The NASA's Administration and quality services

NASA Headquarters
"NASA Headquarters, in Washington, provides overall guidance and direction to the agency, under the leadership of the Administrator. Ten field centers and a variety of installations around the country conduct the day-to-day work in laboratories, on air fields, in wind tunnels, and in control rooms. Together, this skilled, diverse group of scientists, engineers, managers, and support personnel share the Vision, Mission, and Values that are NASA.

To implement NASA's Mission, NASA Headquarters is organized into three principal organizations called
Mission Directorates:
    - Aeronautics: Pioneers and proves new flight technologies that improve our ability to explore and which have practical applications on Earth.
    - Human Exploration and Operations: Focuses on International Space Station operations and human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
    - Science: Explores the Earth, moon, Mars, and beyond; charts the best route of discovery; and reaps the benefits of Earth and space exploration for society."... more

NASA Headquarters
Aeronautics - Human Exploration and Operations - Science

The NASA three directorates
    - Aeronautics: pioneers and proves new flight technologies that improve our ability to explore and which have practical applications on Earth.
    - Human Exploration and Operations: focuses on International Space Station operations and human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
    - Science: explores the Earth, solar system and universe beyond; charts the best route of discovery; and reaps the benefits of Earth and space exploration for society."

Knowledge Management at NASA
"Knowledge management is getting the right information to the right people at the right time, and helping people create knowledge and share and act upon information in ways that will measurably improve the performance of an organization and its partners.

Why is Knowledge Management critical to NASA?
    - The Agency is constantly challenged to document and integrate its lessons to effectively manage the risk involved in space exploration and human space flight.
    - By its nature, NASA's employees have specialized knowledge.
    - Our goal is to share knowledge with each other and with the public.
    - To ensure safe flight and respond to issues raised by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB).
    - The workforce in the Agency is aging, and it is essential that critical knowledge be captured and retained for future reuse" ... more: What is KM?

NASA IV&V Program
"Located in the heart of West Virginia's emerging technology sector, the NASA IV&V Program was established in 1993 as part of an Agency-wide strategy to provide the highest achievable levels of safety and cost-effectiveness for mission critical software. The NASA IV&V Program was founded under the NASA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) as a direct result of recommendations made by the National Research Council (NRC) and the Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident.

Since then, the NASA IV&V Program has experienced continual growth in personnel, projects, capabilities, and accomplishments. NASA IV&V efforts have contributed to NASA's improved safety record since the NASA IV&V Program's inception. Today, independent verification and validation (IV&V) is an Agency-level function, delegated from OSMA to Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and managed by NASA IV&V. The NASA IV&V Program's primary business, software IV&V, is sponsored by OSMA as a software assurance technology. Having been reassigned as GSFC, NASA IV&V is Code 180 (Center Director's direct report).

The NASA IV&V Program houses over 150 full-time employees and leverages the expertise of in-house partners and contractors."... more

The Human Systems Integration Division
"The Human Systems Integration Division advances human-centered design and operations of complex aerospace systems through analysis, experimentation, and modeling of human performance and human-automation interaction to make dramatic improvements in safety, efficiency, and mission success.

What is Human Systems Integration
Human Systems Integration is an umbrella term for several areas of "human factors" research that include human performance, technology design, and human-computer interaction. The study of Human Systems Integration at NASA Ames Research Center focuses on the need for safe, efficient and cost-effective operations, maintenance and training, both in space, in flight and on the ground." ... more

The Human Adaptation and Countermeasures Division (HACD)
"The Human Adaptation and Countermeasures Division (HACD) is responsible for the performance of biomedical research focused on:
    1) understanding the normal human response to space flight, and
    2) developing, testing, and delivering countermeasures to those untoward responses that may affect crew health, safety, and/or performance during or after space flight missions. The HACD is comprised of two branches.

Biomedical Research and Operations Laboratories Branch
Biomedical Research and Countermeasures Projects Branch"... more

Instrument Systems and Technology Division
"The Instrument Systems and Technology Division (ISTD) is located within the Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The Division provides instrument engineering expertise for the full life cycle of instrument development. With over 180 engineers and technicians, the Division provides the expertise to develop innovative new measurement techniques, advanced instrument concepts, scientific instrument proposals, and instrument systems analysis and implementation to enable advanced state-of-the-art Earth science, space science, and exploration missions.

The ISTD provides leadership and vision in developing and implementing technology programs, collaborating closely with the science community and other customers to identify new and emerging instrument technology requirements. The technologies developed range from subsystems such as detectors, coolers, or optical elements to complete instruments such as hyperspectral imagers or LIDAR systems, aimed at satisfying needs and enabling future science missions, reducing mission cost, enhancing instrument performance, and/or simplifying instrument design and development."... more

Related Links
Goddard Optics - Goddard Cryogenics and Fluids - Goddard Detector Systems - Goddard Laser and Electro-Optics - Goddard Microwave Instrument Technology
Goddard Instrument Systems

White Sands Test Facility
White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) conducts simulated mission duty cycle testing to develop numerous full-scale propulsion systems. These systems have been developed for the Apollo Service Propulsion and Lunar modules, Shuttle Orbiter, and the International Space Station (ISS). Additionally, we evaluate upgraded or redesigned shuttle orbiter components to extend service life, enhance performance, and improve mission safety. WSTF is formally certified to perform precision cleaning and depot-level refurbishment of flight-critical propulsion systems components.

The scientific investigation of explosion phenomena at WSTF is aimed at improving safety at launch facilities and other areas where hazardous materials are used. Ultra-high-speed instrumentation helps better define safety and structural requirements for new and existing launch facilities by measuring the effects of exploding liquid and solid propellants.

WSTF is a center of technical excellence in the fields of high-pressure oxygen systems/materials and rocket propellant safety. WSTF offers:
    - Functional and performance evaluation tests
    - Hazards/failure analyses of materials, components, and complete systems
    - System design evaluation and recommendations
    - Safety training courses and manuals " ... more

WSTF Capabilities
Propulsion Test Office - Materials and Components - Technical Services Office - Health, Safety, and Environment

EOSDIS
"The Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) is a key core capability in NASA's Earth Science Data Systems Program. It provides end-to-end capabilities for managing NASA's Earth science data from various sources - satellites, aircraft, field measurements, and various other programs. For the EOS satellite missions, EOSDIS provides capabilities for command and control, scheduling, data capture and initial (Level 0) processing. These capabilities, constituting the EOSDIS Mission Operations, are managed by the Earth Science Mission Operations (ESMO) Project. NASA network capabilities transport the data to the science operations facilities.

The remaining capabilities of EOSDIS constitute the EOSDIS Science Operations, which are managed by the Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Project. These capabilities include: generation of higher level (Level 1-4) science data products for EOS missions; archiving and distribution of data products from EOS and other satellite missions, as well as aircraft and field measurement campaigns. The EOSDIS science operations are performed within a distributed system of many interconnected nodes (Science Investigator-led Processing Systems and distributed, discipline-specific, Earth science data centers) with specific responsibilities for production, archiving, and distribution of Earth science data products. The distributed data centers serve a large and diverse user community (as indicated by EOSDIS performance metrics) by providing capabilities to search and access science data products and specialized services." ... more

ESPD - LASP - CloudSat - PPS - USGEO - Global Climate Change - USGS - GCMD - GES - GHRC - Mirador - NSIDC - Vertex

IDS, International DORIS Service
"DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite) is a Doppler satellite tracking system developped for precise orbit determination and precise ground location. It is onboard the Cryosat-2, Jason-1, Jason-2, ENVISAT and HY-2A altimetric satellites and the remote sensing satellites SPOT-4 and SPOT-5. It also flew with SPOT-2, SPOT-3 and TOPEX/POSEIDON.

IDS is an international service which provides a support, through DORIS data and products, to geodetic, geophysical, and other research and operational activities. New proposals for Analysis Centers and temporary or permanent DORIS stations are welcome. See the call for participation.

IDS, International DORIS Service site is composed of three parts:
"IDS" describes the organization of the service and includes documents, access to the data and products, event announcements, contacts and links.

"DORIS" allows to access general description of the system, and gives information about the system events and the tracking network.

"Analysis Coordination" provides information and discussion areas about the analysis strategies and models used in the IDS products. It includes also the information about the Combination Center activities. It is maintained by the Analysis Coordinator with the support of the Central Bureau."... more

IDS DORIS Satellites
Cryosat-2 - Jason-1 - Jason-2 - Envisat - HY-2A - Spot-4 - Spot-5

The NASA Deep Space Network
"The NASA Deep Space Network - or DSN - is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. The network also supports selected Earth-orbiting missions.

The DSN currently consists of three deep-space communications facilities placed approximately 120 degrees apart around the world: at Goldstone, in California's Mojave Desert; near Madrid, Spain; and near Canberra, Australia. This strategic placement permits constant observation of spacecraft as the Earth rotates, and helps to make the DSN the largest and most sensitive scientific telecommunications system in the world." ... more

Links to the three deep-space communications facilities
GDSCC - CDSCC - MDSCC

Space Communications and Navigation
"Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) coordinates multiple space communications networks as well as network support functions to regulate, maintain, and grow NASA's space communications and navigation capabilities."

SCaN Goals and Objectives
"NASA's Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) Program provides communications and navigation services that are essential to the operation of NASA's space flight missions. Accordingly, the SCaN Program has developed goals and objectives that support the Program's role in the Agency's long-term strategy:

SCaN Program Goals
      -  Support NASA and external organizations with integrated space communications, navigation, and data systems services that enable mission success.
      -  Perform the infrastructure, sustaining, and replenishment efforts necessary to maintain service capacity and capability consistent with the Agency's commitments and mission model.
      -  Provide enabling, efficient, and effective mission services with respect to space communications and navigation technology development, telecommunications standards development, and spectrum management.

SCaN Program Supporting Objectives
      -  Mission Safety: Acquire, maintain, and operate SCaN systems to meet NASA and external organization flight mission needs in a safe and reliable manner;
      -  Mission Assurance: Provide SCaN services to flight missions as agreed and documented in service commitment agreements;
      -  Mission Commitment: Implement flexible capabilities and services that meet the evolving and diverse needs of NASA and external organization flight missions, and work proactively to avoid or resolve service problems;
      -  SCaN Planning: Evolve the SCaN services in a manner consistent with an integrated space architecture framework and mission requirements and pursue cooperation, collaboration, and cross-support with industry and other government agencies, including international space agencies; and
      -  Program Management: Manage the SCaN Program to best value, in a manner consistent with the above objectives. " ... more

Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program
"The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program is responsible for providing communications and navigation services to space flight missions throughout the solar system. Astronauts, mission controllers, and scientists depend upon the reliable transmission of information between Earth and spacecraft, from low-Earth orbit to deep space. The SCaN Testbed is an advanced integrated communications system and laboratory facility to be installed on the International Space Station (ISS). Using a new generation of Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies, this ISS facility will allow researchers to develop, test, and demonstrate new communications, networking, and navigation capabilities in the actual environment of space. The SCaN Testbed will thus advance space communication technologies in support of future NASA missions and other U.S. space endeavors. During its development at NASA Glenn Research Center, the SCaN Testbed was also known as the Communications, Navigation, and Networking reConfigurable Testbed (CoNNeCT) project.

SCaN Testebed Value for Space Missions
The growth of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) offers NASA the opportunity to improve the way space missions develop and operate space transceivers for communications, networking, and navigation. Reconfigurable SDRs with communications and navigation functions implemented in software provide the capability to change the functionality of the radio during a mission and optimize the data capabilities (e.g. video, telemetry, voice, etc.). The ability to change the operating characteristics of a radio through software once deployed to space offers the flexibility to adapt to new science opportunities, recover from anomalies within the science payload or communication system, and potentially reduce development cost and risk through reuse of common space platforms to meet specific mission requirements. SDRs can be used on space-based missions to almost any destination."... more

Very Long Baseline Interferometry
On the most basic level, Very Long Baseline Interferometry, or VLBI, is a geodetic technique that determines the positions of observing stations (sites) on the Earth by measuring the time it takes a radio wavefront from a quasar (source) to reach pairs of sites. For each pair, as the wavefront travels from the source at a constant rate in all directions, the front will arrive at each site at a different time, yielding differences in position, or distance, between the sites. As these distances are measured over time for a network of sites, site positions and position changes over time can be measured. Other factors must be applied to model complications in observing -- for example, changes in the atmosphere that slow the wavefront down.

The GSFC VLBI group studies the Earth and coordinates the international study of the Earth using the geodetic technique of VLBI. The GSFC VLBI group also supports general solar system exploration by providing data that missions (e.g., Cassini-Huygens and the Phoenix Mars Lander) use in calculating their flight paths." ... more

The Crustal Dynamics Data Information System
"The Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS) supports data archiving and distribution activities for the space geodesy and geodynamics community. The main objectives of the system are to store space geodesy and geodynamics related data products in a central data bank, to maintain information about the archival of these data, and to disseminate these data and information in a timely manner to NASA investigators and cooperating institutions. The CDDIS staff and computer facility are located at NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, MD and is part of the Solar System Exploration Division within the Sciences and Exploration Directorate. The CDDIS is funded by NASA's Earth System Science Data and Services (ESDIS).

The CDDIS has served as a global data center for the International GPS Service (IGS) since 1992. The CDDIS supports the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS), the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS), the DORIS Pilot Experiment, a precursor to the International DORIS Service (IDS), and the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) as a global data center."... more

The Space Geodetic Techniques
GNSS - ILRS - VLBI - DORIS

The NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) System
The NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) System was developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in support of NASA's demanding terrestrial, airborne, and spaceborne operations, and for other Government and commercial customers. JPL is a Division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), which manages the laboratory for NASA. JPL is NASA's lead center for robotic exploration of space, and is responsible for technology development and operations of many NASA missions and infrastructure.

With nearly 60 GPS engineers and scientists working in this field, JPL is one of the biggest GPS and GNSS R&D laboratories in the world, with an unparalleled track record of innovations and leadership in GPS technology and its advanced applications. End-to-end GPS expertise includes: systems, software, hardware, infrastructure, flight experiments, operations, and science

The GDGPS System is managed and operated in the Tracking Systems and Applications Section of JPL's Telecommunications Division." ... more

GSFC Search and Rescue Mission Office

"The National Search and Rescue Plan updated and signed by participating parties, including NASA in 2007, states that "NASA will support Search and Rescue (SAR) objectives through research and development or application of technology to search, rescue, survival, and recovery systems and equipment, such as location tracking systems, transmitters, receivers, and antennas capable of locating aircraft, ships, spacecraft, or individuals in potential or actual distress

Tech Development
The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Search and Rescue Mission Office is responsible for research and development activities in the areas related to the Distress Alerting Satellite System (DASS), Emergency Beacon Development and "Beaconless" Search or Remote Sensing.

NASA in cooperation with the Department of Defense (DOD) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has undertaken the development of the Distress Alerting Satellite System (DASS) and has selected the GPS constellation as the best mid- earth orbiting (MEO) satellite constellation to host the search and rescue instruments. NASA has committed funds for the development of a proof-of-concept system for DASS and the installation of a proof-of-concept ground station at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland."... more

Other Related and Util Links
NOAA-SARSAT - GOES - Cospas-Sarsat - Emergency Beacons

DESCANSO - Deep Space Communications and Navigation Systems
"PROVIDE technical leadership in the planning and implementing of an integrated vision for the future of deep space communications and navigation
       -  Develop a coordinated vision with program offices, from a NASA perspective
       -  Create and maintain technology roadmaps consistent with developed vision and end-to-end trade analyses

IDENTIFY, promote, and advocate innovative concepts, systems, and technology
       -  Increase focus on innovation and breakthroughs
       -  ;Advocate/broker potentially high pay-off developments for accelerated infusion into missions
       -  Lead/Co-lead study/working groups on key technical issues
       -  Stimulate leading-edge applied research critical to future mission scenarios
       -  Identify and facilitate R&D partnerships and information exchange within JPL, NASA, industry, academia and other external organizations

FOSTER improved engineering capabilities and resources
       -  Support the acquiring and maintaining of world-class personnel and their skills
       -  Enhance the technical infrastructure: processes, tools, labs, ...."... more

Other Related and Util Links
NASA Integrated Services Network (NISN)

NASA Office of the Chief Technologist
"NASA's Chief Technologist serves as the NASA Administrator's principal advisor and advocate on matters concerning agency-wide technology policy and programs. The Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) is responsible for direct management of NASA's Space Technology programs and for coordination and tracking of all technology investments across the agency. The office also serves as the NASA technology point of entry and contact with other government agencies, academia and the commercial aerospace community. The office is responsible for developing and executing innovative technology partnerships, technology transfer and commercial activities and the development of collaboration models for NASA.

OCT will provide a technology and innovation focus for NASA through the following goals and responsibilities:
       -  Principal NASA advisor and advocate on matters concerning Agency-wide technology policy and programs.
       -  Up and out advocacy for NASA research and technology programs. Communication and integration with other Agency technology efforts
       -  Direct management of Space Technology Programs
       -  Coordination of technology investments across the Agency, including the mission-focused investments made by the NASA mission directorates. Perform strategic technology integration.
       -  Change culture towards creativity and innovation at NASA Centers, particularly in regard to workforce development.
       -  Document/demonstrate/communicate societal impact of NASA technology investments. Lead technology transfer and commercialization opportunities across Agency"... more

Related Partnerships and Transfer Technology Links
Ames Technology - DFRC - GRC - GSFC - JPL - JSC - KSC - LaRC - MSFC - SSC
Nasa Technology Transfer

The NASA Spinoff
"As a result of a 1958 congressional mandate, NASA, in 1962, created the Technology Utilization Program. It was supported by Technology Utilization Offices at each of the field centers and four Industrial Applications Centers (IACs). The number of IACs grew rapidly to seven by the early 1970s and ten in the early 1980s.

Early studies of Tech Briefs, the publication dedicated to informing the scientific community about available NASA technologies, and ongoing requests received for supporting information, indicated a strong need in the private sector for new technology to aid in the development of commercial products and services.

When spinoff products began to emerge from space technologies, NASA considered the possibility of an annual report to present at congressional budget hearings. The result was a black and white "Technology Utilization Program Report", published in 1973, followed by another one in 1974. The technologies in these reports created interest in the technology transfer concept, its successes, and its use as a public awareness tool. The reports generated such keen interest by the public that NASA decided to make them into an attractive publication. Thus, the first four-color edition of Spinoff was published in 1976.

Each year since, a new issue has highlighted the transfer of NASA technology to the private sector. The Agency distributes copies to politicians, economic decision makers, company CEOs, academics, professionals in technology transfer, the news media, and the general public.

NASA's Spinoff publication accomplishes several goals. First, it is a convincing justification for the continued expenditure of NASA funds. It serves as a tool to educate the media and the general public by informing them about the benefits and dispelling the myth of wasted taxpayer dollars. It reinforces interest in space exploration. It demonstrates the possibility to apply aerospace technology in different environments. It highlights the ingenuity of American inventors, entrepreneurs, and application engineers, and the willingness of a government agency to assist them. And finally, it continues to ensure global competitiveness and technological leadership by the United States." ... more

Discovery Program
"NASA's Discovery Program gives scientists the opportunity to dig deep into their imaginations and find innovative ways to unlock the mysteries of the solar system. When it began in 1992, this program represented a breakthrough in the way NASA explores space. For the first time, scientists and engineers were called on to assemble teams and design exciting, focused planetary science investigations that would deepen the knowledge about our solar system.

As a complement to NASA's larger “flagship” planetary science explorations, the Discovery Program goal is to achieve outstanding results by launching many smaller missions using fewer resources and shorter development times. The main objective is to enhance our understanding of the solar system by exploring the planets, their moons, and small bodies such as comets and asteroids. The program also seeks to improve performance through the use of new technology and broaden university and industry participation in NASA missions.

Discovery was among the first NASA programs to require a plan for education and public outreach, as NASA recognized the importance of communicating the excitement and meaning of space exploration to students and the public. Innovative methods that support national education initiatives are being developed to reach students of all ages.

All completed Discovery missions have achieved ground-breaking science, each taking a unique approach to space exploration, doing what's never been done before, and driving new technology innovations that may also improve life on Earth." ... more

Asteroid Watch - Mars Exploration - PlanetQuest - Spitzer - Solar System Exploration - Global Climate Change - Cassini - Mars Science Lab

NASA Education
"NASA's journeys into air and space have deepened humankind's understanding of the universe, advanced technology breakthroughs, enhanced air travel safety and security, and expanded the frontiers of scientific research. These accomplishments share a common genesis: education. As the United States begins the second century of flight, the Nation must maintain its commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to ensure that the next generation of Americans can accept the full measure of their roles and responsibilities in shaping the future. NASA will continue the Agency's tradition of investing in the Nation's education programs and supporting the country's educators who play a key role in preparing, inspiring, exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of today who will be the workforce of tomorrow.

In today and beyond, NASA will continue to pursue three major education goals:
          -- Strengthening NASA and the Nation's future workforce
          -- Attracting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, disciplines
          -- Engaging Americans in NASA's mission" ... more

NASA Education Links
NASA's Education Program For Educators - NASA's Education Program For Students