prepublication copy - The Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics ...

TOWARD FUTURE PROJECTS, MISSIONS, AND FACILITIES
Department of Energy
As discussed above and in earlier chapters, the connection between astronomy and physics has
strengthened considerably over the past decade. There is strong mutual interest in the two communities in
dark energy, dark matter physics of the very early universe, gravitation, CMB, gamma-ray astrophysics
and cosmic-ray physics. University physicists and national laboratories have shown a strong interest in
these areas and have already collaborated productively with scientists from more traditional astronomical
backgrounds on highly successful ventures. The strength of these collaborations at the working level has
derived from the complementary perspectives on the science and the different technical skills and
experience that these two communities have contributed and which have turned out to be crucial. For
example, astronomers collectively understand about building telescopes, crafting practical observing
programs and launching spacecraft, while physicists have contributed unique capabilities in detectors,
electronics and data handling.
For the future, DOE is currently supporting development of the Joint Dark Energy Mission
(JDEM) in space, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) camera, and CMB science efforts. The
committee recommends in Chapter 7 continuing steps in alignment with the DOE mission that take
advantages of present day physics-astrophysics science synergies.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Based on the recommendations of AANM, beyond James Webb Space Telescope, NASA is
currently supporting development of a Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) and technology for a future
Terrestrial Planet Finder. Following a 2003 NRC report 5 there has also been significant activity toward a
Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM) in possible partnership with DOE and/or ESA.
The sustained success of NASA's astrophysics program rests on its effective leveraging of
activities ranging from large flagship missions to smaller more focused Explorer missions, down to the
suborbital, data analysis, theory, technology development, and laboratory astrophysics programs. This
diversified portfolio maximizes scientific exploitation of the missions, paves the way toward future
missions, and maintains and develops the skill that will enable the U.S. to keep its world leadership in
space astronomy. Prudent investment in the core supporting activities also has proven to minimize risk
and lower end-to-end cost of major missions, by addressing critical design issues before missions enter
their construction phases.
In the course of formulating its recommendations including large, medium, and small missions, as
well as targeted augmentations to some of the core supporting activities, the committee considered
broader issues of balance across the NASA program. There are several aspects to this balance: between
larger and smaller missions; between NASA-led missions and participation in international missions;
between university-led and NASA center-led missions; between support for mission-enabling and
mission-supporting activities (technology development, suborbital program, theory, ground-based
observing) and the missions themselves; between mission construction/operation and data archiving and
analysis; and between extended mission support for operating missions versus funding of new missions.
During its deliberations the committee has attended to the general principle of balance in developing its
recommended prioritization within the NASA Astrophysics program during the coming decade.
In terms of mission size balance, the committee values the impressive science value per dollar
achieved with a healthy Explorer program, so much so that an enhancement to the Explorer program is
our second-ranked large space project recommendation in Chapter 7. Likewise, the committee
recommends strong support for the suborbital and balloon programs. Apart from providing a high science
5 Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos: Eleven Science Questions for a New Century.
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