[meteorite-list] NASA Seeks Concepts for Innovative Uses of Large Space Telescopes

[Ron Baalke]

Nov. 27, 2012

J.D. Harrington 
Headquarters, Washington                                    
202-358-5241 
j.d.harrington at nasa.gov 

Janet Anderson 
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 
256-544-6162 
janet.l.anderson at nasa.gov 

RELEASE: 12-403

NASA SEEKS CONCEPTS FOR INNOVATIVE USES OF LARGE SPACE TELESCOPES

WASHINGTON -- NASA is exploring options for innovative and imaginative 
uses of two large space telescopes recently transferred to the 
agency. In a request for information (RFI) published Monday, NASA 
seeks information about system concepts and architectures that would 
take advantage of these assets to address NASA's goals in 
astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary sciences, and human 
spaceflight. 

"Because there are two telescopes, there is room for projects that 
span the gamut of the imagination," said Michael Moore, a senior 
program executive at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "They range 
from simple balloon flights to complex missions in science using new 
technologies under development and the capabilities available with 
the International Space Station and our commercial space flight 
partners." 

The telescopes are equivalent to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope in 
aperture, but designed to have a much wider field of view. They 
already are being studied for possible use as a wide field infrared 
survey observatory, which would address the top priority 
recommendation in the National Research Council's 2010 Astrophysics 
Decadal Survey. NASA is seeking alternative goals and unique 
approaches in order to expand the range of concepts for use of this 
capable hardware. 

The RFI invites interested parties to provide an outline of their 
concept in enough detail for a next-step assessment by NASA as it 
prepares for future investments in diverse areas of science and 
technology. Respondents who submit the most interesting concepts will 
be invited to present their ideas at a workshop in Huntsville, Ala., 
in early February 2013. 

"We will give all ideas equal consideration and choose the most 
promising for further study," said Marc Allen, acting deputy 
associate administrator for research in NASA's Science Mission 
Directorate. "We want to tap into innovative ideas wherever we can 
find them in order to optimize use of these telescope assets." 

For more information about the RFI, NASA goals and objectives, details 
on the telescopes, and other supporting information, visit: 

http://science.nasa.gov/salso 

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