USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N International Space Station: Investing in Humanity’s Future Synergy Through Policy: Giving Freedom to ISS Ian Dawson ASTE 527 December 15, 2009 USC

U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Current US ISS Policy NASA is the primary operator of the International Space Station's (ISS) US resourcesNASA is the primary operator of the International Space Station's (ISS) US resources With small exceptions, all operations, management, and science/technology is funneled through NASAWith small exceptions, all operations, management, and science/technology is funneled through NASA Dwindling resources, politics, and archaic policy is hurting NASA and its ISS facilitiesDwindling resources, politics, and archaic policy is hurting NASA and its ISS facilities

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Examples for ISS' Future United States Antarctic Program - Scott-Amundsen Station - McMurdo Station NSF/USAP Photo Government Owned- Contractor Operated - Lawrence-Berkeley - Los Alamos Lawrence-Berkeley / University of California Photo

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Concept Introduction Overhaul how NASA supports ISSOverhaul how NASA supports ISS –Operations & Management –Science & Technology

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Operations & Management ISS operations and management activities are removed from NASA's full chargeISS operations and management activities are removed from NASA's full charge –A consortium of private sector organizations bid on activities in which they are interested –Handled similarly to Commercial Orbital Transportation program Each contractor has chair on Operations & Management boardEach contractor has chair on Operations & Management board –Develops synergy and maintains progress towards achieving high-level objectives

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Operations & Management Tasks ISS 'Researchnaut' Training Focus on providing researchers opportunities for short- term stays on-board while running their projects Cargo/Crew Logistics Develop launch solutions for quickly and safely moving cargo and crew members to and from ISS Maintenance Develop and plan maintenance solutions to keep ISS' facilities in safe operating condition Outreach Work with educational groups and commercial enterprises to highlight ISS' achievements Crew Health & Well-being Monitor crew health and develop individual health plans to keep crew healthy during their stay on-board Communications Monitor data up/down-links and distribute data accordingly Examples of O&M tasks:

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Operations & Management Board also consists of NASA representationBoard also consists of NASA representation –Provides high-level policy and guidance –Provides link between contractors, ISS member nations, and US Space Policy Launch Services Communications Maintenance Outreach ISS Visitor Training NASA

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Science & Technology ISS is nothing without its on-board research potentialISS is nothing without its on-board research potential NASA currently handles all aspects of on- board researchNASA currently handles all aspects of on- board research Potential exists for political interference with selection of projectsPotential exists for political interference with selection of projects Project's “womb-to-tomb” timeline excessiveProject's “womb-to-tomb” timeline excessive

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Science & Technology Council Membership consists of eminent individuals in space industry and academic institutionsMembership consists of eminent individuals in space industry and academic institutions –Led by NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate Meets to approve and develop projectsMeets to approve and develop projects –Council may make financial grants –Coordinates with ISS O&M board to schedule and implement projects “Feeder contractors” solicit and evaluate proposals before sending on to council“Feeder contractors” solicit and evaluate proposals before sending on to council

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Science & Technology NASA maintains presence as high-level policy- maker and provide guidanceNASA maintains presence as high-level policy- maker and provide guidance O&M Board Science & Technology Council Feeder Contractors Proposals NASA

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Concept Implementation Tasks can be divided piecemeal and opened for biddingTasks can be divided piecemeal and opened for bidding –Lumping all into one risks a rocky transition Bidding and transition takes place prior to end of current ISS budgetBidding and transition takes place prior to end of current ISS budget Slow decline in NASA overhead utilizationSlow decline in NASA overhead utilization –Resources can be transferred to Constellation, etc. Transition allows companies to be “tailor- made” for the task bid onTransition allows companies to be “tailor- made” for the task bid on

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Beyond Implementation Consortium and Operations & Management Board can be formed into a Limited Liability Corp.Consortium and Operations & Management Board can be formed into a Limited Liability Corp. –This allows for greater synergy between contractors, and reduced oversight required by NASA Space industry becomes larger with more innovation and lower costsSpace industry becomes larger with more innovation and lower costs –Will pay dividends to NASA, ESA, etc. on future space projects

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N Conclusions This policy would reduce NASA's financial burden devoted to ISSThis policy would reduce NASA's financial burden devoted to ISS Structure can be used to support adding new international partnersStructure can be used to support adding new international partners Other ISS member countries may follow suit, creating a larger international space industryOther ISS member countries may follow suit, creating a larger international space industry ISS is freed to be fully utilized to its scientific potentialISS is freed to be fully utilized to its scientific potential

USC U T I L I Z A T I O N E V O L U T I O N L I F E E X T E N S I O N “Progress grows out of motion” – Adm Richard E. Byrd