This book is based on the research results of the authors in the area of integration with related data existing in literature. The main aim of this book is to demonstrate the process of data collection and processing for management. This book describes suitability and how space technology advances could be used and oriented as an influential instrument in management. Within the framework of this book, the content has reflected general aspects of space technology applications. Remote sensing methods and GIS technology have been used as an instrument of data collection and processing depending on requirements of the task expected to be solved and implemented within the management process. This book presents space technology applications in different disciplines of engineering and the engineering management process.

In November 2013, the International Space Station (ISS or Station) completed 15 years of continuous operation in low Earth orbit, marking a significant achievement in the history of human spaceflight. Two months later, the Administration announced its intent to extend Station operations until 2024. Originally designed and tested for a 15-year life span, the ISS may now operate for 26 years. NASA continues to utilise the ISS as a research platform to study and mitigate a variety of human health risks that will facilitate long-term exploration missions. However, a major portion of the Station's future success as a research platform hinges on the ability of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) the group that manages non-NASA research on the portion of the ISS known as the ISS National Laboratory to attract sufficient interest and funding from private users and investors. This book examines the challenges facing NASA in extending ISS operations until 2024. Specifically, it assesses NASA's progress in certifying the Station's structure and hardware for a longer lifespan; cost and schedule estimates associated with the extension; and efforts to increase utilisation of the Station for exploration and other scientific research. Furthermore, this book examines the current level of Station research; CASIS's efforts to facilitate non-NASA research aboard the ISS; and transportation challenges that could hinder full research utilisation of the ISS.

Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the United States has lacked a domestic capability to transport crew and -- until recently -- cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS or Station). Consequently, NASA has been relying on the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) for crew transportation. In anticipation of the Shuttle's retirement, Congress and the President directed NASA to foster the commercial spaceflight industry as a means of developing domestic cargo and crew transportation capabilities to the Station. In November 2005, NASA created the Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Office and in 2011, activated a separate Commercial Crew Program Office to reflect the increased funding and priority for commercial crew. In June 2013, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report examining NASA's efforts to foster a commercial market for cargo resupply missions to the ISS. The report discusses NASA's funding over the past 7 years of SpaceX and Orbital to further development of spaceflight capabilities and, on a separate track, the Agency's contracts with the companies for a combined 20 cargo resupply missions to the ISS. As a complement to that report, this book examines NASA's efforts to pursue commercial crew capabilities.

The U.S. has spent almost $43 billion to develop, assemble, and operate the International Space Station (ISS) over the past two decades. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 required NASA to enter into a cooperative agreement with a not-for-profit entity to manage the ISS National Laboratory and in 2011 did so with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS). CASIS is charged with maximising use of the ISS for scientific research by executing several required activities. Recently, questions have arisen about the progress being made to implement the required activities and the impact it has had on ISS's return on the investment. This book assesses the extent to which CASIS has implemented the required management activities; and NASA and CASIS measure and assess CASIS's performance. Furthermore, this book assesses the extent to which NASA has ensured essential spare parts are available and ISS structures and hardware are sound for continued ISS utilisation through 2020.

The federal government collects, maintains, and uses geospatial information -- data linked to specific geographic locations -- to help support varied missions, including national security and natural resources conservation. To coordinate geospatial activities, in 1994 the President issued an executive order to develop a National Spatial Data Infrastructure -- a framework for coordination that includes standards, data themes, and a clearinghouse. This book describes the geospatial data that selected federal agencies and states use and how much is spent on geospatial data; assess progress in establishing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure; and determine whether selected federal agencies and states invest in duplicative geospatial data.