NASA is updating its mission selection process to speed up scientific discovery and improve efficiency for researchers.
NASA wants to deliver scientific discoveries to the world much faster. The agency is changing how it selects new space missions. Officials will host a virtual town hall on October 26 to explain these updates.
Currently, the process for selecting missions takes too long. Researchers often face heavy burdens and unpredictable funding. NASA leaders now aim to make this process smoother and more efficient for everyone.
Meanwhile, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman supports these changes. He wants the agency to focus on high-priority goals. The new plan, called Competition Model 2.0, helps teams reach their scientific objectives quickly.
Next, the agency will adopt a "science first" approach for new proposals. Scientists will focus on their research ideas before worrying about complex engineering plans. This change saves valuable time for researchers.
Also, NASA will update its two-step competition process for various mission classes. These changes could cut selection timelines by nearly 45 percent. This means projects move from planning to selection in about 19 months.
Furthermore, smaller missions will use a single-step competition model. This approach features smaller review teams and virtual meetings. It will significantly reduce the time needed to finalize mission selections.
Then, the agency will lean more on the growing commercial space industry. Teams should use commercial parts and services whenever possible. This strategy helps NASA control costs and boost overall efficiency.
Additionally, NASA will maintain strict control over project budgets and schedules. The agency will hold teams accountable for their performance. Projects that fail to meet these standards may face termination.
Finally, NASA will rely on its expert centers like Goddard and JPL for guidance. This collaboration helps keep important technical skills strong. The agency expects these improvements to foster more discovery and innovation.
In conclusion, these updates aim to deliver more science at a lower cost. NASA believes this new model will help researchers achieve great things. The future of space exploration looks bright with these faster processes.