New frontiers in the solar system : an integrated exploration strategy / Solar System Exploration Survey, Space Studies Board. Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, National Research Council of the National Academies.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

National Research Council (U.S.). Solar System Exploration Survey.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Outer space--Exploration.

Outer space.

Solar system.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (248 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : National Academies Press, c2003.

Summary:

Solar system exploration is that grand human endeavor which reaches out through interplanetary space to discover the nature and origins of the system of planets in which we live and to learn whether life exists beyond Earth. It is an international enterprise involving scientists, engineers, managers, politicians, and others, sometimes working together and sometimes in competition, to open new frontiers of knowledge. It has a proud past, a productive present, and an auspicious future. This survey was requested by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to determine the contemporary nature of solar system exploration and why it remains a compelling activity today. A broad survey of the state of knowledge was requested. In addition NASA asked for the identifcation of the top-level scientific questions to guide its ongoing program and a prioritized list of the most promising avenues for flight investigations and supporting ground-based activities.

Contents:

Intro

Foreword

Preface

Contents

Executive Summary

Part One Current Knowledge of the Solar System

1 Primitive Bodies: Building Blocks of the Solar System

2 Inner Solar System: Key to Habitable Worlds

3 Mars: The Evolution of an Earth-like Planet

4 Giant Planets: Keys to Solar System Formation

5 Large Satellites: Active Worlds and Extreme Environments

Part Two An Integrated Strategy for Solar System Exploration

6 Solar System Exploration Today: A Multifaceted Endeavor

7 Priority Questions for Solar System Exploration, 2003-2013

8 Recommended Flight Investigations and Supporting Ground-Based Activities: 2003-2013

Epilogue

A Glimpse at the Future of Solar System Exploration

Appendix A Statement of Task

Appendix B List of Planetary Community White Papers

Appendix C Results of Planetary Community Survey

Appendix D Summary of the Planetary Society's Public Opinion Survey

Appendix E Glossary, Abbreviations, and Acronyms.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

1-280-18338-1

9786610183388

0-309-55902-2

0-585-48847-9

OCLC:

559400116