OIG Finds Major Flaws in Planetary Science Division Mission Extension Process
NASA OIG: The Science Mission Directorate’s Mission Extension Process
“We concluded SMD’s Astrophysics, Earth Science, and Heliophysics Divisions conducted Senior Reviews that included all eligible projects and provided budgetary and programmatic guidance for these missions for up to 5 fiscal years (FY). In contrast, we found the Planetary Science Division’s Senior Review process focused too narrowly on the short term and unnecessarily excluded some projects. Furthermore, the Division had no documented rationale for extended mission budget guidelines. In our judgment, these shortcomings impair the Planetary Science Division’s ability to inform its budget formulation process and ensure the effectiveness and transparency of its Senior Review process.”