NASA’s Optimizing Science and Exploration Working Group (OSEWG)

Printer-friendly version

The general function of OSEWG is to serve as a communication tool between NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) to coordinate and guide science goals, objectives, scenarios, etc. as a part of ESMD architecture for human and robotic exploration of the Moon and other planetary bodies. OSEWG aims to optimize the productivity, resources, and results of exploration and science.
To achieve these objectives, OSEWG performs a number of tasks including 1) Identify and communicate the management and engineering resources required to achieve exploration science objectives, 2) Identify the processes by which clear communication of exploration science goals, needs, objectives, and results will occur, 3) Review feasibility of, disposition, and prioritize candidate science exploration requirements within the scope of exploration architecture and engineering constraints, 4) Express the metrics for assessing the quality of science operations and return, 5) Review and submit science exploration requirements for inclusion within NASA requirements documentation, 6) Engage in strategic planning to accomplish science objectives within NASA’s exploration framework, and 7) Help derive the tactical planning framework and the process for science implementation, including flight and analytical opportunities, as requirements mature and evolve.
OSEWG engages members from ESMD, SMD, Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD), the science community, and associated partners, to achieve NASA's science and exploration goals. Partners include, but are not limited to, SMD, ESMD, SOMD, NASA Advisory Council, Lunar Exploration Analysis Group, NASA Constellation Program Office, NASA Lunar Science Institute, international collaborators, and the NASA-wide OSEWG Support Task Group.