The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP), a committee that advises NASA and Congress on safety matters, released its 2024 annual report. The report reviews NASA’s safety performance, accomplishments, and challenges during the past year. It highlights important areas such as NASA’s strategic vision, governance, Moon to Mars program, and human health risks in space exploration.
Key Findings of the 2024 ASAP Report
The 2024 report praises NASA for making meaningful progress in addressing safety and risk management based on previous panel recommendations. Retired Lt. Gen. Susan J. Helms, chair of ASAP, emphasized the importance of NASA’s focus on vision, strategy, governance, and program management to ensure mission safety.
The panel continues to focus on NASA’s approach to risk management and safety culture, especially in the context of growing space commercialization. The report highlights NASA’s efforts to prepare for new challenges by evolving its safety roles and partnerships with private companies and international collaborators.
Progress on Strategic Initiatives
ASAP notes progress in NASA’s strategic vision and governance, pointing out the NASA 2040 initiative, which aims to align the agency’s goals across its headquarters and centers. The creation of the Moon to Mars Program Office in 2023 is recognized for placing safety and risk management at the heart of the Artemis program.
The report calls attention to NASA’s ongoing safety assessments for Moon to Mars missions, the International Space Station (ISS) operations, and the upcoming shift toward commercial low Earth orbit destinations. It also covers human health and medical risks astronauts face during space missions.
Challenges and Recommendations
The report discusses challenges NASA faces, such as budget uncertainties that impact safety programs. It outlines concrete steps NASA should take to meet previous recommendations and improve its safety culture. ASAP urges NASA to continue enhancing its evaluation of technical risks and strengthen collaboration with commercial and international partners.
About the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
Established by Congress in 1968 after the tragic Apollo 1 fire, ASAP provides independent advice and recommendations to NASA on safety issues. The panel’s annual report is based on detailed fact-finding, quarterly public meetings, direct observation of NASA operations, and discussions with NASA personnel.
The 2024 ASAP report shows NASA is making steady progress in safety management while facing new challenges due to increasing space commercialization and complex missions. The panel’s ongoing recommendations will help NASA maintain a strong safety culture as it advances exploration goals, including Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
