XML based tools for assessing potential impact of advanced technology

A hierarchical XML database and related analysis tools are being developed by the New Millennium Program to provide guidance on the relative impact, to future NASA missions, of advanced technologies under consideration for developmental funding. An XML dictionary codifies a standardized taxonomy and, in effect, begins to define a set of ontological relationships for space missions, systems, subsystems, and technologies. The use of an XML dictionary and the associated XML database are central to the concept behind the analysis tools. The XML dictionary, and the taxonomies defined therein, may be submitted to NASA as a proposed guideline. The analysis tools are planned for use across a broad range of NASA projects and technology planning activities. In addition, if successful, the products developed under this task may also be submitted for use by the DOD. This work describes the motivation for the project, the technical approach, the reasoning behind the selection of XML based tools, the current state of the project, and future plans for this work.