National Aeronautics Research and Development

This executive order establishes a national policy to advance U.S. aeronautics research and development through 2020, directing the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to review federal aeronautics R&D funding, develop a national plan, and coordinate across government agencies and with private sector partners. The order emphasizes technological leadership, infrastructure maintenance, workforce development, and technology transition from research to applications.

Federal Register Open PDF 71 FR 77565

Impact dates

Dec 19, 2008
Biennial plan updates due for Presidential approval
Dec 20, 2007
National aeronautics R&D plan due for Presidential approval

Key directives

Director of OSTP to review federal aeronautics R&D funding and activities
Director to recommend actions to advance U.S. technological leadership in aeronautics
Director to develop and submit national aeronautics R&D plan within 1 year
Director to submit biennial plan updates thereafter
Director to monitor and report on plan implementation
Agencies to develop measures for improving R&D dissemination and technology transition
Director assigned functions under section 101(c) of NASA Authorization Act of 2005

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Policy declaration takes effect
Director assigned functions from NASA Authorization Act

Near term (90d)

Review of federal aeronautics R&D funding and activities begins

Long term

National aeronautics R&D plan due
Biennial plan updates begin
Policy guidance through 2020

Risks & tensions

Policy horizon extends to 2020 but lacks binding funding commitments—implementation subject to appropriations
Coordination requirement across NASA, DOD, DOT, and OMB may create jurisdictional friction
Technology transition from R&D to applications historically challenging in aerospace sector
Private sector primacy clause ('only undertake roles not more appropriately performed by private sector') may limit federal investment scope