Synopsis
The Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) was established in November 2021 to provide strategic advice and analysis to inform NASA’s leadership on key decisions about the agency’s future. OTPS was formed by merging the previous Offices of the Chief Technologist and Strategic Planning.
Led by Associate Administrator Bhavya Lal, OTPS has around 30 staff comprising permanent civil servants and detailees from other government agencies and research organizations. The team includes experts in technology assessments, cost-benefit analysis, space policy, emerging space markets, legal issues, and international partnerships.
OTPS adopted five guiding principles centered on delivering objective, evidence-based analysis to drive technology, policy and strategy decisions at NASA:
- Customer Focus: Respond to the needs of NASA leadership through focused projects with defined questions and deliverables.
- Focus on the Future: Analyze emerging issues across multiple time horizons to help shape NASA’s future in space exploration.
- Collaboration: Partner with NASA centers, industry, academia and government to inform perspectives.
- Transparency: Share final deliverables and analysis as widely as possible.
- Growth Mindset: Provide opportunities for team members to develop leadership skills and engage externally.
Key Projects and Accomplishments
In its first year, OTPS has initiated over 15 major studies and dozens more are in progress. OTPS also represented NASA at over 100 external events to establish partnerships and share knowledge.
Supporting NASA’s Moon to Mars Campaign
A key focus area for OTPS is supporting NASA’s campaign to return astronauts to the Moon by 2024 under the Artemis program, as a stepping stone for eventual human exploration of Mars.
OTPS has examined policy issues related to Artemis, coordinated with NASA’s architecture planning, and analyzed legal and operational considerations for sustaining long-term human presence on the lunar surface alongside international and commercial partners.
Promoting Space Sustainability
OTPS provides analysis and recommendations to NASA leadership on space sustainability topics like orbital debris and space traffic management. Accomplishments include:
- Assessing technologies and mission concepts for active debris remediation
- Performing a cost-benefit analysis of orbital debris mitigation approaches
- Funding external academic research on the economics and policies of space sustainability
- Advising NASA and White House efforts on orbital debris mitigation plans
Exploring the Future of Space Exploration
OTPS examines emerging trends across government, industry and academia to inform NASA’s strategic planning. A major project was convening expert roundtables to develop scenarios for the space sector in 2040 and beyond. This explores NASA’s role given factors like growth in commercial space activity.
Additional Key Focus Areas
- Facilitating microgravity research in low-Earth orbit as the International Space Station retires
- Evaluating the feasibility of concepts like space-based solar power
- Supporting NASA participation in White House initiatives around areas like artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and advanced manufacturing
- Providing analysis on geopolitical issues related to space security and exploration
Engaging External Partners
OTPS emphasizes broad collaboration in its work. Some key initiatives include:
- Hosting a seminar series featuring innovative thinkers from industry, academia and government
- Establishing a forum for informal information sharing on policy issues across NASA
- Creating internships, fellowships and mentoring programs for students and early career staff
- Partnering with external organizations like the OECD on research related to space sustainability
- Visiting all 10 NASA field centers to exchange perspectives and increase awareness of OTPS efforts
Summary
In its first year, OTPS has quickly established itself as an integral source of strategic advice for NASA’s leadership. The office has demonstrated the ability to deliver insightful, unbiased analysis exploring complex challenges and opportunities that will shape NASA’s future in space exploration. By transparently collaborating across NASA and externally, OTPS aims to continue elevating informed, evidence-based dialogue around technology, policy and strategy.
