMLoB is also incorporating public feedback 

to draft core financial system requirements. Once the requirements have been updated, the certified core 

accounting software products will be tested and a federal configuration will be implemented to help 

agencies upgrade their existing financial management software or migrate to an SSP. 

NASA implemented their core financial system the year preceding establishment of the FMLoB and has

already invested and consolidated much of its financial transaction processing to a central Shared 

Services Center. NASA has expressed interest in becoming an FMLoB Shared Service Provider for the 

Federal government. 
SUP - 20 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

Through the HR LoB, OPM is using Enterprise Architecture (EA)based principles and best practices, 

proven through the E-Gov initiatives and Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA), to identify common 

solutions for HR business processes and/or technology-based shared HR services to be made available 

to government agencies. Driven from a business perspective rather than a technology focus, the 

solutions will address distinct business improvements that enhance government’s performance of HR 

services in support of agency missions delivering services to citizens. The end result of the HR LoB 

efforts will be to save taxpayer dollars, reduce administrative burdens, and significantly improve HR 

service delivery.

Human Resources Management LoB (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2011 Benefits

The revised HR LOB Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) identified cost savings and avoidance to be realized by 

the Federal government as agencies migrate their HR and p ayroll systems to Shared Service Centers. 

Through FY 2015, the projected cost savings will exceed $1.3 billion with total lifecycle benefits of nearly

$3 billion and total lifecycle costs of $1.6 billion. As the HR LOB continues to move forward with agency 

migrations to the approved Shared Service Centers (SSCs), significant cost savings and avoidance are 

achieved and other benefits such as improved management, operational efficiencies, and improved 

customer services are realized. 

To date five U.S. government agencies have been designated as public sector SSCs: Department of 

Agriculture (USDA), Department of the Interior, Department of the Treasury, Department of Health and 

Human Services and Department of Defense (DoD). The four private sector SSCs are: Accenture 

National Security Services, Allied Technology Group, Inc., Carahsoft Technology Corporation, and IBM. 

In addition, four U.S. government agencies serve as payroll providers: DoD’s Defense Finance and 

Accounting Service (DFAS), the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Interior’s 

National Business Center (NBC) and the USDA’s National Finance Center (NFC).

Selected HR LoB accomplishments from 2009 include:

• HR and Payroll Benchmarking 

o Performed the first-ever HR Benchmarking study of Shared Service Centers and 

agencies providing a snapshot of current HR operational performance and set a baseline 

of performance in 2009 against which to compare future progress. Updated the Payroll 

Benchmarking study, which continues to demonstrate the success of the four Federal EPayroll providers when compared to industry benchmarks.

• Provider Assessment 

o Completed the design and development of an assessment process to appraise HR LOB 

Shared Service Centers and Payroll Providers on their ability to deliver services to their 

customers emphasizing compliance, transparency and modernization. The assessments 

are designed to deliver benefits to both providers and their customer agencies.

• Cost Benefit Analysis 

o Updated the HR LOB Cost Benefit Analysis and established a new baseline for 

measuring cost savings and cost avoidance associated with the initiative. The CBA 

calculates the cost savings and avoidance that will be realized across the government as 

a result of the HR LOB initiative and agency migration of core HR IT and payroll services 

to an HR LOB SSC or Payroll provider. By the end of FY 2015, the HR LOB is projected 

to generate over $1.3 billion in total cost savings and avoidance for the government. After 

FY 2015, the HR LOB is expected to generate over $200 million in cost savings annually. 
SUP - 21 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

• HR Systems Integration 

o Completed version 1.0 of the Integration Support Project which provides the first-ever 

end-to-end integration view of government-wide HR systems at OPM. Building on version 

1.0 of the ISP, the HR LOB also launched an effort to address multiple feeds and 

redundant data, and enhance the user experience of OPM government-wide systems. In 

addition, the HR LOB established an E-Authentication workgroup to develop a 

standardized approach for implementing E-Authentication across agencies and 

government-wide systems.

• HR Enterprise Architecture 

o Mapped HR LOB Target Requirements to the Service Component Model to provide 

customers and providers a common understanding of HR services that can serve as a 

basis for negotiating service-delivery expectations.

In FY 2010 the HR LoB will conduct the following activities designed to achieve the initiative’s goals:

• HR IT Transformation

o Provide and manage a government-wide Human Resources Information Technology (HR 

IT) strategy that integrates Office of Personnel Management (OPM) systems to address 

multiple feeds and redundant data and enhance the end user experience; put into place 

the standards, guidelines, architectural specifications, and governance to achieve 

integration; and establish a government-wide vision for HR IT that enables HR 

transformation.

• Standards and Requirements

o Monitor the evolution of the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) and ensure HR IT 

innovation through updating the HR LOB FEA models and target requirements.

• SSC Oversight and Assessment

o Oversee agency migrations to Shared Service Centers and implement the Provider 

Assessment program designed to assess SSC’s ability to deliver services to their 

customer agencies with a focus on compliance, modernization, and transparency.

• SSC Performance Measurement and Agency HR Benchmarking

o Work with agencies and SSCs to identify and pursue opportunities to become more 

efficient, customer service-oriented, cost effective, and more strategically focused. 

Conduct HR and payroll benchmarking studies and results to promote best practices.

• Strategy Formulation

o Develop and execute the HR LOB strategy to achieve the initiative goals and objectives. 

Promote effective and efficient collaboration across partner agencies and other 

stakeholders through the HR LOB governance structure. 

NASA works in partnership with one of the approved service providers, the Department of Interior's 

National Business Center (NBC). Through this partnership, NASA shares and receives "best-in-class" 

HR solutions. NBC delivers NASA developed solutions to their customer agencies, enabling improved 

efficiencies and system integrations at a fraction of the cost and delivery time than similar solutions could 

have been produced by NBC. NASA achieves the benefits of "best-in-class" HR solutions through 

implementation and integration of NBC and NASA developed HR solutions. NASA’s participation in HR 

LoB allows the agency to participate in the implementation of modern HR solutions and benefit from best 

practices and government-wide strategic HR management.
SUP - 22 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

The Grants Management Line of Business (GMLoB) will ultimately offer the development of a 

government-wide solution to support end-to-end grants management activities promoting citizen access, 

customer service, and financial and technical stewardship for the Agency. The end result is intended to 

be a government-wide streamlined grant making process providing transparency and efficiency in the 

grant decision-making process. The benefits of GMLoB include increased service to citizens through 

standardized processes; cost savings for grant-making agencies through use of shared IT infrastructure; 

a reduction in the number of redundant grants management systems; and improved reporting on 

government-wide grant activities and results. The GMLoB adopted a “consortia-based” approach to 

implementation and developed a process for forming consortia and having agencies participate in 

consortia as members. 

Grants Management LoB (Managing Partners HHS and NSF) FY 2011 Benefits

In FY07 NASA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its selected consortia partner, the 

National Science Foundation (NSF). In 2008 NASA implemented NSF’s new research-focused initiative, 

Research.gov, improving public access to detailed information about NASA awards. Research.gov is a 

collaborative partnership of Federal research-oriented agencies working together for the ultimate benefit 

of the research community. The Research Spending and Results Service lets Congress, the general 

public, and the broader research community easily search and find grant award information for NASA and 

NSF in one place. For 2010 and beyond, NASA and NSF are continuing to together to serve the research 

community and to provide access to information and services for both agencies in one location. NASA 

news and information is also now available in Research.gov’s Policy Library and Research Headlines. 

Moving forward, NASA will continue to collaborate with NSF to explore and implement future 

Research.gov service offerings based on NASA and research community needs. 

The Geospatial LoB will better serve the agencies’ missions and the Nation’s interests developing a more 

strategic, coordinated, and leveraged approach to producing, maintaining, and using geospatial data and 

services across the Federal government. Specific goals of the Geospatial LoB include establishing a 

collaborative governance mechanism, coordinating a government-wide planning and investment strategy, 

and optimizing and standardizing geospatial data and services. 

Geospatial LoB (Managing Partner DOL) FY 2011 Benefits

Contributing agencies and bureaus will receive value from the development of the LoB primarily through 

improved business performance and cost savings. Enhanced governance processes, improved business 

planning and investment strategies, and optimization and standardization of geospatial business data and 

services will produce the following results:

• Collaborative management of geospatial investments will be made more adaptable, proactive and 

inclusive;

• Enterprise business needs and agency core mission requirements will be identified, planned, 

budgeted, and exploited in a geospatial context;

• Long-term costs of geo-information delivery and access will be reduced while minimizing 

duplicative development efforts;

• Effective, yet less costly commercial off the shelf systems and contractual business support 

operations will replace legacy geospatial applications; and

• Business processes will be optimized and knowledge management capabilities will exist for 

locating geospatial data and obtaining services.

As a science agency, the work of NASA’s science and mission professionals is inherently different from 

duties and functions performed by operational agencies. These differences lead NASA to organize and 

manage data to best facilitate science activities rather than a central focus of data dissemination. 

Scientific inquiry often leads scientist to use different schemas for analyzing data and information 

produced from remote sensing data (e.g. a common grid or projection). NASA will continue to apply the 

elements of FGDC standards where these are appropriate. In FY 2008 and FY 2009, NASA signed 

MOUs with DOL to continue its participation in the Geospatial LOB.
SUP - 23 

Supporting Data: E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits (continued)

Budget Formulation and Execution LOB (Managing Partner Education) FY 2011 Benefits

The Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business (BFELoB) provides significant benefits to partner 

agencies by encouraging best practices crossing all aspects of Federal budgeting -- from budget 

formulation and execution to performance to collaboration to human capital needs. To benefit all 

agencies, BFELoB continues to support the idea of shared service budget systems. NASA procured a 

budget system prior to the establishment of the BFELoB. NASA is an active participant in the BFELoB’s 

weekly and bi-weekly meetings. 

BFELoB’s “MAX Federal Community”, a secure government-only collaborative website, provides 

significant benefits for collaboration across and within agencies, as well as knowledge management. The 

Community site is commonly used for sharing information, collaboratively drafting documents (including 

the direct-editing of documents posted on the site), supporting workgroups, submitting central reports, 

and much more. NASA has begun exploring the use of BFELoB’s online meeting tool for NASA meetings. 

Currently, NASA has 536 active users in the community. NASA has been using the MAX Community site 

for the hosting of NASA emergency preparedness materials and as the launch pad for guidance and 

execution of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 activities, including, but not limited to, 

NASA internal audits.

The BFELoB released MAX Collect to facilitate the rapid collection and reporting of agency information. 

NASA expects to benefit from reduced errors, and reduced time spent manually consolidating and 

publishing data by using MAX Collect’s data collection capabilities. NASA is investigating the possible 

benefits of using MAX Collect and its publishing capabilities to collect, store, process and publish 

information from multiple sources in an extremely efficient and effective manner, producing professional 

quality output. NASA has already begun looking into the benefits from using MAX Analytics’ data 

visualization tools. 

In October, 2009, the Budgeting Capabilities Self Assessment Tool was published providing agency 

budget managers and their staff with a simple survey-like method to assess and gain perspective on how 

their current operations and processes compare against best practices in a broad range of budgeting 

capability categories, allowing managers to strategically focus improvement efforts on areas of highest 

value to their particular organization's activities. NASA will look into the benefits of using it to assess 

organizational practices and develop strategic plans to address areas of need. 

BFELoB’s Human Capital Federal Budget Core Competency Framework is a resource for NASA to use in 

their internal workforce planning initiatives in FY 2010. BFELoB is working toward adding proficiency 

levels to each Core Competency as well as aligning training with competencies and proficiencies to assist 

budget professionals in determining a training roadmap for development. BFELoB will continue to expand 

this framework in 2010. In addition, the BFELoB Human Capital work group offers multiple technical and 

developmental training opportunities throughout the year. NASA benefitted with half a dozen agency staff 

attending BFELoB sponsored trainings in FY 2009. 
SUP - 24 

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Management and Performance 

Overview 

The Management and Performance section provides a comprehensive record of the past and 

planned performance for NASA's programs and projects. This section includes an update to 

the FY 2010 Performance Plan based on Congressional budget action; a summary of the 

cost and schedule performance of NASA's projects with estimated life cycle cost above $250 

million; and progress on NASA's performance improvement initiatives. The NASA FY 2011 

Performance Plan, typically included in this section, will instead accompany the NASA 2010 

Strategic Plan later this spring, to be consistent with the Agency’s updated strategic goals. 

NASA's planning and performance management processes are an essential part of the 

Agency's governance and strategic management system. The Agency has an integrated 

system to: plan strategy and implementation; monitor, assess, and evaluate performance 

toward commitments; identify issues; gauge programmatic and organizational health; and 

provide appropriate data and information to NASA decision-makers.

Through its strategic management system, NASA: identifies the Agency's long-term Strategic 

Goals, multi-year Outcomes, and other key performance measures; develops and 

implements plans to achieve these Goals; and continuously measures the Agency's progress 

toward these Goals. NASA managers use performance results as a basis for key investment 

decisions, and NASA performance data provides a foundation for both programmatic and 

institutional decision-making processes. 

NASA's planning and performance management processes provide data to Agency 

management via: ongoing monthly and quarterly analysis and reviews; annual assessments 

in support of budget formulation (for budget guidance and issue identification, analysis, and 

disposition); annual reporting of performance, management issues, and financial position; 

periodic, in-depth program or special purpose assessments; and recurring or special 

assessment reports to internal and external organizations. 

NASA's performance system is designed to align with the Agency's internally and externally 

imposed performance measurement and reporting requirements, tools, and practices, 

including the Government Performance and Results Act and Executive Order 13450, 

Improving Government Program Performance. Examples of recent activities are provided in 

the Performance Improvement narrative that follows. 

NASA continues to use independent program assessments, which are listed in the theme 

and program sections of this document, and commits to improvement actions in response to 

the findings. 

NASA strives to find new ways to use performance information to support decisions 

concerning strategy and budget. A continued focus for NASA in FY 2010 is to improve the 

metrics and analysis processes for life cycle cost and schedule performance monitoring and 

reporting. The Major Program Annual Reports discussed in this section is one of the 

reporting tools used to determine how NASA performs this task. 

MAN - 1
Management and Performance 

Performance Improvement 

NASA's Mission demands high levels of performance from our diverse workforce, whose 

knowledge, skills, and dedication are the backbone of our achievements. NASA has aligned 

the Agency's performance systems, organizational structure, policies, and processes to 

ensure programmatic content, institutional capabilities, and other resources are focused on 

successfully completing the programs and projects tied to our Strategic Goals. The Agency 

governance councils have joint responsibility for sustaining this alignment through a set of 

clear, transparent, and repeatable processes that flow to all organizational elements and 

levels within the Agency. Aligning the entirety of NASA with our Strategic Goals is essential 

for organizational effectiveness and efficiency. NASA communicates priorities and directions 

for all components of the Agency through a planning and decision process based on prior 

year performance and future year objectives. This annual guidance is the benchmark for 

other processes, including feedback on internal control needs, risk concerns, and safety and 

mission assurance issues that ripple through our programmatic and institutional framework, 

ultimately influencing the allocation of resources for each budget year. 

The Agency continues to find value in, and improve upon its monthly forum, the Baseline 

Performance Review. As an integrated review of institutional and program activities, interrelated issues that impact performance and program risk are highlighted and actions are 

assigned for resolution. In 2009 quarterly reviews for the topics of diversity, small business, 

and information technology were added. The Baseline Performance Review forum fosters 

communication across organizational boundaries to address mutual concerns and interests. 

In FY 2009 a requirement to improve the agency’s program management was met by

NASA’s Academy of Program/Project Engineering Leadership (APPEL). A comprehensive 

set of actions to integrate training and certification of program managers was implemented 

and over 70 project managers were certified (ahead of plan). In FY 2010 and beyond, 

certification will keep pace by training new managers as they are identified. APPEL will 

continue to enhance NASA’s mission through learning opportunities for individuals, project 

teams, and the program and project management community. In FY 2010, APPEL’s new 

knowledge-sharing initiative, “Pass the Torch,” will share lessons learned from the Space 

Shuttle Program, and its Hands on Project Experience (HOPE), in partnership with the 

Science Mission Directorate, will build training opportunities for young engineers. 

In FY 2010, NASA will begin tracking its four High Priority Performance Goals developed in 

response to a White House initiative for building a high-performing government. NASA’s 

goals focus on research and operational activities in the areas of air transportation, climate 

change, “green government,” and future workforce preparation. 

In FY 2011, NASA will participate in an OMB pilot program for impact evaluations. NASA will 

participate as a way of assessing programs in NASA’s portfolio that do not fall within the 

flight program management process, and to build additional internal capability for this type of 

assessment. The NASA evaluation pilot will begin efforts to examine the broader societal 

benefits of the Applied Sciences Program in facilitating use of NASA’s Earth science data 

products by partner organizations in their decision making activities for areas such as 

resource allocation, early warning systems, general planning, and disaster response. 

In FY 2011, NASA will continue to examine its policies and processes to enhance its 

performance management system and use of performance information in planning and 

decision-making. 

MAN - 2
Management and Performance 

2010 Major Program Annual Report Summary

The 2010 Major Program Annual Report (MPAR) is provided to meet the requirements of section 

103 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-155; 

42 U.S.C. 16613; the Act). The 2010 MPAR consists of this summary along with the 2011 Budget 

Estimates Project in Development pages for the fourteen projects included in this year's report. The 

later documents constitute each project’s annual report, or baseline report, if this is the first year for 

which it is in reporting. This summary also includes, for the first time, the confidence level 

information requested in the Conference Report accompanying the FY 2010 Consolidated 

Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117). 

Table 1 provides cost, schedule, and confidence level information for NASA projects currently in 

development with lifecycle cost (LCC) estimates of $250M or above. 

Changes in MPAR Composition since the 2010 NASA Budget Estimates 

One project, the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission is no longer included in this 

report, since WISE successfully launched in December 2009 and is operational.

Four projects with estimated life cycle costs greater than $250M received authority to proceed into 

development since the 2009 MPAR was prepared for the 2010 NASA Budget Estimates, and are 

baselined in this report: 

• Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission; 

• Landsat Data Continuity Mapper (LDCM) mission;

• Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission; and

• Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-K/L) mission. 

 

Updated cost and schedule estimates are provided for six projects baselined in previous MPAR 

reports: 

• Aquarius mission;

• Glory mission;

• James Webb Space Telescope (JWST);

• National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory 

Project (NPP), 

• Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), and

• Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) project baseline has been re-established, as required by the 

Act when the development cost estimate for a project exceeds 30% of its original baseline. This 

new baseline reflects previously-reported cost and schedule growth associated with technical 

difficulties resulting in a change in launch date from the 2009 to the 2011 launch window. 

 

Changes in Cost and Schedule Estimates from the 2009 MPAR

Two projects exceeded a cost or schedule threshold since the 2009 MPAR: the Glory and Aquarius 

missions. 

MAN - 3
Management and Performance 

The Glory mission schedule has grown by 17 months and costs have grown by 31% since the 

project established a new baseline in 2008. This growth is due predominantly to testing failures of 

the spacecraft computer, that only became evident after a year of successful testing. After work on 

the existing computer was unable to correct the failures, NASA opted to replace the computer with 

another model. The cost and schedule estimates reported in Table 1 reflect the redesign, 

modification, and re-testing required as a result of this technical change, in addition to the cost of the 

computer equipment itself. The schedule estimate and associated costs also reflect the need to 

accommodate the Taurus corrective action plan following the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) 

launch failure, as both missions relied on the same launch vehicle. 

The Aquarius project cost estimate has grown by 15 percent of its MPAR baseline cost, as 

established in the 2008 NASA Budget Estimates, due to additional delays by its international

partner. NASA is providing additional support to this partner and has rephased its planned costs to 

reduce the overall impact of these schedule delays on project costs. 

The Agency is completing the report required under the Act providing additional information on 

growth of the Glory mission, which includes the reasons for these changes in cost and schedule, 

alternatives assessed by the Agency, and the selected actions. A report will not be provided for 

Aquarius, as there had already been one produced when the original schedule breach occurred,

Confidence Levels

The Conference Report accompanying the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act requires 

“NASA to include in its annual budget justifications the reserve amount assumed by the agency to 

be necessary for the program and the amount actually proposed for each directorate, theme, 

program, project and activity, or if the proposed funding level is based on confidence level 

budgeting, the confidence level assumed in the proposed funding level.” 

NASA utilizes a confidence level approach to budgeting. This approach incorporates program and 

project risks directly into cost and budget estimates and, as such, is suited to NASA’s complex, highrisk portfolio. This approach affords project managers the necessary flexibility to pro-actively 

manage and mitigate the large technical and other risks associated with NASA’s missions. The 

likelihood of meeting any given estimate is referred to as the confidence level (CL). Implementation 

of this approach varies depending on the type of program, as described below. To fulfill the 

Congressional direction, per the 2010 Appropriations Conference Report, where applicable to the 

type of NASA project, the confidence level is reflected in table 1 below. NASA distinguishes 

between Space Flight and Ground System projects in development; projects in operations, and 

Research & Technology projects. All of the projects that are currently subject to MPAR reporting fall 

within the Space Flight category. 

Space Flight Projects in Development. NASA’s acquisition strategy policy (NPD 1000.5) requires 

space flight projects and programs to develop probabilistic cost estimates, which incorporate the 

likely cost impacts of project risks. NASA targets a confidence level of about 70 percent for most of 

its projects and programs. 

NASA is in the process of transitioning its probabilistic cost estimation from consideration of cost risk 

only to a joint cost and schedule approach designed to increase the likelihood of project success at 

the specified funding level. The application of the this joint cost and schedule confidence level (JCL) 

approach is expected to increase insight into uncertainties and contingencies within an integrated 

technical, cost, schedule, and risk plan. Because this approach requires the employment of new 

tools and techniques, full implementation will take some time to deploy. NASA’s space flight projects 

MAN - 4
Management and Performance 

are in various states within this transition, hence not all have a JCL that has been produced, and 

many were grandfathered into MPAR reporting under past cost estimation techniques.

The confidence levels provided in Table 1 for three projects (LDCM, MMS, and MSL) represent a 

JCL. Two projects (SOFIA and JWST) have JCLs in progress. Two of the projects (NPP and SDO) 

were baselined prior to NASA’s transition to probabilistic cost estimation, so do not have a CL to 

report. A confidence level for the re-baselined Glory project was not part of the project’s 

continuation (rebaseline) review. Further details are provided in the footnotes to Table 1.

Space Flight Projects in Operations. The annual costs for operational programs are estimated 

based on the likely costs required to maintain required operational performance given identified risks 

to this performance. Reserves are not explicitly budgeted, but these risks are managed as liens 

against the program budget over the course of the operating year. As with space flight development 

programs, NASA does not budget for all known risks; as a result liens are often larger than available 

budget. Program Managers focus their mitigation and risk management efforts on the risks with the 

largest potential consequences or which have a high probability of occurring. The level of 

operational confidence reflected in each operational program’s cost estimate varies depending on 

the consequences of a loss of performance and are provided in the Agency’s Annual Performance 

Plan Update also found in this section. 

Research and Technology Programs. Research and technology programs address technical and 

science challenges and outcomes. These programs do not include reserves or specific confidence 

levels within their estimated costs. Rather, they operate on a ‘level of effort’ basis; matching 

progress to available funding and using interim milestones to assess on-going progress towards key 

research or technology goals. 

MAN - 5
Management and Performance 

Table 1: MPAR Summary and Confidence Levels

Project

Base 

Year

Confidence 

Level1

Development 

Cost Est. ($M) Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone2

Key Milestone

Schedule 

Change 

(months)

Cost 

Change 

> 15%3

Schedule 

Change 

> 6 Mo3

Factors Contributing to 

Breaches since 2009 MPAR

Base 2010 Base 2010 Internal External

Aquarius 2007 75%5 $193 $223 16 LRD Jul-09 Jan-11 18 X X Additional 

delays by 

international 

partner. 

Glory 2009 N/A 6 $259 $339 31 LRD Jun-09 Nov-10 17 X X Current 

estimates 

reflect 

decision to 

replace 

spacecraft 

computer

after failure. 

GPM 2010 70% $555 $555 0 LRD Jul-13 Jul-13 0

GRAIL 2009 70% $427 $427 0 LRD Sep-11 Sep-11 0 

Juno 2009 70% $742 $742 0 LRD Aug-11 Aug-11 0

JWST 2009 JCL inprocess$2,581 $2,710 5 LRD Jun-14 Jun-14 0

LDCM4 2010 70%

(JCL)

$583 $583 0 LRD Jun-13 Jun-13 0

MMS4 2010 70%

(JCL)

$857 $857 0 LRD Mar-15 Mar-15 0 

MSL 2010 70%

(JCL)

$1,720 $1,720 0 LRD Nov-11 Nov-11 0

NPP 2006 N/A7 $593 $725 22 LRD Apr-08 Sep-11 41 X X

RBSP 2009 70% $534 $534 0 LRD May-12 May-12 0

SDO 2006 N/A7 $624 $667 7 LRD Aug-08 Feb-10 18 X

SOFIA 2007 JCL inprocess$920 $1,097 19 FOC Dec-13 Dec-14 12 X X

TDRSK,L4

2010 75% $209 $209 0 LRD Dec-13 Dec-13 0 

1

The confidence level estimates reported here reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic estimation techniques and processes. 

Each estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. For example, levels provided in Table 1 for three projects (LDCM, MMS, 

and MSL) represent a JCL. Two projects (SOFIA and JWST) have JCLs in progress. Estimates which include combined cost and schedule risks are 

denoted as Joint Confidence Level (JCL) estimates; all other Confidence Levels (CL) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential 

impacts of schedule changes on cost. 

2

Key Milestone LRD = Launch Readiness Date; and FOC = Full Operational Capability.

3

Bolded “X” indicates new changes compared to 2009 MPAR 4

;The confidence level estimate addresses the full partnership; the developments cost reflect the NASA portion of project costs. 5

CL estimate reflects NASA portion of project; the cost increases reflected here represent the impact of partnership delays. 6

A confidence level for the re-baselined Glory project was not part of the project’s continuation (rebaseline) review. 7

Pre-dates use of probabilistic analysis.

MAN - 6
FY 2011 Proposed Appropriation Language

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED APPROPRIATION LANGUAGE

SCIENCE

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of science research 

and development activities, including research, development, operations, support, and services; 

maintenance and repair, facility planning and design; space flight, spacecraft control, and 

communications activities; program management; personnel and related costs, including uniforms or 

allowances therefor, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901–5902; travel expenses; purchase and hire of 

passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, charter, maintenance, and operation of mission and 

administrative aircraft, $5,005,600,000, to remain available until September 30, 2012. 

AERONAUTICS AND SPACE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of aeronautics and 

space research and development activities, including research, development, operations, support, and 

services; maintenance and repair, facility planning and design; space flight, spacecraft control, and 

communications activities; program management; personnel and related costs, including uniforms or 

allowances therefor, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901–5902; travel expenses; purchase and hire of 

passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, charter, maintenance, and operation of mission and 

administrative aircraft, $1,151,800,000, to remain available until September 30, 2012; of which 

$579,600,000 shall be for aeronautics activities; and of which $572,200,000 shall be for space research 

and technology activities. 

EXPLORATION

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of exploration research 

and development activities, including research, development, operations, support, and services; 

maintenance; construction of facilities including repair, rehabilitation, revitalization, and modification of 

facilities, construction of new facilities and additions to existing facilities, facility planning and design, 

and restoration, and acquisition or condemnation of real property, as authorized by law; space flight, 

spacecraft control, and communications activities; program management, personnel and related costs, 

including uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901–5902; travel expenses; 

purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, charter, maintenance, and 

operation of mission and administrative aircraft, $4,263,400,000, to remain available until September 

30, 2012: Provided, That when any activity has been initiated by the incurrence of obligations for 

construction of facilities or environmental compliance and restoration activities as authorized by law, 

such amount available for such activity shall remain available until September 30, 2016. 

APP - 1
FY 2011 Proposed Appropriation Language

SPACE OPERATIONS

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of space operations 

research and development activities, including research, development, operations, support, and 

services; maintenance; construction of facilities including repair, rehabilitation, revitalization, and 

modification of facilities, construction of new facilities and additions to existing facilities, facility planning 

and design, and restoration, and acquisition or condemnation of real property, as authorized by law; 

space flight, spacecraft control and communications activities; program management; personnel and 

related costs, including uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901–5902; travel 

expenses; purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, charter, maintenance 

and operation of mission and administrative aircraft, $4,887,700,000, to remain available until 

September 30, 2012: Provided, That when any activity has been initiated by the incurrence of 

obligations for construction of facilities or environmental compliance and restoration activities as 

authorized by law, such amount available for such activity shall remain available until September 30, 

2016. 

EDUCATION

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in carrying out aerospace and aeronautical 

education research and development activities, including research, development, operations, support, 

and services; program management; personnel and related costs, uniforms or allowances therefor, as 

authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901–5902; travel expenses; purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; 

and purchase, lease, charter, maintenance, and operation of mission and administrative aircraft, 

$145,800,000, to remain available until September 30, 2012. 

CROSS AGENCY SUPPORT

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of science, 

aeronautics, exploration, space operations and education research and development activities, 

including research, development, operations, support, and services; maintenance and repair, facility 

planning and design; space flight, spacecraft control, and communications activities; program 

management; personnel and related costs, including uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by 

5 U.S.C. 5901–5902; travel expenses; purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; not to exceed 

$120,000 for official reception and representation expenses; and purchase, lease, charter, 

maintenance, and operation of mission and administrative aircraft, $3,111,400,000, to remain available 

until September 30, 2012. 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

For necessary expenses for construction of facilities including repair, rehabilitation, revitalization, and 

modification of facilities, construction of new facilities and additions to existing facilities, facility planning 

and design, and restoration, and acquisition or condemnation of real property, as authorized by law, and 

environmental compliance and restoration, $397,300,000, to remain available until September 30, 2016. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, in carrying out the Inspector General Act of 

1978, $37,000,000. 

APP - 2
FY 2011 Proposed Appropriation Language

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Funds for announced prizes otherwise authorized shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, 

until the prize is claimed or the offer is withdrawn.

Not to exceed 5 percent of any appropriation made available for the current fiscal year for the National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration in this Act may be transferred between such appropriations, but 

no such appropriation, except as otherwise specifically provided, shall be increased by more than 10 

percent by any such transfers. Any transfer pursuant to this provision shall be treated as a 

reprogramming of funds under section 505 of this Act and shall not be available for obligation except in 

compliance with the procedures set forth in that section.

The unexpired balances of previous accounts, for activities for which funds are provided under this Act, 

may be transferred to the new accounts established in this Act that provide such activity. Balances so 

transferred shall be merged with the funds in the newly established accounts, but shall be available 

under the same terms, conditions and period of time as previously appropriated.

Section 20 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of FY 1992 (Public 

Law 102–195, 42 U.S.C. 2467a) is amended by adding at the end thereof: "(d) Availability of Funds—

The interest accruing from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Endeavor Teacher 

Fellowship Trust Fund principal shall be available in FY 2011 and hereafter for the purpose of the 

Endeavor Science Teacher Certificate Program.".

Of funds provided under the headings "Science" and "Exploration" in this Act, up to $15,000,000, shall 

be available for a reimbursable agreement with the Department of Energy for the purpose of reestablishing facilities to produce fuel required for radioisotope thermoelectric generators to enable future 

missions.

APP - 3
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

APP - 4
Reference: Acronyms

REF-1 

AA Associate Administrator

AAD Aircraft Aging and Durability

ACCESS 

Advanced Collaborative Connections for 

Earth System Science

ACE Advanced Composition Explorer

ACRIMSat

Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor

Satellite

ADCAR

Astrophysics Data Curation and Archival

Research

AEDC Arnold Engineering Development Center

AESP Aerospace Education Services Program

AFB Air Force Base

AFOSR Air Force Office of Scientific Research

AFRL Air Force Research Laboratory 

AISR Applied Information Systems Research

AITS Agency Information Technology Services

ALI Advanced Land Imager

AMM Aircraft Management Module

AMMOS Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System

AMMP rcraft Maintenance and Modification Program

AMO Agency Management and Operations

AMS Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

AMSR-E 

Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for

the Earth Observing System

AO Announcement of Opportunity

APG Annual Performance Goal

APL 

Applied Physics Laboratory (Johns Hopkins

University)

APPEL

Academy of Program/Project and 

Engineering Leadership

APR Annual Performance Report

ARC Ames Research Center 

ARISS

Amateur Radio on the International Space

Station

ARMD Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

AS&T Aeronautics Science and Technology

ASAP Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel

ASI 

Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (Italian Space 

Agency) 

ASP Airspace Systems Program

ASPERA-3 

Analyzer of Space Plasma and Energetic

Atoms-3 

ASR Aviation Safety Report

ASRG Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator

ASSP Architecture for Survivable System Processing

AST Advanced Subsonic Technology

ATLO Assembly, Test and Launch Operations 

ATM Air Traffic Management 

ATMS 

Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder

(NPOESS Preparatory Project instrument)

ATP Aeronautics Test Program

ATV Automated Transfer Vehicle

AU Astronomical unit

AvSP Aviation Safety Program

AvSa Aviation Safety

BARREL

Balloon Array for Radiation-belt Relativistic 

Electron Losses

BATC Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation

BCP Ball Commercial Platform

BE Beyond Einstein

BEPAC

Beyond Einstein Program Assessment 

Committee

C&DH Command and Data Handling

C3S

Command, Control, and Communication 

Segment

CAEP

Committee on Aviation Environmental 

Protection

CALIPSO 

Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared

Pathfinder Satellite Observations

CAPTEM

Curation and Analysis Planning Team for 

Extraterrestrial Materials

CAS Cross-Agency Support

CAST Commercial Aviation Safety Team

CCD Charge Coupled Device

CDC Centers for Disease Control 

CDI Congressionally Directed Items

CDR Critical Design Review 

CERES

Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy 

 System

CESR Centre d'Etude Spatiale des Rayonnements

CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics

CFO Chief Financial Officer

ChemCam Chemistry Camera

CheMin Chemistry & Mineralogy Instrument

CHS Crew Health and Safety

CI Counter-intelligence

CINDI Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation

CIO Chief Information Officer

CIPAIR 

Curriculum Improvement Partnership 

 Award for the Integration of Research

CLARREO

Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity

Observatory

CM&O Center Management and Operations

CMB Cosmic Microwave Background

CMC Cargo Mission Contract

CME Continuing Medical Education

CME Coronal Mass Ejection 

CMO Center Management and Operations

CO Carbon Monoxide

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

CoF Construction of Facilities

CONAE

Argentina’s National Committee of Space

Activities

CoNNeCT

Communication Navigation and Networking

Reconfigurable Testbed

CO-OP Cooperative-Education
Reference: Acronyms

REF-2 

COTF Classroom of the Future

COTR Contracting Officer Technical Representative

COTS Commercial Orbital Transportation Services

C/NOFS

Communication/Navigation Outage Forecast

System

CRI Center for Rotorcraft Innovation

CSA Canadian Space Agency

CSAR Cost and Schedule Analysis Report

CT Counter-terrorism

CY Calendar Year 

CZAP Center Zoned Architecture Project

DAAC Distributed Active Archive Centers 

DAN Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons

DAP Data Analysis Program

DCAA Defense Contract Audit Agency

DCAS Defense Contract Audit Service

DESDynl

Deformation, Ecosystem Structure, and

Dynamics of Ice

DFRC Dryden Flight Research Center

DLN Digital Learning Network

DOD Department of Defense 

DOE Department of Energy 

DOI Department of Interior

DRS Disturbance Reduction System

DSN Deep Space Network 

DTN Disruption Tolerant Networking

E&PO Education and Public Outreach

EA Enterprise Architecture

EarthKAM

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School

Students

ECLSS nvironmental Control and Life Support System

ECR Environmental Compliance and Restoration

ECT 

Energetic Particle, Composition and 

 Thermal Plasma 

ED Education

EDL Entry, Descent, and Landing 

EDMD

Exploration Technology Development 

Program

EEE Evolution of EOSDIS Elements

EELV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity

EFASC Electric Field and Search Coil

EF Exposed Facility

EFPO Education Flight Projects

EFW ric Field and Waves

EIS Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer

EJSM Europa Jupiter System Mission

ELV Expendable Launch Vehicle

EMFISIS

Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite 

and Integrated Science

EOS Earth Observing System

EOSDIS 

Earth Observing System Data and Information

System 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

EPN Effective Perceived Noise

EPNdB Effective Perceived Noise in Decibels

EPOCh

Extrasolar Planet Observations and 

Characterization

EPSCoR 

Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive

Research 

ERA Environmentally Responsible Aviation

ESA European Space Agency 

ESD Earth Science Division

ESDR Earth System Data Records

ESM Earth Systematic Missions

ESMD Exploration Systems Mission Directorate

ESSP Earth System Science Pathfinder

ESTO Earth Science Technology Office

ESTP Earth Science Technology Program 

ET External Tank 

ETD Exploration Technology Development

ETDP Exploration Technology Development Program

ETM Enhanced Thematic Mapper

EUV Extreme-Ultraviolet

EXEP Exoplanet Exploration Program

FA Fundamental Aeronautics

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FAP Fundamental Aeronautics Program

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

FAST

Facilitated Access to the Space Environment

for Technology Development and Training

FCIP Federal Career Intern Program

FGS Fine Guidance Sensor

FLITECAM First Light Infrared Test Experiment Camera

FMI Finnish Meteorological Institute

FOC Full Operational Capability

FPA Focal Plane Array

FPP Focal Plane Package

FS First Stage

FY Fiscal Year 

GALEX Galaxy Evolution Explorer 

GCCE Global Climate Change Education

GCRP Global Change Research Program

GEO Geosynchronous Earth Orbit

GES DAAC

GSFC Earth Science Distributed Active Archive 

Center

GI Guest Investigator

GISS Goddard Institute for Space Studies

GLOBE 

Global Learning and Observations to Benefit

the Environment 

GMAO Global Modeling and Assimilation Office

GN Ground Networks

GO Ground Operations

GOES

Geostationary Operational Environmental 

Satellite

GPM Global Precipitation Measurement
Reference: Acronyms

REF-3 

GPS Global Positioning System 

GRACE Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment

GRAIL Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory

GRB Gamma Ray Burst 

GRC Glenn Research Center

GRC-PBS Glenn Research Center–Plum Brook Station

GREAT German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahetz

GRGT Guam Remote Ground Terminal

GS Ground Support

GSFC Goddard Space Flight Center 

GWAC Government Wide Acquisition Contracts

HBCU Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

HCIE Human Capital Information Environment

HECC High End Computing Capability

HgCdTe Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride

HIPO High-speed Imaging Photometer for Occultation

HIRES High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer

HPS Heliophysics Subcommittee

HQ NASA Headquarters 

HR Human Resource

HRP Human Research Program

HSB Humidity Sounder for Brazil

HSFO Human Space Flight Operations

HSPD Homeland Security Presidential Directive

HSR High-Speed Research

HST Hubble Space Telescope 

HTV H-II Transfer Vehicle

HVAC Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning

HWB Hybrid Wing Body

I&T Integration and test

IAM Integrated Asset Management

IBEX Interstellar Boundary Explorer

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

ICESat Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite

IDIQ Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity

IDPS Interface Data Processing Segment

IDS Interdisciplinary Science

IEMP Integrated Enterprise Management Program

IG Inspector General

IIFD Integrated Intelligent Flight Deck 

ILN International Lunar Network

INPE Brazilian Institute for Space Research

INSPIRE

Interdisciplinary National Science Program 

Incorporating Research and Education

Experiences

IOM Institute of Medicine

IP Intellectual Property

IPO Integrated Program Office

IPP Innovative Partnerships Program

IPS Integrated Planning System

IR Infrared

IRA Institutional Research Awards

IRM Information Resources Management

IRT Independent Review Team 

ISIM Integrated Science Instrument Module

ISM Interstellar Medium

ISRP Integrated Systems Research Program

ISS International Space Station 

IT Information Technology

ITF Integrated Training Facility 

IUVS Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrometer

IVHM Integrated Vehicle Health Management

IV&V Independent Verification and Validation

IXO International X-ray Observatory

JADE Jovian Auroral Distributions Experiment

JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

JCAA Joint Council on Aging Aircraft

JDAP Jupiter Data Analysis Project

JDEM Joint Dark Energy Mission

JEDI Jupiter Energetic particle Detector Instrument

JHU-APL

Johns Hopkins University–Applied Physics 

Laboratory

JOI Jupiter Orbit Insertion

JPDO Joint Planning and Development Office

JPL Jet Propulsion Laboratory

JSC Johnson Space Center

JSC-WSTF

Johnson Space Center–White Sands Test

Facility

JWST James Webb Space Telescope

KaPR Ka-band Precipitation Radar

KI Keck Interferometer

KNMI Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute

KSC Kennedy Space Center

KuPR Ku precipitation radar

LADEE

Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment 

Explorer

LANL Los Alamos National Laboratory

LaRC Langley Research Center

LASER

Lunar Advanced Science and Exploration

Research

LASP 

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

(University of Colorado, Boulder)

LBT Large Binocular Telescope 

LBTI Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer 

LCC Launch Control Center 

LCC Life-Cycle-Cost

LDCM Landsat Data Continuity Mission

LDEX Lunar Dust EXperiment

LEARN Learning Environments and Research Network

LEO Low Earth Orbit

LISA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna 

LN2 Liquid Nitrogen

LQP Lunar Quest Program

LRD Launch Readiness Date

LRO Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

LRR Launch Readiness Review
Reference: Acronyms

REF-4 

LSAH Longitudinal Study of Astronaut Health 

LSP Launch Services Program

LTP Learning Technologies Project

LV Launch Vehicle

LWS Living with a Star 

MA Multiple Access

MAG Magnetometer

MAVEN Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN

MCC Mission Control Center

MCR Mission Confirmation Review 

MD Mission Directorate

MDAO

Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and 

Optimization

MDR Mission Design Review

MEaSUREs

Making Earth System data records for Use 

 in Research Environments

MEP Mars Exploration Program

METI Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (Japan)

MEX Mars Express

MFMTC

National Force Measurement Technology 

Capability

MI Minority Institutions 

MIC Mission Integration Contract

MIDEX Medium-Class Explorer 

MIs Minority Institutions

MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

MLP Mobile Launch Platform

MLS Microwave Limb Sounder

MMS Magnetospheric Multiscale 

MO Missions of Opportunity

MO&DA Mission Operations and Data Analysis 

MOE Mission Operations Element

MoO Mission of Opportunity

MOPITT

Measurements of Pollution in the 

Troposphere

MPLM Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

MRO Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter 

MSFC Marshall Space Flight Center

MSG Magnetic Spectrometer

MSL Mars Science Laboratory 

MSR Mars Sample Return

MUREP 

Minority University Research and Education 

Program

NAC NASA Advisory Committee 

NAS National Airspace System 

NCAR National Center for Atmospheric Research

NCAS NASA Contract Assurance Services

NCI NASA Communications Improvement

NCSER

National Center for Space Exploration

Research

NEAR Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous

NEN Near Earth Network

NEO Near-Earth Object

NES NASA Explorer School

NESC NASA Engineering and Safety Center

NETS NASA Educational Technology Services

NextGen Next Generation Air Transportation System

NFS NASA FAR Supplement

NG Northrop Grumman

NGATS Next Generation Air Transportation System

NGIMS Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer

NIP New Investigator Program

NIRCam Near-Infrared Camera

NIRSpec Near-Infrared Spectrometer

NISN NASA Integrated Services Network

NIVR

Netherlands Agency for Aerospace

Programmees

NLS NASA Launch Services 

NLT NASA Learning Technologies

NMO NASA Management Office

NMP New Millennium Program

NOAA 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

NOx Nitrogen Oxide

NPOESS 

National Polar–orbiting Operational 

Environmental 

Satellite System 

NPP NPOESS Preparatory Project 

NPR NASA Procedural Requirement 

NRA NASA Research Announcement 

NRC National Research Council 

NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NRL Naval Research Laboratory

NRO National Reconnaissance Office

NSC NASA Safety Center

NSF National Science Foundation 

NSSC NASA Shared Services Center 

NSSDC National Space Science Data Center

NSTC National Science and Technology Council

NSTI-MI

NASA Science and Technology Institute

for Minority Institutions

NSWPC National Space Weather Program Council

NuSTAR Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array

NWP Numerical Weather Prediction

OA Office of Audits

OCE Office of the Chief Engineer

OCHMO

Office of the Chief Health and Medical 

Officer

OCIO Office of Chief Information Officer

OCO Orbiting Carbon Observatory 

OGAs Other Government Agencies

OHCM Office of Human Capital Management

OI Office of Investigations

OIG Office of Inspector General 

OMI Ozone Monitoring Instrument
Reference: Acronyms

REF-5 

ONERA

Office National d'Études et de Recherches 

Aérospatiales

ORR Operations Readiness Review

OSC Orbital Sciences Corporation

OSMA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance

OSTM Ocean Surface Topography Mission 

OSTP Office of Science and Technology Policy

OSTST Ocean Surface Topography Science Team

OTE Optical Telescope Element

OVWST Ocean Vector Winds Science Team

PA&E Program Analysis and Evaluation

PAR Performance and Accountability Report

PAR Program Acceptance Review

PB President’s Budget

PBR President’s Budget Request

PBS President’s Budget Submit 

PCA Program Commitment Agreement

PCOS Physics of the Cosmos Program

PDR Preliminary Design Review 

PDS Planetary Data System

P&F Particles and Fields 

PI Principal Investigator 

PIC Program Integration Contract

PIR Program Implementation Review

PIV Personal Identification Verification

PMC Program Management Council

PMCs Polar Mesospheric Clouds

PNAR Preliminary Non-Advocate Review

PNT Positioning, Navigation, and Timing

PPS Precipitation Processing System

PR Precipitation Radar

PSBR Proton Spectrometer Belt Research

QTR Quarter

QuickSCAT Quick Scatterometer

R&A Research and Analysis

R&D Research and Development

RBSP Radiation Belt Storm Probes

REMS Rover Environmental Monitoring System

RF Radio Frequency

RFI Request for Information

RFP Request for Proposal

RI Research Institutions

RMB Reimbursable 

RMP Risk Mitigation Phase

ROSES

Research Opportunities in Space and

Earth Science

Roskomos Russian Federal Space Agency

RPS Radioisotope Power System

RPT Rocket Propulsion Testing 

RR Readiness Review

RSDO Rapid Spacecraft Development Office

RSP Radioisotope Power Systems

RW Reaction Wheel

S&MA Safety and Mission Assurance 

SA Single Access

SAA Space Act Agreement

SAC-D 

Satellite de Aplicaciones Cientificas–D 

(Argentina)

SALMON Stand Alone Missions of Opportunity

SAM Sample Analysis at Mars

SAP Core Financial System Software

SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar 

SBIR Small Business Innovative Research 

SCEM Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon

SCFO Space Flight Crew Operations

SCP Space Communications Program

SDLC System Development Life Cycle

SDO Solar Dynamics Observatory 

SEC Sun–Earth Connection

SE&I System Engineering and Integration

SEMAA

Science Engineering Mathematics 

 Aerospace Academy

SESFA

Space Environments Simulation Facilities 

Alliance

SFS Space and Flight Support 

SFW Subsonic Fixed Wing

SGSS

Space Network Ground Segment 

 Sustainment

SHERE

Shear History Extensional Rheology 

Experiment

SHFH Space Human Factors and Habitability 

SIM Space Interferometry Mission

SIR System Integration Review

SLI Student Launch Initiative

SMA Safety and Mission Assurance

SMAP Soil Moisture Active and Passive

SMD Science Mission Directorate

SMEX Small Explorer 

SMS Safety and Mission Success

SN Space Network

SNI Simultaneous, non-interfering

SOC Security Operations Center

SOC Solar Orbiter Collaboration

SOFIA 

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared

Astronomy 

SOMD Space Operations Mission Directorate

SORCE Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment 

SPF Software Production Facility 

SPOC Space Program Operations Contract

SR Senior Review

SRB Standing Review Board

SRG Stirling Radioisotope Generator

SRR System Requirement Review 

SRW Subsonic Rotary Wing

SS Steady State

SSC Stennis Space Center 
Reference: Acronyms

REF-6 

SSE Solar System Exploration

SSME Space Shuttle Main Engines 

SSP Space Shuttle Program 

SSS Sea Surface Salinity

SST

Solid State Telescope (Thermal Emission

Imaging System instrument)

ST Space Technology 

STATIC SupraThermal And Thermal Ion Composition

STaR Shuttle Transition and Retirement

STEM 

Science, Technology, Engineering, and 

Mathematics 

STEREO Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory 

STI Scientific and Technical Information

STOL Short take-off and landing

STP Solar Terrestrial Probes

STS Space Transportation System 

STScI Space Telescope Science Institute 

SwRI Southwest Research Institute 

SXS Soft X-ray Spectrometer

T2 Technology transfer

TA Technical Authority

TBD To Be Determined

TCU Tribal Colleges and Universities 

TDRS Tracking and Data Relay Satellite

TDRSS Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System

TE Technical Excellence

THEMIS

Time History of Events and Macroscale

Interactions during Substorms 

TIMED 

Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere,

Energetics and Dynamics 

TIMS Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner

TIRS Thermal Infrared Sensor

TMC Technical, Management and Cost

TM Technical Monitors

TMI TRMM Microwave Imager

TOC Test Operations Contract 

TPS Thermal Protection System

T&R Transition and Retirement

TRL Technology Readiness Level 

TRMM Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 

TSDIS TRMM Science Data and Information System

TVC Thermal Vacuum Chambers

TWINS 

Two Wide–angle Imaging Neutral–atom

Spectrometers 

UAS Uninhabited Air Systems

UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UAZ University of Arizona

UCLA University of California at Los Angeles

UI University of Iowa

ULA United Launch Alliance

URC University Research Center 

USA United Space Alliance

USAF United States Air Force 

UTD University of Texas at Dallas

UV Ultraviolet

UVS UV Spectrometer

VAB Vehicle Assembly Building 

VAO Virtual Astronomical Observatory

VCL Vegetation Canopy Lidar

WATR Western Aeronautical Test Range

WISE Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer

WMAP Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe

WRS Water Recovery System

WSC White Sands Complex

WSTF White Sands Test Facility 

XRT X-Ray Telescope

XMM 

X-ray Multi-mirror Mission (Newton

Observatory)