Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee Astrophysics Division and

Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee Astrophysics Division and Update May 11, 2006 Rick Howard Astrophysics Division Director (Acting) May 11, 2006 1

Astrophysics Division Operating Missions Status May 11, 2006 2

Astrophysics Division Developmental Missions Status May 11, 2006 3

Astrophysics Division Budget Problems and Issues Budget problems and issues that must be dealt with during this summer’s budget formulation – Additional funding in slip of HST SM 4 launch date beyond 12/07 – Level of near term contingency for JWST – Funds required for SOFIA to support final decision on path forward – Additional funds to cover expected GLAST replan – Potential cost growth in Kepler – Decision on future of WISE – Restoration (full or partial) of funds to R+A program – Adjustments to mix within Navigator program (TPF issue) – Direction within Balloon Program on future plan for ULDBs May 11, 2006 4

Astrophysics Division Budget Principles, Priorities & Constraints (1) General Principles – Follow priorities set by NRC surveys and reports – Support Administration goals and direction In Practice – Incremental budget “solutions” can lead to wrong global solution • Best approach is to solve all problems at one time each year (POP) – Slipping current missions not always the right answer • Only solves short term budget problems • Creates bow wave of funding requirements downstream • Increases total mission cost far more than inflation (marching army) • Cancellation may be more sensible option – Applying a “tax” across the board not a good approach • Spread the pain but weakens all programs • Once or twice may have minor impact; eventually has significant impact on all projects • Reserve this approach for directed reductions (rescissions, hurricane tax, etc. ) May 11, 2006 5

Astrophysics Division Budget Principles, Priorities & Constraints (2) Priorities – Continue healthy operating missions – Complete and launch missions in development – Provide for the future ( R&A, technology, balloons, concept studies) Constraints – Congressional direction/mandates – Solution must balance each of the 5 years in the budget horizon • Currently working on FY 08 -12 budget • Only guaranteed budget is the single year approved by Congress in the Operating Plan Considerations – Mission size/launch frequency – Wavelength – Mission Phase – Long term strategy May 11, 2006 6

Wavelength Mix May 11, 2006 7

Science Theme Mix May 11, 2006 8

Mission Size Mix May 11, 2006 9

The Astrophysics: Content of FY 07 Budget * Future Explorer Budget is in Heliophysics Division budget May 11, 2006 10

Astrophysics Division Budget Example Hypothetical Issue: Restore 15% R&A funding reduction Solution 1: Reduce Beyond Einstein Program funding – Hold budget to the FY 06 level for FY 07 -08 (~ $14 M per year) • Restores ~10% ($7 M) in FY 07 and FY 08 • Restores full 15% starting in FY 09 ($11 M per year) – Slips first Beyond Einstein mission Solution 2: Apply an across the board “tax” – Approximate 1% reduction to all programs • Some programs may be protected (e. g. HST SM 4) Solution 3: Restore as part of overall Astrophysics budget solution during FY 08 -12 POP – Allows more flexible solution space – Solution is part of Division’s overall strategy May 11, 2006 11