Janua National Aeronautics r and Space … Aeronautics and Space Administration NASDA ... breakthroughs of the technology triad to meet ... IRAC infrared array

January 2

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National Aeronauticsand Space Administration

Ames Research Center

S t e p p i n g U p t o t h e C h a l l e n g e

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Implementing NASA’s Strategic Planwith respect to

Center of Excellence,Center Missions, and

Lead Center Programs and Responsibilities

A Roadmap for Ames’ Customers and Employees

January 2001Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, CA 94035

Ames Research Center FY01 Implementation PlanStepp i ng Up to t he Cha l l e nge

Delivering Science and Technology to Advance Aerospace Systems & Missions

Book saddle CIP 02/05/2001, 11:36 AM1

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JASON (scientific educational expeditionproject-after Jason of the Golden Fleece)

JPL Jet Propulsion Laboratory

JSC Johnson Space Center

LSG life sciences glove box

MASTER MODIS/ASTER (airborne simulator)

MMMD micromass measuring device

MODIS moderate-resolution imagingspectrometer

MPM mobile physiological monitor

MSFC Marshall Space Flight Center

NAI NASA Astrobiology Institute

NAR non-advocate review

NASA National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration

NASDA National Aerospace DevelopmentAgency (Japan)

NEMS nanoelectromechanical system

NET NASA Engineering Training

NGI Next Generation Internet

NGST next-generation space telescope

NRA NASA research announcement

NRP NASA Research Park

OAT Office of Aero-Space Technology

EOS Office of Earth Science

PC-ITS Principal Center for ITS

PDR preliminary design review

PDS passive dosimeter

PI principal investigator

PMC Program Management Council

P/PM program and project management

PRU plant research unit

R&T research and technology

RLV reusable launch vehicle

SAFARI Southern African Fire/AtmosphereRegional [Science] Initiative

SAFOR Safe All-Weather Flight Operations forRotorcraft (project)

SAGE Self-Adhesive Grid Code

SBIR Small Business Innovative Research

SFG Simulation Facility Group

SILNT Selected Integrated Low-NoiseTechnologies (project)

SIRTF Space Infrared Telescope Facility

SMMD small-mass measuring device

SOFIA Stratospheric Observatory for InfraredAstronomy

SOLVE SAGE III Ozone Loss and ValidationExperiment

SS Space Science

SSBRP Space Station Biological Research Project

STI Scientific and Technical Information(program)

STS Space Transport System

STTR small business technology transfer

TES Thermal Emission Spectrometer

TIR thermal infrared

TPS thermal protection system

UF utilization flight

USRA Universities Space Research Association

VPP Voluntary Protection Program

WARP writers augmented reality prototype

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A C R O N Y M S


A Message from the Ames Center Director

These technologies are widely accepted as themost likely sources of breakthrough technologiesin the next decade within the agency. AmesResearch Center uniquely provides the integratedresearch environment required to exploit thecrossover potential as well as the individual fieldbreakthroughs of the technology triad to meetNASA’s mission.

The hard work that we put into searching for anddiscovering the technological achievements todaywill shape the future of science and technology.It is imperative that the work we do fits with thenation’s goals and the roadmap established for theentire Agency. The Agency states its broad goals,

The grand challenge of NASA’s mission to explore space and study the originand role of life in the Universe is driving the agency’s focus on the technologytriad in Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.

objectives, and values within the NASA StrategicPlan. The Ames Research Center FY 2001 Implemen-tation Plan articulates how the Agency’s strategicvision translates into the functions and duties andvalues of the employees at Ames. Due to the timingof the establishment of the Biology and PhysicalResearch Enterprise, this change is not reflected inthis plan.

All Ames employees contribute to the success ofthis Center. I ask each Ames employee to read thisPlan and to know what is expected of them and ofAmes. This Plan will help ensure that Ames is at theforefront of aerospace technology development,scientific research, and space exploration.

Henry McDonaldCenter DirectorAmes Research Center

I N T R O D U C T I O N

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ADF Avian Development Facility

AIRES airborne infrared echelle spectrograph

ALS advanced life support

AOS Aviation Operations Systems

APCM aerosol physical chemistry model

APPL Academy of Program/ProjectLeadership

ARC Ames Research Center

ASAP Ames Safety AccountabilityProgram

ASC Aviation System Capacity

ASTER advanced spaceborne thermalemission and reflection radiometer

AT Aero-Space Technology

ATC air traffic controller

BPS Biomass Production System

CAMEX Convection and Moisture Experiment

CASC California Air and Space Center

CCU cell culture unit

CDMS Center Directives Management System

CDR critical design review

CHAART Center for Health Applications ofAerospace-Related Technologies

CIO chief information officer

CMEX Center for Mass Exploration

COE-IT Center of Excellence for InformationTechnology

CONDUIT control designer’s unified interface

CoSMO Consolidated Supercomputing Management Office

CSA Canadian Space Agency

DASI digital array scanning interferometer

DFS design for safety

DS deep space

EOS Earth Observing System

ES Earth science

EPS Extranet for Security Professionals

FB fundamental biology

FRIAR Fast-Response Industry AssistanceRequests (project)

FY fiscal year

G&A general and administrative

HEDS Human Exploration and Development of Space

HHR habitat holding rack

HIPPARCOS European space agencyastrometric mission satellite and database

HPCC high-performance computing andcommunications

HSO Hungarian Space Office

HUMS Health and Usage Monitoring System

IFMP Integrated Financial ManagementProgram

IOTA Infrared Optical Telescope Array

IR infrared

IRAC infrared array camera

IS Intelligent System

ISE intelligent synthesis environment

ISS International Space Station

ITS Information Technology Security

IVHM integrated vehicle health management

ACRONYMS

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Ames Management Team ConcurrenceWe the senior management team at Ames, are committed to working with themen and women of the Center and with all our stakeholders, partners, andcustomers to implement this plan.

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Documentation DevelopmentKaren D. Thompson 4-5979 241-12 [email protected]

Equal Employment OpportunityAdriana Cardenas 4-6510 241-7 [email protected]

External Affairs/EducationMichael L. Marlaire

4-4190 204-2 [email protected] & Logistics ManagementRobert J. Dolci 4-5214 19-14 [email protected]

Financial ManagementLewis S. G. Braxton III 4-5068 200-8 [email protected]

Human ResourcesDennis Cunningham 4-5613 241-9 [email protected]

Office of Chief Legal CounselSally O. Mauldin 4-2181 19-40 [email protected]

Aeronautics and SpaceflightHardware DevelopmentGerald M. Mulenburg 4-5366 213-14 [email protected]

Protective ServicesClinton G. Herbert, Jr. 4-2711 15-1 [email protected]

Safety, Environmental,and Mission AssuranceWarren Hall 4-5277 218-6 [email protected]

Systems EngineeringLaura W. Doty 4-5151 213-1 [email protected]

O T H E R

ARC Exchange CouncilLynda L. Haines 4-5151 262-1 [email protected]

Multicultural Leadership CouncilDavid R. Morse 4-4724 204-12 [email protected] A. Johnson 4-5054 204-12 [email protected]

If calling from outside ARC, each phone number is preceded by area code and prefix.(for example, (650) 604-1234).

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A M E S P O I N T S O FC O N T A C T

NAME PHONE* MAIL STOP E-MAIL ADDRESS


Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values . ...............................................................................................................1

NASA Vision and Mission .................................................................................................................1

Meeting the NASA Mission ...............................................................................................................2

Values .................................................................................................................................................3

Implementing Agency-Level Responsibilities ...............................................................................................4

NASA’s Center of Excellence forInformation Technology ...................................................................................................................4

ARC’s Mission Assignments ..............................................................................................................5

ARC’s Lead Center Roles forAgency-Wide Programs ....................................................................................................................7

ARC’s Principal Center Roles forFunctional Agency Assignments ..................................................................................................... 10

Implementing Enterprise-Level Responsibilities .........................................................................................11

ARC’s Roles in the Aero-SpaceTechnology Enterprise .................................................................................................................... 11

ARC’s Role in the Space ScienceEnterprise ......................................................................................................................................... 15

ARC’s Roles in the Human Explorationand Development of Space Enterprise .......................................................................................... 17

ARC’s Roles in the Earth ScienceEnterprise ......................................................................................................................................... 20

Implementing Center-Level Responsibilities .............................................................................................. 21

Initiatives ....................................................................................................................................... 21

Support Functions ........................................................................................................................... 23

GPRA Metrics FY2000 ...................................................................................................................................26

Space Science Enterprise ................................................................................................................ 26

Earth Science Enterprise ................................................................................................................. 27

HEDS Enterprise .............................................................................................................................. 28

Aerospace Technology Enterprise .................................................................................................. 30

Manage Strategically ....................................................................................................................... 32

Provide Aerospace Products and Capabilities ............................................................................... 32

Generate Knowledge ...................................................................................................................... 33

Communicate Knowledge .............................................................................................................. 33

Ames Points of Contact ................................................................................................................................ 34

Acronyms ......................................................................................................................................................36

Table of Contents

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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Information TechnologySteven F. Zornetzer 4-2800 200-6 [email protected]

Aviation Operations SystemsRobert A. Jacobsen 4-3743 262-5 [email protected]

AstrobiologyDavid Morrison 4-5094 200-7 [email protected]

Associate Center Director forAerospace ProgramsRobert Rosen 4-5333 200-4 [email protected]

Aerospace Operations SystemsR&T BaseRobert A. Jacobsen 4-3743 262-5 [email protected]

Aviation System CapacityRobert A. Jacobsen 4-3743 262-5 [email protected]

Information Technology R&T BaseEugene L. Tu 4-4486 258-2 [email protected]

Rotorcraft R&T BaseJohn J. Coy 4-3122 207-1 [email protected]

Fundamental BiologyMaurice M. Averner 4-2451 19-20 [email protected]

High-Performance Computingand CommunicationsEugene L. Tu 4-4486 258-2 [email protected]

Consolidated SupercomputingManagement Office (CoSMO)Robert Shiner 4-0257 243-1 [email protected]

Information Technology Security(ITS)Scott S. Santiago 5-5015 233-17 [email protected]

SOFIALawrence J. Caroff 4-1545 240-1 [email protected]

Simulation Facility GroupRobert J. Shiner 4-0257 243-1 [email protected]

A M E S I N S T I T U T I O N A L S Y S T E M S

Acquisition/ProcurementCharles W. Duff II 4-5820 241-1 [email protected]

Commercialization & TechnologyTransferCarolina M. Blake 4-0893 202A-3 [email protected]

Ames Points of Contact NAME PHONE* MAIL STOP E-MAIL ADDRESS

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All Federal agencies are required by the 1993Government Performance and Results Act toimplement a long-term strategic planning processthat includes measurable outcomes and strictaccountability. At NASA, this planning process isshaped by the Space Act of 1958, by annual appro-priations, and by other external mandates, as wellas by customer requirements. The resulting StrategicPlan sets the overall architecture for what we do,identifies who our customers are, and directs wherewe are going and why. The Strategic Plan is thebasis on which decisions regarding program imple-mentation and resource deployment are made.

VisionNASA is an investment in America’s future. Asexplorers, pioneers, and innovators, we boldlyexpand frontiers in air and space to inspire andserve America and to benefit the quality of lifeon Earth.

IntroductionThis document presents the implementation plan for Ames Research Center(ARC) within the overall framework of the NASA Strategic Plan. It describes howARC intends to implement its Center of Excellence responsibilities, Agencyassigned missions, Agency and Enterprise lead programs, and other roles insupport of NASA’s vision and mission.

Whereas the strategic planning process examines thelong-term direction of the organization and identifies aspecific set of goals, the implementation planningprocess examines the detailed performance of theorganization and allocates resources toward meetingthose goals. It is the purpose of this implementationdocument to provide the connection between theNASA Strategic Plan and the specific programs andsupport functions that ARC employees perform. Thisconnection flows from the NASA Strategic Plan,through the various Strategic Enterprise plans to theARC Center of Excellence, primary missions, LeadCenter programs, program support responsibilities,and, ultimately, to the role of the individual ARCemployee.

Vision, Mission, Goals, and ValuesN A S A V I S I O N A N D M I S S I O N

Mission• To advance and communicate scientific knowledge and

understanding of Earth, the Solar System, and theUniverse

• To advance the human exploration, use, and develop-ment of space

• To research, develop, verify, and transfer advancedaeronautics, space, and related technologies

A M E S R E S E A R C H C E N T E R

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Manage Strategically FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 5

Enterprise FY01 Target 00# FY01 Ames Contribution

NASA will increase the safety ofits infrastructure and workforcewith facilities safety improve-ments, reduced environmentalhazards, increased physicalsecurity, and enhanced safetyawareness among its employees.

Continue to take advantage ofopportunities for improvedcontract management bymaintaining a high proportion ofPerformance Based Contracts(PBCs), and maintain significantcontractor involvement in NASAprograms of small businesses,minority institutions, andminority and women ownedbusinesses.

Renew Agency’s managementsystems, facilities, and humanresources through updated useof automated systems, facilitiesrevitalization, and Personneltraining.

Improve IT infrastructure servicedelivery to provide increasedcapability and efficiency whilemaintaining a customer rating of"satisfactory," and enhance ITsecurity through reduction ofsystem vulnerabilities across allNASA centers, emphasizing ITsecurity awareness training forall NASA personnel.

1MS1

1MS2

1MS3

1MS4

Ames will pursue OSHA VPP Certification by making keyimprovements in the safety of its infrastructure, enhancedparticipation in the safety among its employees, engineering ofsafety into all projects as well as implementation and comple-tion of all Safety Accountability Metrics.

1. Continue review of all requirements for possible 8(a) set-aside. Conduct outreach activities targeting SDBs. Based onFY 00 achievements and projections for FY01, the 8% goalwill be fully met or exceeded.

2. Complete conversion of all on-site support service contractsto PBC. Ensure all new requirements are considered forPBC.

ARC has continually improved the Center's managementprocesses to meet the cost performance metric and hastypically achieved accruals in excess of 83%.

1. Complete the deployment of PKI encryption technologythroughout the Agency's field centers to enable securemessaging across NASA and with its partners.

2. Complete the implementation of a new Center-wide com-puter network which will improve the effectiveness of Amesresearchers through improved performance and an architec-ture which reduces the IT security risks to Ames IT assets.

3. IT Security Training Completions by October 1, 2001:General Awareness 90% Civil Servants and contractors,Manager Training 95% Civil Servant managers, SystemsAdministrator Training, 90% Civil Servant General Awareness100% UNIX and 80% NT.

Provide Aerospace Products and Capabilities FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 6


Establish prototype collaborativeengineering environmentsfocused on the representative setof enterprise applications andevaluate performance againstnon-collaborative benchmarks.

Dedicate 10 to 20 percent of theAgency's Research & Develop-ment budget to commercialpartnerships.

1P2

1P5

Develop, enhance, and manage a leading edge IT-basedcollaboration capability supporting the 16 worldwide membersof the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Through the NASA Small Business Innovation Researchprogram, collaboration with commercial partners to develop aninstrument to measure aerosol parameters and trace gas in real-time.

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NASA uses a variety of means to organize and focusthe efforts of the Centers to achieve Agency mis-sions. The primary organizations and initiatives areStrategic Enterprises, Centers of Excellence, CenterMissions, and Lead Centers for technical programs.

Strategic EnterprisesNASA has established the four Strategic Enterprisesto function as primary business areas for implement-ing NASA’s mission and for serving customers.Each Enterprise has a unique set of strategic goals,objectives, and implementation strategies thataddress the requirements of the Agency’s primarycustomers. NASA’s Centers define how Enterpriseprograms and central services will be developedand delivered to external and internal customers.The four NASA Strategic Enterprises are:

• Aerospace Technology

• Space Science

• Human Exploration and Development of Space

• Earth Science

Centers of ExcellenceCenters of Excellence are focused, Agency-wideleadership responsibilities in a specific area oftechnology or knowledge. They must strategicallymaintain or increase the Agency’s preeminentposition in the assigned area of excellence in linewith the program requirements of the StrategicEnterprises and the long-term strategic interests ofthe Agency. A Center designated as a Center ofExcellence is charged with being preeminent withinthe Agency, if not worldwide, with respect to thehuman resources, facilities, and other criticalcapabilities associated with a particular area ofexcellence.

Ames is the Center of Excellence for InformationTechnology.

Center MissionsCenter missions identify the primary concentrationof capabilities to support the accomplishment ofStrategic Enterprise goals. Each Center has desig-nated areas of mission responsibility, which providea basis for building human resources capabilitiesand physical infrastructure in direct support ofEnterprise requirements.

The Ames missions are Astrobiology and AerospaceOperations.

Lead and Principal Center ProgramsEach NASA program is assigned to a Lead Center forimplementation. Lead Center directors have fullprogram management responsibility and authorityand, thus, full accountability for assigned missionsor programs, ensuring that they are being managedto agreed-on schedule milestones, budget guide-lines, technical requirements, and all safety andreliability standards.

The ARC Lead Center Responsibilities in support ofAgency Programs are:

• Intelligent Systems (IS)

• High-Performance Computing and Communica-tions (HPCC)

• Design For Safety (DFS)

• Nanotechnology

The ARC Principal Center Responsibilities in supportof other Agency Assignments are:

• Consolidated Supercomputing Management Office(CoSMO)

• Information Technology Security (ITS)

• Center Directives Management System

• Extranet for Security Professionals

The ARC Lead Center Responsibilities in support ofthe Enterprises are:

• Information Technology R&T (Research andTechnology) Base Program

• Rotorcraft R&T Base Program

• Aerospace Operations Systems R&T BaseProgram

• Aviation System Capacity Program

• Simulation Facility Group Director

• Stratospheric Observatory for InfraredAstronomy (SOFIA) Program

• Fundamental Biology Program

• Biomolecular System Research Program (UnderFormulation)

Center Core CompetenciesAmes Research Center’s assigned roles and responsi-bilities are based on its core competencies. Foundedin the Center’s work-force capabilities and physicalassets, these competencies are enhanced by a broadrange of collaborations with other governmentagencies, industry, and academia. Ames ResearchCenter has the following core competencies:Ames management and supervisors recognize thatpeople are the organization’s most important asset.

M E E T I N G T H E N A S A M I S S I O N

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NASA’s research stresses high-speed computing, high-capacitynetworks, and improved physics-based methods. The performancetarget is to develop at least threenew design tools and accomplishat least four demonstrations ofadvances in computation andcommunications.

NASA’s research stresses highlyreliable, fully reusable configura-tions, advanced materials andinnovative structures. Theperformance target is to completeassembly of the third X-34 testvehicle, and demonstrate 75% ofthe technology developments(programmatic performanceindicators in appendix) forreusable launch vehicles.

NASA’s research stresses technol-ogy for reusable, long-life, high-power electric and advanced cleanchemical engines for Earth orbitaltransfer and breakthroughpropulsion, precision landingsystems and aerocapture systemsfor planetary exploration. Theperformance target is to com-mence X-37 vehicle assembly, andcomplete one Pathfinder flight.

Continue the solicitation ofcustomer feedback on the services,facilities and expertise provided bythe Aerospace TechnologyEnterprise.

1. Develop, implement and test capabilities for distributedcollaborativedesign. Develop methods for analysis of "quality of solution" anduncertainty analysis and propagation to increase design confidence.

2. Demonstrate benchmarking tools to measure applications perfor-mance on high-performance computing testbeds.

3. Demonstrate automated parallelization tools to reduce parallelizationtime and enhance applications performance on high-performancecomputing testbeds.

4. Demonstrate a rapid integration and test environment that includesremote connectivity and access to flight simulation data, computa-tional simulation data, and archival databases.

5. Integrate a large-scale computing node into a distributed computingenvironment.

6. Demonstrate remote connectivity to high data-rate instruments anddistributed real-time access to instrument data.

7. Improve the capability to assess the life of complex compositerotorcraft structures.

8. Complete the flight validation of baseline control laws and modesfor CONDUIT (Control Designer’s Unified Interfaces).

9. Provide documentation for composite structures analysis andcertification for inclusion in the MIL-HDBK-17 design handbook.

10. Enable rapid prototyping with "express-tool" fabrication.

1. Gen. 2 RLV: Conduct IVHM & TPS in-house R & D and supportindustry per plans currently under development.

2. Gen. 3: Report on potential of TPS materials that can healthemselves after micrometeorite impact and initiate superthermalinsulation materials development and characterization.

3. X-37: Deliver, per schedule and funding availability software &hardware for three flight experiments: IVHM, Flexible TPS andwing leading edge TPS.

4. Continue to advocate and develop SHARP L1 technology demon-strator effort.


6. Demonstrate automated parallelization tools to reduceparallelization time and enhance applications performance onhigh-performance computing testbeds.

7. Integrate a large-scale computing node into a distributed comput-ing environment.

1. Complete high spectral resolution, 2-D CFD code for syntheticspectra predictions of radiative heat transfer for high-speed entry.

2. Develop ultrasmall TPS/aerothermal sensors for ground and flightexperiments.

3. Support zero boil off cryogen storage demonstration at MSFC.

1. Ames will continue its very effective customer survey program forits systems engineering, hardware development, and research anddevelopment testing to validate its customer service effectiveness.

2. Conduct customer surveys on arc jet testing and report result toHQ.

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Aerospace Technology FY 2001 (cont.)P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 4 ( C o n t . )

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2 0 0 1 M E T R I C S


To ensure a work environment that accuratelyreflects that belief, ARC encourages and promotesadherence to the following core values:

S a f e t yWe will ensure a safe and secure working environ-ment for our staff.

R e s p e c tWe have respect for the individual and for diversitiesin culture, background, and experience. We main-tain the highest principles of fairness and equitabletreatment of all employees.

C o m m u n i c a t i o nWe recognize that only through open and honestcommunication will our goals be achieved.

T e a m w o r kWe believe in cooperative interaction among othersand ourselves. By working together with respect,trust, and mutual support, we achieve commongoals.

C r e a t i v i t yWe foster creativity, ingenuity, and innovation in ourendeavors.

V A L U E S

I n t e g r i t yWe maintain the highest principles of integrity,honesty, and accountability.

E x c e l l e n c eWe continually strive to improve. We demandprofessionalism in our conduct and excellence inour products.

C u s t o m e r F o c u sWe are responsive to our customers and satisfy theirrequirements.

R e s p o n s i b i l i t yWe are responsible stewards of the public interest,public resources, and the public trust.

R e l e v a n c eWe ensure that all our endeavors are aligned withnational needs and with the Agency vision andpurpose.

D i s c o v e r yWe are bold, but prudent, as we expand theboundaries of scientific understanding and techni-cal knowledge in air and space.

Technology Core Competencies• Information Technology

• Biotechnology

• Nanotechnology

• Aerospace Operations Systems

Science Core Competencies• Astrobiology

• Space Biology

• Computer Science

Unique Expertise Areas

• Rotorcraft

• Thermal Protection Systems

Institutional SupportIn addition to these organizations, ARC has manyinstitutional systems that support the Center ofExcellence, missions, Lead Center programs, andother research and technology developmentactivities. These systems are essential for ARC tomeet its programmatic commitments and foroperation of the Center.

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Aerospace Technology FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 4


NASA's research stresses aviationsystem monitoring and modeling,accident prevention and accidentmitigation. The performance targetis to complete 75% of the concep-tual designs of systems for prevent-ing and mitigating accidents(programmatic performanceindicators in appendix), and todemonstrate tools for accidentanalysis and risk assessment.

NASA’s research stresses enginetechnology to reduce the emissions ofoxides of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.The performance target is to completeone system-level technology benefitassessment, one component conceptselection and one new material system.

NASA’s research has stressed reducingnoise in the areas of engines, nacelles,engine/airframe integration, aircraftinteriors and flight procedures. Theperformance target is complete large-scale demonstration of a 2-5-decibelreduction in aircraft noise based on1997 production technology, and initialassessments of concepts offering anadditional 3-decibel reduction.

NASA's research stresses operationssystems for safe, efficient air trafficmanagement and new aircraft configu-rations for high productivity utilizationof existing runways. The performancetarget is to complete the civil tiltrotorproject by validating databases forcontingency power, flightpaths, andnoise reduction, as well as complete atleast one demonstration of an airspacemanagement decision support tool.

1. Complete the development and demonstration of digital encryp-tion technology, in collaboration with the FAA and InternationalAviation community, leading to establishment of an encryptionstandard to improve the security of the next-generation ATNcommunications systems.

2. Demonstration of system-wide simulation of National AviationSystem development proficiency standards for check airmen.

3. Identification of high-probability human error contexts anddevelopment of virtual reality aids for aircraft maintenance andinspection.

4. Demonstrate integrated propulsion and flight control systemcapable of adapting to absence or loss of any and all controlsurfaces resulting from failures or malfunctions.

5. Demonstrate prototype data communications architecture withmultipriority capability in a secure high-integrity environment forthe National Airspace System.

6. Publish an industry standard design guide for ultra-safe gears forrotorcraft.

7. Complete the flight validation of baseline control laws andmodes for CONDUIT (Control Designer’s Unified Interfaces).

8. Publish a HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) Certifica-tion Protocol.

9. Improve safety and survivability of rotorcraft in hard landingsonto water, soft soil, and rigid surfaces.

10. Determine how the demands of managing multiple concurrenttasks contribute to crew errors in aviation incidents and accidents.

11. Based upon pilot simulation study, define effects of in-flightactivity breaks as fatigue countermeasures.

12. Complete guidelines for perceptually and cognitively matcheddisplays and methods of analysis for optimizing human perfor-mance.

13. Down select of ground-based remote sensing technologies for aprototype ground-based system to sense icing conditions.

Establish feasibility of adapting ultra high temperatureceramics Thermal Protection Materials for gas turbine applica-tions (collaboration with GRC).

Complete large-scale airframe noise reduction wind-tunnel tests in40- by 80-foot test section of the NFAC.

1. Develop and demonstrate transition airspace decision supporttools for ATC/airline operations center and ATC/cockpitinformation exchange and for conflict resolution.

2. Comprehensive mission simulation database integrated cockpitand operating procedures for complex, low-noise flightpaths.

3. Large-scale database for validation of rotor noise reductionand validated design-for-noise capability.

IR1

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As the NASA Center of Excellence for InformationTechnology (COE-IT), Ames is leading the develop-ment of advanced computer science and numericaltechnologies. NASA scientists and engineers areworking to enable significantly lower-cost systemswith higher performance and reliability. Technolo-gies will be developed and demonstrated at severallevels, including the subsystems and systems levels,in both ground tests and flight tests, whereappropriate.

Ames provides information technology research forall Enterprises and provides critical leadership forefforts among NASA field Centers, industry,academia, and other Government agencies. Theworld-class capability of skilled personnel, pro-cesses, and facilities will be maintained andenhanced to develop new and innovative informa-tion technologies, to report these technologyadvances in a timely manner, and to assist in theirtransfer to commercial ventures that augmentAmerica’s industrial growth and benefit the qualityof life on Earth. Toward this end, Ames is continu-ally assessing relevant research in industry,government, and academia to identify potentialareas of collaboration. Thus far, ARC has over 130IT-related research partners in industry andgovernment. Additionally, ARC is increasing itsuniversity-based research and is building particu-larly strong relationships with key universitypartners, including Carnegie-Mellon University, theMassachusetts Institute of Technology, and Penn-sylvania State University, where some of the mostadvanced computer science expertise resides. Inaddition, the new Intelligent Systems (IS) programwill be a central focus of the long-term researchinto advanced computer science that will benecessary in order to develop the technologies forNASA mission requirements.

COE-IT Focus AreasThe focus of Ames’ research in computer scienceand information technology is in three areas criticalto the success of future NASA missions:(1) Automated Reasoning for Autonomous Systems,(2) Human-Centered Computing, and(3) High-Performance Computing and Networking.

Automated Reasoning for Autonomous SystemsNASA’s mission of space exploration coupled withthe administrator’s challenge to do it “faster, better,and cheaper” has provided the requirement forone of the most stressing applications facing thecomputer science research community—that of

Implementing Agency-Level ResponsibilitiesN A S A ’ S C E N T E R O F E X C E L L E N C E F O R

I N F O R M A T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y ( C O E - I T )

designing, building, and operating progressively morecapable autonomous spacecraft and rovers. Researchon automated reasoning for autonomous systems willenable a new generation of spacecraft to do moreexploration at a much lower cost than that oftraditional approaches. An impressive early exampleof this technology (Remote Agent Autonomy Architec-ture) has demonstrated its usefulness on the DeepSpace One (DS-1) mission.

Human-Centered ComputingThe emerging concept of human-centered computingconstitutes a significant shift in thinking about informa-tion technology in general, and about intelligentmachines in particular. It embodies a “systems view,” inwhich the interplay between human thought and actionand technological systems is understood as inextricablylinked and as an equally important aspect of analysis,design, and evaluation. Within this framework, NASAresearchers are inventing and deploying sophisticatedcomputational aids designed to amplify human cognitiveand perceptual abilities.

High-Performance Computing and NetworkingNASA has a long history of leadership in high-perfor-mance computing for both scientific and engineeringapplications. Today the field of high-performancecomputing is changing rapidly: on the high end, newarchitectures are under development that combine theperformance gains of massively parallel computing withthe flexibility of shared-memory multiprocessor ap-proaches; on the low end, powerful microprocessor-based systems are now performing computations that

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Successfully complete the majority ofthe planned research activities insupport of initiation of on-orbitresearch opportunities. (cont.)

Develop new biomedical andtechnological capabilities to facilitateliving and working in space and thesafe return to Earth.

Develop and demonstrate technolo-gies for improved life supportsystems.

Initiate implementation of theBioastronautics Initiative.

Support participation in HEDSresearch (via educational outreach)program.

10. Complete the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for theSmall Mass Measuring Device (SMMD) and the MicroMass Measuring Device (MMMD) developments.

11. Complete the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for theCentrifuge, NASDA provided hardware.

1. Initiate new research in nanotechnology for biomedi-cal applications.

2. Support JSC’s human countermeasure studies throughthe development of a wireless Mobile PhysiologicalMonitor (MPM) to monitor physiological health andperformance.

3. Support JPL’s development of a Wireless AugmentedReality Prototype (WARP) to provide a heads-updisplay in a space habitat.

4. Apply ARC three-dimensional (3-D) imaging technolo-gies to facilitate Fundamental Biology PI flightexperiment design and resultant crew training particu-larly in modeling the ISS glovebox, dissection tools,and rodents along with haptic feedback.

1. Complete development and full-scale testing ofa prototype solid-state CO

2 compressor for ISS air

revitalization system application.

2. Complete PDR and CDR of next-generation WaterRecovery/Processing System.

3. Conduct In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) researchand technology development for Mars Explorationmission applications.

1. Sponsor joint ARC/JSC collaborative workshop todefine, plan, and initiate a series of countermeasurestudies over the next 5 years using the Ames uniqueresearch facilities.

2. Initiate design of the 52’ Chronic Live Aboard Centri-fuge as part of long term studies and countermeasures.

Support NASA’s Education Outreach Program throughuniversity guest lectures, through participation in theSpeaker’s Bureau, through lecturing to grade and middleschools, through displays and brochures at scientificmeetings, and through use of the Hangar 1 Spacelab forstudent tours.

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HEDS Enterprise FY 2001 (cont.)P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 3 ( C o n t . )

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would have required a supercomputer until veryrecently; and finally, the advent of high-speed connec-tivity is making the slogan “the network is the com-puter” true for more and more applications. Towardthis end, NASA is playing an important role in the NGI(Next Generation Internet) Program, which is develop-ing advanced networking technologies, developingrevolutionary applications that require advancednetworking, and demonstrating these capabilities ontest beds that are 100 to 1,000 times faster end-to-endthan today’s Internet.

AstrobiologyMission DescriptionAstrobiology is defined in the NASA Strategic Plan asthe study of the living Universe. Astrobiology studiesare multidisciplinary and are directed toward theunderstanding of the origin, evolution, distribution,and destiny of life in the Universe. Recent discover-ies about life, the environment, and the potential forlife elsewhere, when coupled with the dramaticadvances in technological tools and mission capa-bilities over the past decade, allow us to addresslong-held questions about the living Universe, andto explore significant new ones. The scientificcontent of astrobiology is defined in the NASAAstrobiology Roadmap, which was approved inDecember 1998.

The designation of ARC as the Agency lead inastrobiology recognizes ARC’s historical strength inmultidisciplinary research in the life, space, andEarth sciences, and ARC’s unique involvement in allof NASA’s Strategic Enterprises. The Space Science,Earth Science, and Human Exploration and Develop-ment of Space Enterprise Offices have also desig-nated ARC as the lead for astrobiology. Thisdesignation requires that the Center exercisescientific and technological leadership in this fieldfor the benefit of the entire scientific community.ARC hosts and manages the NASA AstrobiologyInstitute (NAI).

Implementation ApproachARC led in the development of a NASA AstrobiologyRoadmap, and will continue to bring together thescience and technology communities to identifyadditional research priorities and to translate theminto appropriate NASA programs, technologychallenges, and flight missions. ARC will continue tolead the effort to identify astrobiological opportuni-ties on NASA’s current missions, ascertain anddevelop the key technologies for future ground andflight research in astrobiology, and develop ad-vanced mission concepts to meet astrobiology’s far-ranging science goals.

ARC has identified mission-critical application areasthat with the application of advanced IT capabilitiesand systems, will revolutionize their design, devel-opment, and implementation. These include roboticand human exploration of space, science dataunderstanding, aviation operations, and design andmanufacturing in the virtual environment. The staffand facilities at Ames will be used to advance thestate of the art in each of these areas in order tomeet the needs of NASA’s missions and programs.

A R C ’ S M I S S I O N A S S I G N M E N T S

ARC scientists carry out basic research, participate inflight missions, and facilitate participation of thenational science community in astrobiology. Toimplement the Agency’s Center Mission effectively,ARC will continue to develop its research staff andfacilities in order to maintain technical excellenceand leadership across the range of disciplinesencompassed by astrobiology. ARC will define,develop, and operate major research facilities for thebenefit of the scientific community. These includeflight operations for life science payloads on thespace shuttle, spacehub, and International SpaceStation; operation of a suite of acceleration facilitiesat the Center for Gravitational Biology; developmentof the SOFIA airborne observatory and the SpaceStation Biological Research Facility, for future use bythe science community; and the development andoperation of other unique facilities to supportastrobiological research.

A G E N C Y - L E V E LR E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S

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HEDS Enterprise FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 3


Support an expanded, productiveresearch community to include 975investigations by 2001

Conduct outstanding peer-reviewedand commercial research on STS 107to advance knowledge in the fieldsof medicine, fundamental biology,biotechnology, fluid physics,materials processing and combus-tion.

Begin research on the InternationalSpace Station.

Successfully complete the majority ofthe planned research activities insupport of initiation of on-orbitresearch opportunities.

1. Conduct DNA microarray analysis of 2 different cell typesflown in space to collect data on the effects of the spaceenvironment on gene expression.

2. Issue Life Sciences NASA research announcement (NRA)for new research in Fundamental Biology.

3. Develop and fly gravitational biology experiments onResearch (R) mission R2 aboard STS 111.

4. Operate the acceleration facilities to support a cadre of 30intra- and extramural PI experiments that will further ourunderstanding of the role of gravity on living systems.

5. Complete Archive of prior major missions (SL-3, SLS-2, SL-J, IML-1&2) and current missions.

1. Investigate the effects of gravity on the growth andphysiology of flax seeds and moss on STS-107.

2. Provide information on the effects of the space environ-ment on bacterial virulence through research conductedon STS-107.

1. Complete implementation of the validation and scienceexperiments on flight 5A.1.

2. Conduct research on the effects of microgravity on thedevelopment of the avian skeleton and vestibular systemon UF-1.

3. Provide information on the effects of gravity on superdwarf wheat photosynthesis and respiration on UF-1.

4. Develop control parameters for ISS research throughappropriate ground-based hypergravity and microgravitysimulation studies. Make these data available through anextension of the Ames Life Sciences Data Archive(Bioengineering Database/Database Manager).

5. Analyze and publish results from the Hyper-g Projectwhich will provide baseline data (to ISS flight experi-ments) on the effects of altered gravity on biologicalsystems.

1. Complete and fly (5A.1) Passive Dosimeter System.

2. Complete and fly (UF-1) the Biomass Production System(BPS).

3. Complete and fly (UF-1) the Avian Development Facility(ADF), the risk reduction development unit designed totest the technology required for the Egg incubator Habitat.

4. Complete implementation of the validation flight UF-1.

5. Complete the Critical Design Review (CDR) for theIncubator Habitat.

6. Complete Critical Design Review (CDR) for compoundand dissecting microscope developments.

7. Complete the Critical Design Review for the Cell CultureUnit Habitat.

8. Complete the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) habitatattachment mechanism Preliminary Design Review (PDR).

9. Complete the procurement process and start work on thesecond phase of the Plant Research Unit Habitat (PRU)development.

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NASA Astrobiology InstituteThe NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI), managed byARC, carries out world-class, multidisciplinaryresearch on a wide range of fundamental sciencequestions in the field of astrobiology. The NAI is avirtual institute, composed of 11 lead memberinstitutions from around the country that use state-of-the-art communications technologies and tools tocollaborate across geographical and institutionalboundaries. In FY2001, the scope of the NAI will beincreased to include several additional lead institu-tions, and to extend international collaborations.The NAI mission is to coordinate and catalyzeastrobiology across a range of disciplines andorganizations; to develop and demonstrate moderncommunications technologies in support ofmultidisciplinary research; to provide advice to andtechnologies for NASA missions; to train students;and to provide outreach to the general public. TheNAI director, a distinguished Nobel laureate, and theNAI management staff are located at ARC. NAIoperation is guided by an Executive Council formedfrom representatives of each lead institution.

The NAI has an active Education and Outreachprogram, which presents the field of astrobiology inthe context of research, focused NAI activities, spacemissions, and technology development. NAIeducation and outreach priorities include formingpartnerships with each lead member team, coordi-nating lead members’ projects to enhance theirimpact, and leading and assisting in the creation ofinstitute-wide efforts. The NAI takes a comprehen-sive interest in the generation and use of bothtraditional communications (print, electronic, “live”exhibits, etc.) and experimental learning innovations(web-casts, remote instrument manipulation,interactive forums). The NAI undertakes uniquelyfocused activities to reach specific audience commu-nities, such as K-14 educators and students, college-level and postgraduate faculty and students, Internetusers, science and technology centers, mediaoutlets, professional colleagues, and traditionallyunderrepresented communities.

Aerospace OperationsMission DescriptionAerospace Operations is the mission assigned toARC by the Agency in recognition of ARC’s historyof contributions in the fields of optimized sequenc-ing, scheduling and control, and human factors forboth spacecraft and aircraft. The complexity of anddemands on aerospace operational environments isincreasing significantly. The national response to thisrise in requirements is the increased application ofautomation and autonomous reasoning methods.This is true in both Earth-based systems, such as theNational Airspace System, and in space-basedsystems, such as the deep space explorationmissions. To provide NASA leadership in thedevelopment of scientific foundations, ARC ispioneering concepts and technology solutions toenable safer and more effective aerospace operationsystems that meet the expanding demands of theAgency and the nation.

Implementation ApproachAmes Research Center has the responsibility to leadthe Agency’s research and development Mission inAerospace Operations Systems. Aerospace Opera-tions studies encompass:

• Automated operations management systems,interfaces, and procedures

• Relevant cockpit systems, interfaces, andprocedures

• Operational human factors, their impact onaerospace operations, and error mitigation

• Hazardous environment characterization,detection, and avoidance systems

6

Earth Science Enterprise FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 2


Explain the dynamics of globalcarbon cycle by building improvedmodels and prediction capabilities.

Explore the dynamics of global watercycle by developing, analyzing, anddocumenting multi-year data sets.

Explain the dynamics of global watercycle by building improved modelsand prediction capabilities.

Explain the dynamics of long termclimate variability by buildingimproved models and predictioncapabilities.

Explain the dynamics of atmosphericchemistry by building improvedmodels and prediction capabilities.

Provide regional decision-makerswith scientific and applicationsproducts/tools.

Improve the spatial resolution and description of land useeffects in the CASA model and implement the model onAmes supercomputers for improved throughput. Implementand test these models against boreal and Amazonianecosystem problems.

Manage the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experiment(CAMEX 4), a multi-agency, airborne and surface fieldcampaign and assure that experiment data to fulfill missionobjectives are delivered.

Use the Large Eddy Simulation/microphysical modeling ofmarine boundary layer clouds to show relationship betweensea surface temperature and cloud optical depth.

1. Examine the spectral radiative properties of dust andsmoke aerosol in Southern Africa and the effects theyhave on the radiative properties of clouds by analysis andmodeling of data acquired during the Southern AfricanFire/Atmosphere Regional Science initiative.

2. Application of Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite(UARS) humidity data and aircraft emission inventories togenerate global persistent contrail frequency maps.

1. Use an Aerosol Physical Chemistry Model (APCM) toanalyze the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS)data to evaluate the potential impact of contrail on theglobal climate and the role of stratospheric denitrificationin the formation of the Antarctic ozone loss.

2. Use an Aerosol Physical Chemistry Model (APCM) toanalyze data from Subsonic Aircraft Contrail and CloudEffects Special Study (SUCCESS) to study the effect ofaerosol composition in the nucleation of cirrus clouds inthe upper troposphere and their subsequent role inheterogeneous chemistry.

Develop a combined regional climate and ecosystem modelfor forecasting the effects of climate change on the cropgrowing conditions of the vineyards of Napa County, CA.

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Intelligent SystemsAn essential element in the success of NASA’s COE-IT is the strategic investment area called IntelligentSystems. The Intelligent Systems (IS) Initiative isdesigned to begin a national strategic researchprogram that will fulfill or exceed the NASAadministrator’s vision for next-generation informa-tion technology capabilities. The Initiative willachieve this vision by developing state-of-the-art andrevolutionary IS technologies, by leveraging govern-ment and university research, and by feedingmaturing technologies to ongoing NASA missionsand activities, to industry, and to other governmentagencies.

The IS program will emphasize the research,development, and technology transfer of revolution-ary methods, technologies, and processes that applyacross NASA’s and the nation’s engineering andscience infrastructure. IS contains four TechnologyElements: automated reasoning, intelligent data use,human-centered computing, and revolutionarycomputing. In combination, these elements providea comprehensive strategy that integrates high-riskresearch, concept and prototype development, andthe transfer of mature technologies to all IS missioncustomers throughout NASA.

FY01 Objectives

• Open agent architectures with reusable autonomycomponents

• Next-generation hardware and softwarecomputing methods

• Cooperative adaptive intelligent agents forscientific discovery and design

• Techniques for remote collaboration withdistributed environments

• Coordinated planning and execution for fleets

• Mature model-based programming processesand tools

• Limited utility knowledge discovery and datamining techniques

• Experimental demonstration of scalable quan-tum logic operations

ApproachAchieving the capabilities described above willrequire coordinated investment in both in-house andextramural research with partners in universities,industry, and other NASA Centers. Ames ResearchCenter is well positioned to assume technical

leadership and take management responsibility forthis strategic investment area. In particular, ARC hasinternationally recognized leadership in the areas ofartificial intelligence, advanced software engineer-ing, and robotic systems. ARC is building upon theseessential core capabilities. Accordingly, ARC isintegrating with these core capabilities new andrapidly evolving programs in biomimetics (e.g.,neural networks and neurotechnology) and othernontraditional computational schemes to establishrevolutionary new approaches to computing for thenext century.

High-Performance Computing andCommunications ProgramThe NASA High-Performance Computing andCommunications (HPCC) Program is a key elementof the Federal HPCC Program, which seeks toextend U.S. leadership in the areas of high-performance computing and computing communica-tions. As this is accomplished, these technologies arewidely disseminated in order to accelerate the paceof innovation and improve national economiccompetitiveness, national security, education, healthcare, and the global environment.

The HPCC Program is in its second phase (FY00-FY06), and is increasing its focus on the generaliza-tion, refinement, and insertion of technologies intothe processes that are of most relevance to HPCC’sshareholders. To enable this customer-impactobjective, the HPCC Program has specific technicalobjectives in improving the performance, inter-operability, portability, reliability, resource manage-ment, and usability of high-performance computingand computing communications technologies.

A R C ’ S L E A D C E N T E R R O L E S F O R A G E N C Y -W I D E P R O G R A M S

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GPRA Metrics FY 2001Space Science Enterprise FY 2001

P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 1


Obtain expected scientific data from80% of operating missions.

Perform innovative scientific researchand technology development bymeeting technology developmentobjectives for major projects, byachieving mission success inastronomy rocket and balloon flights,and by making satisfactory researchprogress in related Research andAnalysis (R&A) and Data Analysis(DA) programs.

Successfully develop and launch noless than one of two missions within10% of budget and schedule.


Perform innovative scientific researchand technology development bymeeting technology developmentobjectives for major projects, byachieving mission success in spacephysics rocket and balloon flights,and by making satisfactory researchprogress in related R&A and DAprograms.

Perform innovative scientific researchand technology development bymeeting interferometry technologydevelopment objectives and bymaking satisfactory research progressin related R&A programs.

Perform innovative scientific researchand technology development bymeeting technology developmentobjectives and by making satisfactoryresearch progress in the related R&Aprogram, including the Astrobiologyprogram.

Continue and expand the integrationof education and enhanced publicunderstanding of science withEnterprise research and flightmission programs.

Investigate the composition, evolution,and resources of Mars, the Moon, andsmall bodies by successfully launchinga Mars mission, by obtaining data fromoperational spacecraft, and by makingsatisfactory progress in related R&Aand DA programs.

Plan, develop, and validate newtechnologies needed to enable futureresearch and flight missions byachieving performance objectives inthe space science core technologyprograms and by making progress asplanned in the Flight Validationprogram.

Study atmospheric variability on Uranus and Neptune withHST.

1. Implement development programs for near-IR focal planearrays.

2. Improve sensitivity, size of candidates (InSb andHgCdTe).

3. Develop packaging concepts to achieve 4 k x 4 k pixelformats.

4. Make observations of deuteration in star forming cores.

1. Prepare XRD/XRF instrument concepts for future Marsand outer solar system missions.

2. Generate atmospheric radiation algorithm for Mars GCMfor comparison to Mars 01 observations.

1. Participating Scientist on Mars Global Surveyor.

2. IDS for Cassini.

Develop mid-infrared Si:As detectors which meet therequirements of NGST, SOFIA, and future Explorer missions.

1. Implement the initial stage of improving the fringe-tracking algorithm of the IOTA interferometer.

2. Conduct Project Vulcan to detect extrasolar planets.

1. Use “biomorphic forms” as biomarkers. Investigateevolving systems in protocells.

2. Study structural functions of peptides in membranes.

3. Analyze lipid biomarkers in natural samples.

4. Simulate greenhouse effect on climate of early Mars.

Participate in Project Astro.

1. Model the surface composition of the asteroid 624 Hektorusing 0.3 to 3.6 micron spectra.

2. Simulate Martian climate using a general circulationmodel.

Evaluate new neural network architectures and extendnetworks to flight mission data sets.

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FY01 Objectives

• Demonstrate benchmarking tools to measureapplications performance on high-performancecomputing test beds

• Demonstrate automated parallelization tools toreduce parallelization time and enhanceapplications performance on high-performancecomputing test beds

• Demonstrate integrated learning technologyproducts in relevant formal and informaleducational environments

ApproachThe specific goals of the HPCC program are(1) to accelerate the development, application, andtransfer of high-performance computing andcomputer communications technologies in order tomeet the engineering and science needs of the U.S.aerospace, Earth and space science, spaceborneresearch, and education communities; and(2) to accelerate the distribution of these technologiesto the American public. In partnership with theindustrial sector, NASA is progressively pursuinglarger single-system image parallel computers andnew programming methods (SGI 1024).

In support of this goal, the NASA HPCC Programdevelops, demonstrates, and develops prototypesfor advanced technology concepts and methods,provides validated tools and techniques, andresponds quickly to critical national issues. Astechnologies mature, the NASA HPCC Programfacilitates the infusion of key technologies intoNASA missions activities, and the national engineer-ing, science, and education communities, and makesthese technologies available to the American public.Machines are transferred to CoSMO as capital assetsat the conclusion of the research phase. Theprogram is conducted in cooperation with otherU.S. Government programs, U.S. industry, and theacademic community.

The HPCC Program is coordinated through theAerospace Technology Enterprise and is managedby Ames Research Center. As a crosscutting multi-enterprise activity, the HPCC Program receives fundsfrom the Aerospace Technology (AT), Space Science(SS), and Earth Science (ES) Enterprises, and fromthe Office of Human Resources and Education. TheProgram has supporting work at nine NASA fieldCenters and at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Nanotechnology InitiativeNanotechnology is the science of creating functionalmaterials, devices, and systems through control ofmatter on the nanometer (atomic) scale and theexploitation of novel phenomena and properties

(physical, chemical, and biological) at that scale.Control of organization at the atomic level providesthe opportunity to create function-specific materialsat the micro- and macroscales. It is important toemphasize that nanotechnology is not simplyanother step toward “top-down” miniaturization. Itconstitutes a fundamental change in approach—particularly in self-assembly and other “bottom-up”approaches—that exploits new behaviors dominatedby quantum mechanics, material confinement, andlarge interfaces.

Nanotechnology is a discipline which serves as aNASA Mission enabler—reducing the size ofcomponents and vehicles, thereby reducing weightand launch costs. Nanoelectronics combined withcomponent and system nanosensors provide thebasis for improved automated reasoning systemsand intelligent data understanding. Biological andmolecular nanosensors combined with nano-electronics provide an opportunity to identify bothfossilized and active life under diverse conditions onother planets as well as spectroscopic detection ofspecies within intergalactic space.

Within the next decade or two, nanotechnology isexpected to have a profound effect on all the NASAEnterprises by enabling revolutionary, lighter,smaller spacecraft (microspacecraft and nanospace-craft); powerful, small, low-power-consumingcomputers; radiation-hardened electronics;nanoelectronics; biosensors for astrobiology andastronaut health monitoring; biomedical sensors andin vivo medical devices; artificial neural systems;robotics; novel nanoelectromechanical systems(NEMS); and advanced materials for solar sails,satellite tethers, and space launch vehicle structures.NASA’s nanotechnology initiative will focus theresearch and development effort on aspects of theAgency’s interests by developing an in-houseinfrastructure, by leveraging government anduniversity research, and by transferring maturingtechnologies to NASA missions as well as to industryand other government agencies.

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ApproachRealizing the potential described above will requirecoordinated investment across the agency todevelop both NASA in-house and extramuralresearch with partners in universities and industry.Ames Research Center is well positioned to assumetechnical leadership and take management responsi-bility for this strategic investment area. ARC hasinternationally recognized leadership in the area ofnanotechnology.

Under ARC management, the nanotechnologyprogram will be targeted at fulfilling Agency-wide,mission-driven mid- and far-term requirements.Overall nanotechnology program objectives, andhence the planned products, will be determined byNASA’s long-term requirements, driven by the needsof future Agency missions in the 5–25-year timeframe. The near-term objectives are to fosternanotechnology infrastructure with an emphasis onsensors (chemical, mechanical, and biological),nanoelectronics and computing, and structuralmaterials. The nanotechnology program planproposes an initial 2-year transition program, to befollowed by a series of renewable, 3-year programphases. A Non-Advocate Review (NAR), leading toapproval by the Program Management Council(PMC) and administrator, will precede eachnanotechnology program phase except for the initialphase. Periodic reviews are proposed during the3-year interval between NARs, allowing a long-termtechnology development view while preserving theaccountability and advantages of time-limited andfocused programs.

Design for Safety InitiativeThe recent problems in some NASA missions, alongwith similar or related problems in aerospace andgeneral aviation, are symptomatic of the difficulty insynthesizing operational and design parameters.Safety is a system property, encompassing compo-nents, subsystems, software, organizations, andhuman behavior, and their interactions. Yet, typicallysystem design and analysis is decoupled, addressingonly components and subsystems until integrationoccurs. The Design for Safety (DFS) vision is toachieve ultrahigh levels of safety and missionsuccess through the infusion of advanced informa-tion technologies.

ApproachTechnologies developed by the DFS initiative will betailored, matured, and infused into all NASAEnterprise missions. Currently, four research areasare planned: System Reasoning for Risk Manage-ment, Knowledge Engineering for Safe Systems,Resilient Systems and Operations, and RegenerativeMaterials and Sensing Technologies.

System Reasoning for Risk Management addressesthe need for system-wide life cycle modeling andreasoning to identify risks. This element explicitlyincludes risk in the design and operations tradespace; characterizes human and organizational riskfactors emphasizing predictive rather than forensicmethods; and performs research and developmentfor safe and reliable software and probabilisticsystem characterization.

Knowledge Engineering for Safe Systems to ensurethat knowledge is captured, integrated, and utilizedcontinuously (during design and operations) toimprove safety. The technologies in this element willdiscover knowledge from raw data, link diverse andheterogeneous information, and provide non-intrusive and relevant expert interaction with systemusers.

Resilient Systems and Operations will provideintelligent response to both known and unantici-pated hazards. These hazards will be addressed byusing goal-directed adaptive control and reasoningsystems, by performing risk-directed system testing,and through system servicing along with concurrent(rather than sporadic) risk assessment.

Robust Sensing and Components will developreliable and self-repairing materials and compo-nents. This program element will provide advancedsensing methods which will be required for auto-mated non-intrusive condition assessment. Self-healing materials and re-configurable systems willthen facilitate safe system operation when unavoid-able hazards do surface.

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Information Technology ServicesServices include the development and maintenance ofa secure, state-of-the-art computing infrastructure thatcan support Ames researchers and partners throughoutNASA and the world. This infrastructure consists ofnetworking, desktop computing, and other InformationTechnology services such as telephones, business dataprocessing, World Wide Web, e-mail, softwaredevelopment, and IT systems engineering.

Protective ServicesA wide range of emergency and nonemergencyservices are provided, including security, lawenforcement, fire/crash rescue, export control,special projects, and emergency preparedness,response, and recovery. Support includes coordina-tion of Center access for all employees and visitors,security clearance processing, foreign travel briefingsand debriefings for personnel traveling overseas,and physical, technical, and information securitythroughout the Center.

Research and Development ServicesCost-effective and highly qualified support isprovided to the Agency’s R&D programs by provid-ing wind-tunnel testing operations, hardwaredevelopment, systems engineering, and project andfacility construction management. Utilizing concur-rent engineering, rapid prototyping, advancedanalysis tools, and experienced project managementexpertise, systems engineering serves the Center’sprograms, as well as external customers in inte-grated product design and development. Thehardware development capability is centered onunique skills made possible by the advanced toolsand expertise of its crafts people. Products rangefrom sophisticated spacecraft hardware and biologi-cal sensors to highly accurate and detailed wind-tunnel models. Wind-tunnel testing utilizes modern-ized national-class facilities, leading-edge instrumen-tation, and expert technical support for high-speed,high-fidelity data acquisition and understanding.Ames is a leader in wind-tunnel testing productivity,capability, and knowledge.

Commercialization and Technology TransferThe Commercial Technology Office manages thetransfer and commercialization of NASA technologiesand the infusion of external technologies to enhanceNASA programs, the U.S. economy, and the quality oflife. Services to accomplish these goals include pro-tection, patenting, and licensing of NASA-developedintellectual property; development of public/privatepartnerships and strategic alliances; and managementof the Small Business Innovative Research/SmallBusiness Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programsand NASA-related small business incubation.

Equal Employment OpportunityEqual employment opportunity, affirmative employ-ment, and diversity in the workplace are promotedthrough a variety of mechanisms. Enforcementprocedures ensure compliance with existing rules,regulations, statutes, policies, and mandates.

Public Affairs, Outreach, Communication andEducationAn extensive array of media services, public affairsactivities, and informational, outreach, and educa-tional programs support Center and Agency goals.Many are explained within the foregoing sections.

Financial SystemsEffective, efficient, and economic financial andbudgetary systems are developed and maintained tosupport the Center and Agency customers in linewith established goals. High-quality, proactivebusiness services help customers to operate effec-tively, efficiently, and economically, with varyingbudgets and program requirements.

Legal ServicesLegal Services provides advice and assistance to allARC management and to all ARC organizations.Legal Services also furnishes timely and accuratelegal advice on a wide range of topics; acts as legalrepresentative for and on behalf of ARC in adminis-trative and judicial proceedings; and participates invarious management working groups.

Safety, Environmental, and Mission AssuranceA safe workplace, responsible stewardship of theenvironment, and reliable and quality systems arepromoted. Support includes effective advocacy,technical consultation, policy guidance, oversight,training, regulatory interface, and the application ofrisk-assessment tools.

Systems ManagementARC is committed to improving the quality andconsistency of the Center’s approach toward systemsmanagement, which is the integration of systemsengineering, system safety and risk assessment,product development, and cost estimation andanalysis. The Systems Management Office evaluatesand reports to the Center Director on whether theprocesses, infrastructure and oversight mechanismsare in place to implement systems management in adisciplined and thorough manner, and to ensure thatits effectiveness can be verified independently. Theinitiatives to be conducted by the Systems Manage-ment Office for FY01 include:

• Independent assessments of the Center’s majorprograms and initiatives

• Training and skill development

• Tools development and deployment

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Center Directives Management SystemThe Center Directives Management System (CDMS)was developed with headquarters funding toimplement a method of reviewing draft directivesand collecting comments and approvals before thedirectives are released. This is a web-based systemwith several levels of access and user authentication.Directives managers post draft directives, andreviewers are assigned who can view the directivesand make comments. The system has been incontinuous operation since 1997 and is currently inactive use by Ames Research Center, Glenn ResearchCenter, and Langley Research Center. Regularenhancements are made to the system under thedirection of the participating Centers.

Extranet for Security ProfessionalsARC was selected in 1998 to be Lead Center forNASA’s portion of the development and manage-ment of the Extranet for Security Professionals(ESP). The ESP is a secure web-site, developedand established by security professionals fundedby Carnegie-Mellon University. ESP’s purpose is toprovide a secure environment in which securityprofessionals from any government agency cancommunicate in a private setting and in whicheach agency can establish agency-only “private”web sites to conduct agency business. ARCdeveloped, activated, and now manages theNASA private web site.

A R C ’ S P R I N C I P A L C E N T E R R O L E S F O R

F U N C T I O N A L A G E N C Y A S S I G N M E N T S

Consolidated SupercomputingManagement OfficeThe Consolidated Supercomputing ManagementOffice (CoSMO) is a NASA Chief Information Officer(CIO)-sponsored functional initiative. The primarygoal of CoSMO is to meet the High-PerformanceComputing requirements for all Enterprises, whilerealizing an optimal return on investment througheffective and efficient management of NASA’s high-performance computing assets. It is responsible forthe acquisition, maintenance, operation, manage-ment, upgrade, and cost-center budgeting forNASA’s supercomputer resources, regardless oflocation. Operations and maintenance support areprovided to NASA research and developmentprograms and to secure-computing programs.

Information Technology SecurityThe Principal Center for Information TechnologySecurity (PC-ITS) provides a unified approach andAgency focus to the problem of information security.It is committed to developing and maintaining asecure, state-of-the-art computing infrastructure thatcan support NASA programs and projects, as well asNASA researchers throughout the world. Thiscommitment requires a strategy that preventsinformation from being disclosed to unauthorizedpersons; that prevents information from beingmaliciously corrupted, modified, or forged; and thatprevents access from being denied because ofburdensome procedures or malicious attacks.

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the needs of the surrounding communities and theenvironment. It is also a sensible and prudentundertaking for the nation.

Support FunctionsA full array of institutional systems support the ARCCenter of Excellence, missions, Lead Center pro-grams, and other research and technology develop-ment activities. These systems encompass a widerange of areas, including the following.

Acquisition/ProcurementContract and grant specialists award procurementsthat support research and operations for all NASAEnterprises. Specialists are integrally involved in theplanning and implementation of business-relatedprogram/project goals. Annually, the Divisionawards $500 million in new work and concurrentlyperforms over $3 billion in contract management.NASA Ames program and project success is directlylinked to acquisition excellence.

Documentation DevelopmentProfessional specialists who work under the Scientificand Technical Information (STI) Program acquire,produce, distribute, and archive scientific, technical,

and nontechnical information using traditional andadvanced technologies. Services provided includeprinting and reproduction, photo and imaging,audiovisual and video production, graphics and exhibitdesign, publications, and library support.

Human ResourcesHuman resource specialists work to attract, enhance,and retain a highly effective workforce, properlybalanced and trained to accomplish the Center’svarious missions. They work closely with ARCsupervisors and managers, providing advice andassistance in planning and implementing proactivehuman resources programs within each organization.They also provide management and staff develop-ment programs to fully utilize the capabilities andpotential of the Center’s workforce.

Facilities Maintenance and Operations, Logistics,and SuppliesSupport is provided through two primary functions:(1) institutional facilities, base operations, andmaintenance; and (2) supply and logistics services.In addition, as host for the ARC Moffett Complex,the necessary maintenance of infrastructure andbuildings is provided to support office space andmilitary housing utilized by resident agencies.

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Information Technology R&T Base ProgramThe Information Technology (IT) Research andTechnology (R&T) Base program pioneers theidentification, development, verification, transfer,and application of high-payoff aerospace technolo-gies. The program fits within the NASA strategicvision that “NASA is an investment in America’sfuture. As explorers, pioneers, and innovators, weboldly expand frontiers in air and space to inspireand serve America and to benefit the quality of lifeon Earth.”

Program FY01 Objectives

• Demonstrate a rapid integration and testenvironment that includes remote connectivityand access to flight simulation data, computa-tional simulation data, and archival databases

• Demonstrate integrated propulsion and flight-control systems that are capable of adapting tothe absence or loss of any and all controlsurfaces resulting from failures or malfunctions

• Demonstrate a prototype data communicationsarchitecture with multipriority capability in asecure high-integrity environment for theNational Airspace System

• Integrate a large-scale computing node into adistributed computing environment

• Demonstrate remote connectivity to high data-rate instruments and distributed real-timeaccess to instrument data

• Perform leading-edge research in advancedcomputing systems and user environments, inrevolutionary software technologies, and inpathfinding applications that enable theachievement of NASA’s missions in AerospaceTechnology

• Actively integrate research products with otherprograms, such as DFS, AvSTAR, and Nanotechnology

Program ApproachThe IT Base Program aims to provide fundamentaladvances in advanced computing systems and userenvironments, in revolutionary software technolo-gies, and in pathfinding applications. The ITprogram comprises three investment areas: Inte-grated Design Technology, Software Technology,and Advanced Computing.

Integrated Design Technology investment focuses ondeveloping prototype tools and integrated systemsto improve the design cycle for aerospace vehicle

development. Integrated Design Technologyresearch primarily supports the objective forinnovative next-generation design tools, with aspecific application to aerospace vehicles.Software Technology investment focuses on per-forming world-class research in revolutionarysoftware technologies such as the automatedgeneration of flight-critical software, ways to ensuredata integrity and security, and development andmanagement of complex flight and aviation opera-tions systems. The primary focus of the SoftwareTechnology Investment Area is on reducing theaircraft accident rate. Software Technology alsoprovides strong support to next-generation designtools, as well as Integrated Vehicle Health Manage-ment (IVHM) needs for next-generation aerospacevehicles.

The Advanced Computing Technology investmentfocuses on creating unique user environments forhigh-performance computing systems. The Ad-vanced Computing Technology investment area isthe most crosscutting technology research area.This investment area provides new approaches toproviding high-performance computing resourcesfor the Enterprise, and also supports long-termcomputational research in nanotechnology andquantum computing.

Rotorcraft R&T Base ProgramThe Rotorcraft R&T Base Program meets the publicneed for convenient and safe vertical-flight capabil-ity for transportation needs, as well as for safety andutility services. The program also provides assistancefor the U.S. Department of Defense to insure thecontinued military supremacy of U.S.-producedrotorcraft.

Implementing Enterprise-Level ResponsibilitiesA R C ’ S R O L E S I N T H E A E R O S P A C E

T E C H N O L O G Y E N T E R P R I S E

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ment. In addition, the system will be designed tosatisfy the needs of external customers who requirefinancial information from NASA.

EducationAs stated in the NASA Strategic Plan, one of NASA’sprimary goals is to inspire achievement and innova-tion. In order to accomplish this, NASA uses itsunique resources to support educational excellencefor all. Ames delivers the NASA Education Programwithin the framework of the NASA ImplementationPlan for Education, 1999-2003. The educationfunction at ARC is strategically dispersed throughoutthe Directorates, and all major technical endeavorsat ARC contain educational outreach components.This scenario has increased the magnitude, diversity,and technical excellence of ARC’s educationprograms. The wide ranges of ARC’s educationprograms are constantly being refined, and newprograms are being introduced to better serve theneeds of the educational community within the BayArea, the state of California, and 10 other westernstates. The following is a brief list of the wide rangeof educational activities at ARC:

• The California Air and Space Center (CASC)

• The JASON Project

• The ARC Aerospace Encounter

• National Engineers’ week

• Science and engineering fairs, and an activespeakers’ bureau

• The NASA Quest program

New education technology products are produced inconjunction with the significant aeronautics andspace programs at the Center. The products usuallyconsist of CD-ROMs and are web based; they fullyintegrate curriculum based on National ScienceStandards.

Equal Opportunity/DiversityARC strongly supports the principles of equalopportunity and endorses achieving diversity in theworkplace. Employees who work at ARC are valuedand no one is excluded on the basis of race, color,religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexualorientation or any other nonmerit-based factor. TheCenter fosters and maintains a work environmentthat respects and values individual differences and isreflective of the entire range of communities that theCenter serves. The Center’s efforts are focused onworkforce representation, recruiting, hiring, reten-tion, training, employee development, promotions,Alternative Dispute Resolution, multiculturalemployee groups, Diversity Dialogue Groups, andpartnerships with historically black colleges andother minority universities.

NASA Research Park DevelopmentARC is embarking on a bold new vision to createNASA Research Park (NRP), a collaborative researchpark which will bring together premiere talent in theareas of astrobiology, information technology, andaerospace technology. The transformation of ARC’sunused capacity into a unique environment forenhancement of NASA’s programmatic initiatives, aswell as the Agency’s commercialization, education, andoutreach goals, will integrate three key components.

ARC will develop a world-class campus for researchand learning that will utilize ARC’s unique stock ofbuildings and partnerships with local government,academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations.With its notable military history, prominent architec-ture, and availability of land, ARC will be an idealplace where NASA, its collaborative partners, andthe public can promote advances in aerospace andaviation technology, understand advances ininformation technology, and explore the outer limitsof the Universe. Public displays, interactive exhibits,school programs for students and teachers, andlecture programs will be featured on the campus.

In partnership with academia and industry, NASAwill promote entrepreneurship and innovation atARC. By taking advantage of its proximity to leadingentrepreneurs and heads of innovative organiza-tions, NASA and its partners can support thedevelopment of business incubators focused on hightechnology and biotechnology industries. Linkagescan be formed with business education programs toprovide forums, seminars, executive lecture series,and other venues to facilitate the exchange ofinformation and experience to solve real-worldbusiness problems related to technology innovation,technology commercialization, and technologymanagement.

ARC will create a unique community of researchscientists, students, and educators with a sharedmission to advance human knowledge of space,Earth, and society. A lively and vibrant communitywill attract industry. NASA will provide criticalpublic safety services and other services typicallyfurnished by municipal government.

An Integrated Development Plan was issued in thefirst quarter of FY00. That plan described howportions of ARC will evolve into a shared-usecampus with government, academia, industry, andnonprofit organizations. The plan also outlines thesteps required to optimally develop federal propertyand to balance NASA’s programmatic goals againstthe financial requirements and infrastructureconstraints. This plan was developed in cooperationwith local governments to ensure its sensitivity to

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• Improve the capability to assess the life of complexcomposite rotorcraft structures

• Publish an industry standard design guide for ultra-safe gears for rotorcraft

• Complete the flight validation of baseline control lawsand modes for CONDUIT (Control Designer’s UnifiedInterfaces)

• Publish a HUMS (Health and Usage MonitoringSystem) Certification Protocol

• Improve safety and survivability of rotorcraft in hardlandings onto water, soft soil, and rigid surfaces

• Provide documentation for composite structuresanalysis and certification for inclusion in the MIL-HDBK-17 design handbook

• Enable rapid prototyping with “express-tool”fabrication

Program ApproachRotorcraft’s research projects, RAPID, SAFOR, andSILNT directly address the Office of AerospaceTechnology (OAT) enterprise goals for increased airmobility, improved safety, and reduced noise. Theprojects apply revolutionary approaches and high-payoff technologies to the long-term national needsof the future. The goals of the rotorcraft program arestrongly coupled with the goals of industry andacademia through the aeronautics strategic planningprocess and direct customer interaction. ProjectFRIAR directly and uniquely addresses shorter-termtechnology development and takes advantage ofopportunities to transfer technology quickly toindustry.

Aerospace Operations Systems R&TBase ProgramThe Aerospace Operations Systems (AOS) Programis responsible for pioneering the development andvalidation of advanced technology concepts,methods, and procedures, and for transferring themto the user and regulatory communities to enablemajor increases in the safety of aircraft operations inthe national and international airspace.


• Determine how the demands of managing multipleconcurrent tasks contribute to crew errors in aviationincidents and accidents; identify and evaluate crewstrategies to reduce errors in managing concurrenttasks

• Based on pilot simulation study, define effects of in-flightactivity breaks as crew fatigue countermeasures

• Complete guidelines for perceptually and cognitivelymatched displays and methods of analysis foroptimizing human performance

• Down-select of ground-based remote-sensing technol-ogies for a prototype ground-based system tosense icing conditions

Program ApproachThe AOS Program is focused in three investmentareas:

The first investment area is human/systems design,assessment, and reliability. Validated tools andprototyped test beds are developed for the designand analysis of innovative human-automationsystems in air, ground, and integrated aerospaceoperations. The purpose of this research is to reduceor mitigate the effects of human error in interpretingautomated systems.

The second is human factors. Knowledge bases andmodels of fundamental human information process-ing are used to develop operational procedures andtechnologies to reduce the potential for error inaerospace operations and to enable human opera-tors to respond quickly and appropriately to flight-critical situations.

The third is weather factors prediction and mitiga-tion. Databases, knowledge bases, models, andpredictive technologies are developed to assesscritical weather influences on both the safety andefficiency of aerospace operations. Advancedconcepts and procedures for identifying environ-mental hazards are developed to avoid or mitigatetheir effects.

A critical activity of the AOS Program is the adminis-tration and operation of the Aviation Safety Report-ing System. This activity is funded primarily by theFederal Aviation Administration and is used by thebroader aviation community. Its purpose is to lessenthe likelihood of aviation accidents by collecting,analyzing, and responding to voluntarily submittedaviation safety incident reports.

Aviation System Capacity ProgramThe Aviation System Capacity (ASC) Program isresponsible for enabling safe increases in thecapacity of major national and international airportsthrough both modernization and improvements inthe air-traffic management system and the introduc-tion of new vehicle classes that can reduce airportcongestion.


• Develop and demonstrate transition airspace decisionsupport tools for air-traffic controller (ATC) airlineoperations center and ATC/cockpit informationexchange and for conflict resolution

• Comprehensive mission simulation database forintegrated cockpit and operating procedures forcomplex, low-noise flightpaths

• Large-scale database for validation of rotor noisereduction and validated design-for-noise capability

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SafetyIn FY01, the Center will pursue the OccupationalSafety and Health Authority Voluntary ProtectionProgram (VPP) certification. This effort will beaccomplished in addition to implementing the AmesSafety Accountability Program (ASAP). The inte-grated effort of these objectives will reduce thenumber of hazards on the job and significantlyimprove safety at Ames.The VPP and the AmesSafety Accountability Programs are based onprograms that have proved effective throughoutindustry. The new initiative includes the followingkey elements:

• Management Leadership and EmployeeInvolvement

• Work-Site Analysis

• Hazard Prevention and Control

• Safety and Health Training

All elements are integrated into a single manage-ment plan that is designed to change behavior andimprove accessibility to management. The completeintegration includes a new management culture shiftto accountability, combined with metrics, pay forperformance, and real-time feedback to managementby means of automation.

Human Resources InitiativeARC will continue the development and implemen-tation of a Human Resources Initiative to placegreater emphasis on the fact that our people are ourgreatest asset. This initiative requires formal,continuing management education for all supervi-sors; the creation of Individual Development Plansfor all staff members; and an examination andimprovement in the workplace environment. It alsocreates a process for management accountability tocarry out these requirements.

Program and Project ManagementDevelopmentThe ARC Program and Project Management (P/PM)Development Program will expand the scope of theAcademy West program. Currently serving NASA’sAcademy of Program/Project Leadership (APPL) andNASA Engineering Training (NET), the AcademyWest Program will provide services to NASA’sLeadership and Management Development Programand Agency-wide Risk Management training initia-tives. In addition, The ARC P/PM DevelopmentProgram will incorporate new initiatives into its

existing offerings. New development projects, basedon benchmarking of best practices, will include theLead Center Program Managers Mentoring Project, aProject Management Knowledge Management Teamand Open PM Forums facilitated by guest presentersfrom Silicon Valley industries.

Full-Cost PracticesARC is moving forward with the implementation offull-cost practices and will continue to improve thecost-effectiveness of mission performance throughcomplete implementation of the Agency’s Full-CostInitiative. This initiative will drive policy andpractice improvements in the managing, budgeting,and accounting areas that will support “full disclo-sure” on activities for more fully informed decisionmaking and better performance measurement. Theplanned improvements include categorizing costs asdirect, service, and general and administrative(G&A).

The Full-Cost Initiative also ensures compliance withrecent legal and administrative guidance, includingthe 1990 Chief Financial Officers Act, 1993 Govern-ment Performance and Results Act, 1993 NationalPerformance Review, and the Federal FinancialManagement Improvement Act of 1996.

Integrated Financial Management SystemIn addition to operating the Center’s legacy systems,ARC is deeply involved with the Agency-wide effortto standardize and improve the financial andbusiness management processes and systems withinthe Agency. The ARC Integrated Financial Manage-ment Program (IFMP) team is actively participatingin all aspects of the Agency-wide program, includingreengineering business processes, configuring andtesting the system, and preparing employees towork in the new environment. The initial system tobe replaced is the core accounting system followedby time and attendance, procurement and logistics,budget formulation, human resources, travel,environmental, aircraft management, facilities, andpayroll. The IFM System will replace the Agency’sexisting business management environment, whichcomprises decentralized, nonintegrated systems thatwere originally developed to satisfy unique Centerrequirements. The IFM System will provide theNASA Strategic Enterprises, Lead Centers, LeadProgram managers, and Center directors withaccurate and timely financial information to supportdecision making and to enable strategic manage-

Implementing Center-Level Responsibilities InitiativesI N I T I A T I V E S

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Program ApproachThe ASC Program has two major development areasthat as an integrated effort, provide a focusedtechnology foundation.

The first area is the development of advanced airtransportation technologies. These technologies willenable substantial increases in the efficiency andcapacity of aircraft operations within both thenational and international air transportation systems.The approach is to maximize “free flight” to allowthe users to lower direct operating costs by tradingoff time and routing, and to improve the effective-ness of high-density operations in regions wherefree flight will not be possible. The technologies willalso allow smooth and efficient transitions across theboundaries of free-flight regions and nonfree-flightregions; provide system improvements that areeasily deployable anywhere in the world; andimprove the ability to model and simulate advancedcapabilities in the airspace system.

The second area of development involves theenablement of a new vehicle class to reduce airportcongestion. The civil tilt-rotor aircraft is a vehiclecapable of flying like a conventional turbopropaircraft with the added capability of vertical takeoffsand landings like a helicopter. It can operate in aheliport-type environment at an airport, freeing uprunways for traditional aircraft. Critical technologiesare needed to overcome the inhibitors of operatingtilt-rotor aircraft within the air transportation system.These technologies include development of anefficient, low-noise proprotor; an integrated cockpitfor minimum pilot workload during low-noiseapproaches and departures near congested terminalareas; and a safe and cost-effective one-engine-inoperative emergency contingency power capability.

Aviation System TechnologyAdvanced Research (AvSTAR) InitiativeNASA, working with the Federal Aviation Adminis-tration and industry, is pursuing a major researchprogram to develop air traffic management tech-nologies that have the ultimate goal of doublingcapacity while increasing safety and efficiency. Theair traffic management systems currently beingdeveloped by the FAA, Free Flight Phase 1 and 2,are being enabled and supported by NASA develop-ments in Information Technology. Numerousauthorities believe this system, even with theimprovements expected from Free Flight Phase 1and 2, will not permit the growth in air traffic that iswidely anticipated. A new architecture will berequired. While NASA will continue to support Free

Flight Phase 1 and 2 under the NASA AATT pro-gram, it is believed that a new program termedAvSTAR, will be required.

ApproachThe AvSTAR initiative is divided into three majorelements: Core Component Technologies, VirtualAirspace Simulation Technology, and System LevelConcept Development and Evaluation. The first twoprogram elements will run more or less concurrentlyand will develop the necessary intelligent systemstechnologies that would permit the implementationof candidate new airspace system managementarchitectures. In addition, the program will developthe tools necessary to enable various proposed newarchitectures to be evaluated by simulating theentire air traffic management system. This wouldallow various authorities, such as the FAA, tothoroughly evaluate proposed solutions prior to fieldtrials and proceed to field trials with only the mostpromising of proposed architectures. Such evalua-tions will comprise the third element of the AvSTARProgram. The entire program will be planned inclose collaboration with the FAA.

Simulation Facility Group DirectorAerospace Technology (AT) Enterprise leadersdetermined that central management of majoraeronautical facilities was in the nation’s bestinterest and established several facility groups. ARCis responsible for the management of one of thosegroups: the Simulation Facility Group (SFG). Thisgroup is the single mechanism utilized by theEnterprise for strategic management and integratedactivity planning in the areas of facility investment,operations policy, business management, and testtechnology for designated simulation facilities. TheSFG considers a U.S. national perspective thatincludes not only the military and commercialaerospace interests of the government, but thoseof industry as well.

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ApproachGlobal and regional atmospheric and ecosystemstudies are primary areas of investigation at ARC.To carry out these astrobiology-related investiga-tions, scientists, technologists, and mission person-nel at ARC work in collaboration with leadingscientists and ministries around the world (1) todesign, formulate, and perform experimentalmeasurements, remote sensing, in situ data analyses,and computer simulations of atmospheric andecosystem processes, and to study the exchangesbetween the biosphere and the atmosphere, usingboth airborne and satellite sensor data; (2) toconceive and develop advanced instrumentation tosatisfy the measurement requirements of the EarthScience Enterprise and related enterprises, empha-sizing both airborne and selected spacecraft sensors;(3) to provide the scientific understanding and themethods needed to apply remote sensing andgeographic data analyses to the study of infectiousdiseases, and the associated models for risk analysisof disease transmission in the various humanpopulations; (4) to transfer scientific knowledge andtechnology to U.S. commercial and private interests,national and international governmental agenciesand ministries, other disciplines, and educationalinstitutions; and (5) to provide science missionmanagement and science leadership for majorscience programs of NASA and other agencies.Ames Research Center will sign a memorandum ofunderstanding with the Earth Science Enterprise(Goddard Space Flight Center) to pursue andadvance high-performance computing.

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Earth Science ResearchEarth Science Research at ARC supports the goalsand objectives of the Enterprise described in theEarth Science Strategic Plan of 2000 and the Officeof Earth Science (OES) Science Plan of 2000. ARCperforms basic research in atmospheric chemistryand dynamics, atmospheric physics, and ecosystemscience and technology, and leads major airbornescience to provide new information about bothatmospheric and ecosystem processes.

FY01 Objectives

• Maintain readiness of airborne sensor instrumentationfor land science (MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator[MASTER], Digital Array Scanned Interferometer [DASI],multispectral cameras, thermal infrared [TIR], andpolarization imagers) in support of Earth ObservingSystem (EOS) and airborne science

• Conduct research in conjunction with Life and SpaceSciences on the questions in astrobiology that relate tothe future of life on Earth and beyond Earth, usingenvironmental and climate simulation, modeling,microbial and plant sciences including retrospectivestudies and sensing of biosignatures; publish the bookEvolution and the Physical Environment as a result ofthe Linnean Society workshop of the same name

• Develop means to address large-scale computingchallenges associated with climate modeling, includingparallel computing, utilization of computational grids,and the efficient porting of legacy codes onto advancedarchitectures

• Conduct computer simulation models of large eddysimulation/microphysical modeling of marine bound-ary layer, cirrus clouds of tropical upper tropospherewater vapor concentration, and Aerosol PhysicalChemistry Model (APCM)

• Manage the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experi-ment (CAMEX 4), a multi-agency, airborne andsurface field campaign and ensure that experimentdata to fulfill missions objectives are delivered

• Analyze data from SAFARI and SOLVE to understandeffects of dust and fire aerosols on the radiative propertiesof clouds, and to sort out competing theories on polarstratospheric clouds and ozone depletion effects

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Within the purview of SFG are the Crew VehicleSystems Research, Vertical Motion Simulator, andFuture Flight Central Facilities at Ames ResearchCenter; and the Visual Motion Simulator, DifferentialManeuvering Simulator, and Cockpit MotionFacilities at Langley Research Center.

Space Transportation TechnologyARC leads the Enterprise core competencies inintegrated vehicle health management (IVHM) andthermal protection systems (TPS), and supportsAgency systems studies relating to SpaceTransportation.


• Analysis of SHARP-B2 postflight data forapplication of ultra-high temperature ceramicsfor sharp leading edges on hypersonic vehicles

• Complete supporting work on the TPS and integratedvehicle health management designs, technologies, testdata, and hardware for the second generation ofreusable launch vehicles (RLV) and support industryin their development

• Support third generation RLV efforts by reporting onthe potential of improved capability materials for usein adaptive intelligent TPS (aiTPS)

• Initiate superthermal insulation material (protectsagainst both reentry heating and cryogenic cooling)development and characterization (Third GenerationRLV)

• Conduct systems studies as they relate to SpaceTransportation in support of Lead Center Programs

• Continue to support advanced space transportationplanning needs and technology development forZero Boil-Off of the In-Space Transportation Programled by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Program ApproachImportant elements of the work performed insupport of the Space Transportation Technologyprograms are (1) new TPS materials/systems; rapiddesign tools for TPS sizing, including operation anddevelopment of improved flow diagnostics ofunique, large-scale, high-temperature, arc-jetground-test facilities; and general support ofindustry-led teams developing next-generationvehicles; and (2) IVHM systems that can diagnosein-flight/postflight vehicle health. The utility ofIVHM will be the capability to take corrective actionto mitigate in-flight anomalies and to dramaticallyreduce the time for recycling vehicles betweenflights by prescribing only the ground maintenancethat is required. ARC will also develop advancedtools for vehicle design, embodying them intoIntelligent Synthesis Environments for new spacetransportation systems. ARC will continue to supportsystems studies of advanced space transportationsystems as a part of Agency teams. ARC will lead theway in developing the first “smart systems” for“intelligent” vehicles under the aegis of the Genera-tion 3 activity built upon its strengths in InformationTechnology.

Vehicle Systems Base ProgramARC performs a variety of tasks to support theAerospace Vehicle Systems Base TechnologyProgram led by Langley Research Center. Thisprogram draws upon many of ARC’s core competen-cies, including Information Technology and criticalfacilities, to achieve its goals.

Aviation Safety ProgramARC performs a variety of tasks to support theAviation Safety Program led by Langley ResearchCenter. This program draws upon many of ARC’score competencies, including Information Technol-ogy, Aerospace Operations, and Rotorcraft, toachieve its goals.

Intelligent Synthesis Environment ProgramARC performs a variety of tasks to support theIntelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE) Program ledby Langley Research Center. Three of the mainProgram Elements—the Life Cycle Simulation, theEnvironments, and the Product Integration Elements,require capabilities that leverage many of ARC’s corecompetencies, including Information Technology.

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FY01 Objectives

• Develop and fly gravitational biology experiments inresearch (R) missions R1 and R2 aboard STS 107 andSTS 111, respectively

• Deliver new research hardware to the InternationalSpace Station (ISS) and conduct experiments on flights5A.1, and UF-1, and UF-3

• Support JSC’s human countermeasure studies throughthe development of a wireless mobile physiologicalmonitor (MPM) for observing physiological health andperformance

• Support JPL’s development of a wireless augmentedreality prototype (WARP) to provide a heads-up displayin a space habitat

• Analyze and publish results from the Hyper-g Projectwhich will provide baseline data (to ISS flight experi-ments) on the effects of altered gravity on biologicalsystems

• Sponsor joint ARC/JSC collaborative workshop to define,plan, and initiate a series of countermeasure studiesover the next 5 years using Ames’ unique researchfacilities including the Human Powered Centrifuge, the20G, the Linear Accelerator, the 52-foot Chronic LiveAboard Centrifuge, and the Human Bed Rest Facility

• Apply ARC three-dimensional (3-D) imaging technolo-gies to facilitate Fundamental Biology PI flight experi-ment design and resultant crew training particularly inmodeling the ISS glove box, dissection tools, and rodentsalong with haptic feedback

• Operate the acceleration facilities to support a cadre of30 intra- and extramural PI experiments that willfurther our understanding of the role of gravity in livingsystems including human exposure up to 2 g; exposuresof rodents, fish, and insects for prolonged periods at 2 g,primate exposures at variable g, and human response tolinear acceleration and use of the human-poweredcentrifuge

• Initiate new research in nanotechnology for biomedicalapplications.

ApproachThe approach of the Life Sciences Research team atAmes is to develop the technology and flightequipment required to support NASA’s Life Sciencesresearch on the ground and in space, and to facili-tate the use of the space shuttle, Space Hab and the

International Space Station and other potentialNASA microgravity platforms in reaching theexperiment objectives of NASA’s life sciencescommunity. The research team will conduct exten-sive ground-based studies utilizing a suite of uniquegravitational research facilities and advanced 3-Dimagery technologies. Additionally the team will(1) provide education and training to domestic andforeign investigators in the application of aerospacetechnologies to disease surveillance and risk assess-ment, and (2) transfer technology and promoteeducation for the improvement of the quality of lifeon Earth.

Other HEDS ResearchAdditional research elements at ARC play majorroles in the implementation of the HEDS Enterprise.The goal of the Advanced Life Support (ALS)research effort at ARC is to develop advancedtechnologies that provide the foundation for longduration missions by significantly reducing life-cyclecosts, improving operational performance, promot-ing self-sufficiency, and increasing safety, as well asproviding commercial opportunities for publicbenefit.

FY01 Objectives

• Development of a fully regenerative water recyclingsystem for long duration exploration missions whichreduces the current state-of-the-art system massequivalent metric by a factor of five

• Development and testing of a prototype carbon dioxidecompressor which could be incorporated into anevolutionary International Space Station (ISS) to closethe air loop for the first time

• Support ongoing research collaborations with theUniversity of Arizona in the development of In-SituResource Utilization (ISRU) technologies for human androbotic Mars exploration missions

• Support ongoing research collaborations with Utah StateUniversity, Rutgers University, and industry in thedevelopment of solid waste processing technologies forhuman planetary missions

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Space Science ResearchResearch at ARC implements the Space ScienceEnterprise Goals through three elements dealingwith astrophysics, planetary systems, and exobiol-ogy. Since the unifying theme for these threeelements is the origin and evolution of stars, planets,and life, the total research effort is a major thrust inthe Enterprise’s Astrobiology program. Astrophysicsresearch addresses Enterprise goals and objectivesthat deal with understanding how the structure inthe Universe emerged, the dynamical evolution ofgalaxies and stars, and the exchange of matter andenergy among stars and the interstellar medium.Planetary Systems research addresses Enterprisegoals and objectives that deal with understandingstar formation, the evolution and distribution ofvolatile and organic material, the origin and distribu-tion of planetary systems, rings, and primitivebodies, and planetary atmosphere evolution.Exobiology research addresses Enterprise goals andobjectives that deal with understanding the origin,evolution, and distribution of life by conductingresearch on the cosmic history of biogenic com-pounds, prebiotic evolution, the early evolution oflife, computational astrobiology, and extremeenvironments in which living organisms can exist.

Program FY01 ObjectivesFY01 objectives are represented by some 130separate research tasks. Most of these tasks relatedirectly to the goals that are relevant to astrobiology.Illustrative examples are listed below:

• Search the European space agency astrometricmission satellite and database (HIPPARCOS)mission data archive for extrasolar planetarytransit occurrences

• Investigate the stellar astrophysics of low-mass proto-stars by analyzing their temperatures and luminosities

• Compare asteroid thermal infrared spectra to MarsGlobal Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer(TES)

• Observe galactic dust, extragalactic dust, and primi-tive Solar System objects to trace incorporation ofinterstellar organics into primitive Solar Systemobjects

• Examine microbial assemblages found in hot springswith regard to composition and distribution ofmicrobiota along environmental gradients

• Plan a facility for analysis of returned, quarantinedsamples from Mars

• Participate in system-integration tests of the SIRTFInfrared Array Camera (IRAC), to validate perfor-mance of Channels III and IV silicon:arsenic (Si:As)detector arrays

• Investigate the role of a paleo-Martian atmospherecontaining reduced gases (methane and ammonia)in brine evolution

• Examine structural changes of analog astrophysicalices as a function of temperature, time, andcomposition

• Develop a massively parallel computer code formolecular dynamic simulations that will allow forextending timescales of molecular simulations by twoorders of magnitude

Stratospheric Observatory for InfraredAstronomy ProgramThe Stratospheric Observatory for InfraredAstronomy (SOFIA), a key element of NASA’s newOrigins program, is a large-aperture infrared/submillimeter observatory being developed coopera-tively by NASA and the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) in Germany. SOFIA willoperate in the stratosphere, above 99 percent of thewater vapor that obscures infrared wavelengths fromall ground-based observatories. The SOFIA Systemincludes the observatory—a 2.5-meter-aperturetelescope mounted in an open-port cavity in aBoeing 747 aircraft—plus a science and missionoperations center located at Ames Research Center.Across most of the infrared spectral region, SOFIAwill have the highest broadband imaging andspectroscopic resolution of any observatory cur-rently approved for development, and will also bedeployable worldwide to observe transient eventssuch as occultations and supernovae.

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Later, research capability will be augmented by asecond HHR, a 2.5-m-diameter variable-g centrifuge,and habitats for plants, rodents, and aquatic organ-isms, and an incubator for avian and reptilian eggs.Laboratory support equipment will also be devel-oped, including small- and micromass measurementdevices. In addition, risk-reduction flight testing ofhabitat development units and subsystems will startto be flown as early as 2001 (plant and egg are thefirst two).

Project FY01 Objectives

• Complete and fly (flight 5A.1) Passive Dosimeter System(PDS)

• Complete implementation of the validation and scienceexperiments on flight 5A.1

• Complete and fly (UF-1) the Biomass Production System(BPS), the risk-reduction development unit designed totest the technology required for the Plant Habitat andthe Avian Development Facility (ADF), the risk-reduction development unit designed to test thetechnology required for the egg incubator habitat

• Complete implementation of the validation flight UF-1

• Complete the critical design review (CDR) for theincubator habitat, compound and dissecting microscopedevelopments, and cell culture unit habitat

• Complete the preliminary design review (PDR) for thelife sciences glove box (LSG) habitat attachmentmechanism

• Complete the procurement process and start work on thesecond phase of the Plant Research Unit Habitat (PRU)development

• Complete the preliminary design review (PDR) for thesmall-mass measuring device (SMMD) and the micro-mass measuring device (MMMD) developments and thecentrifuge, NASDA-provided hardware

• Complete the Ames Life Sciences Data Archive web sitethat will make appropriate ARC project and PI dataavailable to PIs and management as the data aregenerated during a mission

Project ApproachThe Project is responsible for the design, develop-ment, test, verification, and on-orbit validation of theflight hardware and software. The flight hardwareand software constitutes a suite of highly integrated,state-of-the-art equipment that includes two habitatholding racks, one life sciences glove box, one2.5-m centrifuge, and 27 flight habitats of sevendifferent types (not including spares). SSBRP is alsoresponsible for developing the required ground-operations capabilities including training, groundcontrols, operations, and ground communicationfacilities that interact with the Space Station, otherNASA Centers, and PIs in their laboratories. SSBRPwill also develop common-use Space Stationlaboratory support equipment such as a small-mass

measurement device (SMMD), a micromass measure-ment device (MMMD), compound and dissectingmicroscopes, and radiation dosimeters. Partners inthe hardware development include the NationalAerospace Development Agency of Japan (NASDA),the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the HungarianSpace Office (HSO), and six business enterprises.

Center for Health Applications ofAerospace-Related TechnologiesThe Center for Health Applications of Aerospace-Related Technologies (CHAART) supports surveil-lance of epidemiological elements to insure humanhealth on the ground and in space.

FY01 Objectives

• Develop training courses in the application of aerospacetechnologies to issues of human health in collaborationwith the World Bank, U.S.-Japan Cooperative MedicalSciences Program, United Nations Staff College, theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, and theWorld Health Organization

• Support ongoing research collaborations with theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration andEnvironmental Protection Agency on climate changeand human health

• Support ongoing research collaborations with YaleUniversity and the University of Illinois on the spatialpatterns of Lyme disease risks in New England and theupper Midwest

• Support ongoing research collaborations on cholerawith the Center for Marine Biotechnology and Interna-tional Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research,Bangladesh

• Organize a workshop to develop plans for a globalinfectious disease risk-assessment program integratingelements of biology, epidemiology, modeling, informa-tion systems, and technology development

ApproachThe approach of the CHAART Program is to interactwith various national and international programsand with elements in academia to stage workshopsto address world health problems and developmethods to ensure that adequate training programsare provided to circumvent the problems.

Life Sciences ResearchThe goal of Life Sciences Research at ARC is tounderstand the role and influence of gravity onliving systems, from cells in culture to physiologicalstudies in animals and humans. Through a betterunderstanding of fundamental biology will comeknowledge useful for the development of counter-measures to the deleterious effects of weightlessnessand for the maintenance of human health on Earth.

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• For the German-provided telescope, to successfullycomplete fabrication of the subsystem elements so thatmajor subsystems can be assembled and tested

• For the U.S. systems, to complete the final designreview of the onboard mission control system soft-ware, to complete the aircraft modification andthe science and mission operations center, and tobegin flight test, before delivering the modifiedaircraft to Germany for installation and test of thetelescope

Program ApproachThe observatory is optimized for studying far-infrared wavelengths between 30 and 300 microme-ters; however, science data will be obtained acrossthe broad wavelength range of 0.3 to 1,600 micro-meters through the use of numerous focal planeinstruments brought to the observatory by theinternational science community. The ability toupgrade instruments regularly will enable theobservatory to employ the very latest focal planeand other instrument technologies, including large-format infrared (IR) and submillimeter detectorarrays, which will be transferable to other missionsover SOFIA’s 20-year operating lifetime.

The SOFIA System is under development bycontractor teams in the United States and Germany.The U.S. team, led by the Universities SpaceResearch Association (USRA), is developing theBoeing 747 modification, including the large cavitycutout, rerouting of the airframe structure aroundthe cutout, rerouting of the aircraft systems throughthe telescope cavity, and developing the newsystems installations such as the cavity door andenvironmental control system. The USRA’s team isalso providing the onboard mission control systemand the science and mission operations center.Several of these items are being developed inconjunction with ARC, which is providing some ofthe designs, hardware, and facilities. In Germany, aconsortium of companies led by MAN Technology isdeveloping the airborne telescope assembly,including its 2.7-meter-diameter primary mirror, andits optics, structure, vibration isolation, and pointingcontrol systems. The telescope will be ready in lateFY 2001 for installation into the modified aircraft; itis scheduled to be done in Germany. This will befollowed by the return of the observatory system tothe United States for a planned series of tests andcertification flights. Science operations will startabout a year after the telescope is installed.

Other Space Science ElementsAdditional research areas at ARC play major roles inimplementing the Space Science goals. One area isthe Center for Mars Exploration (CMEX), a jointactivity of the Astrobiology and Space Research andthe Information Systems Directorates, which dealswith goals and objectives for integrated human androbotic Mars exploration. A second area, SpaceProjects, addresses Enterprise goals and objectivesthat deal with advanced technology and advancedmission concepts for Solar System explorationmissions and projects. The third area is SpaceTechnology, which addresses Enterprise goals andobjectives that deal with the development ofadvanced technologies to enable future astrophysicsmissions, as well as robotic and human Solar Systemexploration missions.

FY01 Objectives

• Fabricate IR detectors and test under the conditionsexpected to prevail at the Next-Generation SpaceTelescope (NGST) and SOFIA focal planes

• Implement the initial stage of improving the fringe-tracking algorithm for the Infrared Optical TelescopeArray (IOTA) interferometer

• Develop a prototype germanium:antimony (Ge:Sb)detector array for the Airborne Infrared EchelleSpectrograph (AIRES) facility science instrument forSOFIA

• Fabricate and test deep cryogenic multiplexingreadouts to be used in infrared detectors for missionssuch as the Next Generation Space Telescope,Explorers, and SOFIA

• Provide project support of the Mars 2003 entry vehiclesand advanced TPS development required for the Mars2005 Lander Program in collaboration with JPL

• Continue to support advanced space transportationplanning needs of the Mars Exploration Program ledby the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the JetPropulsion Laboratory (JPL)

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Fundamental Biology ProgramThe NASA Fundamental Biology (FB) Lead CenterProgram Office leads the Agency’s efforts infundamental biological research and relevanttechnology development, and supports activitiesconducted on the ground and in space.


• Develop control parameters for International SpaceStation (ISS) research through appropriate ground-based hypergravity and microgravity simulationstudies; make these data available through an extensionof the Ames Life Sciences Data Archive (BioengineeringDatabase/Database Manager)

• Complete archive of prior ARC major missions (SL-3,SLS-2, SL-J, IML-1, 2) and current missions

• Issue Life Sciences NASA research announcement (NRA)for new research in fundamental biology

• Conduct research on the effects of microgravity on thedevelopment of the avian skeleton and vestibular systemon UF-1

• Provide information on the effects of gravity on super-dwarf wheat photosynthesis and respiration on UF-1

• Investigate the effects of gravity on the growth andphysiology of flax seeds and moss on STS-107

• Provide information on the effects of the space environ-ment on bacterial virulence through research conductedon STS-107

• Conduct DNA microarray analysis of two different celltypes flown in space to collect data on the effects of thespace environment on gene expression

• Develop and integrate biological technologies to supportFundamental Biology Research objectives for biologicalspecies ranging from cells to simple organisms

• Apply technologies in Information Technology, Biotech-nology, and Nanotechnology to missions

• Develop methods for observing (visual, optical) changesinduced by actual or simulated spaceflight conditions

• Analyze biological data for quantitative changesinduced by actual or simulated spaceflight conditions

• Develop usable genomic detection and characterizationsystems

• Seek and implement innovative and collaborativeleveraging opportunities (intramural and extramural)for maximizing the scientific and technological returnof FB technology development activities

Program ApproachThe approaches of the Fundamental BiologyProgram are to thoroughly investigate relevantbiological characteristics on the ground beforeconducting research in space; to effectively use the

characteristics of the space environment, especiallymicrogravity and increased radiation; and to enhanceour understanding of fundamental biological pro-cesses. Additionally, the program will utilize state-of-the-art technology to

• Measure and evaluate biological phenomena

• Develop the scientific and technical foundations for asafe, productive human presence in space for extendedperiods and in preparation for exploration

• Apply this knowledge and technology to improve thenation’s competitiveness and education, and the quality oflife on Earth

• Inform, educate, and provide opportunities for studentsand the public to participate in life science research,which uses the unique laboratory of space to understandfundamental biology, physiology, evolution, and develop-ment of living systems

• Utilize the Life Sciences Data Archive to help with thisapproach

Space Station Biological Research ProjectThe Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP)supports Fundamental Biology Research goals byenabling long-term space science research in relevantscience disciplines. The research program will initiallyemphasize microbiology and cell-culture researchusing equipment developed for use in the Interna-tional Space Station. The initial suite of instrumentsand facilities under development include the incuba-tor, the insect habitat, the cell culture unit (CCU), thehabitat holding rack (HHR), the life sciences glove box(LSG), compound and dissecting microscopes, and apassive dosimeter (PDS).

A R C ’ S R O L E S I N T H E H U M A N E X P L O R A T I O N

A N D D E V E L O P M E N T O F S P A C E E N T E R P R I S E

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• For the German-provided telescope, to successfullycomplete fabrication of the subsystem elements so thatmajor subsystems can be assembled and tested

• For the U.S. systems, to complete the final designreview of the onboard mission control system soft-ware, to complete the aircraft modification andthe science and mission operations center, and tobegin flight test, before delivering the modifiedaircraft to Germany for installation and test of thetelescope

Program ApproachThe observatory is optimized for studying far-infrared wavelengths between 30 and 300 microme-ters; however, science data will be obtained acrossthe broad wavelength range of 0.3 to 1,600 micro-meters through the use of numerous focal planeinstruments brought to the observatory by theinternational science community. The ability toupgrade instruments regularly will enable theobservatory to employ the very latest focal planeand other instrument technologies, including large-format infrared (IR) and submillimeter detectorarrays, which will be transferable to other missionsover SOFIA’s 20-year operating lifetime.

The SOFIA System is under development bycontractor teams in the United States and Germany.The U.S. team, led by the Universities SpaceResearch Association (USRA), is developing theBoeing 747 modification, including the large cavitycutout, rerouting of the airframe structure aroundthe cutout, rerouting of the aircraft systems throughthe telescope cavity, and developing the newsystems installations such as the cavity door andenvironmental control system. The USRA’s team isalso providing the onboard mission control systemand the science and mission operations center.Several of these items are being developed inconjunction with ARC, which is providing some ofthe designs, hardware, and facilities. In Germany, aconsortium of companies led by MAN Technology isdeveloping the airborne telescope assembly,including its 2.7-meter-diameter primary mirror, andits optics, structure, vibration isolation, and pointingcontrol systems. The telescope will be ready in lateFY 2001 for installation into the modified aircraft; itis scheduled to be done in Germany. This will befollowed by the return of the observatory system tothe United States for a planned series of tests andcertification flights. Science operations will startabout a year after the telescope is installed.

Other Space Science ElementsAdditional research areas at ARC play major roles inimplementing the Space Science goals. One area isthe Center for Mars Exploration (CMEX), a jointactivity of the Astrobiology and Space Research andthe Information Systems Directorates, which dealswith goals and objectives for integrated human androbotic Mars exploration. A second area, SpaceProjects, addresses Enterprise goals and objectivesthat deal with advanced technology and advancedmission concepts for Solar System explorationmissions and projects. The third area is SpaceTechnology, which addresses Enterprise goals andobjectives that deal with the development ofadvanced technologies to enable future astrophysicsmissions, as well as robotic and human Solar Systemexploration missions.

FY01 Objectives

• Fabricate IR detectors and test under the conditionsexpected to prevail at the Next-Generation SpaceTelescope (NGST) and SOFIA focal planes

• Implement the initial stage of improving the fringe-tracking algorithm for the Infrared Optical TelescopeArray (IOTA) interferometer

• Develop a prototype germanium:antimony (Ge:Sb)detector array for the Airborne Infrared EchelleSpectrograph (AIRES) facility science instrument forSOFIA

• Fabricate and test deep cryogenic multiplexingreadouts to be used in infrared detectors for missionssuch as the Next Generation Space Telescope,Explorers, and SOFIA

• Provide project support of the Mars 2003 entry vehiclesand advanced TPS development required for the Mars2005 Lander Program in collaboration with JPL

• Continue to support advanced space transportationplanning needs of the Mars Exploration Program ledby the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the JetPropulsion Laboratory (JPL)

16

Fundamental Biology ProgramThe NASA Fundamental Biology (FB) Lead CenterProgram Office leads the Agency’s efforts infundamental biological research and relevanttechnology development, and supports activitiesconducted on the ground and in space.


• Develop control parameters for International SpaceStation (ISS) research through appropriate ground-based hypergravity and microgravity simulationstudies; make these data available through an extensionof the Ames Life Sciences Data Archive (BioengineeringDatabase/Database Manager)

• Complete archive of prior ARC major missions (SL-3,SLS-2, SL-J, IML-1, 2) and current missions

• Issue Life Sciences NASA research announcement (NRA)for new research in fundamental biology

• Conduct research on the effects of microgravity on thedevelopment of the avian skeleton and vestibular systemon UF-1

• Provide information on the effects of gravity on super-dwarf wheat photosynthesis and respiration on UF-1

• Investigate the effects of gravity on the growth andphysiology of flax seeds and moss on STS-107

• Provide information on the effects of the space environ-ment on bacterial virulence through research conductedon STS-107

• Conduct DNA microarray analysis of two different celltypes flown in space to collect data on the effects of thespace environment on gene expression

• Develop and integrate biological technologies to supportFundamental Biology Research objectives for biologicalspecies ranging from cells to simple organisms

• Apply technologies in Information Technology, Biotech-nology, and Nanotechnology to missions

• Develop methods for observing (visual, optical) changesinduced by actual or simulated spaceflight conditions

• Analyze biological data for quantitative changesinduced by actual or simulated spaceflight conditions

• Develop usable genomic detection and characterizationsystems

• Seek and implement innovative and collaborativeleveraging opportunities (intramural and extramural)for maximizing the scientific and technological returnof FB technology development activities

Program ApproachThe approaches of the Fundamental BiologyProgram are to thoroughly investigate relevantbiological characteristics on the ground beforeconducting research in space; to effectively use the

characteristics of the space environment, especiallymicrogravity and increased radiation; and to enhanceour understanding of fundamental biological pro-cesses. Additionally, the program will utilize state-of-the-art technology to

• Measure and evaluate biological phenomena

• Develop the scientific and technical foundations for asafe, productive human presence in space for extendedperiods and in preparation for exploration

• Apply this knowledge and technology to improve thenation’s competitiveness and education, and the quality oflife on Earth

• Inform, educate, and provide opportunities for studentsand the public to participate in life science research,which uses the unique laboratory of space to understandfundamental biology, physiology, evolution, and develop-ment of living systems

• Utilize the Life Sciences Data Archive to help with thisapproach

Space Station Biological Research ProjectThe Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP)supports Fundamental Biology Research goals byenabling long-term space science research in relevantscience disciplines. The research program will initiallyemphasize microbiology and cell-culture researchusing equipment developed for use in the Interna-tional Space Station. The initial suite of instrumentsand facilities under development include the incuba-tor, the insect habitat, the cell culture unit (CCU), thehabitat holding rack (HHR), the life sciences glove box(LSG), compound and dissecting microscopes, and apassive dosimeter (PDS).

A R C ’ S R O L E S I N T H E H U M A N E X P L O R A T I O N

A N D D E V E L O P M E N T O F S P A C E E N T E R P R I S E

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Space Science ResearchResearch at ARC implements the Space ScienceEnterprise Goals through three elements dealingwith astrophysics, planetary systems, and exobiol-ogy. Since the unifying theme for these threeelements is the origin and evolution of stars, planets,and life, the total research effort is a major thrust inthe Enterprise’s Astrobiology program. Astrophysicsresearch addresses Enterprise goals and objectivesthat deal with understanding how the structure inthe Universe emerged, the dynamical evolution ofgalaxies and stars, and the exchange of matter andenergy among stars and the interstellar medium.Planetary Systems research addresses Enterprisegoals and objectives that deal with understandingstar formation, the evolution and distribution ofvolatile and organic material, the origin and distribu-tion of planetary systems, rings, and primitivebodies, and planetary atmosphere evolution.Exobiology research addresses Enterprise goals andobjectives that deal with understanding the origin,evolution, and distribution of life by conductingresearch on the cosmic history of biogenic com-pounds, prebiotic evolution, the early evolution oflife, computational astrobiology, and extremeenvironments in which living organisms can exist.

Program FY01 ObjectivesFY01 objectives are represented by some 130separate research tasks. Most of these tasks relatedirectly to the goals that are relevant to astrobiology.Illustrative examples are listed below:

• Search the European space agency astrometricmission satellite and database (HIPPARCOS)mission data archive for extrasolar planetarytransit occurrences

• Investigate the stellar astrophysics of low-mass proto-stars by analyzing their temperatures and luminosities

• Compare asteroid thermal infrared spectra to MarsGlobal Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer(TES)

• Observe galactic dust, extragalactic dust, and primi-tive Solar System objects to trace incorporation ofinterstellar organics into primitive Solar Systemobjects

• Examine microbial assemblages found in hot springswith regard to composition and distribution ofmicrobiota along environmental gradients

• Plan a facility for analysis of returned, quarantinedsamples from Mars

• Participate in system-integration tests of the SIRTFInfrared Array Camera (IRAC), to validate perfor-mance of Channels III and IV silicon:arsenic (Si:As)detector arrays

• Investigate the role of a paleo-Martian atmospherecontaining reduced gases (methane and ammonia)in brine evolution

• Examine structural changes of analog astrophysicalices as a function of temperature, time, andcomposition

• Develop a massively parallel computer code formolecular dynamic simulations that will allow forextending timescales of molecular simulations by twoorders of magnitude

Stratospheric Observatory for InfraredAstronomy ProgramThe Stratospheric Observatory for InfraredAstronomy (SOFIA), a key element of NASA’s newOrigins program, is a large-aperture infrared/submillimeter observatory being developed coopera-tively by NASA and the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) in Germany. SOFIA willoperate in the stratosphere, above 99 percent of thewater vapor that obscures infrared wavelengths fromall ground-based observatories. The SOFIA Systemincludes the observatory—a 2.5-meter-aperturetelescope mounted in an open-port cavity in aBoeing 747 aircraft—plus a science and missionoperations center located at Ames Research Center.Across most of the infrared spectral region, SOFIAwill have the highest broadband imaging andspectroscopic resolution of any observatory cur-rently approved for development, and will also bedeployable worldwide to observe transient eventssuch as occultations and supernovae.

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Later, research capability will be augmented by asecond HHR, a 2.5-m-diameter variable-g centrifuge,and habitats for plants, rodents, and aquatic organ-isms, and an incubator for avian and reptilian eggs.Laboratory support equipment will also be devel-oped, including small- and micromass measurementdevices. In addition, risk-reduction flight testing ofhabitat development units and subsystems will startto be flown as early as 2001 (plant and egg are thefirst two).

Project FY01 Objectives

• Complete and fly (flight 5A.1) Passive Dosimeter System(PDS)

• Complete implementation of the validation and scienceexperiments on flight 5A.1

• Complete and fly (UF-1) the Biomass Production System(BPS), the risk-reduction development unit designed totest the technology required for the Plant Habitat andthe Avian Development Facility (ADF), the risk-reduction development unit designed to test thetechnology required for the egg incubator habitat

• Complete implementation of the validation flight UF-1

• Complete the critical design review (CDR) for theincubator habitat, compound and dissecting microscopedevelopments, and cell culture unit habitat

• Complete the preliminary design review (PDR) for thelife sciences glove box (LSG) habitat attachmentmechanism

• Complete the procurement process and start work on thesecond phase of the Plant Research Unit Habitat (PRU)development

• Complete the preliminary design review (PDR) for thesmall-mass measuring device (SMMD) and the micro-mass measuring device (MMMD) developments and thecentrifuge, NASDA-provided hardware

• Complete the Ames Life Sciences Data Archive web sitethat will make appropriate ARC project and PI dataavailable to PIs and management as the data aregenerated during a mission

Project ApproachThe Project is responsible for the design, develop-ment, test, verification, and on-orbit validation of theflight hardware and software. The flight hardwareand software constitutes a suite of highly integrated,state-of-the-art equipment that includes two habitatholding racks, one life sciences glove box, one2.5-m centrifuge, and 27 flight habitats of sevendifferent types (not including spares). SSBRP is alsoresponsible for developing the required ground-operations capabilities including training, groundcontrols, operations, and ground communicationfacilities that interact with the Space Station, otherNASA Centers, and PIs in their laboratories. SSBRPwill also develop common-use Space Stationlaboratory support equipment such as a small-mass

measurement device (SMMD), a micromass measure-ment device (MMMD), compound and dissectingmicroscopes, and radiation dosimeters. Partners inthe hardware development include the NationalAerospace Development Agency of Japan (NASDA),the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the HungarianSpace Office (HSO), and six business enterprises.

Center for Health Applications ofAerospace-Related TechnologiesThe Center for Health Applications of Aerospace-Related Technologies (CHAART) supports surveil-lance of epidemiological elements to insure humanhealth on the ground and in space.

FY01 Objectives

• Develop training courses in the application of aerospacetechnologies to issues of human health in collaborationwith the World Bank, U.S.-Japan Cooperative MedicalSciences Program, United Nations Staff College, theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, and theWorld Health Organization

• Support ongoing research collaborations with theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration andEnvironmental Protection Agency on climate changeand human health

• Support ongoing research collaborations with YaleUniversity and the University of Illinois on the spatialpatterns of Lyme disease risks in New England and theupper Midwest

• Support ongoing research collaborations on cholerawith the Center for Marine Biotechnology and Interna-tional Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research,Bangladesh

• Organize a workshop to develop plans for a globalinfectious disease risk-assessment program integratingelements of biology, epidemiology, modeling, informa-tion systems, and technology development

ApproachThe approach of the CHAART Program is to interactwith various national and international programsand with elements in academia to stage workshopsto address world health problems and developmethods to ensure that adequate training programsare provided to circumvent the problems.

Life Sciences ResearchThe goal of Life Sciences Research at ARC is tounderstand the role and influence of gravity onliving systems, from cells in culture to physiologicalstudies in animals and humans. Through a betterunderstanding of fundamental biology will comeknowledge useful for the development of counter-measures to the deleterious effects of weightlessnessand for the maintenance of human health on Earth.

18


Within the purview of SFG are the Crew VehicleSystems Research, Vertical Motion Simulator, andFuture Flight Central Facilities at Ames ResearchCenter; and the Visual Motion Simulator, DifferentialManeuvering Simulator, and Cockpit MotionFacilities at Langley Research Center.

Space Transportation TechnologyARC leads the Enterprise core competencies inintegrated vehicle health management (IVHM) andthermal protection systems (TPS), and supportsAgency systems studies relating to SpaceTransportation.


• Analysis of SHARP-B2 postflight data forapplication of ultra-high temperature ceramicsfor sharp leading edges on hypersonic vehicles

• Complete supporting work on the TPS and integratedvehicle health management designs, technologies, testdata, and hardware for the second generation ofreusable launch vehicles (RLV) and support industryin their development

• Support third generation RLV efforts by reporting onthe potential of improved capability materials for usein adaptive intelligent TPS (aiTPS)

• Initiate superthermal insulation material (protectsagainst both reentry heating and cryogenic cooling)development and characterization (Third GenerationRLV)

• Conduct systems studies as they relate to SpaceTransportation in support of Lead Center Programs

• Continue to support advanced space transportationplanning needs and technology development forZero Boil-Off of the In-Space Transportation Programled by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Program ApproachImportant elements of the work performed insupport of the Space Transportation Technologyprograms are (1) new TPS materials/systems; rapiddesign tools for TPS sizing, including operation anddevelopment of improved flow diagnostics ofunique, large-scale, high-temperature, arc-jetground-test facilities; and general support ofindustry-led teams developing next-generationvehicles; and (2) IVHM systems that can diagnosein-flight/postflight vehicle health. The utility ofIVHM will be the capability to take corrective actionto mitigate in-flight anomalies and to dramaticallyreduce the time for recycling vehicles betweenflights by prescribing only the ground maintenancethat is required. ARC will also develop advancedtools for vehicle design, embodying them intoIntelligent Synthesis Environments for new spacetransportation systems. ARC will continue to supportsystems studies of advanced space transportationsystems as a part of Agency teams. ARC will lead theway in developing the first “smart systems” for“intelligent” vehicles under the aegis of the Genera-tion 3 activity built upon its strengths in InformationTechnology.

Vehicle Systems Base ProgramARC performs a variety of tasks to support theAerospace Vehicle Systems Base TechnologyProgram led by Langley Research Center. Thisprogram draws upon many of ARC’s core competen-cies, including Information Technology and criticalfacilities, to achieve its goals.

Aviation Safety ProgramARC performs a variety of tasks to support theAviation Safety Program led by Langley ResearchCenter. This program draws upon many of ARC’score competencies, including Information Technol-ogy, Aerospace Operations, and Rotorcraft, toachieve its goals.

Intelligent Synthesis Environment ProgramARC performs a variety of tasks to support theIntelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE) Program ledby Langley Research Center. Three of the mainProgram Elements—the Life Cycle Simulation, theEnvironments, and the Product Integration Elements,require capabilities that leverage many of ARC’s corecompetencies, including Information Technology.

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FY01 Objectives

• Develop and fly gravitational biology experiments inresearch (R) missions R1 and R2 aboard STS 107 andSTS 111, respectively

• Deliver new research hardware to the InternationalSpace Station (ISS) and conduct experiments on flights5A.1, and UF-1, and UF-3

• Support JSC’s human countermeasure studies throughthe development of a wireless mobile physiologicalmonitor (MPM) for observing physiological health andperformance

• Support JPL’s development of a wireless augmentedreality prototype (WARP) to provide a heads-up displayin a space habitat

• Analyze and publish results from the Hyper-g Projectwhich will provide baseline data (to ISS flight experi-ments) on the effects of altered gravity on biologicalsystems

• Sponsor joint ARC/JSC collaborative workshop to define,plan, and initiate a series of countermeasure studiesover the next 5 years using Ames’ unique researchfacilities including the Human Powered Centrifuge, the20G, the Linear Accelerator, the 52-foot Chronic LiveAboard Centrifuge, and the Human Bed Rest Facility

• Apply ARC three-dimensional (3-D) imaging technolo-gies to facilitate Fundamental Biology PI flight experi-ment design and resultant crew training particularly inmodeling the ISS glove box, dissection tools, and rodentsalong with haptic feedback

• Operate the acceleration facilities to support a cadre of30 intra- and extramural PI experiments that willfurther our understanding of the role of gravity in livingsystems including human exposure up to 2 g; exposuresof rodents, fish, and insects for prolonged periods at 2 g,primate exposures at variable g, and human response tolinear acceleration and use of the human-poweredcentrifuge

• Initiate new research in nanotechnology for biomedicalapplications.

ApproachThe approach of the Life Sciences Research team atAmes is to develop the technology and flightequipment required to support NASA’s Life Sciencesresearch on the ground and in space, and to facili-tate the use of the space shuttle, Space Hab and the

International Space Station and other potentialNASA microgravity platforms in reaching theexperiment objectives of NASA’s life sciencescommunity. The research team will conduct exten-sive ground-based studies utilizing a suite of uniquegravitational research facilities and advanced 3-Dimagery technologies. Additionally the team will(1) provide education and training to domestic andforeign investigators in the application of aerospacetechnologies to disease surveillance and risk assess-ment, and (2) transfer technology and promoteeducation for the improvement of the quality of lifeon Earth.

Other HEDS ResearchAdditional research elements at ARC play majorroles in the implementation of the HEDS Enterprise.The goal of the Advanced Life Support (ALS)research effort at ARC is to develop advancedtechnologies that provide the foundation for longduration missions by significantly reducing life-cyclecosts, improving operational performance, promot-ing self-sufficiency, and increasing safety, as well asproviding commercial opportunities for publicbenefit.

FY01 Objectives

• Development of a fully regenerative water recyclingsystem for long duration exploration missions whichreduces the current state-of-the-art system massequivalent metric by a factor of five

• Development and testing of a prototype carbon dioxidecompressor which could be incorporated into anevolutionary International Space Station (ISS) to closethe air loop for the first time

• Support ongoing research collaborations with theUniversity of Arizona in the development of In-SituResource Utilization (ISRU) technologies for human androbotic Mars exploration missions

• Support ongoing research collaborations with Utah StateUniversity, Rutgers University, and industry in thedevelopment of solid waste processing technologies forhuman planetary missions

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Program ApproachThe ASC Program has two major development areasthat as an integrated effort, provide a focusedtechnology foundation.

The first area is the development of advanced airtransportation technologies. These technologies willenable substantial increases in the efficiency andcapacity of aircraft operations within both thenational and international air transportation systems.The approach is to maximize “free flight” to allowthe users to lower direct operating costs by tradingoff time and routing, and to improve the effective-ness of high-density operations in regions wherefree flight will not be possible. The technologies willalso allow smooth and efficient transitions across theboundaries of free-flight regions and nonfree-flightregions; provide system improvements that areeasily deployable anywhere in the world; andimprove the ability to model and simulate advancedcapabilities in the airspace system.

The second area of development involves theenablement of a new vehicle class to reduce airportcongestion. The civil tilt-rotor aircraft is a vehiclecapable of flying like a conventional turbopropaircraft with the added capability of vertical takeoffsand landings like a helicopter. It can operate in aheliport-type environment at an airport, freeing uprunways for traditional aircraft. Critical technologiesare needed to overcome the inhibitors of operatingtilt-rotor aircraft within the air transportation system.These technologies include development of anefficient, low-noise proprotor; an integrated cockpitfor minimum pilot workload during low-noiseapproaches and departures near congested terminalareas; and a safe and cost-effective one-engine-inoperative emergency contingency power capability.

Aviation System TechnologyAdvanced Research (AvSTAR) InitiativeNASA, working with the Federal Aviation Adminis-tration and industry, is pursuing a major researchprogram to develop air traffic management tech-nologies that have the ultimate goal of doublingcapacity while increasing safety and efficiency. Theair traffic management systems currently beingdeveloped by the FAA, Free Flight Phase 1 and 2,are being enabled and supported by NASA develop-ments in Information Technology. Numerousauthorities believe this system, even with theimprovements expected from Free Flight Phase 1and 2, will not permit the growth in air traffic that iswidely anticipated. A new architecture will berequired. While NASA will continue to support Free

Flight Phase 1 and 2 under the NASA AATT pro-gram, it is believed that a new program termedAvSTAR, will be required.

ApproachThe AvSTAR initiative is divided into three majorelements: Core Component Technologies, VirtualAirspace Simulation Technology, and System LevelConcept Development and Evaluation. The first twoprogram elements will run more or less concurrentlyand will develop the necessary intelligent systemstechnologies that would permit the implementationof candidate new airspace system managementarchitectures. In addition, the program will developthe tools necessary to enable various proposed newarchitectures to be evaluated by simulating theentire air traffic management system. This wouldallow various authorities, such as the FAA, tothoroughly evaluate proposed solutions prior to fieldtrials and proceed to field trials with only the mostpromising of proposed architectures. Such evalua-tions will comprise the third element of the AvSTARProgram. The entire program will be planned inclose collaboration with the FAA.

Simulation Facility Group DirectorAerospace Technology (AT) Enterprise leadersdetermined that central management of majoraeronautical facilities was in the nation’s bestinterest and established several facility groups. ARCis responsible for the management of one of thosegroups: the Simulation Facility Group (SFG). Thisgroup is the single mechanism utilized by theEnterprise for strategic management and integratedactivity planning in the areas of facility investment,operations policy, business management, and testtechnology for designated simulation facilities. TheSFG considers a U.S. national perspective thatincludes not only the military and commercialaerospace interests of the government, but thoseof industry as well.

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ApproachGlobal and regional atmospheric and ecosystemstudies are primary areas of investigation at ARC.To carry out these astrobiology-related investiga-tions, scientists, technologists, and mission person-nel at ARC work in collaboration with leadingscientists and ministries around the world (1) todesign, formulate, and perform experimentalmeasurements, remote sensing, in situ data analyses,and computer simulations of atmospheric andecosystem processes, and to study the exchangesbetween the biosphere and the atmosphere, usingboth airborne and satellite sensor data; (2) toconceive and develop advanced instrumentation tosatisfy the measurement requirements of the EarthScience Enterprise and related enterprises, empha-sizing both airborne and selected spacecraft sensors;(3) to provide the scientific understanding and themethods needed to apply remote sensing andgeographic data analyses to the study of infectiousdiseases, and the associated models for risk analysisof disease transmission in the various humanpopulations; (4) to transfer scientific knowledge andtechnology to U.S. commercial and private interests,national and international governmental agenciesand ministries, other disciplines, and educationalinstitutions; and (5) to provide science missionmanagement and science leadership for majorscience programs of NASA and other agencies.Ames Research Center will sign a memorandum ofunderstanding with the Earth Science Enterprise(Goddard Space Flight Center) to pursue andadvance high-performance computing.

A R C ’ S R O L E S I N T H E E A R T H S C I E N C E

E N T E R P R I S E

Earth Science ResearchEarth Science Research at ARC supports the goalsand objectives of the Enterprise described in theEarth Science Strategic Plan of 2000 and the Officeof Earth Science (OES) Science Plan of 2000. ARCperforms basic research in atmospheric chemistryand dynamics, atmospheric physics, and ecosystemscience and technology, and leads major airbornescience to provide new information about bothatmospheric and ecosystem processes.

FY01 Objectives

• Maintain readiness of airborne sensor instrumentationfor land science (MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator[MASTER], Digital Array Scanned Interferometer [DASI],multispectral cameras, thermal infrared [TIR], andpolarization imagers) in support of Earth ObservingSystem (EOS) and airborne science

• Conduct research in conjunction with Life and SpaceSciences on the questions in astrobiology that relate tothe future of life on Earth and beyond Earth, usingenvironmental and climate simulation, modeling,microbial and plant sciences including retrospectivestudies and sensing of biosignatures; publish the bookEvolution and the Physical Environment as a result ofthe Linnean Society workshop of the same name

• Develop means to address large-scale computingchallenges associated with climate modeling, includingparallel computing, utilization of computational grids,and the efficient porting of legacy codes onto advancedarchitectures

• Conduct computer simulation models of large eddysimulation/microphysical modeling of marine bound-ary layer, cirrus clouds of tropical upper tropospherewater vapor concentration, and Aerosol PhysicalChemistry Model (APCM)

• Manage the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experi-ment (CAMEX 4), a multi-agency, airborne andsurface field campaign and ensure that experimentdata to fulfill missions objectives are delivered

• Analyze data from SAFARI and SOLVE to understandeffects of dust and fire aerosols on the radiative propertiesof clouds, and to sort out competing theories on polarstratospheric clouds and ozone depletion effects

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• Improve the capability to assess the life of complexcomposite rotorcraft structures

• Publish an industry standard design guide for ultra-safe gears for rotorcraft

• Complete the flight validation of baseline control lawsand modes for CONDUIT (Control Designer’s UnifiedInterfaces)

• Publish a HUMS (Health and Usage MonitoringSystem) Certification Protocol

• Improve safety and survivability of rotorcraft in hardlandings onto water, soft soil, and rigid surfaces

• Provide documentation for composite structuresanalysis and certification for inclusion in the MIL-HDBK-17 design handbook

• Enable rapid prototyping with “express-tool”fabrication

Program ApproachRotorcraft’s research projects, RAPID, SAFOR, andSILNT directly address the Office of AerospaceTechnology (OAT) enterprise goals for increased airmobility, improved safety, and reduced noise. Theprojects apply revolutionary approaches and high-payoff technologies to the long-term national needsof the future. The goals of the rotorcraft program arestrongly coupled with the goals of industry andacademia through the aeronautics strategic planningprocess and direct customer interaction. ProjectFRIAR directly and uniquely addresses shorter-termtechnology development and takes advantage ofopportunities to transfer technology quickly toindustry.

Aerospace Operations Systems R&TBase ProgramThe Aerospace Operations Systems (AOS) Programis responsible for pioneering the development andvalidation of advanced technology concepts,methods, and procedures, and for transferring themto the user and regulatory communities to enablemajor increases in the safety of aircraft operations inthe national and international airspace.


• Determine how the demands of managing multipleconcurrent tasks contribute to crew errors in aviationincidents and accidents; identify and evaluate crewstrategies to reduce errors in managing concurrenttasks

• Based on pilot simulation study, define effects of in-flightactivity breaks as crew fatigue countermeasures

• Complete guidelines for perceptually and cognitivelymatched displays and methods of analysis foroptimizing human performance

• Down-select of ground-based remote-sensing technol-ogies for a prototype ground-based system tosense icing conditions

Program ApproachThe AOS Program is focused in three investmentareas:

The first investment area is human/systems design,assessment, and reliability. Validated tools andprototyped test beds are developed for the designand analysis of innovative human-automationsystems in air, ground, and integrated aerospaceoperations. The purpose of this research is to reduceor mitigate the effects of human error in interpretingautomated systems.

The second is human factors. Knowledge bases andmodels of fundamental human information process-ing are used to develop operational procedures andtechnologies to reduce the potential for error inaerospace operations and to enable human opera-tors to respond quickly and appropriately to flight-critical situations.

The third is weather factors prediction and mitiga-tion. Databases, knowledge bases, models, andpredictive technologies are developed to assesscritical weather influences on both the safety andefficiency of aerospace operations. Advancedconcepts and procedures for identifying environ-mental hazards are developed to avoid or mitigatetheir effects.

A critical activity of the AOS Program is the adminis-tration and operation of the Aviation Safety Report-ing System. This activity is funded primarily by theFederal Aviation Administration and is used by thebroader aviation community. Its purpose is to lessenthe likelihood of aviation accidents by collecting,analyzing, and responding to voluntarily submittedaviation safety incident reports.

Aviation System Capacity ProgramThe Aviation System Capacity (ASC) Program isresponsible for enabling safe increases in thecapacity of major national and international airportsthrough both modernization and improvements inthe air-traffic management system and the introduc-tion of new vehicle classes that can reduce airportcongestion.


• Develop and demonstrate transition airspace decisionsupport tools for air-traffic controller (ATC) airlineoperations center and ATC/cockpit informationexchange and for conflict resolution

• Comprehensive mission simulation database forintegrated cockpit and operating procedures forcomplex, low-noise flightpaths

• Large-scale database for validation of rotor noisereduction and validated design-for-noise capability

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SafetyIn FY01, the Center will pursue the OccupationalSafety and Health Authority Voluntary ProtectionProgram (VPP) certification. This effort will beaccomplished in addition to implementing the AmesSafety Accountability Program (ASAP). The inte-grated effort of these objectives will reduce thenumber of hazards on the job and significantlyimprove safety at Ames.The VPP and the AmesSafety Accountability Programs are based onprograms that have proved effective throughoutindustry. The new initiative includes the followingkey elements:

• Management Leadership and EmployeeInvolvement

• Work-Site Analysis

• Hazard Prevention and Control

• Safety and Health Training

All elements are integrated into a single manage-ment plan that is designed to change behavior andimprove accessibility to management. The completeintegration includes a new management culture shiftto accountability, combined with metrics, pay forperformance, and real-time feedback to managementby means of automation.

Human Resources InitiativeARC will continue the development and implemen-tation of a Human Resources Initiative to placegreater emphasis on the fact that our people are ourgreatest asset. This initiative requires formal,continuing management education for all supervi-sors; the creation of Individual Development Plansfor all staff members; and an examination andimprovement in the workplace environment. It alsocreates a process for management accountability tocarry out these requirements.

Program and Project ManagementDevelopmentThe ARC Program and Project Management (P/PM)Development Program will expand the scope of theAcademy West program. Currently serving NASA’sAcademy of Program/Project Leadership (APPL) andNASA Engineering Training (NET), the AcademyWest Program will provide services to NASA’sLeadership and Management Development Programand Agency-wide Risk Management training initia-tives. In addition, The ARC P/PM DevelopmentProgram will incorporate new initiatives into its

existing offerings. New development projects, basedon benchmarking of best practices, will include theLead Center Program Managers Mentoring Project, aProject Management Knowledge Management Teamand Open PM Forums facilitated by guest presentersfrom Silicon Valley industries.

Full-Cost PracticesARC is moving forward with the implementation offull-cost practices and will continue to improve thecost-effectiveness of mission performance throughcomplete implementation of the Agency’s Full-CostInitiative. This initiative will drive policy andpractice improvements in the managing, budgeting,and accounting areas that will support “full disclo-sure” on activities for more fully informed decisionmaking and better performance measurement. Theplanned improvements include categorizing costs asdirect, service, and general and administrative(G&A).

The Full-Cost Initiative also ensures compliance withrecent legal and administrative guidance, includingthe 1990 Chief Financial Officers Act, 1993 Govern-ment Performance and Results Act, 1993 NationalPerformance Review, and the Federal FinancialManagement Improvement Act of 1996.

Integrated Financial Management SystemIn addition to operating the Center’s legacy systems,ARC is deeply involved with the Agency-wide effortto standardize and improve the financial andbusiness management processes and systems withinthe Agency. The ARC Integrated Financial Manage-ment Program (IFMP) team is actively participatingin all aspects of the Agency-wide program, includingreengineering business processes, configuring andtesting the system, and preparing employees towork in the new environment. The initial system tobe replaced is the core accounting system followedby time and attendance, procurement and logistics,budget formulation, human resources, travel,environmental, aircraft management, facilities, andpayroll. The IFM System will replace the Agency’sexisting business management environment, whichcomprises decentralized, nonintegrated systems thatwere originally developed to satisfy unique Centerrequirements. The IFM System will provide theNASA Strategic Enterprises, Lead Centers, LeadProgram managers, and Center directors withaccurate and timely financial information to supportdecision making and to enable strategic manage-

Implementing Center-Level Responsibilities InitiativesI N I T I A T I V E S

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Information Technology R&T Base ProgramThe Information Technology (IT) Research andTechnology (R&T) Base program pioneers theidentification, development, verification, transfer,and application of high-payoff aerospace technolo-gies. The program fits within the NASA strategicvision that “NASA is an investment in America’sfuture. As explorers, pioneers, and innovators, weboldly expand frontiers in air and space to inspireand serve America and to benefit the quality of lifeon Earth.”


• Demonstrate a rapid integration and testenvironment that includes remote connectivityand access to flight simulation data, computa-tional simulation data, and archival databases

• Demonstrate integrated propulsion and flight-control systems that are capable of adapting tothe absence or loss of any and all controlsurfaces resulting from failures or malfunctions

• Demonstrate a prototype data communicationsarchitecture with multipriority capability in asecure high-integrity environment for theNational Airspace System

• Integrate a large-scale computing node into adistributed computing environment

• Demonstrate remote connectivity to high data-rate instruments and distributed real-timeaccess to instrument data

• Perform leading-edge research in advancedcomputing systems and user environments, inrevolutionary software technologies, and inpathfinding applications that enable theachievement of NASA’s missions in AerospaceTechnology

• Actively integrate research products with otherprograms, such as DFS, AvSTAR, and Nanotechnology

Program ApproachThe IT Base Program aims to provide fundamentaladvances in advanced computing systems and userenvironments, in revolutionary software technolo-gies, and in pathfinding applications. The ITprogram comprises three investment areas: Inte-grated Design Technology, Software Technology,and Advanced Computing.

Integrated Design Technology investment focuses ondeveloping prototype tools and integrated systemsto improve the design cycle for aerospace vehicle

development. Integrated Design Technologyresearch primarily supports the objective forinnovative next-generation design tools, with aspecific application to aerospace vehicles.Software Technology investment focuses on per-forming world-class research in revolutionarysoftware technologies such as the automatedgeneration of flight-critical software, ways to ensuredata integrity and security, and development andmanagement of complex flight and aviation opera-tions systems. The primary focus of the SoftwareTechnology Investment Area is on reducing theaircraft accident rate. Software Technology alsoprovides strong support to next-generation designtools, as well as Integrated Vehicle Health Manage-ment (IVHM) needs for next-generation aerospacevehicles.

The Advanced Computing Technology investmentfocuses on creating unique user environments forhigh-performance computing systems. The Ad-vanced Computing Technology investment area isthe most crosscutting technology research area.This investment area provides new approaches toproviding high-performance computing resourcesfor the Enterprise, and also supports long-termcomputational research in nanotechnology andquantum computing.

Rotorcraft R&T Base ProgramThe Rotorcraft R&T Base Program meets the publicneed for convenient and safe vertical-flight capabil-ity for transportation needs, as well as for safety andutility services. The program also provides assistancefor the U.S. Department of Defense to insure thecontinued military supremacy of U.S.-producedrotorcraft.

Implementing Enterprise-Level ResponsibilitiesA R C ’ S R O L E S I N T H E A E R O S P A C E

T E C H N O L O G Y E N T E R P R I S E

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ment. In addition, the system will be designed tosatisfy the needs of external customers who requirefinancial information from NASA.

EducationAs stated in the NASA Strategic Plan, one of NASA’sprimary goals is to inspire achievement and innova-tion. In order to accomplish this, NASA uses itsunique resources to support educational excellencefor all. Ames delivers the NASA Education Programwithin the framework of the NASA ImplementationPlan for Education, 1999-2003. The educationfunction at ARC is strategically dispersed throughoutthe Directorates, and all major technical endeavorsat ARC contain educational outreach components.This scenario has increased the magnitude, diversity,and technical excellence of ARC’s educationprograms. The wide ranges of ARC’s educationprograms are constantly being refined, and newprograms are being introduced to better serve theneeds of the educational community within the BayArea, the state of California, and 10 other westernstates. The following is a brief list of the wide rangeof educational activities at ARC:

• The California Air and Space Center (CASC)

• The JASON Project

• The ARC Aerospace Encounter

• National Engineers’ week

• Science and engineering fairs, and an activespeakers’ bureau

• The NASA Quest program

New education technology products are produced inconjunction with the significant aeronautics andspace programs at the Center. The products usuallyconsist of CD-ROMs and are web based; they fullyintegrate curriculum based on National ScienceStandards.

Equal Opportunity/DiversityARC strongly supports the principles of equalopportunity and endorses achieving diversity in theworkplace. Employees who work at ARC are valuedand no one is excluded on the basis of race, color,religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexualorientation or any other nonmerit-based factor. TheCenter fosters and maintains a work environmentthat respects and values individual differences and isreflective of the entire range of communities that theCenter serves. The Center’s efforts are focused onworkforce representation, recruiting, hiring, reten-tion, training, employee development, promotions,Alternative Dispute Resolution, multiculturalemployee groups, Diversity Dialogue Groups, andpartnerships with historically black colleges andother minority universities.

NASA Research Park DevelopmentARC is embarking on a bold new vision to createNASA Research Park (NRP), a collaborative researchpark which will bring together premiere talent in theareas of astrobiology, information technology, andaerospace technology. The transformation of ARC’sunused capacity into a unique environment forenhancement of NASA’s programmatic initiatives, aswell as the Agency’s commercialization, education, andoutreach goals, will integrate three key components.

ARC will develop a world-class campus for researchand learning that will utilize ARC’s unique stock ofbuildings and partnerships with local government,academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations.With its notable military history, prominent architec-ture, and availability of land, ARC will be an idealplace where NASA, its collaborative partners, andthe public can promote advances in aerospace andaviation technology, understand advances ininformation technology, and explore the outer limitsof the Universe. Public displays, interactive exhibits,school programs for students and teachers, andlecture programs will be featured on the campus.

In partnership with academia and industry, NASAwill promote entrepreneurship and innovation atARC. By taking advantage of its proximity to leadingentrepreneurs and heads of innovative organiza-tions, NASA and its partners can support thedevelopment of business incubators focused on hightechnology and biotechnology industries. Linkagescan be formed with business education programs toprovide forums, seminars, executive lecture series,and other venues to facilitate the exchange ofinformation and experience to solve real-worldbusiness problems related to technology innovation,technology commercialization, and technologymanagement.

ARC will create a unique community of researchscientists, students, and educators with a sharedmission to advance human knowledge of space,Earth, and society. A lively and vibrant communitywill attract industry. NASA will provide criticalpublic safety services and other services typicallyfurnished by municipal government.

An Integrated Development Plan was issued in thefirst quarter of FY00. That plan described howportions of ARC will evolve into a shared-usecampus with government, academia, industry, andnonprofit organizations. The plan also outlines thesteps required to optimally develop federal propertyand to balance NASA’s programmatic goals againstthe financial requirements and infrastructureconstraints. This plan was developed in cooperationwith local governments to ensure its sensitivity to

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Center Directives Management SystemThe Center Directives Management System (CDMS)was developed with headquarters funding toimplement a method of reviewing draft directivesand collecting comments and approvals before thedirectives are released. This is a web-based systemwith several levels of access and user authentication.Directives managers post draft directives, andreviewers are assigned who can view the directivesand make comments. The system has been incontinuous operation since 1997 and is currently inactive use by Ames Research Center, Glenn ResearchCenter, and Langley Research Center. Regularenhancements are made to the system under thedirection of the participating Centers.

Extranet for Security ProfessionalsARC was selected in 1998 to be Lead Center forNASA’s portion of the development and manage-ment of the Extranet for Security Professionals(ESP). The ESP is a secure web-site, developedand established by security professionals fundedby Carnegie-Mellon University. ESP’s purpose is toprovide a secure environment in which securityprofessionals from any government agency cancommunicate in a private setting and in whicheach agency can establish agency-only “private”web sites to conduct agency business. ARCdeveloped, activated, and now manages theNASA private web site.

A R C ’ S P R I N C I P A L C E N T E R R O L E S F O R

F U N C T I O N A L A G E N C Y A S S I G N M E N T S

Consolidated SupercomputingManagement OfficeThe Consolidated Supercomputing ManagementOffice (CoSMO) is a NASA Chief Information Officer(CIO)-sponsored functional initiative. The primarygoal of CoSMO is to meet the High-PerformanceComputing requirements for all Enterprises, whilerealizing an optimal return on investment througheffective and efficient management of NASA’s high-performance computing assets. It is responsible forthe acquisition, maintenance, operation, manage-ment, upgrade, and cost-center budgeting forNASA’s supercomputer resources, regardless oflocation. Operations and maintenance support areprovided to NASA research and developmentprograms and to secure-computing programs.

Information Technology SecurityThe Principal Center for Information TechnologySecurity (PC-ITS) provides a unified approach andAgency focus to the problem of information security.It is committed to developing and maintaining asecure, state-of-the-art computing infrastructure thatcan support NASA programs and projects, as well asNASA researchers throughout the world. Thiscommitment requires a strategy that preventsinformation from being disclosed to unauthorizedpersons; that prevents information from beingmaliciously corrupted, modified, or forged; and thatprevents access from being denied because ofburdensome procedures or malicious attacks.

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the needs of the surrounding communities and theenvironment. It is also a sensible and prudentundertaking for the nation.

Support FunctionsA full array of institutional systems support the ARCCenter of Excellence, missions, Lead Center pro-grams, and other research and technology develop-ment activities. These systems encompass a widerange of areas, including the following.

Acquisition/ProcurementContract and grant specialists award procurementsthat support research and operations for all NASAEnterprises. Specialists are integrally involved in theplanning and implementation of business-relatedprogram/project goals. Annually, the Divisionawards $500 million in new work and concurrentlyperforms over $3 billion in contract management.NASA Ames program and project success is directlylinked to acquisition excellence.

Documentation DevelopmentProfessional specialists who work under the Scientificand Technical Information (STI) Program acquire,produce, distribute, and archive scientific, technical,

and nontechnical information using traditional andadvanced technologies. Services provided includeprinting and reproduction, photo and imaging,audiovisual and video production, graphics and exhibitdesign, publications, and library support.

Human ResourcesHuman resource specialists work to attract, enhance,and retain a highly effective workforce, properlybalanced and trained to accomplish the Center’svarious missions. They work closely with ARCsupervisors and managers, providing advice andassistance in planning and implementing proactivehuman resources programs within each organization.They also provide management and staff develop-ment programs to fully utilize the capabilities andpotential of the Center’s workforce.

Facilities Maintenance and Operations, Logistics,and SuppliesSupport is provided through two primary functions:(1) institutional facilities, base operations, andmaintenance; and (2) supply and logistics services.In addition, as host for the ARC Moffett Complex,the necessary maintenance of infrastructure andbuildings is provided to support office space andmilitary housing utilized by resident agencies.

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ApproachRealizing the potential described above will requirecoordinated investment across the agency todevelop both NASA in-house and extramuralresearch with partners in universities and industry.Ames Research Center is well positioned to assumetechnical leadership and take management responsi-bility for this strategic investment area. ARC hasinternationally recognized leadership in the area ofnanotechnology.

Under ARC management, the nanotechnologyprogram will be targeted at fulfilling Agency-wide,mission-driven mid- and far-term requirements.Overall nanotechnology program objectives, andhence the planned products, will be determined byNASA’s long-term requirements, driven by the needsof future Agency missions in the 5–25-year timeframe. The near-term objectives are to fosternanotechnology infrastructure with an emphasis onsensors (chemical, mechanical, and biological),nanoelectronics and computing, and structuralmaterials. The nanotechnology program planproposes an initial 2-year transition program, to befollowed by a series of renewable, 3-year programphases. A Non-Advocate Review (NAR), leading toapproval by the Program Management Council(PMC) and administrator, will precede eachnanotechnology program phase except for the initialphase. Periodic reviews are proposed during the3-year interval between NARs, allowing a long-termtechnology development view while preserving theaccountability and advantages of time-limited andfocused programs.

Design for Safety InitiativeThe recent problems in some NASA missions, alongwith similar or related problems in aerospace andgeneral aviation, are symptomatic of the difficulty insynthesizing operational and design parameters.Safety is a system property, encompassing compo-nents, subsystems, software, organizations, andhuman behavior, and their interactions. Yet, typicallysystem design and analysis is decoupled, addressingonly components and subsystems until integrationoccurs. The Design for Safety (DFS) vision is toachieve ultrahigh levels of safety and missionsuccess through the infusion of advanced informa-tion technologies.

ApproachTechnologies developed by the DFS initiative will betailored, matured, and infused into all NASAEnterprise missions. Currently, four research areasare planned: System Reasoning for Risk Manage-ment, Knowledge Engineering for Safe Systems,Resilient Systems and Operations, and RegenerativeMaterials and Sensing Technologies.

System Reasoning for Risk Management addressesthe need for system-wide life cycle modeling andreasoning to identify risks. This element explicitlyincludes risk in the design and operations tradespace; characterizes human and organizational riskfactors emphasizing predictive rather than forensicmethods; and performs research and developmentfor safe and reliable software and probabilisticsystem characterization.

Knowledge Engineering for Safe Systems to ensurethat knowledge is captured, integrated, and utilizedcontinuously (during design and operations) toimprove safety. The technologies in this element willdiscover knowledge from raw data, link diverse andheterogeneous information, and provide non-intrusive and relevant expert interaction with systemusers.

Resilient Systems and Operations will provideintelligent response to both known and unantici-pated hazards. These hazards will be addressed byusing goal-directed adaptive control and reasoningsystems, by performing risk-directed system testing,and through system servicing along with concurrent(rather than sporadic) risk assessment.

Robust Sensing and Components will developreliable and self-repairing materials and compo-nents. This program element will provide advancedsensing methods which will be required for auto-mated non-intrusive condition assessment. Self-healing materials and re-configurable systems willthen facilitate safe system operation when unavoid-able hazards do surface.

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Information Technology ServicesServices include the development and maintenance ofa secure, state-of-the-art computing infrastructure thatcan support Ames researchers and partners throughoutNASA and the world. This infrastructure consists ofnetworking, desktop computing, and other InformationTechnology services such as telephones, business dataprocessing, World Wide Web, e-mail, softwaredevelopment, and IT systems engineering.

Protective ServicesA wide range of emergency and nonemergencyservices are provided, including security, lawenforcement, fire/crash rescue, export control,special projects, and emergency preparedness,response, and recovery. Support includes coordina-tion of Center access for all employees and visitors,security clearance processing, foreign travel briefingsand debriefings for personnel traveling overseas,and physical, technical, and information securitythroughout the Center.

Research and Development ServicesCost-effective and highly qualified support isprovided to the Agency’s R&D programs by provid-ing wind-tunnel testing operations, hardwaredevelopment, systems engineering, and project andfacility construction management. Utilizing concur-rent engineering, rapid prototyping, advancedanalysis tools, and experienced project managementexpertise, systems engineering serves the Center’sprograms, as well as external customers in inte-grated product design and development. Thehardware development capability is centered onunique skills made possible by the advanced toolsand expertise of its crafts people. Products rangefrom sophisticated spacecraft hardware and biologi-cal sensors to highly accurate and detailed wind-tunnel models. Wind-tunnel testing utilizes modern-ized national-class facilities, leading-edge instrumen-tation, and expert technical support for high-speed,high-fidelity data acquisition and understanding.Ames is a leader in wind-tunnel testing productivity,capability, and knowledge.

Commercialization and Technology TransferThe Commercial Technology Office manages thetransfer and commercialization of NASA technologiesand the infusion of external technologies to enhanceNASA programs, the U.S. economy, and the quality oflife. Services to accomplish these goals include pro-tection, patenting, and licensing of NASA-developedintellectual property; development of public/privatepartnerships and strategic alliances; and managementof the Small Business Innovative Research/SmallBusiness Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programsand NASA-related small business incubation.

Equal Employment OpportunityEqual employment opportunity, affirmative employ-ment, and diversity in the workplace are promotedthrough a variety of mechanisms. Enforcementprocedures ensure compliance with existing rules,regulations, statutes, policies, and mandates.

Public Affairs, Outreach, Communication andEducationAn extensive array of media services, public affairsactivities, and informational, outreach, and educa-tional programs support Center and Agency goals.Many are explained within the foregoing sections.

Financial SystemsEffective, efficient, and economic financial andbudgetary systems are developed and maintained tosupport the Center and Agency customers in linewith established goals. High-quality, proactivebusiness services help customers to operate effec-tively, efficiently, and economically, with varyingbudgets and program requirements.

Legal ServicesLegal Services provides advice and assistance to allARC management and to all ARC organizations.Legal Services also furnishes timely and accuratelegal advice on a wide range of topics; acts as legalrepresentative for and on behalf of ARC in adminis-trative and judicial proceedings; and participates invarious management working groups.

Safety, Environmental, and Mission AssuranceA safe workplace, responsible stewardship of theenvironment, and reliable and quality systems arepromoted. Support includes effective advocacy,technical consultation, policy guidance, oversight,training, regulatory interface, and the application ofrisk-assessment tools.

Systems ManagementARC is committed to improving the quality andconsistency of the Center’s approach toward systemsmanagement, which is the integration of systemsengineering, system safety and risk assessment,product development, and cost estimation andanalysis. The Systems Management Office evaluatesand reports to the Center Director on whether theprocesses, infrastructure and oversight mechanismsare in place to implement systems management in adisciplined and thorough manner, and to ensure thatits effectiveness can be verified independently. Theinitiatives to be conducted by the Systems Manage-ment Office for FY01 include:

• Independent assessments of the Center’s majorprograms and initiatives

• Training and skill development

• Tools development and deployment

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FY01 Objectives

• Demonstrate benchmarking tools to measureapplications performance on high-performancecomputing test beds

• Demonstrate automated parallelization tools toreduce parallelization time and enhanceapplications performance on high-performancecomputing test beds

• Demonstrate integrated learning technologyproducts in relevant formal and informaleducational environments

ApproachThe specific goals of the HPCC program are(1) to accelerate the development, application, andtransfer of high-performance computing andcomputer communications technologies in order tomeet the engineering and science needs of the U.S.aerospace, Earth and space science, spaceborneresearch, and education communities; and(2) to accelerate the distribution of these technologiesto the American public. In partnership with theindustrial sector, NASA is progressively pursuinglarger single-system image parallel computers andnew programming methods (SGI 1024).

In support of this goal, the NASA HPCC Programdevelops, demonstrates, and develops prototypesfor advanced technology concepts and methods,provides validated tools and techniques, andresponds quickly to critical national issues. Astechnologies mature, the NASA HPCC Programfacilitates the infusion of key technologies intoNASA missions activities, and the national engineer-ing, science, and education communities, and makesthese technologies available to the American public.Machines are transferred to CoSMO as capital assetsat the conclusion of the research phase. Theprogram is conducted in cooperation with otherU.S. Government programs, U.S. industry, and theacademic community.

The HPCC Program is coordinated through theAerospace Technology Enterprise and is managedby Ames Research Center. As a crosscutting multi-enterprise activity, the HPCC Program receives fundsfrom the Aerospace Technology (AT), Space Science(SS), and Earth Science (ES) Enterprises, and fromthe Office of Human Resources and Education. TheProgram has supporting work at nine NASA fieldCenters and at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Nanotechnology InitiativeNanotechnology is the science of creating functionalmaterials, devices, and systems through control ofmatter on the nanometer (atomic) scale and theexploitation of novel phenomena and properties

(physical, chemical, and biological) at that scale.Control of organization at the atomic level providesthe opportunity to create function-specific materialsat the micro- and macroscales. It is important toemphasize that nanotechnology is not simplyanother step toward “top-down” miniaturization. Itconstitutes a fundamental change in approach—particularly in self-assembly and other “bottom-up”approaches—that exploits new behaviors dominatedby quantum mechanics, material confinement, andlarge interfaces.

Nanotechnology is a discipline which serves as aNASA Mission enabler—reducing the size ofcomponents and vehicles, thereby reducing weightand launch costs. Nanoelectronics combined withcomponent and system nanosensors provide thebasis for improved automated reasoning systemsand intelligent data understanding. Biological andmolecular nanosensors combined with nano-electronics provide an opportunity to identify bothfossilized and active life under diverse conditions onother planets as well as spectroscopic detection ofspecies within intergalactic space.

Within the next decade or two, nanotechnology isexpected to have a profound effect on all the NASAEnterprises by enabling revolutionary, lighter,smaller spacecraft (microspacecraft and nanospace-craft); powerful, small, low-power-consumingcomputers; radiation-hardened electronics;nanoelectronics; biosensors for astrobiology andastronaut health monitoring; biomedical sensors andin vivo medical devices; artificial neural systems;robotics; novel nanoelectromechanical systems(NEMS); and advanced materials for solar sails,satellite tethers, and space launch vehicle structures.NASA’s nanotechnology initiative will focus theresearch and development effort on aspects of theAgency’s interests by developing an in-houseinfrastructure, by leveraging government anduniversity research, and by transferring maturingtechnologies to NASA missions as well as to industryand other government agencies.

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2 0 0 1 M E T R I C S


Intelligent SystemsAn essential element in the success of NASA’s COE-IT is the strategic investment area called IntelligentSystems. The Intelligent Systems (IS) Initiative isdesigned to begin a national strategic researchprogram that will fulfill or exceed the NASAadministrator’s vision for next-generation informa-tion technology capabilities. The Initiative willachieve this vision by developing state-of-the-art andrevolutionary IS technologies, by leveraging govern-ment and university research, and by feedingmaturing technologies to ongoing NASA missionsand activities, to industry, and to other governmentagencies.

The IS program will emphasize the research,development, and technology transfer of revolution-ary methods, technologies, and processes that applyacross NASA’s and the nation’s engineering andscience infrastructure. IS contains four TechnologyElements: automated reasoning, intelligent data use,human-centered computing, and revolutionarycomputing. In combination, these elements providea comprehensive strategy that integrates high-riskresearch, concept and prototype development, andthe transfer of mature technologies to all IS missioncustomers throughout NASA.

FY01 Objectives

• Open agent architectures with reusable autonomycomponents

• Next-generation hardware and softwarecomputing methods

• Cooperative adaptive intelligent agents forscientific discovery and design

• Techniques for remote collaboration withdistributed environments

• Coordinated planning and execution for fleets

• Mature model-based programming processesand tools

• Limited utility knowledge discovery and datamining techniques

• Experimental demonstration of scalable quan-tum logic operations

ApproachAchieving the capabilities described above willrequire coordinated investment in both in-house andextramural research with partners in universities,industry, and other NASA Centers. Ames ResearchCenter is well positioned to assume technical

leadership and take management responsibility forthis strategic investment area. In particular, ARC hasinternationally recognized leadership in the areas ofartificial intelligence, advanced software engineer-ing, and robotic systems. ARC is building upon theseessential core capabilities. Accordingly, ARC isintegrating with these core capabilities new andrapidly evolving programs in biomimetics (e.g.,neural networks and neurotechnology) and othernontraditional computational schemes to establishrevolutionary new approaches to computing for thenext century.

High-Performance Computing andCommunications ProgramThe NASA High-Performance Computing andCommunications (HPCC) Program is a key elementof the Federal HPCC Program, which seeks toextend U.S. leadership in the areas of high-performance computing and computing communica-tions. As this is accomplished, these technologies arewidely disseminated in order to accelerate the paceof innovation and improve national economiccompetitiveness, national security, education, healthcare, and the global environment.

The HPCC Program is in its second phase (FY00-FY06), and is increasing its focus on the generaliza-tion, refinement, and insertion of technologies intothe processes that are of most relevance to HPCC’sshareholders. To enable this customer-impactobjective, the HPCC Program has specific technicalobjectives in improving the performance, inter-operability, portability, reliability, resource manage-ment, and usability of high-performance computingand computing communications technologies.

A R C ’ S L E A D C E N T E R R O L E S F O R A G E N C Y -W I D E P R O G R A M S

7


GPRA Metrics FY 2001Space Science Enterprise FY 2001

P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 1



Perform innovative scientific researchand technology development bymeeting technology developmentobjectives for major projects, byachieving mission success inastronomy rocket and balloon flights,and by making satisfactory researchprogress in related Research andAnalysis (R&A) and Data Analysis(DA) programs.

Successfully develop and launch noless than one of two missions within10% of budget and schedule.


Perform innovative scientific researchand technology development bymeeting technology developmentobjectives for major projects, byachieving mission success in spacephysics rocket and balloon flights,and by making satisfactory researchprogress in related R&A and DAprograms.

Perform innovative scientific researchand technology development bymeeting interferometry technologydevelopment objectives and bymaking satisfactory research progressin related R&A programs.

Perform innovative scientific researchand technology development bymeeting technology developmentobjectives and by making satisfactoryresearch progress in the related R&Aprogram, including the Astrobiologyprogram.

Continue and expand the integrationof education and enhanced publicunderstanding of science withEnterprise research and flightmission programs.

Investigate the composition, evolution,and resources of Mars, the Moon, andsmall bodies by successfully launchinga Mars mission, by obtaining data fromoperational spacecraft, and by makingsatisfactory progress in related R&Aand DA programs.

Plan, develop, and validate newtechnologies needed to enable futureresearch and flight missions byachieving performance objectives inthe space science core technologyprograms and by making progress asplanned in the Flight Validationprogram.

Study atmospheric variability on Uranus and Neptune withHST.

1. Implement development programs for near-IR focal planearrays.

2. Improve sensitivity, size of candidates (InSb andHgCdTe).

3. Develop packaging concepts to achieve 4 k x 4 k pixelformats.

4. Make observations of deuteration in star forming cores.

1. Prepare XRD/XRF instrument concepts for future Marsand outer solar system missions.

2. Generate atmospheric radiation algorithm for Mars GCMfor comparison to Mars 01 observations.

1. Participating Scientist on Mars Global Surveyor.

2. IDS for Cassini.

Develop mid-infrared Si:As detectors which meet therequirements of NGST, SOFIA, and future Explorer missions.

1. Implement the initial stage of improving the fringe-tracking algorithm of the IOTA interferometer.

2. Conduct Project Vulcan to detect extrasolar planets.

1. Use “biomorphic forms” as biomarkers. Investigateevolving systems in protocells.

2. Study structural functions of peptides in membranes.

3. Analyze lipid biomarkers in natural samples.

4. Simulate greenhouse effect on climate of early Mars.

Participate in Project Astro.

1. Model the surface composition of the asteroid 624 Hektorusing 0.3 to 3.6 micron spectra.

2. Simulate Martian climate using a general circulationmodel.

Evaluate new neural network architectures and extendnetworks to flight mission data sets.

1S2

1S3

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1S5

1S6

1S7

1S8

1S9

1S10

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26


NASA Astrobiology InstituteThe NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI), managed byARC, carries out world-class, multidisciplinaryresearch on a wide range of fundamental sciencequestions in the field of astrobiology. The NAI is avirtual institute, composed of 11 lead memberinstitutions from around the country that use state-of-the-art communications technologies and tools tocollaborate across geographical and institutionalboundaries. In FY2001, the scope of the NAI will beincreased to include several additional lead institu-tions, and to extend international collaborations.The NAI mission is to coordinate and catalyzeastrobiology across a range of disciplines andorganizations; to develop and demonstrate moderncommunications technologies in support ofmultidisciplinary research; to provide advice to andtechnologies for NASA missions; to train students;and to provide outreach to the general public. TheNAI director, a distinguished Nobel laureate, and theNAI management staff are located at ARC. NAIoperation is guided by an Executive Council formedfrom representatives of each lead institution.

The NAI has an active Education and Outreachprogram, which presents the field of astrobiology inthe context of research, focused NAI activities, spacemissions, and technology development. NAIeducation and outreach priorities include formingpartnerships with each lead member team, coordi-nating lead members’ projects to enhance theirimpact, and leading and assisting in the creation ofinstitute-wide efforts. The NAI takes a comprehen-sive interest in the generation and use of bothtraditional communications (print, electronic, “live”exhibits, etc.) and experimental learning innovations(web-casts, remote instrument manipulation,interactive forums). The NAI undertakes uniquelyfocused activities to reach specific audience commu-nities, such as K-14 educators and students, college-level and postgraduate faculty and students, Internetusers, science and technology centers, mediaoutlets, professional colleagues, and traditionallyunderrepresented communities.

Aerospace OperationsMission DescriptionAerospace Operations is the mission assigned toARC by the Agency in recognition of ARC’s historyof contributions in the fields of optimized sequenc-ing, scheduling and control, and human factors forboth spacecraft and aircraft. The complexity of anddemands on aerospace operational environments isincreasing significantly. The national response to thisrise in requirements is the increased application ofautomation and autonomous reasoning methods.This is true in both Earth-based systems, such as theNational Airspace System, and in space-basedsystems, such as the deep space explorationmissions. To provide NASA leadership in thedevelopment of scientific foundations, ARC ispioneering concepts and technology solutions toenable safer and more effective aerospace operationsystems that meet the expanding demands of theAgency and the nation.

Implementation ApproachAmes Research Center has the responsibility to leadthe Agency’s research and development Mission inAerospace Operations Systems. Aerospace Opera-tions studies encompass:

• Automated operations management systems,interfaces, and procedures

• Relevant cockpit systems, interfaces, andprocedures

• Operational human factors, their impact onaerospace operations, and error mitigation

• Hazardous environment characterization,detection, and avoidance systems

6

Earth Science Enterprise FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 2


Explain the dynamics of globalcarbon cycle by building improvedmodels and prediction capabilities.

Explore the dynamics of global watercycle by developing, analyzing, anddocumenting multi-year data sets.

Explain the dynamics of global watercycle by building improved modelsand prediction capabilities.

Explain the dynamics of long termclimate variability by buildingimproved models and predictioncapabilities.

Explain the dynamics of atmosphericchemistry by building improvedmodels and prediction capabilities.

Provide regional decision-makerswith scientific and applicationsproducts/tools.

Improve the spatial resolution and description of land useeffects in the CASA model and implement the model onAmes supercomputers for improved throughput. Implementand test these models against boreal and Amazonianecosystem problems.

Manage the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experiment(CAMEX 4), a multi-agency, airborne and surface fieldcampaign and assure that experiment data to fulfill missionobjectives are delivered.

Use the Large Eddy Simulation/microphysical modeling ofmarine boundary layer clouds to show relationship betweensea surface temperature and cloud optical depth.

1. Examine the spectral radiative properties of dust andsmoke aerosol in Southern Africa and the effects theyhave on the radiative properties of clouds by analysis andmodeling of data acquired during the Southern AfricanFire/Atmosphere Regional Science initiative.

2. Application of Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite(UARS) humidity data and aircraft emission inventories togenerate global persistent contrail frequency maps.

1. Use an Aerosol Physical Chemistry Model (APCM) toanalyze the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS)data to evaluate the potential impact of contrail on theglobal climate and the role of stratospheric denitrificationin the formation of the Antarctic ozone loss.

2. Use an Aerosol Physical Chemistry Model (APCM) toanalyze data from Subsonic Aircraft Contrail and CloudEffects Special Study (SUCCESS) to study the effect ofaerosol composition in the nucleation of cirrus clouds inthe upper troposphere and their subsequent role inheterogeneous chemistry.

Develop a combined regional climate and ecosystem modelfor forecasting the effects of climate change on the cropgrowing conditions of the vineyards of Napa County, CA.

1Y4

1Y5

1Y6

1Y8

1Y10

1Y14

27

2 0 0 1 M E T R I C S


would have required a supercomputer until veryrecently; and finally, the advent of high-speed connec-tivity is making the slogan “the network is the com-puter” true for more and more applications. Towardthis end, NASA is playing an important role in the NGI(Next Generation Internet) Program, which is develop-ing advanced networking technologies, developingrevolutionary applications that require advancednetworking, and demonstrating these capabilities ontest beds that are 100 to 1,000 times faster end-to-endthan today’s Internet.

AstrobiologyMission DescriptionAstrobiology is defined in the NASA Strategic Plan asthe study of the living Universe. Astrobiology studiesare multidisciplinary and are directed toward theunderstanding of the origin, evolution, distribution,and destiny of life in the Universe. Recent discover-ies about life, the environment, and the potential forlife elsewhere, when coupled with the dramaticadvances in technological tools and mission capa-bilities over the past decade, allow us to addresslong-held questions about the living Universe, andto explore significant new ones. The scientificcontent of astrobiology is defined in the NASAAstrobiology Roadmap, which was approved inDecember 1998.

The designation of ARC as the Agency lead inastrobiology recognizes ARC’s historical strength inmultidisciplinary research in the life, space, andEarth sciences, and ARC’s unique involvement in allof NASA’s Strategic Enterprises. The Space Science,Earth Science, and Human Exploration and Develop-ment of Space Enterprise Offices have also desig-nated ARC as the lead for astrobiology. Thisdesignation requires that the Center exercisescientific and technological leadership in this fieldfor the benefit of the entire scientific community.ARC hosts and manages the NASA AstrobiologyInstitute (NAI).

Implementation ApproachARC led in the development of a NASA AstrobiologyRoadmap, and will continue to bring together thescience and technology communities to identifyadditional research priorities and to translate theminto appropriate NASA programs, technologychallenges, and flight missions. ARC will continue tolead the effort to identify astrobiological opportuni-ties on NASA’s current missions, ascertain anddevelop the key technologies for future ground andflight research in astrobiology, and develop ad-vanced mission concepts to meet astrobiology’s far-ranging science goals.

ARC has identified mission-critical application areasthat with the application of advanced IT capabilitiesand systems, will revolutionize their design, devel-opment, and implementation. These include roboticand human exploration of space, science dataunderstanding, aviation operations, and design andmanufacturing in the virtual environment. The staffand facilities at Ames will be used to advance thestate of the art in each of these areas in order tomeet the needs of NASA’s missions and programs.

A R C ’ S M I S S I O N A S S I G N M E N T S

ARC scientists carry out basic research, participate inflight missions, and facilitate participation of thenational science community in astrobiology. Toimplement the Agency’s Center Mission effectively,ARC will continue to develop its research staff andfacilities in order to maintain technical excellenceand leadership across the range of disciplinesencompassed by astrobiology. ARC will define,develop, and operate major research facilities for thebenefit of the scientific community. These includeflight operations for life science payloads on thespace shuttle, spacehub, and International SpaceStation; operation of a suite of acceleration facilitiesat the Center for Gravitational Biology; developmentof the SOFIA airborne observatory and the SpaceStation Biological Research Facility, for future use bythe science community; and the development andoperation of other unique facilities to supportastrobiological research.


5

HEDS Enterprise FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 3


Support an expanded, productiveresearch community to include 975investigations by 2001

Conduct outstanding peer-reviewedand commercial research on STS 107to advance knowledge in the fieldsof medicine, fundamental biology,biotechnology, fluid physics,materials processing and combus-tion.

Begin research on the InternationalSpace Station.

Successfully complete the majority ofthe planned research activities insupport of initiation of on-orbitresearch opportunities.

1. Conduct DNA microarray analysis of 2 different cell typesflown in space to collect data on the effects of the spaceenvironment on gene expression.

2. Issue Life Sciences NASA research announcement (NRA)for new research in Fundamental Biology.

3. Develop and fly gravitational biology experiments onResearch (R) mission R2 aboard STS 111.

4. Operate the acceleration facilities to support a cadre of 30intra- and extramural PI experiments that will further ourunderstanding of the role of gravity on living systems.

5. Complete Archive of prior major missions (SL-3, SLS-2, SL-J, IML-1&2) and current missions.

1. Investigate the effects of gravity on the growth andphysiology of flax seeds and moss on STS-107.

2. Provide information on the effects of the space environ-ment on bacterial virulence through research conductedon STS-107.

1. Complete implementation of the validation and scienceexperiments on flight 5A.1.

2. Conduct research on the effects of microgravity on thedevelopment of the avian skeleton and vestibular systemon UF-1.

3. Provide information on the effects of gravity on superdwarf wheat photosynthesis and respiration on UF-1.

4. Develop control parameters for ISS research throughappropriate ground-based hypergravity and microgravitysimulation studies. Make these data available through anextension of the Ames Life Sciences Data Archive(Bioengineering Database/Database Manager).

5. Analyze and publish results from the Hyper-g Projectwhich will provide baseline data (to ISS flight experi-ments) on the effects of altered gravity on biologicalsystems.

1. Complete and fly (5A.1) Passive Dosimeter System.

2. Complete and fly (UF-1) the Biomass Production System(BPS).

3. Complete and fly (UF-1) the Avian Development Facility(ADF), the risk reduction development unit designed totest the technology required for the Egg incubator Habitat.

4. Complete implementation of the validation flight UF-1.

5. Complete the Critical Design Review (CDR) for theIncubator Habitat.

6. Complete Critical Design Review (CDR) for compoundand dissecting microscope developments.

7. Complete the Critical Design Review for the Cell CultureUnit Habitat.

8. Complete the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) habitatattachment mechanism Preliminary Design Review (PDR).

9. Complete the procurement process and start work on thesecond phase of the Plant Research Unit Habitat (PRU)development.

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28


As the NASA Center of Excellence for InformationTechnology (COE-IT), Ames is leading the develop-ment of advanced computer science and numericaltechnologies. NASA scientists and engineers areworking to enable significantly lower-cost systemswith higher performance and reliability. Technolo-gies will be developed and demonstrated at severallevels, including the subsystems and systems levels,in both ground tests and flight tests, whereappropriate.

Ames provides information technology research forall Enterprises and provides critical leadership forefforts among NASA field Centers, industry,academia, and other Government agencies. Theworld-class capability of skilled personnel, pro-cesses, and facilities will be maintained andenhanced to develop new and innovative informa-tion technologies, to report these technologyadvances in a timely manner, and to assist in theirtransfer to commercial ventures that augmentAmerica’s industrial growth and benefit the qualityof life on Earth. Toward this end, Ames is continu-ally assessing relevant research in industry,government, and academia to identify potentialareas of collaboration. Thus far, ARC has over 130IT-related research partners in industry andgovernment. Additionally, ARC is increasing itsuniversity-based research and is building particu-larly strong relationships with key universitypartners, including Carnegie-Mellon University, theMassachusetts Institute of Technology, and Penn-sylvania State University, where some of the mostadvanced computer science expertise resides. Inaddition, the new Intelligent Systems (IS) programwill be a central focus of the long-term researchinto advanced computer science that will benecessary in order to develop the technologies forNASA mission requirements.

COE-IT Focus AreasThe focus of Ames’ research in computer scienceand information technology is in three areas criticalto the success of future NASA missions:(1) Automated Reasoning for Autonomous Systems,(2) Human-Centered Computing, and(3) High-Performance Computing and Networking.

Automated Reasoning for Autonomous SystemsNASA’s mission of space exploration coupled withthe administrator’s challenge to do it “faster, better,and cheaper” has provided the requirement forone of the most stressing applications facing thecomputer science research community—that of

Implementing Agency-Level ResponsibilitiesN A S A ’ S C E N T E R O F E X C E L L E N C E F O R

I N F O R M A T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y ( C O E - I T )

designing, building, and operating progressively morecapable autonomous spacecraft and rovers. Researchon automated reasoning for autonomous systems willenable a new generation of spacecraft to do moreexploration at a much lower cost than that oftraditional approaches. An impressive early exampleof this technology (Remote Agent Autonomy Architec-ture) has demonstrated its usefulness on the DeepSpace One (DS-1) mission.

Human-Centered ComputingThe emerging concept of human-centered computingconstitutes a significant shift in thinking about informa-tion technology in general, and about intelligentmachines in particular. It embodies a “systems view,” inwhich the interplay between human thought and actionand technological systems is understood as inextricablylinked and as an equally important aspect of analysis,design, and evaluation. Within this framework, NASAresearchers are inventing and deploying sophisticatedcomputational aids designed to amplify human cognitiveand perceptual abilities.

High-Performance Computing and NetworkingNASA has a long history of leadership in high-perfor-mance computing for both scientific and engineeringapplications. Today the field of high-performancecomputing is changing rapidly: on the high end, newarchitectures are under development that combine theperformance gains of massively parallel computing withthe flexibility of shared-memory multiprocessor ap-proaches; on the low end, powerful microprocessor-based systems are now performing computations that

4


Successfully complete the majority ofthe planned research activities insupport of initiation of on-orbitresearch opportunities. (cont.)

Develop new biomedical andtechnological capabilities to facilitateliving and working in space and thesafe return to Earth.

Develop and demonstrate technolo-gies for improved life supportsystems.

Initiate implementation of theBioastronautics Initiative.

Support participation in HEDSresearch (via educational outreach)program.

10. Complete the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for theSmall Mass Measuring Device (SMMD) and the MicroMass Measuring Device (MMMD) developments.

11. Complete the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for theCentrifuge, NASDA provided hardware.

1. Initiate new research in nanotechnology for biomedi-cal applications.

2. Support JSC’s human countermeasure studies throughthe development of a wireless Mobile PhysiologicalMonitor (MPM) to monitor physiological health andperformance.

3. Support JPL’s development of a Wireless AugmentedReality Prototype (WARP) to provide a heads-updisplay in a space habitat.

4. Apply ARC three-dimensional (3-D) imaging technolo-gies to facilitate Fundamental Biology PI flightexperiment design and resultant crew training particu-larly in modeling the ISS glovebox, dissection tools,and rodents along with haptic feedback.

1. Complete development and full-scale testing ofa prototype solid-state CO

2 compressor for ISS air

revitalization system application.

2. Complete PDR and CDR of next-generation WaterRecovery/Processing System.

3. Conduct In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) researchand technology development for Mars Explorationmission applications.

1. Sponsor joint ARC/JSC collaborative workshop todefine, plan, and initiate a series of countermeasurestudies over the next 5 years using the Ames uniqueresearch facilities.

2. Initiate design of the 52’ Chronic Live Aboard Centri-fuge as part of long term studies and countermeasures.

Support NASA’s Education Outreach Program throughuniversity guest lectures, through participation in theSpeaker’s Bureau, through lecturing to grade and middleschools, through displays and brochures at scientificmeetings, and through use of the Hangar 1 Spacelab forstudent tours.

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1H31

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HEDS Enterprise FY 2001 (cont.)P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 3 ( C o n t . )

29

2 0 0 1 M E T R I C S


To ensure a work environment that accuratelyreflects that belief, ARC encourages and promotesadherence to the following core values:

S a f e t yWe will ensure a safe and secure working environ-ment for our staff.

R e s p e c tWe have respect for the individual and for diversitiesin culture, background, and experience. We main-tain the highest principles of fairness and equitabletreatment of all employees.

C o m m u n i c a t i o nWe recognize that only through open and honestcommunication will our goals be achieved.

T e a m w o r kWe believe in cooperative interaction among othersand ourselves. By working together with respect,trust, and mutual support, we achieve commongoals.

C r e a t i v i t yWe foster creativity, ingenuity, and innovation in ourendeavors.

V A L U E S

I n t e g r i t yWe maintain the highest principles of integrity,honesty, and accountability.

E x c e l l e n c eWe continually strive to improve. We demandprofessionalism in our conduct and excellence inour products.

C u s t o m e r F o c u sWe are responsive to our customers and satisfy theirrequirements.

R e s p o n s i b i l i t yWe are responsible stewards of the public interest,public resources, and the public trust.

R e l e v a n c eWe ensure that all our endeavors are aligned withnational needs and with the Agency vision andpurpose.

D i s c o v e r yWe are bold, but prudent, as we expand theboundaries of scientific understanding and techni-cal knowledge in air and space.

Technology Core Competencies• Information Technology

• Biotechnology

• Nanotechnology

• Aerospace Operations Systems

Science Core Competencies• Astrobiology

• Space Biology

• Computer Science

Unique Expertise Areas

• Rotorcraft

• Thermal Protection Systems

Institutional SupportIn addition to these organizations, ARC has manyinstitutional systems that support the Center ofExcellence, missions, Lead Center programs, andother research and technology developmentactivities. These systems are essential for ARC tomeet its programmatic commitments and foroperation of the Center.

3


Aerospace Technology FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 4


NASA's research stresses aviationsystem monitoring and modeling,accident prevention and accidentmitigation. The performance targetis to complete 75% of the concep-tual designs of systems for prevent-ing and mitigating accidents(programmatic performanceindicators in appendix), and todemonstrate tools for accidentanalysis and risk assessment.

NASA’s research stresses enginetechnology to reduce the emissions ofoxides of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.The performance target is to completeone system-level technology benefitassessment, one component conceptselection and one new material system.

NASA’s research has stressed reducingnoise in the areas of engines, nacelles,engine/airframe integration, aircraftinteriors and flight procedures. Theperformance target is complete large-scale demonstration of a 2-5-decibelreduction in aircraft noise based on1997 production technology, and initialassessments of concepts offering anadditional 3-decibel reduction.

NASA's research stresses operationssystems for safe, efficient air trafficmanagement and new aircraft configu-rations for high productivity utilizationof existing runways. The performancetarget is to complete the civil tiltrotorproject by validating databases forcontingency power, flightpaths, andnoise reduction, as well as complete atleast one demonstration of an airspacemanagement decision support tool.

1. Complete the development and demonstration of digital encryp-tion technology, in collaboration with the FAA and InternationalAviation community, leading to establishment of an encryptionstandard to improve the security of the next-generation ATNcommunications systems.

2. Demonstration of system-wide simulation of National AviationSystem development proficiency standards for check airmen.

3. Identification of high-probability human error contexts anddevelopment of virtual reality aids for aircraft maintenance andinspection.

4. Demonstrate integrated propulsion and flight control systemcapable of adapting to absence or loss of any and all controlsurfaces resulting from failures or malfunctions.

5. Demonstrate prototype data communications architecture withmultipriority capability in a secure high-integrity environment forthe National Airspace System.

6. Publish an industry standard design guide for ultra-safe gears forrotorcraft.

7. Complete the flight validation of baseline control laws andmodes for CONDUIT (Control Designer’s Unified Interfaces).

8. Publish a HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) Certifica-tion Protocol.

9. Improve safety and survivability of rotorcraft in hard landingsonto water, soft soil, and rigid surfaces.

10. Determine how the demands of managing multiple concurrenttasks contribute to crew errors in aviation incidents and accidents.

11. Based upon pilot simulation study, define effects of in-flightactivity breaks as fatigue countermeasures.

12. Complete guidelines for perceptually and cognitively matcheddisplays and methods of analysis for optimizing human perfor-mance.

13. Down select of ground-based remote sensing technologies for aprototype ground-based system to sense icing conditions.

Establish feasibility of adapting ultra high temperatureceramics Thermal Protection Materials for gas turbine applica-tions (collaboration with GRC).

Complete large-scale airframe noise reduction wind-tunnel tests in40- by 80-foot test section of the NFAC.

1. Develop and demonstrate transition airspace decision supporttools for ATC/airline operations center and ATC/cockpitinformation exchange and for conflict resolution.

2. Comprehensive mission simulation database integrated cockpitand operating procedures for complex, low-noise flightpaths.

3. Large-scale database for validation of rotor noise reductionand validated design-for-noise capability.

IR1

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30


NASA uses a variety of means to organize and focusthe efforts of the Centers to achieve Agency mis-sions. The primary organizations and initiatives areStrategic Enterprises, Centers of Excellence, CenterMissions, and Lead Centers for technical programs.

Strategic EnterprisesNASA has established the four Strategic Enterprisesto function as primary business areas for implement-ing NASA’s mission and for serving customers.Each Enterprise has a unique set of strategic goals,objectives, and implementation strategies thataddress the requirements of the Agency’s primarycustomers. NASA’s Centers define how Enterpriseprograms and central services will be developedand delivered to external and internal customers.The four NASA Strategic Enterprises are:

• Aerospace Technology

• Space Science

• Human Exploration and Development of Space

• Earth Science

Centers of ExcellenceCenters of Excellence are focused, Agency-wideleadership responsibilities in a specific area oftechnology or knowledge. They must strategicallymaintain or increase the Agency’s preeminentposition in the assigned area of excellence in linewith the program requirements of the StrategicEnterprises and the long-term strategic interests ofthe Agency. A Center designated as a Center ofExcellence is charged with being preeminent withinthe Agency, if not worldwide, with respect to thehuman resources, facilities, and other criticalcapabilities associated with a particular area ofexcellence.

Ames is the Center of Excellence for InformationTechnology.

Center MissionsCenter missions identify the primary concentrationof capabilities to support the accomplishment ofStrategic Enterprise goals. Each Center has desig-nated areas of mission responsibility, which providea basis for building human resources capabilitiesand physical infrastructure in direct support ofEnterprise requirements.

The Ames missions are Astrobiology and AerospaceOperations.

Lead and Principal Center ProgramsEach NASA program is assigned to a Lead Center forimplementation. Lead Center directors have fullprogram management responsibility and authorityand, thus, full accountability for assigned missionsor programs, ensuring that they are being managedto agreed-on schedule milestones, budget guide-lines, technical requirements, and all safety andreliability standards.

The ARC Lead Center Responsibilities in support ofAgency Programs are:

• Intelligent Systems (IS)

• High-Performance Computing and Communica-tions (HPCC)

• Design For Safety (DFS)

• Nanotechnology

The ARC Principal Center Responsibilities in supportof other Agency Assignments are:

• Consolidated Supercomputing Management Office(CoSMO)

• Information Technology Security (ITS)

• Center Directives Management System

• Extranet for Security Professionals

The ARC Lead Center Responsibilities in support ofthe Enterprises are:

• Information Technology R&T (Research andTechnology) Base Program

• Rotorcraft R&T Base Program

• Aerospace Operations Systems R&T BaseProgram

• Aviation System Capacity Program

• Simulation Facility Group Director

• Stratospheric Observatory for InfraredAstronomy (SOFIA) Program

• Fundamental Biology Program

• Biomolecular System Research Program (UnderFormulation)

Center Core CompetenciesAmes Research Center’s assigned roles and responsi-bilities are based on its core competencies. Foundedin the Center’s work-force capabilities and physicalassets, these competencies are enhanced by a broadrange of collaborations with other governmentagencies, industry, and academia. Ames ResearchCenter has the following core competencies:Ames management and supervisors recognize thatpeople are the organization’s most important asset.

M E E T I N G T H E N A S A M I S S I O N

2


NASA’s research stresses high-speed computing, high-capacitynetworks, and improved physics-based methods. The performancetarget is to develop at least threenew design tools and accomplishat least four demonstrations ofadvances in computation andcommunications.

NASA’s research stresses highlyreliable, fully reusable configura-tions, advanced materials andinnovative structures. Theperformance target is to completeassembly of the third X-34 testvehicle, and demonstrate 75% ofthe technology developments(programmatic performanceindicators in appendix) forreusable launch vehicles.

NASA’s research stresses technol-ogy for reusable, long-life, high-power electric and advanced cleanchemical engines for Earth orbitaltransfer and breakthroughpropulsion, precision landingsystems and aerocapture systemsfor planetary exploration. Theperformance target is to com-mence X-37 vehicle assembly, andcomplete one Pathfinder flight.

Continue the solicitation ofcustomer feedback on the services,facilities and expertise provided bythe Aerospace TechnologyEnterprise.

1. Develop, implement and test capabilities for distributedcollaborativedesign. Develop methods for analysis of "quality of solution" anduncertainty analysis and propagation to increase design confidence.


3. Demonstrate automated parallelization tools to reduce parallelizationtime and enhance applications performance on high-performancecomputing testbeds.

4. Demonstrate a rapid integration and test environment that includesremote connectivity and access to flight simulation data, computa-tional simulation data, and archival databases.

5. Integrate a large-scale computing node into a distributed computingenvironment.

6. Demonstrate remote connectivity to high data-rate instruments anddistributed real-time access to instrument data.

7. Improve the capability to assess the life of complex compositerotorcraft structures.

8. Complete the flight validation of baseline control laws and modesfor CONDUIT (Control Designer’s Unified Interfaces).

9. Provide documentation for composite structures analysis andcertification for inclusion in the MIL-HDBK-17 design handbook.

10. Enable rapid prototyping with "express-tool" fabrication.

1. Gen. 2 RLV: Conduct IVHM & TPS in-house R & D and supportindustry per plans currently under development.

2. Gen. 3: Report on potential of TPS materials that can healthemselves after micrometeorite impact and initiate superthermalinsulation materials development and characterization.

3. X-37: Deliver, per schedule and funding availability software &hardware for three flight experiments: IVHM, Flexible TPS andwing leading edge TPS.

4. Continue to advocate and develop SHARP L1 technology demon-strator effort.


6. Demonstrate automated parallelization tools to reduceparallelization time and enhance applications performance onhigh-performance computing testbeds.

7. Integrate a large-scale computing node into a distributed comput-ing environment.

1. Complete high spectral resolution, 2-D CFD code for syntheticspectra predictions of radiative heat transfer for high-speed entry.

2. Develop ultrasmall TPS/aerothermal sensors for ground and flightexperiments.

3. Support zero boil off cryogen storage demonstration at MSFC.

1. Ames will continue its very effective customer survey program forits systems engineering, hardware development, and research anddevelopment testing to validate its customer service effectiveness.

2. Conduct customer surveys on arc jet testing and report result toHQ.

IR11

IR8

Aerospace Technology FY 2001 (cont.)P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 4 ( C o n t . )

IR10

IR12

31

2 0 0 1 M E T R I C S


All Federal agencies are required by the 1993Government Performance and Results Act toimplement a long-term strategic planning processthat includes measurable outcomes and strictaccountability. At NASA, this planning process isshaped by the Space Act of 1958, by annual appro-priations, and by other external mandates, as wellas by customer requirements. The resulting StrategicPlan sets the overall architecture for what we do,identifies who our customers are, and directs wherewe are going and why. The Strategic Plan is thebasis on which decisions regarding program imple-mentation and resource deployment are made.

VisionNASA is an investment in America’s future. Asexplorers, pioneers, and innovators, we boldlyexpand frontiers in air and space to inspire andserve America and to benefit the quality of lifeon Earth.

IntroductionThis document presents the implementation plan for Ames Research Center(ARC) within the overall framework of the NASA Strategic Plan. It describes howARC intends to implement its Center of Excellence responsibilities, Agencyassigned missions, Agency and Enterprise lead programs, and other roles insupport of NASA’s vision and mission.

Whereas the strategic planning process examines thelong-term direction of the organization and identifies aspecific set of goals, the implementation planningprocess examines the detailed performance of theorganization and allocates resources toward meetingthose goals. It is the purpose of this implementationdocument to provide the connection between theNASA Strategic Plan and the specific programs andsupport functions that ARC employees perform. Thisconnection flows from the NASA Strategic Plan,through the various Strategic Enterprise plans to theARC Center of Excellence, primary missions, LeadCenter programs, program support responsibilities,and, ultimately, to the role of the individual ARCemployee.

Vision, Mission, Goals, and ValuesN A S A V I S I O N A N D M I S S I O N

Mission• To advance and communicate scientific knowledge and

understanding of Earth, the Solar System, and theUniverse

• To advance the human exploration, use, and develop-ment of space

• To research, develop, verify, and transfer advancedaeronautics, space, and related technologies


1

Manage Strategically FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 5


NASA will increase the safety ofits infrastructure and workforcewith facilities safety improve-ments, reduced environmentalhazards, increased physicalsecurity, and enhanced safetyawareness among its employees.

Continue to take advantage ofopportunities for improvedcontract management bymaintaining a high proportion ofPerformance Based Contracts(PBCs), and maintain significantcontractor involvement in NASAprograms of small businesses,minority institutions, andminority and women ownedbusinesses.

Renew Agency’s managementsystems, facilities, and humanresources through updated useof automated systems, facilitiesrevitalization, and Personneltraining.

Improve IT infrastructure servicedelivery to provide increasedcapability and efficiency whilemaintaining a customer rating of"satisfactory," and enhance ITsecurity through reduction ofsystem vulnerabilities across allNASA centers, emphasizing ITsecurity awareness training forall NASA personnel.

1MS1

1MS2

1MS3

1MS4

Ames will pursue OSHA VPP Certification by making keyimprovements in the safety of its infrastructure, enhancedparticipation in the safety among its employees, engineering ofsafety into all projects as well as implementation and comple-tion of all Safety Accountability Metrics.

1. Continue review of all requirements for possible 8(a) set-aside. Conduct outreach activities targeting SDBs. Based onFY 00 achievements and projections for FY01, the 8% goalwill be fully met or exceeded.

2. Complete conversion of all on-site support service contractsto PBC. Ensure all new requirements are considered forPBC.

ARC has continually improved the Center's managementprocesses to meet the cost performance metric and hastypically achieved accruals in excess of 83%.

1. Complete the deployment of PKI encryption technologythroughout the Agency's field centers to enable securemessaging across NASA and with its partners.

2. Complete the implementation of a new Center-wide com-puter network which will improve the effectiveness of Amesresearchers through improved performance and an architec-ture which reduces the IT security risks to Ames IT assets.

3. IT Security Training Completions by October 1, 2001:General Awareness 90% Civil Servants and contractors,Manager Training 95% Civil Servant managers, SystemsAdministrator Training, 90% Civil Servant General Awareness100% UNIX and 80% NT.

Provide Aerospace Products and Capabilities FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 6


Establish prototype collaborativeengineering environmentsfocused on the representative setof enterprise applications andevaluate performance againstnon-collaborative benchmarks.

Dedicate 10 to 20 percent of theAgency's Research & Develop-ment budget to commercialpartnerships.

1P2

1P5

Develop, enhance, and manage a leading edge IT-basedcollaboration capability supporting the 16 worldwide membersof the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Through the NASA Small Business Innovation Researchprogram, collaboration with commercial partners to develop aninstrument to measure aerosol parameters and trace gas in real-time.

32


Generate Knowledge FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 7


The Space Science Enterprise, theEarth Science Enterprise, andOLMSA/HEDS will make sciencedata obtained widely accessibleas soon as possible after receiptand will maintain these data inopen archives.

Work with other federal agenciesand U.S. industry to complementand support our activities.

Pursue mutually beneficialcooperative activities in aeronau-tics and space with other nations.

1G5

1G6

1G7

The Ames Earth Science Project Office will make the data fromthe SAGE III Ozone Loss and Validation Experiment (SOLVE)available to the scientific community and the public by publish-ing the data on CD-ROM and maintaining open, onlinearchives.

1. Ames will implement Interagency Agreements with NOAAand the DOE for continuing collaborations on atmosphericchemistry, dynamics and physics research.

2. Continue the MOU and Implementation Plan between thecountry of Brazil and the USFS with NASA (Ames) as firstpartner for research in fire effects throughout the country,including implementation of new sensing approaches bothfrom aircraft and from satellites.

Continue the MOU and Implementation Plan between thecountry of Brazil and the USFS with NASA (Ames) as firstpartner for research in fire effects throughout the country,including implementation of new sensing approaches bothfrom aircraft and from satellites.

Communicate Knowledge FY 2001P e r f o r m a n c e P l a n – C H A R T 8


Convey information about, andknowledge generated by NASA’sprograms, to the public

Assist the public and customersto locate and retrieve informationon, or that has been generatedby, a NASA program

Facilitate the transfer of NASAgenerated technology andinnovations to private industry

Support educational excellenceand reach out to the undeservedand underrepresented minoritycommunity

1CK1

1CK2

1CK3

1CK4

Ames continues to provide access to documentation and digitalimages to the science community and the public through anexternal web presence.

The ARC STI group will work directly with the Dreamtimepartners to develop a new public web site. The site willshowcase the best images from the photo and video archives.

Increase access to technology transfer and commercializationopportunities via the Internet based Tech Tracs database andnew technology publications.

Demonstrate integrated learning technology products inrelevant formal and informal educational environments.

33

2 0 0 1 M E T R I C S


Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values . ...............................................................................................................1

NASA Vision and Mission .................................................................................................................1

Meeting the NASA Mission ...............................................................................................................2

Values .................................................................................................................................................3

Implementing Agency-Level Responsibilities ...............................................................................................4

NASA’s Center of Excellence forInformation Technology ...................................................................................................................4

ARC’s Mission Assignments ..............................................................................................................5

ARC’s Lead Center Roles forAgency-Wide Programs ....................................................................................................................7

ARC’s Principal Center Roles forFunctional Agency Assignments ..................................................................................................... 10

Implementing Enterprise-Level Responsibilities .........................................................................................11

ARC’s Roles in the Aero-SpaceTechnology Enterprise .................................................................................................................... 11

ARC’s Role in the Space ScienceEnterprise ......................................................................................................................................... 15

ARC’s Roles in the Human Explorationand Development of Space Enterprise .......................................................................................... 17

ARC’s Roles in the Earth ScienceEnterprise ......................................................................................................................................... 20

Implementing Center-Level Responsibilities .............................................................................................. 21

Initiatives ....................................................................................................................................... 21

Support Functions ........................................................................................................................... 23

GPRA Metrics FY2000 ...................................................................................................................................26

Space Science Enterprise ................................................................................................................ 26

Earth Science Enterprise ................................................................................................................. 27

HEDS Enterprise .............................................................................................................................. 28

Aerospace Technology Enterprise .................................................................................................. 30

Manage Strategically ....................................................................................................................... 32

Provide Aerospace Products and Capabilities ............................................................................... 32

Generate Knowledge ...................................................................................................................... 33

Communicate Knowledge .............................................................................................................. 33

Ames Points of Contact ................................................................................................................................ 34

Acronyms ......................................................................................................................................................36

Table of Contents

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

v

Information TechnologySteven F. Zornetzer 4-2800 200-6 [email protected]

Aviation Operations SystemsRobert A. Jacobsen 4-3743 262-5 [email protected]

AstrobiologyDavid Morrison 4-5094 200-7 [email protected]

Associate Center Director forAerospace ProgramsRobert Rosen 4-5333 200-4 [email protected]

Aerospace Operations SystemsR&T BaseRobert A. Jacobsen 4-3743 262-5 [email protected]

Aviation System CapacityRobert A. Jacobsen 4-3743 262-5 [email protected]

Information Technology R&T BaseEugene L. Tu 4-4486 258-2 [email protected]

Rotorcraft R&T BaseJohn J. Coy 4-3122 207-1 [email protected]

Fundamental BiologyMaurice M. Averner 4-2451 19-20 [email protected]

High-Performance Computingand CommunicationsEugene L. Tu 4-4486 258-2 [email protected]

Consolidated SupercomputingManagement Office (CoSMO)Robert Shiner 4-0257 243-1 [email protected]

Information Technology Security(ITS)Scott S. Santiago 5-5015 233-17 [email protected]

SOFIALawrence J. Caroff 4-1545 240-1 [email protected]

Simulation Facility GroupRobert J. Shiner 4-0257 243-1 [email protected]

A M E S I N S T I T U T I O N A L S Y S T E M S

Acquisition/ProcurementCharles W. Duff II 4-5820 241-1 [email protected]

Commercialization & TechnologyTransferCarolina M. Blake 4-0893 202A-3 [email protected]

Ames Points of Contact NAME PHONE* MAIL STOP E-MAIL ADDRESS

34


Ames Management Team ConcurrenceWe the senior management team at Ames, are committed to working with themen and women of the Center and with all our stakeholders, partners, andcustomers to implement this plan.

iv

Documentation DevelopmentKaren D. Thompson 4-5979 241-12 [email protected]

Equal Employment OpportunityAdriana Cardenas 4-6510 241-7 [email protected]

External Affairs/EducationMichael L. Marlaire

4-4190 204-2 [email protected] & Logistics ManagementRobert J. Dolci 4-5214 19-14 [email protected]

Financial ManagementLewis S. G. Braxton III 4-5068 200-8 [email protected]

Human ResourcesDennis Cunningham 4-5613 241-9 [email protected]

Office of Chief Legal CounselSally O. Mauldin 4-2181 19-40 [email protected]

Aeronautics and SpaceflightHardware DevelopmentGerald M. Mulenburg 4-5366 213-14 [email protected]

Protective ServicesClinton G. Herbert, Jr. 4-2711 15-1 [email protected]

Safety, Environmental,and Mission AssuranceWarren Hall 4-5277 218-6 [email protected]

Systems EngineeringLaura W. Doty 4-5151 213-1 [email protected]

O T H E R

ARC Exchange CouncilLynda L. Haines 4-5151 262-1 [email protected]

Multicultural Leadership CouncilDavid R. Morse 4-4724 204-12 [email protected] A. Johnson 4-5054 204-12 [email protected]

If calling from outside ARC, each phone number is preceded by area code and prefix.(for example, (650) 604-1234).

35

A M E S P O I N T S O FC O N T A C T

NAME PHONE* MAIL STOP E-MAIL ADDRESS


A Message from the Ames Center Director

These technologies are widely accepted as themost likely sources of breakthrough technologiesin the next decade within the agency. AmesResearch Center uniquely provides the integratedresearch environment required to exploit thecrossover potential as well as the individual fieldbreakthroughs of the technology triad to meetNASA’s mission.

The hard work that we put into searching for anddiscovering the technological achievements todaywill shape the future of science and technology.It is imperative that the work we do fits with thenation’s goals and the roadmap established for theentire Agency. The Agency states its broad goals,

The grand challenge of NASA’s mission to explore space and study the originand role of life in the Universe is driving the agency’s focus on the technologytriad in Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.

objectives, and values within the NASA StrategicPlan. The Ames Research Center FY 2001 Implemen-tation Plan articulates how the Agency’s strategicvision translates into the functions and duties andvalues of the employees at Ames. Due to the timingof the establishment of the Biology and PhysicalResearch Enterprise, this change is not reflected inthis plan.

All Ames employees contribute to the success ofthis Center. I ask each Ames employee to read thisPlan and to know what is expected of them and ofAmes. This Plan will help ensure that Ames is at theforefront of aerospace technology development,scientific research, and space exploration.

Henry McDonaldCenter DirectorAmes Research Center

I N T R O D U C T I O N

iii

ADF Avian Development Facility

AIRES airborne infrared echelle spectrograph

ALS advanced life support

AOS Aviation Operations Systems

APCM aerosol physical chemistry model

APPL Academy of Program/ProjectLeadership

ARC Ames Research Center

ASAP Ames Safety AccountabilityProgram

ASC Aviation System Capacity

ASTER advanced spaceborne thermalemission and reflection radiometer

AT Aero-Space Technology

ATC air traffic controller

BPS Biomass Production System

CAMEX Convection and Moisture Experiment

CASC California Air and Space Center

CCU cell culture unit

CDMS Center Directives Management System

CDR critical design review

CHAART Center for Health Applications ofAerospace-Related Technologies

CIO chief information officer

CMEX Center for Mass Exploration

COE-IT Center of Excellence for InformationTechnology

CONDUIT control designer’s unified interface

CoSMO Consolidated Supercomputing Management Office

CSA Canadian Space Agency

DASI digital array scanning interferometer

DFS design for safety

DS deep space

EOS Earth Observing System

ES Earth science

EPS Extranet for Security Professionals

FB fundamental biology

FRIAR Fast-Response Industry AssistanceRequests (project)

FY fiscal year

G&A general and administrative

HEDS Human Exploration and Development of Space

HHR habitat holding rack

HIPPARCOS European space agencyastrometric mission satellite and database

HPCC high-performance computing andcommunications

HSO Hungarian Space Office

HUMS Health and Usage Monitoring System

IFMP Integrated Financial ManagementProgram

IOTA Infrared Optical Telescope Array

IR infrared

IRAC infrared array camera

IS Intelligent System

ISE intelligent synthesis environment

ISS International Space Station

ITS Information Technology Security

IVHM integrated vehicle health management

ACRONYMS

36


ii

JASON (scientific educational expeditionproject-after Jason of the Golden Fleece)

JPL Jet Propulsion Laboratory

JSC Johnson Space Center

LSG life sciences glove box

MASTER MODIS/ASTER (airborne simulator)

MMMD micromass measuring device

MODIS moderate-resolution imagingspectrometer

MPM mobile physiological monitor

MSFC Marshall Space Flight Center

NAI NASA Astrobiology Institute

NAR non-advocate review

NASA National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration

NASDA National Aerospace DevelopmentAgency (Japan)

NEMS nanoelectromechanical system

NET NASA Engineering Training

NGI Next Generation Internet

NGST next-generation space telescope

NRA NASA research announcement

NRP NASA Research Park

OAT Office of Aero-Space Technology

EOS Office of Earth Science

PC-ITS Principal Center for ITS

PDR preliminary design review

PDS passive dosimeter

PI principal investigator

PMC Program Management Council

P/PM program and project management

PRU plant research unit

R&T research and technology

RLV reusable launch vehicle

SAFARI Southern African Fire/AtmosphereRegional [Science] Initiative

SAFOR Safe All-Weather Flight Operations forRotorcraft (project)

SAGE Self-Adhesive Grid Code

SBIR Small Business Innovative Research

SFG Simulation Facility Group

SILNT Selected Integrated Low-NoiseTechnologies (project)

SIRTF Space Infrared Telescope Facility

SMMD small-mass measuring device

SOFIA Stratospheric Observatory for InfraredAstronomy

SOLVE SAGE III Ozone Loss and ValidationExperiment

SS Space Science

SSBRP Space Station Biological Research Project

STI Scientific and Technical Information(program)

STS Space Transport System

STTR small business technology transfer

TES Thermal Emission Spectrometer

TIR thermal infrared

TPS thermal protection system

UF utilization flight

USRA Universities Space Research Association

VPP Voluntary Protection Program

WARP writers augmented reality prototype

37

A C R O N Y M S


January 2

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1

National Aeronauticsand Space Administration

Ames Research Center

S t e p p i n g U p t o t h e C h a l l e n g e

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Documents

Janua National Aeronautics r and Space … Aeronautics and Space Administration NASDA ... breakthroughs of the technology triad to meet ... IRAC infrared array