In July 2024, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) published the inaugural Civil Space Shortfall Ranking, a comprehensive document identifying and prioritizing nearly 200 critical technology areas that require further development to support future space exploration, science missions, and other stakeholder needs. The ranking integrates input from a wide range of stakeholders across the aerospace community, marking a significant step towards aligning technology development efforts and investments.
Background and Methodology
Earlier in April 2024, NASA released an overview of 187 technology shortfalls, seeking feedback from the aerospace community to rate their importance. The goal was to identify the most pressing technical challenges and guide NASA’s technology development strategies and investments. The shortfalls span 20 capability categories, including Advanced Habitat Systems, Autonomous Systems and Robotics, and Thermal Management Systems.
NASA received 1,231 responses, with 769 internal inputs from NASA directorates and centers and 462 external inputs from industry organizations, government agencies, academia, and individual experts. The responses were sorted into nine stakeholder groups and scored on a scale from 0 to 9. The average scores were used to rank the shortfalls.
Top-Ranked Technology Shortfalls
The integrated ranking highlights the most critical technology shortfalls based on the collective input. Here are the top five:
- Survive and Operate Through the Lunar Night (Thermal Management Systems)
This shortfall emphasizes the need for technologies that enable lunar missions to withstand the extreme cold of the lunar night. - High Power Energy Generation on Moon and Mars Surfaces (Power)
Developing robust power generation systems for lunar and Martian surfaces is crucial for sustained exploration and operations. - High-Performance Onboard Computing for Complex Operations (Avionics)
Advanced computing capabilities are necessary to support increasingly complex space missions. - Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) for In-Orbit and Surface Applications (Communication and Navigation)
Reliable PNT systems are essential for navigation and communication in space. - Robotic Actuation and System Architectures for Long-Duration and Extreme Environment Operation (Autonomous Systems and Robotics)
Enhancing robotic systems to operate in harsh environments for extended periods is vital for future missions.
Stakeholder Insights
The ranking report reflects the diverse perspectives of various stakeholders:
NASA Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD)
Prioritized technologies that align with the Artemis program and other exploration goals.
NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD)
Focused on technologies that enable future science missions and address decadal survey priorities.
Large Industry
Emphasized technologies with potential for commercialization and growth of the space economy.
Small Business
Prioritized technologies that foster innovation and provide opportunities for small businesses.
Academia
Highlighted early-stage, transformative technologies with broad applications.
NASA’s Key Findings and Future Plans
The release of the 2024 Civil Space Shortfall Ranking document plans to align space technology development efforts across stakeholders. Jim Free, NASA Associate Administrator, emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach:
“Identifying consensus among challenges across the aerospace industry will help us find solutions, together. This is the groundwork for strengthening the nation’s technological capabilities to pave the way for new discoveries, economic opportunities, and scientific breakthroughs that benefit humanity.”
Key findings from the ranking process include:
Strong Consensus
There was significant agreement among stakeholders on the top 30 most important shortfalls.
Strategic Investments
The interdependence of many shortfalls underscores the need for strategic investments across multiple areas to maintain U.S. leadership in space technology.
Portfolio Evaluation
STMD is assessing its current technology development efforts against the integrated list to identify potential adjustments.
Collaborative Approach
The ranking process demonstrates NASA’s commitment to working across directorates and with external partners to address future architecture needs.
Annual Updates
NASA plans to refine the process and results annually, ensuring the approach remains relevant and useful for guiding space technology endeavors.
Implications for the Space Industry
The 2024 Civil Space Shortfall Ranking has far-reaching implications for the space industry:
Guiding Investments
The prioritized list serves as a roadmap for NASA, industry, and academia to focus their research and development efforts on the most critical technology areas.
Fostering Collaboration
The ranking process encourages collaboration among stakeholders, promoting knowledge sharing and leveraging expertise across the aerospace community.
Driving Innovation
By identifying key technology challenges, the ranking spurs innovation and encourages the development of novel solutions.
Expanding Commercial Opportunities
The emphasis on technologies with commercial potential opens up new markets and business opportunities for the private sector.
Workforce Development
The ranking highlights the need for a skilled workforce in cutting-edge technology areas, driving educational and training initiatives.
Summary
NASA’s 2024 Civil Space Technology Shortfall Ranking represents a significant milestone in aligning the space technology development efforts of NASA, industry, academia, and other stakeholders. By identifying and prioritizing the most critical technology challenges, the ranking provides a clear direction for investments, research, and collaboration.
As NASA continues to refine the process and update the ranking annually, it will foster a dynamic and responsive approach to space technology development. This collaborative effort will not only support NASA’s ambitious exploration goals but also drive innovation, expand commercial opportunities, and maintain U.S. leadership in space.
The 2024 Civil Space Shortfall Ranking is a testament to NASA’s commitment to working with the broader aerospace community to tackle the toughest challenges and push the boundaries of space exploration. As we look to the future, this initiative will undoubtedly shape the course of space technology development and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements that benefit all of humanity.
