Rationale

The MOWG structure in what was NASA's Astrophysics Division served both NASA, and the community of astrophysicists well, in that it was a mechanism whereby external, specialized comment on a variety of issues could be obtained in a manner which was credible to both the agency and to the community. With the reorganization of the Office of Space Science (OSS), new strategic plans are being laid for space astronomy by NASA's advisory committees. In order to ensure an effective implementation of these plans within the Research Program Management division (Code SR), the discipline scientists feel the need for substantive external tactical and technical input and comment from representatives of the community.

At the same time, a system of wavelength-specific MOWGs does not adequately reflect the current management structure within the agency. In particular, external working groups must reflect a more interdisciplinary and science-theme oriented system, while preserving the technical expertise which is at the heart of the MOWG system.

Charter

The (Astrophysics Working Group) AWG is chartered to serve as a resource pool from which commentary might be drawn, via ad hoc panels, on the variety of specialized technical, scientific, operations, and outreach/education issues of concern to the Code SR discipline scientists. Such consultations may include new mission opportunities, one-time peer review panels, and the content of new cross-disciplinary NRAs/AOs. Because of the role of the AWG as a resource pool, the AWG is expected to be large. The full working group is not expected to meet frequently, however, whereas the smaller ad hoc panels may form and be disbanded as needs arise.

The AWG is also expected to report to the scientific community on the issues under consideration by NASA Headquarters, including the status of new missions, development of NRAs and AOs, and current priorities of the agency. Thus, the full AWG is expected to participate in briefings by senior OSS personnel on approximately an annual basis. The term of service will be three years.