A New Approach to Program Implementation

The Solar Connections program will follow an efficient and cost-effective development path, according to the following principles:

Highest-priority, focused science objectives that relate directly to understanding the connections between and among the different regions of the solar-terrestrial environment.
Short development period - averaging some 36 months - with combined design and development phases under a single team.
Small, integrated mission teams generally consisting of university researchers, industrial firms with flight hardware experience, and NASA, with one lead investigator.
Innovative practices such as vertically integrated development, integration, launch services and operations, and fees based on performance in orbit.
Cost-controlled missions, with specified design-to-cost caps and agreed-upon descope plans if cost growth occurs.
Instruments built to cost with design beginning prior to spacecraft design.
"Skunk works" project atmosphere that minimizes oversight, review, and documentation.
Realistic trade-offs among cost, performance requirements, and risk.
An intelligent mix of proven and new technology.
Strong commitment to education and developing increased public awareness of space science.

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Solar Connections: A Science Initiative for NASA Space Physics