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ExpectMore.govExpectMore.gov home pageEXPECT FEDERAL PROGRAMS TO PERFORM WELL, AND BETTER EVERY YEAR.
 
Program Assessment

Program

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Solar System Exploration

The program scientifically explores the planets, their moons, and small solar system bodies. The program launches and operates robotic spacecraft and performs research to understand the origin and evolution of planetary bodies, how life began on Earth, and whether life exists elsewhere in the solar system.

Rating

What This Rating Means

PERFORMING
Effective

This is the highest rating a program can achieve. Programs rated Effective set ambitious goals, achieve results, are well-managed and improve efficiency.
  • The program is effective. Fiscal year 2006 accomplishments include return of Stardust science samples to Earth, successful orbit insertion for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and completion of the Mars Science Laboratory Preliminary Design Review.
  • The program has relevant research priorities that reflect the priorities of the planetary science community, and is well-defined and well-managed with a clear purpose and direct ties to NASA's mission.
  • The program applies lessons learned from mission failures. NASA carefully conducts mishap investigations when missions fail and applies the lessons learned to future missions to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Improvement Plan

About Improvement Plans

We are taking the following actions to improve the performance of the program:

  • Reporting quarterly for each approved major mission: estimated cost and planned schedule milestones, progress toward cost and schedule projections, and any plans to revise estimated cost or schedule.
  • Defining requirements and an approach, a projected schedule, and a budget profile for upgrades to the Deep Space Network, NASA's system for communicating with its operating spacecraft.
  • Assessing options for modifying current approach to competed solar system mission programs to ensure a healthy mix of missions of various sizes and scope, possibly including outer planets missions.

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