The Terrestrial Planet Finder Science Working Group (TPF-SWG) is chartered to advise the NASA HQ Program Scientist and Program Manager, the TPF Project Manager and Project Scientist, and the TPF Project in general, on all aspects of the pre-Phase A study of the mission that are relevant to the scientific community.

The overall aims of the TPF-SWG include the following:

• To develop and to refine the science requirements for the first astronomical detection and characterization in space of Earth-like planets outside our Solar System. These requirements should reflect, and build upon, recommendations from previous studies, including the NAS Decadal (McKee/Taylor) Report, and the work of the TPF architecture studies commissioned by JPL.

• To comment upon the impact on the science program of critical and enhancing technologies for the Terrestrial Planet Finder. This will include confirmation that the architecture eventually adopted will achieve the program's science goals.

• To evaluate observing capabilities of TPF including ancillary science programs distinct from the primary planet-searching modes and in general represent the interests of the scientific community in the productive operation of the mission.

• To assist NASA in developing a long-term strategy for the systematic exploration of nearby planetary systems, including not only TPF, but also future missions, and opportunities for collaboration between other programs in the Office of Space Science and other institutions, agencies, and nations.

• To represent TPF, and the space-based exploration of extra-solar planets in general, in general, to the communities that the mission will serve, including scientific communities, space agencies, educators, the general public, and governmental bodies.

Within these general aims, specific chartered activities include:

• Development of detailed science requirements, in consultation with the JPL design teams, for each mission design capable of meeting TPF's scientific objectives, and embodied in a Design Reference Mission (DRM).

• Assist the Project in selecting a single architecture at the conclusion of the pre-Phase A study. This architecture must meet the highest-level statement of TPF science objectives, as well being technically feasible, with acceptable risk, and affordable within the OSS budget.

• Development of a "Science Roadmap" for TPF to guide NASA in developing the most suitable and cost-effective architecture for TPF, addressing:

  a) What science questions must be answered before a properly informed architecture selection can be made?

  b) What must be done to answer these questions?

  c) When is it reasonable and feasible to have answers for the architecture selection?

The Terrestrial Planet Finder Science Working Group (TPF-SWG) will be organized as follows:

• The TPF-SWG is chaired by the Project Scientist, who sets the overall scope of SWG activities, including the meeting schedule, coordination of studies supporting TPF development, and interactions with NASA headquarters.

• The TPF-SWG reports formally to the TPF Project at JPL and to the Program Scientist for TPF at NASA Headquarters.

• TPF-SWG members are selected to serve initially for either two years or four years. Members may be re-appointed for additional terms, at the discretion of the Program Scientist. Members whose terms expire will be replaced by selection by the Program Scientist in consultation with the Project.

• TPF-SWG members are expected to participate whenever possible in official TPF-SWG meetings, and to assist JPL with support when requested for formal reviews and the preparation of project plans as required by NASA.

• The TPF-SWG will conduct its activities during TPF Project pre-Phase A. At the discretion of NASA, the TPF-SWG may either continue into Phase A or be replaced by a new science advisory structure.