The Present and Future of Space Science at NASA 1

NASA conducts an extensive robotic science and exploration program, as well as extensive human-enabled science and exploration programs onboard Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The current overview summarizes agency's robotic science program in Earth and space science.NASA uses vantage point of space to enable science that is from space, in space, and about space. It operates outward-looking satellites that study universe, has world's largest fleet of Earth-studying satellites, and is largest contributor of climate monitoring and Earth systems science data.NASA's science program focuses on answering several of following profound questions that touch us all:* How and why are Earth's climate and environment changing?* How and why does Sun vary and affect Earth and rest of solar system?* How do planets and life originate?* How does universe work, and what are its origin and destiny?* Are we alone?NASA is one of several federal government agencies dedicated to science. Its responsibilities include providing leadership in fundamental research, enhancing environmental stewardship, educating next generation to create a world-class workforce, driving technological innovation, and extending partnerships domestically and internationally.A number of strategic goals guide NASA's science program, and these goals are to:* Advance scientific understanding of changing Earth system to meet societal needs;* Understand Sun and its interactions with Earth and solar system;* Advance scientific knowledge of origin and history of solar system and potential for life elsewhere; and* Discover how universe works, explore how universe began and developed into its present form, and search for life elsewhere.NASA's science practices conform to highest standards of scientific integrity. NASA fully supports and implements 4 August 2009 memorandum from Directors of President's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to conduct programs in accordance with highest standards of ethical and scientific integrity and to have clear principles, guidelines, and policies on issues such as scientific openness, scientific misconduct, conflicts of interest, protection of privacy, and appropriate treatment of human subjects.NASA prioritizes its Earth and space science program based on input from National Academy of Sciences (hereafter referred to as the National Academy). It has divided science program into four general disciplines in science, and in each of those areas, National Academy provides a decadal survey laying out highest priority science to be accomplished in upcoming decade. At time this overview was delivered in 2010, four most recent decadal surveys were Astronomy and Astrophysics in New Millennium (2001); New Frontiers in Solar System: An Integrated Exploration Strategy (2002); The Sun to Earth-and Beyond: A Decadal Research Strategy in Solar and Space Physics (2003); and Earth Science and Applications from Space: National Imperatives for Next Decade and Beyond (2007). As of April 2010, three new decadal surveys in preparation are New Worlds, New Horizons in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2010); Visions and Voyages for Planetary Science in Decade 2013-2022 (2011); and Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society (2012).When NASA receives a new decadal survey, science program of future exploration and missions is adjusted to be responsive to priorities in science that are identified by science community through National Academy's decadal surveys. Because there is always too much science to do and not enough funding, one of ways that NASA can ensure that its program advances highest priorities in Earth and space sciences is to be responsive to advisory reports received from community and National Academy. …