Synopsis
The report presents an overview of the activities and achievements of NASA’s Office of Technology Policy and Strategy (OTPS) in 2023. OTPS is dedicated to guiding NASA leadership through data-driven analyses and strategic insights, especially in technology policy and economics.
Key Functions and Contributions
- Role of OTPS: OTPS acts as a strategic navigator, providing decisional support to NASA on various fronts, integrating technology policy, economics, and multi-disciplinary insights.
- Supporting NASA’s Mission: OTPS’s contributions in 2023 were critical in areas like space sustainability, the Moon to Mars program, and technological advancements. The focus was on ensuring NASA’s readiness for future challenges and opportunities.
- Space Sustainability: A major emphasis was placed on addressing the growing risk of orbital debris. OTPS supported research and analysis to promote space sustainability and provided insights into cost-effective methods for debris cleanup.
- Moon to Mars Program: OTPS played a significant role in enabling NASA to achieve its objectives under increased global interest in lunar exploration. It focused on societal and ethical considerations of space exploration, providing support to NASA’s Cross-Directorate Federated Board.
- Technological Innovation: OTPS coordinated efforts in technological innovation, aligning with NASA’s mission to benefit humanity. It involved tackling disruptive technologies, AI, and ensuring a robust industrial base and supply chain for NASA.
- Economic Impact: OTPS evaluated NASA’s economic impact, tracking commercial space industry trends, and supported broader national economic strategies.
- Experiential Learning: It offered developmental opportunities to train the current and future NASA workforce in strategic and analytical thinking, involving various programs like Policy Fellowship and Solver-in-Residence.
Team and Leadership
The report highlights the team members and leadership of OTPS, including the contributions of outgoing team members and the gratitude expressed for their service.
Future Focus
Looking ahead to 2024, OTPS aims to continue addressing urgent issues like space sustainability, supporting NASA’s Moon to Mars program, tracking technology portfolio, and understanding the space economy’s impact.
Conclusion
OTPS’s efforts in 2023 were pivotal in shaping NASA’s policy agenda, coordinating technology innovation, and preparing the agency for future challenges. Its role as a trusted knowledge resource and advisor within and beyond NASA underscores its significance in driving forward space exploration and technology policy.
