The Complete Book of Spaceflight: From Apollo 1 to Zero Gravity

292 NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC)
1958, Glennan also acquired control of JPL ( Jet Propulsion
Laboratory), a contractor facility operated by the
California Institute of Technology. In 1960, Glennan
obtained the transfer to NASA of the Army Ballistic
Missile Agency, which was then renamed the Marshall
Space Flight Center. By mid-1960, Glennan had secured
for NASA primacy in the federal government for the execution
of all space activities except reconnaissance satellites,
ballistic missiles, and a few other space-related
projects, most of which were still in the study stage, that
the DoD controlled.
The functions of the organization were conceived to
plan, direct, and conduct all American aeronautical and
space activities except those that are primarily military.
NASA’s administrator is a civilian appointed by the president,
with the advice and consent of the Senate. The
administration arranges for the scientific community to
take part in planning scientific measurements and observations
to be made through the use of aeronautical and
space vehicles, and provides for the dissemination of the
data that result. Under the guidance of the president,
NASA helps develop programs of international cooperation
in space.
With the advent of the Space Shuttle, NASA became
more frequently involved in military activities despite its
original intent as a civilian agency. Because of the long
delay caused by the 1986 Challenger disaster, however,
the military began expanding its own fleet of booster
rockets. In 1996, NASA announced a $7-billion, six-year
contract under which the agency would gradually turn
over the routine operation of the Shuttle program to private
industry.
In 1998, NASA established the Astrobiology Institute
at its Ames Research Center to enhance research for new
instruments and space probes to search for life in the
Solar System and beyond. This Institute is a consortium
of academic institutions, including the University of California
at Los Angeles, Harvard University, and the University
of Colorado, as well as the private sector and
several NASA field centers.
NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC)
A body run by USRA (Universities Space Research Association),
under contract to NASA, to provide an independent
forum for the external analysis and definition of
space and aeronautics advanced concepts. Through a
series of open solicitations, NIAC seeks proposals from
the science and engineering community to develop
advanced concepts in aeronautics and space. According
to the terms of the contract, these advanced concepts
should be “new,” “revolutionary,” “imaginative,” and
aimed at becoming aerospace missions over the next 10 to
40 years.
NASDA (National Space Development Agency)
One of two Japanese space agencies, the other being
ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science).
Founded in October 1969 by the Space Activity Commission,
NASDA replaced NSDC (National Space
Development Center). It is responsible for all of Japan’s
communications, weather, Earth observation, and technology
demonstration satellites, together with the rockets
used to launch them. NASDA satellites and spacecraft
include: ETS, OICETS, COMETS, DRTS, BS-, CS-,
ECS, JAS-1, ALOS, TRMM, ADEOS, JERS-1,
MOS-1, GMS, EGS, ISS, SELENE, MDS-1, and SFU
(see Japanese satellite names). Its launch vehicles
include the N-series, the H-series, and the J-1 (see
Japanese launch vehicles).
National Aeronautics and Space Council
The Statutory Advisory Council to the president, consisting
of the secretary of defense, the administrator of
NASA, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission,
the secretary of state, and other members selected by the
president.
National Aerospace Plane (NASP)
See X-30.
National Association of Rocketry (NAR)
The largest sport rocket organization in the United
States. Based in Altoona, Wisconsin, it promotes all
aspects of flying model and high-power sport rockets.
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
A U.S. Department of Defense agency that designs,
builds, and operates American reconnaissance (spy) satellites.
These satellites are used by the CIA (Central Intelligence
Agency) and other members of the American
intelligence community. In recent years, NRO has declassified
some of its earlier missions, including the
1960–1972 Corona photoreconnaissance operation. In
December 1996, NRO also gave, for the first time,
advance notice of the launch of one its spacecraft.
National Rocket Club
See National Space Club.
National Space Club (NSC)
A prospace lobbying group, open to general membership
but composed mainly of professionals in the aerospace
industry. Active in Washington, D.C., it acts as an information
conduit and organizes monthly meetings and an
annual “Outlook on Space” conference. It was formed as
the National Rocket Club on October 4, 1957—the day
Sputnik 1 was launched. See National Space Institute.