Results of the NASA Loya Jirga II: large space telescopes and infrastructure support

Abstract

Two recent meetings sponsored by NASA have helped define the in-space capabilities (technology, operations and infrastructure) necessary to enable and enhance future space missions. The activities preceded NASA's roadmapping efforts that occurred from the fall of 2004 to spring of 2005. These Loya Jirga meetings (using a Pashto expression for grand council') involved about 100 representatives from industry, academia and government. Three mission concepts were used to guide the products of the meetings: manned missions to Mars, large serviceable space telescopes, and unmanned nuclear-powered missions to the outer planets. The deliberations produced roadmaps for the timing and type of developments needed to support these missions, the interconnections of capabilities with missions and other details that can be used to guide investment planning.