50 Years in Space Science. Issue 1 (5th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kennel, Charles F.
• Is Part Of: Perspectives of Earth and Space Scientists. Volume 3:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-08-05
• Subjects: Space Science Board -- Space Studies Board -- NASA Advisory Council -- Presidential Commission on Human Space Flight -- Voyager Missions -- Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes -- Space Shuttle -- International Space Station; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Space sciences -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1029/2022CN000168
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2637-6989

Abstract

Abstract: These are my personal recollections of my 50‐year involvement in planning NASA space projects, including the Voyager Missions, The Hubble Space Telescope, the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle, the Falcon Space X launcher, and the James Webb Space Telescope. Plain Language Summary: I published research in four branches of space science, solar system physics, planetary science, astrophysics, and earth science. This is one reason why I ended up on so many panels for the space program, ultimately chairing the NASA Advisory Council and the National Academies' Space Studies Board as well serving on President Obama's Commission on Human Space Flight Plans, the so‐called "Augustine Commission." Do not imagine for one moment that what follows is a complete or objective account of these occasions. This is more like an after‐dinner conversation than a scholarly disquisition. Key Points: No one scientist knows enough to design a spacecraft payload, but committees are sometimes smart enough to do it Serving on committees gives your ideas a chance to be heard. Serving on a NASA committee gives wild‐eyed ideas a chance to fly in space Do you want to be kept up to date on what other disciplines are doing? A NASA committee is a good place to start You may already know what your colleagues have done, but. If you want to know what they want to do next, serve on a planning committee Where else will you learn about the politics of science, except from the experiences of fellow scientists on committees