The NASA Authorization Act of 2005 directed the agency to ask the NRC to assess the performance of each division in the NASA Science directorate at five-year intervals. In this connection, NASA requested the NRC to review the progress the Planetary Exploration Division has made in implementing recommendations from previous, relevant NRC studies. This book provides an assessment of NASA's progress in fulfilling those recommendations including an evaluation how well it is doing and of current trends. The book covers key science questions, flight missions, Mars exploration, research and analysis, and enabling technologies. Recommendations are provided for those areas in particular need of improvement.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Science
3 Flight Missions
4 Mars
5 Research and Analysis, Planetary Astronomy, and Flight Mission
Data Analysis
6 Enabling Technologies
Appendixes
Appendix A: Statement of Task
Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff
Appendix C: Technology Background
Appendix D: NASA Technology Readiness Levels
Appendix E: Acronyms