Natl. Academies Committee on Human Spaceflight

In addition to the many sources of focused input to this study, the Committee on Human Spaceflight recognizes the importance of reaching out to the communities interested in human exploration. This request for input papers is open to any and all interested individuals and groups wishing to submit their own ideas on the role of human spaceflight and their vision for a suggested future. In developing their papers, respondents are asked to carefully consider the following broad questions.

What are the important benefits provided to the United States and other countries by human spaceflight endeavors?
What are the greatest challenges to sustaining a U.S. government program in human spaceflight?
What are the ramifications and what would the nation and world lose if the United States terminated NASA's human spaceflight program?

The committee is seeking input papers of no more than 4 pages in length, not counting any figures, tables or references. (Due to the expected volume of input, the committee is unable to guarantee that papers of greater length will be considered.) In discussing the above questions, please describe the reasoning that supports your arguments and, to the extent possible, include or cite any evidence that supports your views. In considering #1 above, submitters may consider private as well as government space programs.

Because participants will be self-selected, these input papers will not be used to judge the prevalence of attitudes or opinions within various communities. However, they will help ensure that the committee hears about important issues from interested parties. All submitted papers will be reviewed by members of the Committee on Human Spaceflight and will also be available for public viewing via links to the committee webpage. All input papers will be considered non-proprietary for distribution with attribution.

Submissions to the study committee can only be made by following the instructions here.

White papers should be submitted no later than July 9, 2013. Papers submitted after this date may not receive full consideration by the committee.