The Astrophysical Context of Life

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309096278
Total Pages : 93 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

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Book Synopsis The Astrophysical Context of Life by : National Research Council

Download or read book The Astrophysical Context of Life written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2005-06-25 with total page 93 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1997, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) formed the National Astrobiology Institute to coordinate and fund research into the origins, distribution, and fate of life in the universe. A 2002 NRC study of that program, Life in the Universe: An Assessment of U.S. and International Programs in Astrobiology, raised a number of concerns about the Astrobiology program. In particular, it concluded that areas of astrophysics related to the astronomical environment in which life arose on earth were not well represented in the program. In response to that finding, the Space Studies Board requested the original study committee, the Committee on the Origins and Evolution of Life, to examine ways to augment and integrate astronomy and astrophysics into the Astrobiology program. This report presents the results of that study. It provides a review of the earlier report and related efforts, a detailed examination of the elements of the astrobiology program that would benefit from greater integration and augmentation of astronomy and astrophysics, and an assessment of ways to facilitate the integration of astronomy with other astrobiology disciplines.

Review of Goals and Plans for NASA's Space and Earth Sciences

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309181046
Total Pages : 74 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Review of Goals and Plans for NASA's Space and Earth Sciences by : National Research Council

Download or read book Review of Goals and Plans for NASA's Space and Earth Sciences written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2006-04-05 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Both the President's commission on how to implement the President's space exploration initiative and Congress asked the NRC undertake an assessment and review of the science proposed to be carried out under the initiative. An initial response to that request was the NRC February 2005 report, Science in NASA's Vision for Space Exploration. While that report's preparation, NASA created capabilities and strategy roadmapping efforts which became the object of the next phase of the NRC review. The new NASA administrator modified that NASA activity resulting in changes in the NRC review effort. This report provides a review of six science strategy roadmaps: robotic and human exploration of Mars; solar system exploration; universe exploration; search for earth-like planets; earth science and applications from space; and sun-earth system connection. In addition, an assessment of cross-cutting and integration issues is presented.

Life in the Universe

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309169267
Total Pages : 62 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Life in the Universe by : National Research Council

Download or read book Life in the Universe written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2003-04-14 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The past decade has seen a remarkable revolution in genomic research, the discoveries of extreme environments in which organisms can live and even flourish on Earth, the identification of past and possibly present liquid-water environments in our solar system, and the detection of planets around other stars. Together these accomplishments bring us much closer to understanding the origin of life, its evolution and diversification on Earth, and its occurrence and distribution in the cosmos. A new multidisciplinary program called Astrobiology was initiated in 1997 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to foster such research and to make available additional resources for individual and consortium-based efforts. Other agencies have also begun new programs to address the origin, evolution, and cosmic distribution of life. Five years into the Astrobiology program, it is appropriate to assess the scientific and programmatic impacts of these initiatives. Edward J. Weiler, NASA's associate administrator for the Office of Space Science, tasked the Committee on the Origins and Evolution of Life (COEL) with assessing the state of NASA's Astrobiology program.

The Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309185769
Total Pages : 120 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis The Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon by : National Research Council

Download or read book The Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-07-03 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Because of the Moon's unique place in the evolution of rocky worlds, it is a prime focus of NASA's space exploration vision. Currently NASA is defining and implementing a series of robotic orbital and landed missions to the Moon as the initial phase of this vision. To realize the benefits of this activity, NASA needs a comprehensive, well-validated, and prioritized set of scientific research objectives. To help establish those objectives, NASA asked the NRC to provide guidance on the scientific challenges and opportunities enabled by sustained robotic and human exploration of the Moon during the period 2008-2023 and beyond. This final report presents a review of the current understanding of the early earth and moon; the identification of key science concepts and goals for moon exploration; an assessment of implementation options; and a set of prioritized lunar science concepts, goals, and recommendations. An interim report was released in September 2006.

Searching for Life Across Space and Time

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309463947
Total Pages : 133 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Searching for Life Across Space and Time by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Searching for Life Across Space and Time written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-10-12 with total page 133 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The search for life is one of the most active fields in space science and involves a wide variety of scientific disciplines, including planetary science, astronomy and astrophysics, chemistry, biology, chemistry, and geoscience. In December 2016, the Space Studies Board hosted a workshop to explore the possibility of habitable environments in the solar system and in exoplanets, techniques for detecting life, and the instrumentation used. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2017

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 030947762X
Total Pages : 129 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Space Studies Board Annual Report 2017 by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Space Studies Board Annual Report 2017 written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2018-12-19 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The original charter of the Space Science Board was established in June 1958, three months before the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) opened its doors. The Space Science Board and its successor, the Space Studies Board (SSB), have provided expert external and independent scientific and programmatic advice to NASA on a continuous basis from NASA's inception until the present. The SSB has also provided such advice to other executive branch agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Department of Defense, as well as to Congress. Space Studies Board Annual Report 2017 covers a message from the chair of the SSB, David N. Spergel. This report also explains the origins of the Space Science Board, how the Space Studies Board functions today, the SSB's collaboration with other National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine units, assures the quality of the SSB reports, acknowledges the audience and sponsors, and expresses the necessity to enhance the outreach and improve dissemination of SSB reports. This report will be relevant to a full range of government audiences in civilian space research - including NASA, NSF, NOAA, USGS, and the Department of Energy, as well members of the SSB, policy makers, and researchers.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2009

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309154650
Total Pages : 111 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Space Studies Board Annual Report 2009 by : National Research Council

Download or read book Space Studies Board Annual Report 2009 written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 111 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Space Studies Board (SSB) was established in 1958 to serve as the focus of the interests and responsibilities in space research for the National Academies. The SSB provides an independent, authoritative forum for information and advice on all aspects of space science and applications, and it serves as the focal point within the National Academies for activities on space research. It oversees advisory studies and program assessments, facilitates international research coordination, and promotes communications on space science and science policy between the research community, the federal government, and the interested public. The SSB also serves as the U.S. National Committee for the International Council for Science Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). The present volume reviews the organization, activities, and reports of the SSB for the year 2009.

A Performance Assessment of NASA's Astrophysics Program

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309104904
Total Pages : 60 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis A Performance Assessment of NASA's Astrophysics Program by : National Research Council

Download or read book A Performance Assessment of NASA's Astrophysics Program written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-06-21 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While a number of remarkable discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics have taken place over the past 20 years, many important questions remain. Continued progress in these fields will require NASA's leadership. To help determine if NASA can meet this challenge, Congress, in the 2005 NASA Authorization Act, directed the agency to have "[t]he performance of each division in the Science directorate...reviewed and assessed by the National Academy of Sciences at 5-year intervals." In early 2006, NASA asked the NRC to conduct such an assessment for the agency's Astrophysics Division. This report presents an assessment of how well NASA's current program addresses the strategies, goals, and priorities outlined in previous Academy reports. The report provides an analysis of progress toward realizing these strategies, goals, and priorities; and a discussion of actions that could be taken to optimize the scientific value of the program in the context of current and forecasted resources.

The Stardust Revolution

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Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN 13 : 1633888622
Total Pages : 385 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (338 download)

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Book Synopsis The Stardust Revolution by : Jacob Berkowitz

Download or read book The Stardust Revolution written by Jacob Berkowitz and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2022-02-15 with total page 385 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1957, as Americans obsessed over the launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite, another less noticed space-based scientific revolution was taking off. That year, astrophysicists solved a centuries-old quest for the origins of the elements, from carbon to uranium. The answer they found wasn’t on Earth, but in the stars. Their research showed that we are literally stardust. The year also marked the first conference that considered the origin of life on Earth in an astrophysical context. It was the marriage of two of the seemingly strangest bedfellows—astronomy and biology—and a turning point that award-winning science author Jacob Berkowitz calls the Stardust Revolution. In this captivating story of an exciting, deeply personal, new scientific revolution, Berkowitz weaves together the latest research results to reveal a dramatically different view of the twinkling night sky—not as an alien frontier, but as our cosmic birthplace. Reporting from the frontlines of discovery, Berkowitz uniquely captures how stardust scientists are probing the universe’s physical structure, but rather its biological nature. Evolutionary theory is entering the space age. From the amazing discovery of cosmic clouds of life’s chemical building blocks to the dramatic quest for an alien Earth, Berkowitz expertly chronicles the most profound scientific search of our era: to know not just if we are alone, but how we are connected. Like opening a long-hidden box of old family letters and diaries, The Stardust Revolution offers us a new view of where we’ve come from and brings to light our journey from stardust to thinking beings.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2014

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309368049
Total Pages : 83 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis Space Studies Board Annual Report 2014 by : National Research Council

Download or read book Space Studies Board Annual Report 2014 written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2015-04-10 with total page 83 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The original charter of the Space Science Board was established in June 1958, 3 months before the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) opened its doors. The Space Science Board and its successor, the Space Studies Board (SSB), have provided expert external and independent scientific and programmatic advice to NASA on a continuous basis from NASA's inception until the present. The SSB has also provided such advice to other executive branch agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Department of Defense, as well as to Congress. Space Studies Board Annual Report 2014 covers a message from the chair of the SSB, David N. Spergel. This report also explains the origins of the Space Science Board, how the Space Studies Board functions today, the SSB's collaboration with other National Research Council units, assures the quality of the SSB reports, acknowledges the audience and sponsors, and expresses the necessity to enhance the outreach and improve dissemination of SSB reports. This report will be relevant to a full range of government audiences in civilian space research - including NASA, NSF, NOAA, USGS, and the Department of Energy, as well members of the SSB, policy makers, and researchers.

An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309484197
Total Pages : 189 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-03-20 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. It is an inherently interdisciplinary field that encompasses astronomy, biology, geology, heliophysics, and planetary science, including complementary laboratory activities and field studies conducted in a wide range of terrestrial environments. Combining inherent scientific interest and public appeal, the search for life in the solar system and beyond provides a scientific rationale for many current and future activities carried out by the National Aeronautics and Science Administration (NASA) and other national and international agencies and organizations. Requested by NASA, this study offers a science strategy for astrobiology that outlines key scientific questions, identifies the most promising research in the field, and indicates the extent to which the mission priorities in existing decadal surveys address the search for life's origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe. This report makes recommendations for advancing the research, obtaining the measurements, and realizing NASA's goal to search for signs of life in the universe.

Space Science and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309116090
Total Pages : 44 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Space Science and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations by : National Research Council

Download or read book Space Science and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2008-03-04 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ITAR, which controls defense trade, includes the U.S. Munitions List (USML) which specifies categories of defense articles and services covered by the regulations. In 1999, space satellites were added to the USML. In 2002 ITAR was amended to exclude U.S. universities from having to obtain ITAR licenses when performing fundamental research involving foreign countries and/or persons. Despite this provision, there remains considerable uncertainty among university researchers about whether the regulations apply to their research leading to a rather conservative interpretation of the regulations and the imposition of burdens that might not be necessary. To explore this concern, NASA asked the NRC to organize a workshop of all stakeholders on the implications of ITAR for space science. This book presents a summary of the workshop discussions including those on perspectives on recent developments and implementation of ITAR; overarching issues; problems arising from ITAR's implementation; and opportunities for near-term actions and improvements.

Earth Science and Applications from Space

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 9780309103879
Total Pages : 460 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (38 download)

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Book Synopsis Earth Science and Applications from Space by : National Research Council

Download or read book Earth Science and Applications from Space written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-10-01 with total page 460 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Natural and human-induced changes in Earth's interior, land surface, biosphere, atmosphere, and oceans affect all aspects of life. Understanding these changes requires a range of observations acquired from land-, sea-, air-, and space-based platforms. To assist NASA, NOAA, and USGS in developing these tools, the NRC was asked to carry out a "decadal strategy" survey of Earth science and applications from space that would develop the key scientific questions on which to focus Earth and environmental observations in the period 2005-2015 and beyond, and present a prioritized list of space programs, missions, and supporting activities to address these questions. This report presents a vision for the Earth science program; an analysis of the existing Earth Observing System and recommendations to help restore its capabilities; an assessment of and recommendations for new observations and missions for the next decade; an examination of and recommendations for effective application of those observations; and an analysis of how best to sustain that observation and applications system.

Grading NASA's Solar System Exploration Program

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309114926
Total Pages : 100 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Grading NASA's Solar System Exploration Program by : National Research Council

Download or read book Grading NASA's Solar System Exploration Program written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2008-04-25 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The NASA Authorization Act of 2005 directed the agency to ask the NRC to assess the performance of each division in the NASA Science directorate at five-year intervals. In this connection, NASA requested the NRC to review the progress the Planetary Exploration Division has made in implementing recommendations from previous, relevant NRC studies. This book provides an assessment of NASA's progress in fulfilling those recommendations including an evaluation how well it is doing and of current trends. The book covers key science questions, flight missions, Mars exploration, research and analysis, and enabling technologies. Recommendations are provided for those areas in particular need of improvement.

Assessment of the NASA Astrobiology Institute

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309114977
Total Pages : 80 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Assessment of the NASA Astrobiology Institute by : National Research Council

Download or read book Assessment of the NASA Astrobiology Institute written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2008-04-20 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Astrobiology is a scientific discipline devoted to the study of life in the universe - its origin, evolution, distribution, and future. In 1997, NASA established an Astrobiology program (the NASA Astrobiology Institute - NAI) as a result of a series of new results from solar system exploration and astronomical research in the mid-1990s together with advances in the biological sciences. To help evaluate the NAI, NASA asked the NRC to review progress made by the Institute in developing the field of astrobiology. This book presents an evaluation of NAI's success in meeting its goals for fostering interdisciplinary research, training future astrobiology researchers, providing scientific and technical leadership, exploring new research approaches with information technology, and supporting outreach to K-12 education programs.

Space Studies Board Annual Report 2010

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309217857
Total Pages : 131 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (92 download)

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Book Synopsis Space Studies Board Annual Report 2010 by : National Research Council

Download or read book Space Studies Board Annual Report 2010 written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-01-01 with total page 131 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Space Studies Board (SSB) was established in 1958 to serve as the focus of the interests and responsibilities in space research for the National Academies. The SSB provides an independent, authoritative forum for information and advice on all aspects of space science and applications, and it serves as the focal point within the National Academies for activities on space research. It oversees advisory studies and program assessments, facilitates international research coordination, and promotes communications on space science and science policy between the research community, the federal government, and the interested public. The SSB also serves as the U.S. National Committee for the International Council for Science Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). This volume reviews the organization, activities, and reports of the SSB for the year 2010.

Review and Assessment of Planetary Protection Policy Development Processes

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309478650
Total Pages : 139 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Review and Assessment of Planetary Protection Policy Development Processes by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Review and Assessment of Planetary Protection Policy Development Processes written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2018-10-17 with total page 139 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Protecting Earth's environment and other solar system bodies from harmful contamination has been an important principle throughout the history of space exploration. For decades, the scientific, political, and economic conditions of space exploration converged in ways that contributed to effective development and implementation of planetary protection policies at national and international levels. However, the future of space exploration faces serious challenges to the development and implementation of planetary protection policy. The most disruptive changes are associated with (1) sample return from, and human missions to, Mars; and (2) missions to those bodies in the outer solar system possessing water oceans beneath their icy surfaces. Review and Assessment of Planetary Protection Policy Development Processes addresses the implications of changes in the complexion of solar system exploration as they apply to the process of developing planetary protection policy. Specifically, this report examines the history of planetary protection policy, assesses the current policy development process, and recommends actions to improve the policy development process in the future.