"The Committee shall conduct an independent review of ongoing U.S. human space flight plans and programs, as well as alternatives, to ensure that the nation is pursuing the best trajectory for the future of human space flightone that is safe, innovative, affordable, and sustainable. The Committee should aim to identify and characterize a range of options that spans the reasonable possibilities for continuation of U.S. human space flight activities beyond retirement of the Space Shuttle. The identification and characterization of these options should address the following objectives: (a) Expediting a new U.S. capability to support utilization of the International Space Station (ISS); (b) supporting missions to the Moon and other destinations beyond low Earth orbit (LEO); (c) stimulating commercial space flight capability; and (d) fitting within the current budget profile for NASA exploration activities. "
Editor's note: The above notice appeared in the Federal Register on Friday after being filled on Thursday and was dated May 12 by NASA officials. The committee will exist for six months and can be renewed.
"In addition to the objectives described above, the review should examine the appropriate amount of R&D and complementary robotic activities needed to make human space flight activities most productive and affordable over the long term, as well as appropriate opportunities for international collaboration. It should also evaluate what capabilities would be enabled by each of the potential architectures considered. It should evaluate options for extending International Space Station operations beyond 2016. The Committee shall conduct meetings as appropriate at various locations throughout the United States. The Committee will provide advice only and will comply fully with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)."