Here we present several thoughts on the actual implementation of technology and research during the strategy. We continue to address the opportunities provided by exploring space and we discuss accommodating the potential for breakthroughs, and the application of technology to actual projects that must be integrated only at the interface level.

Sending people into deep space subjects them not only to a hostile environment, but it also isolates them physically and psychologically from the rest of humanity. This isolation, however, does not necessarily mean a reduction in the flow of information, which might otherwise limit their ability to be creative. In fact, isolation can be beneficial as a protective layer of insulation from the rest of the world, allowing new ideas to be developed without outside distractions. It has been an essential element of several famous programs in the past, including the Manhattan project, the development of the personal computer, and Lockheed Martin's famed SkunkWorks . Considering the environmental change of going to space and the accompanying isolation as a benefit is itself a new perspective. Many people regard space and the lack of easy communication and interaction as a problem that will slow productive developments. It is a challenge for mission designers to consider how to organize our space exploration activities to maximize the opportunities for creative thinking in these distant environments. We suggest to the strategist that reversing our attitudes about the challenges of space and looking at them instead as opportunities, is a far better way to create an environment of discovery and for growth of scientific and technical knowledge and future economic opportunity.

Taking advantage of new ideas can be the hardest part of technology planning. Leaving room to adapt to the chance that some new capability may suddenly appear as an alternative is not an effective way to create efficient, low cost products. Instead, we advocate providing regular opportunities for new ideas to be flown or developed in space by creating an economy that depends on new ideas for its very survival. Just as on Earth, new research labs will implicitly need to innovate in order to survive. This is discussed further in section 3.4.3.

Because of the challenges of systems integration inherent in international, cooperative spaceflight, we further recommend that the disciplines of interface management and systems engineering be taught to engineers and scientists across all disciplines. It is necessary to create a generation of professionals that are able to easily create and work based on an interface-based design system. Although there is nothing revolutionary about using interfaces in design, in today's world it will not be possible to see beyond the interface in many instances. This will require all parties to have a great deal of trust in the process of systems integration. Although based only on the experiences of the design project team and anecdotal remarks by faculty and colleagues in industry, we find that generally there is not a common understanding of system level needs and processes by a wide range of industry and academia. Without this understanding, it is very difficult to develop the trust that will allow an environment conducive to breakthrough problem solving and international cooperation.

As a final comment in this section, we discuss the impact of technology on the environment. The development of science and technology in the twentieth century has had an amazing impact on the political, economic, military, diplomatic, and social issues of the world. However, there is also an impact on the natural world, including outer space. We must not forget that in determining how to apply new technology, that like Earth, the solar system is still part of our local neighborhood. Humankind should not treat outer space as a slave and has responsibilities to protect its environment.

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