D.19.2 - Space exploration and innovation

Space Exploration and Innovation includes all activities devoted to innovations directed at human and robotic space flight and the development and operation of space launch and transportation systems, and the general research and exploration of outer space.

While some space exploration and innovation is national security information, most sensitive information is developed under research and development programs that directly support another of the mission areas described in this Appendix and are not included here. The recommended provisional categorization of the research and development information type follows:

Security category

D.19.2 - Space exploration and innovation = {(confidentiality, Low), (integrity, Moderate), (availability, Low)}

Confidentiality Low

The confidentiality impact level is the effect of unauthorized disclosure of space exploration and innovation information on the ability of responsible agencies to conduct activities devoted to [1] innovations directed at human and robotic space flight and the development and operation of space launch and transportation systems, and [2] the general research and exploration of outer space. Many space exploration and innovation activities are conducted with public institutions of higher learning, and the findings resulting from those activities are intended for publication. Special Factors Affecting Confidentiality Impact Determination: The pre-publication disclosure or other unauthorized disclosure of information associated with competition for funding and recognition (e.g., grants, development contract, patent rights, and copyrights) can have a serious adverse effect on agency operations, agency assets, or individuals. In such cases, the confidentiality impact associated with space exploration and innovation is moderate. In some cases, the space exploration and innovation information is classified or otherwise qualifies as national security information. This information is outside the scope of this guideline. Recommended Confidentiality Impact Level: The provisional confidentiality impact level recommended for most space exploration and innovation information is low.

Integrity Moderate

The integrity impact level is based on the specific mission and the data supporting that mission, not on the time required to detect the modification or destruction of information. The consequences of unauthorized modification or destruction of most space exploration and innovation information can be seriously disruptive to the progress of research activities. The effects on future funding can be quite serious and can have a serious adverse effect on agency operations, agency assets, or individuals. Unauthorized modification or destruction of information affecting external communications (e.g., web pages, electronic mail) may adversely affect operations and/or public confidence in the agency, but the damage to the mission would usually be limited. Recommended Integrity Impact Level: The provisional integrity impact level recommended for space exploration and innovation information is moderate.

Availability Low

The availability impact level is based on the specific mission and the data supporting that mission, not on the time required to re-establish access to space exploration and innovation information. Most research and innovation processes are tolerant of delay. In most cases, disruption of access to research and innovation information will have only a limited adverse effect on government operations, agency assets, or individuals. Recommended Availability Impact Level: The provisional availability impact level recommended for space exploration and innovation information is low.