Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society
124
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NASA Program Implementation
THE NASA HELIOPHYSICS CORE PROGRAM
The systems approach for the study of the coupled Sun-heliosphere-Earth system that is advocated in
this report requires flight opportunities that can provide observations of phenomena throughout the domain
as well as adequate support of research and analysis activities to ensure that the full potential of the data is
realized. With current projections showing at best level funding for solar and space physics over the coming decade, the survey committee was challenged to prescribe a program that would effectively “do more
with less.” Among the key considerations in this effort are the appropriate mix and repeat-cycle (cadence)
of small-, medium-, and large-class missions, and matching these efforts with a robust program of research
and analysis and theory and modeling activities that will exploit, complement, add value, and, in effect,
extend experimental observations. Further, in order to take advantage of future opportunities, there is an
evident need to develop a well-trained workforce
The survey committee’s recommended core program for heliophysics includes the following elements,
in descending order of priority:
1. Completion of the implementation of the NASA missions that are currently selected, with commitment to maintaining agreed-to costs and schedule commitments. These missions include RBSP (renamed
the Van Allen Probes), MMS, Solar Probe Plus, and Solar Orbiter, along with IRIS and other alreadyselected Explorers.
2. Implementation of the DRIVE initiative as an augmentation to the existing enabling research
program. The DRIVE components provide for operation and exploitation of the Heliophysics Systems
Observatory for effective research programs. The community must be equipped to take advantage of
new innovative platforms.
3. Execution of a robust Explorer program with an adequate launch rate, including Missions of
Opportunity. The cadence should be accelerated to accomplish the important science goals that do not
require larger missions and to provide access to space for all parts of the discipline.
Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society
124
6
NASA Program Implementation
THE NASA HELIOPHYSICS CORE PROGRAM
The systems approach for the study of the coupled Sun-heliosphere-Earth system that is advocated in
this report requires flight opportunities that can provide observations of phenomena throughout the domain
as well as adequate support of research and analysis activities to ensure that the full potential of the data is
realized. With current projections showing at best level funding for solar and space physics over the coming decade, the survey committee was challenged to prescribe a program that would effectively “do more
with less.” Among the key considerations in this effort are the appropriate mix and repeat-cycle (cadence)
of small-, medium-, and large-class missions, and matching these efforts with a robust program of research
and analysis and theory and modeling activities that will exploit, complement, add value, and, in effect,
extend experimental observations. Further, in order to take advantage of future opportunities, there is an
evident need to develop a well-trained workforce
The survey committee’s recommended core program for heliophysics includes the following elements,
in descending order of priority:
1. Completion of the implementation of the NASA missions that are currently selected, with commitment to maintaining agreed-to costs and schedule commitments. These missions include RBSP (renamed
the Van Allen Probes), MMS, Solar Probe Plus, and Solar Orbiter, along with IRIS and other alreadyselected Explorers.
2. Implementation of the DRIVE initiative as an augmentation to the existing enabling research
program. The DRIVE components provide for operation and exploitation of the Heliophysics Systems
Observatory for effective research programs. The community must be equipped to take advantage of
new innovative platforms.
3. Execution of a robust Explorer program with an adequate launch rate, including Missions of
Opportunity. The cadence should be accelerated to accomplish the important science goals that do not
require larger missions and to provide access to space for all parts of the discipline.