Methods of participation in sortie mode science

The Shuttle offers an exciting new way to perform space experimentation, the 'sortie mode.' This mode allows experiments to be performed in the payload bay with subsequent return of the hardware, including data in the form of film, tapes, or samples, to the investigators. In pursuit of the objective of providing easy and routine access to space, a number of methods of participation in the sortie mode are being made available by NASA. These methods provide varying degrees of NASA funding, data rights, and flexibility. At one extreme is the 'Small, Self-Contained Payload' where a 60-pound payload can be flown on the Shuttle for a cost of $3,000. Alternately, one can propose an experiment in response to an 'Announcement of Opportunity' (AO) and receive substantial funding support for development and conduct of a major Spacelab experiment. These methods and others are discussed.