NASA Space Technology Roadmaps and Priorities: Restoring NASA's Technological Edge and Paving the Way for a New Era in Space

NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) has begun to rebuild the advanced space technology program in the agency with plans laid out in 14 draft technology roadmaps. It has been years since NASA has had a vigorous, broad-based program in advanced space technology development and its technology base has been largely depleted. However, success in executing future NASA space missions will depend on advanced technology developments that should already be underway. Reaching out to involve the external technical community, the National Research Council (NRC) considered the 14 draft technology roadmaps prepared by OCT and ranked the top technical challenges and highest priority technologies that NASA should emphasize in the next 5 years. This report provides specific guidance and recommendations on how the effectiveness of the technology development program managed by OCT can be enhanced in the face of scarce resources.

• Front Matter
• Summary
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Top Technical Challenges and High-Priority Technologies by Roadmap
• 3 Integrated Ranking of Top Technical Challenges and High-Priority Technologies
• 4 Observations and General Themes
• Appendixes
• Appendix A: Statement of Task
• Appendix B: Revised Technology Area Breakdown Structure
• Appendix C: Acronyms
• Appendix D: TA01 Launch Propulsion Systems
• Appendix E: TA02 In-Space Propulsion Technologies
• Appendix F: TA03 Space Power and Energy Storage
• Appendix G: TA04 Robotics, Tele-Robotics, and Autonomous Systems
• Appendix H: TA05 Communication and Navigation
• Appendix I: TA06 Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems
• Appendix J: TA07 Human Exploration Destination Systems
• Appendix K: TA08 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
• Appendix L: TA09 Entry, Descent, and Landing Systems
• Appendix M: TA10 Nanotechnology
• Appendix N: TA11 Modeling, Simulation, and Information Technology and Processing
• Appendix O: TA12 Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing
• Appendix P: TA13 Ground and Launch Systems Processing
• Appendix Q: TA14 Thermal Management Systems
• Appendix R: Steering Committee, Panel, and Staff Biographical Information