Technology needs and opportunities for future NASA missions

Abstract

The process of forecasting NASA's future needs and missions as well as the technologies relevant to the projected requirements is examined with emphasis on large space system technology. A technology model (set of generic systems) is presented to assist in the development of technology program options, to identify major technology areas requiring concentrated effort, and to serve as an evaluation criteria for current technology programs. The model is applied to considerations of near and far term opportunities for exploration of the universe, global services, utilization of the space environment, and the space transportation system.