[net.space] NASA Goals and Objectives

METH@USC-ISI@sri-unix.UUCP (09/01/83)

nd FY85.   STS operations  R&D 
          costs not to exceed $1.8B in FY84 and $2.2B in FY85.
     -    Capture  75% of the planned free-world commercial launch payloads 
          through 1988.
     -    Develop a Centaur upper stage compatible with STS by 2Q FY86.

3.   Establish a permanent manned presence in space to expand the  explora-
     tion  and  use of space for activities which enhance the security  and 
     welfare of mankind.

[NOTE:  The jury (i.e. President Reagan) is still out on this one!]

     -    Complete analysis of requirements and define system  architecture 
          to  support  inclusion  of a space station  in  President's  FY85 
          budget.
     -    During FY84, conduct advanced development and technology programs 
          to  insure readiness of key technologies to support space station 
          development.

4.   Conduct  an  effective  and productive aeronautics  research  and  and 
     technology  program which contributes materially to the enduring  pre-
     eminence of US civil and military aviation.

     -    Provide a fully operational Class IV computational capability  at 
          the  research centers by September 1983;  implement the Numerical 
          Aerodynamic Simulator (NAS);  complete a satellite data link bet-
          ween the research centers by October 1984.
     -    By October 1984,  develop and implement a long range aeronautical 
          facilities acquisition strategy.

5.   Conduct  an effective and productive Space and Earth Sciences  Program 
     which expands human knowledge of the Earth, its environment, the solar 
     system, and the universe.

     -    Maintain  Space  Telescope  schedule for launch in last  half  of 
          1986; total funding not to exceed $196M in FY84.
     -    Maintain Galileo Project on schedule for launch in 2Q 1986; total 
          funding not to exceed $80M in FY84.
     -    Reduce  Spacelab preparation times and  mission  costs;  complete 
          Spacelab  3  to launch September 1984;  total real  year  mission 
          management/integration costs not to exceed $20M.
     -    By 1985, establish an active long term Earth Sciences program.

6.   Conduct  effective  and productive space applications  and  technology 
     programs  which contribute materially toward US leadership and securi-
     ty.

     -    Complete negotiations by December 1983, for the Advanced Communi-
          cations Technology Satellite.     
     -    Real growth in NASA space research and technology program of  30% 
          per year in FY85 and FY86.

7.   Expand  opportunities for US private sector investment and involvement 
     in civil space and space-related activities.

     -    Formulate  a  space commercialization policy  and  implementation 
          program plan by the end of 1983.
     -    Support commercialization of expendable launch vehicles by recom-
          mending appropriate procedures in FY 84.

8.   Establish  NASA  as  a leader in the development  and  application  of 
     advanced  technology and management practices which contribute to sig-
     nificant increases in both Agency and national productivity.

     -    Establish,  by  end 1983,  strategies for greater involvement  of 
          employees in the decision making process.
     -    Reduce by 20%, management and administrative paperwork.
     -    Establish NASA-wide guidelines for office automation and adminis-
          trative  ADP by end 1983;  assess pilot projects in  1984;  begin 
          full scale implementation in 1985.
     -    Beginning in FY84,  conduct pilot productivity incentive programs 
          on a major development project.
     -    Establish  a  capability  for  Agency-wide  sharing  of   CAD/CAM 
          techniques by FY84.
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WMartin@Office-3@sri-unix.UUCP (09/01/83)

From:  WMartin at Office-3 (Will Martin)

Did anyone else notice the blatant age discrimination in the
report of Beggs' announced goals and objectives?

        "Hire 370 RECENT science and engineering graduates in 83
	 and 400 more in 84."

(My emphasis added.)  Specifying "recent graduates" is one of
the standard age-discrimination tactics constantly being pointed
out by Irwin Feerst and his Committee of Concerned EE's; instead
of hiring by pure ability, whereby you may hire older engineers who
earn higher salaries, you hire only cheaper new graduates.  (Of
course, the engineering pay system differentials have broken down
so far that the difference between a new graduate's and a senior
engineer's salaries is too small to allow reasonable career
progression these days.  This helps "encourage" the older
engineer to move into management or leave...)

Interesting that such a blatant example has been publicized so
widely; I hope some fuss gets raised over it.

Will Martin