Review of the Space Communications Program of NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate

The Space Communications Office (SCO) at NASA has two primary roles. The first is to manage two of the communications networks that enable spaceflight operations and research, and the second is to integrate agency-wide telecommunications issues. In 2005, NASA asked the NRC to review the effectiveness of the SCO in carrying out its responsibilities by assessing the overall quality of the space communications program. This report presents a review of each of the program elements within the SCO?the space network, NASA's integrated space network (NISN), spectrum management, standards management, search and rescue, communications and navigation architecture, technology, and operations integration. The review focuses on formulation of plans for each element, plan development methodology, connections with the broader community, and overall capabilities. Recommendations for improving SCO operations and organization are provided.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 IntroductionAssessment of Operational Networks2 Space Network Program Element Assessment3 NASA Integrated Services NetworkAssessment of Other Program Elements4 Spectrum Management5 Data Standards Management6 Search and Rescue7 Communications and Navigation Architecture8 Technology9 Operations Integration Program ElementGeneral Issues10 Overarching Issues and RecommendationsAppendixesA Statement of TaskB Committee Member BiographiesC Acronyms