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

Table of Contents


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