Capabilities for the Future : An Assessment of NASA Laboratories for Basic Research

Over the past 5 years or more, there has been a steady and significant decrease in NASA's laboratory capabilities, including equipment, maintenance, and facility upgrades. This adversely affects the support of NASA's scientists, who rely on these capabilities, as well as NASA's ability to make the basic scientific and technical contributions that others depend on for programs of national importance. The fundamental research community at NASA has been severely impacted by the budget reductions that are responsible for this decrease in laboratory capabilities, and as a result NASA's ability to support even NASA's future goals is in serious jeopardy. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Assessment Methodology3 Support for Fundamental Research at NASA4 Aeronautics Research5 Space and Earth Science Research6 Findings and RecommendationsAppendixesAppendix A: Statement of TaskAppendix B: Technology Readiness Level DescriptionsAppendix C: Subcommittee MembersAppendix D: Laboratories and Facilities Visited by the CommitteeAppendix E: Biographies of the Committee MembersAppendix F: AcronymsAppendix G: List of Questions Sent to NASA Centers