During the period between 1989 and 1998, NASA experienced what may have been its most productive decade ever. The Agency resumed human spaceflight after the 1986 Challenger accident, began constructing the International Space Station (ISS), launched two of NASAs four Great Observatories, and increasingly focused on characterizing Earth's environment. NASAs Earth science and applications missions focused on observing Earth and its atmosphere and environment to improve life on the planet. During this decade, No abstract availableNASA stressed Earth system sciencethe observation and analysis of the integrated systems of Earth that incorporated the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the planetand concentrated on global change. In collaboration with other federal agencies and international partners, the Agency carried out a wide variety of observation and research programs conducted both from spacecraft in orbit around Earth and from aircraft. The Agencys aeronautics, research and technology, and exploration activities built on a foundation established during the era of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), NASAs predecessor agency. Its aeronautics activities focused on meeting national goals in the subsonic, transatmospheric, and supersonic regions of flight. Space research and technology initiatives supported and provided technology related to the Space Shuttle, Americas launch systems and satellites, and the ISS. During the 10 years between 1979 and 1988, NASAs facilities remained essentially the same as in the previous decade. The major administrative change was the return of Dryden Flight Research Facility to independent center status.
NASA Historical Data Book. Volume VIII. NASA Earth Science and Space Applications, Aeronautics, Technology, and Exploration, Tracking and Data Acquisition/Space Operations, Facilities and Resources, 1989-1998
2012
728 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch