In 1980, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released a comprehensive five-year program plan detailing the agency’s goals, objectives and planned initiatives for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. The plan provided an integrated roadmap for NASA’s aeronautics and space research and development efforts, building upon the agency’s significant accomplishments in the 1960s and 1970s that included landing astronauts on the Moon, launching robotic spacecraft to the planets, and advancing aviation technology.
The 1981-1985 program plan articulated an ambitious vision for extending humanity’s reach in space and expanding knowledge about the Earth, solar system and universe. It outlined a balanced set of activities in space transportation, space science, space applications, and aeronautics to meet national needs and maintain U.S. leadership. The plan also emphasized the importance of a robust technology base and international cooperation in achieving NASA’s goals.
The plan was developed with input from all levels of NASA’s organization as well as external advisory groups. It represented NASA’s assessment of the work the agency was technologically ready to undertake in the national interest to ensure a logical progression toward the nation’s aeronautics and space goals. The plan was consistent with NASA’s responsibilities under the National Aeronautics and Space Act and aligned with the Civil Space Policy issued by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.
Space Transportation
A major focus of NASA’s 1981-1985 plan was the development of a fully reusable Space Transportation System, centered around the Space Shuttle, to provide routine access to low Earth orbit. The Space Shuttle, which was nearing its first orbital flight test in 1980, would dramatically reduce the cost of space transportation and open up new opportunities for scientific research, technology development, and commercial applications in space.
The plan called for completing development and production of the four-orbiter Space Shuttle fleet, as well as the Spacelab pressurized laboratory that would fly in the Shuttle payload bay, by 1985. It also included development of upper stages and other capabilities needed to deploy and service satellites in high orbits. Over the five-year period, the Shuttle was projected to fly an increasing number of missions, building up to 30 flights per year carrying NASA, Department of Defense, commercial, and international payloads.
Looking beyond the initial Shuttle capability, the plan outlined NASA’s long-term vision for an expanded, permanent human presence in space. Evolutionary steps would include a Power Extension Package to increase the Shuttle’s power and duration, a free-flying Science and Applications Platform, a Materials Experiment Carrier for space manufacturing research, and initial “core” modules for a permanently occupied Space Operations Center in low Earth orbit. Studies would also begin on an advanced Orbital Transfer Vehicle to efficiently move cargo between the Shuttle and high orbits.
To support the Space Shuttle program, NASA planned to complete modification of launch and landing facilities at Kennedy Space Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base. This included construction of Orbiter Processing Facilities, a Shuttle Landing Facility, a Rotation Processing and Surge Facility, and a Shuttle Payload Integration Facility. Investments would also be made in ground systems for Shuttle command and control, communications, and flight operations.
In parallel with Shuttle development, the plan included initiatives to study next-generation space transportation systems. NASA would conduct concept definition and key technology work on fully reusable, advanced vehicles to deliver payloads to orbit at costs substantially lower than the Shuttle. Options to be examined included single-stage-to-orbit rockets, air-breathing hypersonic vehicles, and hybrid systems. The goal was to identify promising concepts and mature the critical technologies to enable an informed decision on developing an operational system in the 1990s.
Space Science
NASA’s space science program would take advantage of the Space Shuttle and other advanced capabilities to make dramatic progress in understanding the origin and evolution of the universe, the fundamental laws of physics, and the formation and evolution of the solar system. The plan included a diverse set of astronomy, planetary, and solar-terrestrial missions to address key scientific questions.
In astrophysics, the flagship mission was the Space Telescope, a 2.4-meter optical observatory that would be launched by the Shuttle in 1984. Operating above the Earth’s atmosphere, the Space Telescope would provide an unprecedented clear view of the universe. Other major missions planned included the Gamma Ray Observatory to study high-energy processes, the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility for detailed imaging and spectroscopy of X-ray sources, and Gravity Probe-B to test predictions of Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
The Space Telescope represented a major international collaboration, with the European Space Agency providing the Faint Object Camera and solar arrays. NASA would be responsible for the overall management of the program and development of the spacecraft, optical telescope assembly, and scientific instruments. The Space Telescope Science Institute would conduct science operations and manage the research program.
The planetary program would follow up on the spectacular Voyager encounters with Jupiter and Saturn with the Galileo orbiter and probe mission to make a comprehensive study of the Jovian system. New missions would include the Venus Orbiting Imaging Radar to map the planet’s cloud-shrouded surface, a flyby of Halley’s Comet, and a rendezvous with a short-period comet. Scientific exploration of the inner solar system would continue with a Mars Geoscience/Climatology Orbiter.
In solar-terrestrial physics, a cooperative NASA-European International Solar Polar Mission would provide the first view of the Sun’s polar regions. The Origins of Plasmas in the Earth’s Neighborhood program would use four spacecraft to investigate the flow of energy and plasma from the Sun through the Earth’s magnetosphere. A Solar Probe would make direct measurements of the solar corona. Instruments on Spacelab and Explorer satellites would complement these major missions.
To enable this ambitious science program, NASA would continue a robust Supporting Research and Technology effort to advance instrument and spacecraft capabilities. Key areas of emphasis included detector and sensor technology, cryogenic systems, data processing and storage, and autonomous operations. The agency would also invest in suborbital programs using balloons, sounding rockets, and airplanes as low-cost platforms for science investigations and technology testing.
Space and Terrestrial Applications
NASA’s space applications program would continue to demonstrate the practical benefits of space technology in areas such as Earth resources monitoring, environmental monitoring, materials processing, and satellite communications. The plan included initiatives to establish a national land remote sensing capability and develop advanced technologies for future Earth observation missions.
The Landsat-D and Landsat-D’ missions would provide continuity of global land remote sensing data in the 1980s for applications such as crop forecasting, water resources management, and mineral exploration. NASA would work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to transition the Landsat system to an operational program. Research would also continue on advanced sensors such as the Multispectral Linear Array and Synthetic Aperture Radar.
New starts in environmental monitoring included an Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite to study the stratosphere and mesosphere, an Earth Radiation Budget Experiment to measure the planet’s energy balance, and an Ocean Topography Experiment to map global ocean circulation. A National Oceanic Satellite System would demonstrate the capability for global monitoring of the oceans, while a Halogen Occultation Experiment would measure atmospheric ozone depletion.
In materials science, the plan included a series of Spacelab missions dedicated to research on materials processing in the microgravity environment, leading to a Materials Experiment Carrier facility. The unique conditions of space offered opportunities to produce high-value products such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and alloys with enhanced properties. NASA would work closely with industry and academia to identify promising applications and transfer the technology for commercial use.
Applications technology development would continue in areas such as space-based materials processing, electronic mail, and search and rescue. NASA would conduct market analyses and economic studies to prioritize investments and facilitate private sector involvement. The agency would also promote international cooperation in space applications, building on the success of joint projects with Canada, Europe, and Japan.
To support the applications program, NASA would enhance its space tracking and data systems capabilities. This included completion of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System to provide continuous communication with low Earth orbit spacecraft. Upgrades would be made to the Deep Space Network to handle the increasing data rates and volumes from planetary missions. NASA would also invest in advanced data processing, distribution, and archiving systems to maximize the scientific and practical value of space-derived information.
Aeronautics
NASA’s aeronautics program would focus on improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of aircraft while reducing their energy consumption and environmental impact. Key thrusts included fuel-efficient turbofan and advanced turboprop engines, composite primary structures, active controls, and advanced aerodynamics for transports; quiet propulsive-lift technology for short-takeoff and vertical landing; and supersonic cruise research aimed at an economical, environmentally acceptable supersonic transport.
The Aircraft Energy Efficiency program would continue to develop technologies for both current and future generation transports. Ongoing efforts included advanced turboprops, energy-efficient engines, composite primary structures, laminar flow control, and advanced aerodynamics and active controls. The program aimed to reduce transport fuel consumption by 50 percent compared to 1980 aircraft.
NASA would work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and the aviation industry to conduct flight demonstrations of promising technologies. This included a Laminar Flow Control leading edge glove experiment on a Boeing 757 and an Advanced Turboprop flight test on a modified Gulfstream II. Results from these tests would help validate performance predictions and retire risk for commercial applications.
In rotorcraft, NASA planned a major new initiative in Advanced Rotorcraft Technology. Building on the success of the XV-15 Tilt Rotor Research Aircraft, the program would develop and flight test technology for high-speed, high-performance rotorcraft with cruise speeds up to 450 knots. Key areas of emphasis included efficient rotor designs, lightweight structures, low-noise propulsion, and advanced flight controls. The program would include participation from the Army, Navy, and industry.
For high-performance aircraft, NASA would continue the Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology program to flight demonstrate advanced fighter technologies. The HiMAT remotely piloted research vehicles would complete their test program in 1981, validating concepts such as close-coupled canards, winglets, relaxed static stability, and composite structures. Results would be used to guide future military aircraft designs.
The plan also included a focused technology program for supersonic cruise aircraft, aimed at establishing the feasibility of an economical, environmentally acceptable supersonic transport. Key areas of research included variable-cycle engines, supersonic laminar flow control, high-temperature structures, and sonic boom minimization. NASA would work with industry to identify promising concepts and develop a technology roadmap for a potential national program.
To support these focused programs, NASA would maintain a strong fundamental research and technology base in aerodynamics, materials and structures, propulsion, and avionics. The agency would invest in world-class ground test facilities such as the National Transonic Facility wind tunnel. Computational fluid dynamics would be increasingly used to complement wind tunnel testing, with NASA developing advanced algorithms and computer architectures. University grants and industry partnerships would help sustain a pipeline of innovation and skilled talent for the nation’s aeronautics enterprise.
Space Technology
Underpinning NASA’s aeronautics and space programs was an ongoing investment in the fundamental space technology base, including disciplinary research, information systems, spacecraft systems, and transportation systems. The goal was to provide a reservoir of advanced concepts and technologies to enable future missions and reduce technical and cost risks.
Key areas of emphasis included autonomous systems, space power and propulsion, large space structures, advanced materials, and orbital debris management. Specific initiatives planned were development of a 25-kilowatt Power System for the Shuttle and free-flying platforms, advanced ion propulsion and orbital transfer vehicle technology, and initial flight experiments in large space structures assembly and construction.
NASA would continue to push the state of the art in space-based computing, communications, and data management. The agency would develop high-capacity, radiation-hardened memory devices, fiber optic data buses, and advanced software tools for mission planning and control. Investments would be made in laser communications technology to increase data rates and reduce power requirements for deep space missions.
In spacecraft systems, NASA would pursue modular, reconfigurable designs to reduce costs and increase flexibility. Standard interfaces and protocols would be developed to facilitate integration of payloads and subsystems. Emphasis would be placed on fault-tolerant, self-repairing systems to enable long-duration missions with minimal human intervention. Advanced thermal management, attitude control, and propulsion technologies would be matured for both Earth-orbiting and interplanetary spacecraft.
For space transportation, the focus would be on technologies to reduce the cost and increase the reliability of access to space. This included reusable cryogenic engines, lightweight tanks and structures, advanced thermal protection systems, and automated launch processing. NASA would work with the Air Force on technologies for a new upper stage to replace the Inertial Upper Stage. Studies would also be conducted on air-breathing propulsion for hypersonic vehicles and single-stage-to-orbit concepts.
To facilitate technology transfer and commercialization, NASA would expand its partnerships with industry, universities, and other government agencies. The agency would establish technology utilization offices at each field center to promote awareness of NASA-developed technologies and provide technical assistance to potential users. Cooperative agreements and licensing arrangements would be used to accelerate the adoption of NASA innovations in fields such as electronics, materials, and biomedical devices.
Space Tracking and Data Systems
NASA would continue to operate and enhance the worldwide ground and space network needed to track, command, and acquire data from its orbital missions. The plan included completion of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System to provide continuous communication with low Earth orbit spacecraft, as well as upgrades to the Deep Space Network for planetary missions.
Key objectives were to increase the quantity, quality, and efficiency of data acquisition and processing while reducing costs. Technology development would focus on areas such as navigation, spacecraft-to-ground communications, network control, and data handling. Preparations would also begin for the significant demands expected to be placed on the tracking and data acquisition network by the high volume of Shuttle flights planned.
NASA would continue its international cooperation in space tracking and data relay services. Agreements were in place with Australia, Spain, and several African nations for hosting ground stations. The agency would also explore the potential for commercial provision of tracking and data services, particularly for low Earth orbit missions.
To improve the accessibility and usability of space-derived data, NASA would invest in data archiving, distribution, and analysis systems. The National Space Science Data Center would be expanded to handle the increasing volume and diversity of data from NASA’s science missions. Online catalogs, browse tools, and data analysis workstations would be developed to support researcher needs. NASA would also work with other agencies and international partners to develop common data formats and standards.
Summary
NASA’s 1981-1985 program plan represented a comprehensive and ambitious vision for advancing aeronautics and space technology to meet national needs and maintain U.S. leadership. It built on the agency’s prior successes and the anticipated new capabilities of the Space Shuttle to propose a bold agenda of exploration, scientific research, and practical applications.
While budget realities and the Challenger accident in 1986 forced NASA to modify many of the plan’s specifics, the overall goals and direction it set forth continued to guide the U.S. civil space program for years to come. The Space Shuttle, Spacelab, robotic solar system explorers, Great Observatories for astronomy, Earth remote sensing missions, and advanced aeronautical technology envisioned in the plan became realities that delivered new knowledge, capabilities, and benefits for the nation and the world.
The plan exemplified NASA’s crucial role in pushing the boundaries of science and technology for the benefit of humanity. It demonstrated the value of setting ambitious long-term goals while retaining the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. By aiming high and enabling the future, NASA’s 1981-1985 program plan helped write a stellar chapter in the history of exploration and discovery.
Though not every aspiration became reality exactly as conceived, the plan’s central vision proved prescient and powerful. It guided NASA through a pivotal decade and positioned the agency to continue its world-leading role in aeronautics and space into the 21st century. The scientific, technological, and exploratory quests it set in motion yielded remarkable achievements and laid the foundation for the challenging journeys and breathtaking discoveries yet to come.
