[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 93 (Friday, May 15, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 22977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11412]


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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

[Notice 09-040]


Notice of Establishment of a NASA Advisory Committee, Pursuant to 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.

AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
    Explanation of Need: The Administrator of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration has determined that the establishment of a 
Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee is necessary and in 
the public interest in connection with duties imposed upon NASA by law. 
This determination follows consultation with the Committee Management 
Secretariat, General Services Administration.
    Name of Committee: Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans 
Committee.
    Purpose and Objective: The Committee shall conduct an independent 
review of ongoing U.S. human space flight plans and programs, as well 
as alternatives, to ensure that the nation is pursuing the best 
trajectory for the future of human space flight--one that is safe, 
innovative, affordable, and sustainable. The Committee should aim to 
identify and characterize a range of options that spans the reasonable 
possibilities for continuation of U.S. human space flight activities 
beyond retirement of the Space Shuttle. The identification and 
characterization of these options should address the following 
objectives: (a) Expediting a new U.S. capability to support utilization 
of the International Space Station (ISS); (b) supporting missions to 
the Moon and other destinations beyond low Earth orbit (LEO); (c) 
stimulating commercial space flight capability; and (d) fitting within 
the current budget profile for NASA exploration activities.
    In addition to the objectives described above, the review should 
examine the appropriate amount of R&D and complementary robotic 
activities needed to make human space flight activities most productive 
and affordable over the long term, as well as appropriate opportunities 
for international collaboration. It should also evaluate what 
capabilities would be enabled by each of the potential architectures 
considered. It should evaluate options for extending International 
Space Station operations beyond 2016. The Committee shall conduct 
meetings as appropriate at various locations throughout the United 
States. The Committee will provide advice only and will comply fully 
with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
    Lack of Duplication of Resources: The Committee's functions cannot 
be performed by the Agency, another existing committee, or other means 
such as a public meeting.
    Fairly Balanced Membership: The Committee will consist of 
independent experts from academia, industry, nonprofit organizations as 
well as private citizens. Total membership will reflect a fairly 
balanced view. In addition, subcommittees, task forces and/or work 
groups may be established by NASA to conduct studies and/or fact-
finding requiring an effort of limited duration. Such subcommittees, 
task forces and work groups will report their findings and 
recommendations directly to the Committee.
    Duration: The Committee will exist for 180 days, unless earlier 
renewed.
    Responsible NASA Official: Mr. Philip McAlister, Office of Program 
Analysis and Evaluation, NASA Headquarters, 300 E Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20546, (202) 358-0712.

    Dated: May 12, 2009.
P. Diane Rausch,
Advisory Committee Management Officer, National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration.
[FR Doc. E9-11412 Filed 5-14-09; 8:45 am]
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