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C J Scolese Response to ASAP Questions

and establishing Agency discipline leaders (Technical Fellows, NESC, and NSC) we should have pushed earlier for an Agency set of engineering directives, specifications, and standards to minimize communication issues, clarify requirements and processes for projects and programs, and simplify relationships with the contractors. We have made considerable progress here establishing 'core' standards and technical fellows but we could have started earlier. 

C. Establish the Constellation program requirements earlier and include more representation from the robotics and aeronautics communities into the Constellation program earlier and in key positions. This includes;

i. Articulation of the block approach to development. Everything does not have to exist on day one. Of course this needs to be balanced with budget and political realities. 

ii. Clearer articulation of the architecture with the broader space technical and policy community.

iii. Articulation of the role of science and international cooperation in the Constellation program. This was needed to correct the early, 2004 statements that excluded or minimized the science and international aspects of the program.

d. Increase emphasis on the utilisation of ISS for applied science and Earth sciences. 

e. Initiate a technology development activity at a few percent of the NASA budget to develop and implement new technologies and capabilities across NASA and with industry and academia. This would include development of the new capabilities as well as the tools and standards. Areas that could benefit from technology activities include EDL, reliability, operability, EEE, parts, science instruments, power systems technologies, etc. 

f. Earlier implementation of the infrastructure changes required to address IT security, paging facilities, and coordinated facility upgrades.

3. What are the important "unrealised opportunities?

a. Greater coordination among the human space flight, science, aeronautics and institutional elements of the Agency to take advantage of overlaps and minimize duplications. For example, every mission to Mars provides opportunities for addressing critical questions required for human missions, aeronautics research in hypersonic is directly applicable to issues associated with atmospheric entry, and coordination with institutional elements to optimise facility usage within and outside of NASA. Some elements that we are currently implementing to address this opportunity follow;

i. We are developing a new NASA Acquisition Policy NPD that ties together NASA's strategic goals and objectives to the whole process of obtaining the systems, research, services, construction, and supplies that the Agency needs to fulfil its mission. When implemented this will impact how new missions are established, how Agency work assignments are made (including developing or sustaining critical NASA, academic, and industry capabilities), the 

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