This is the current NASA policy and as such should be a starting point for understanding the goals, priorities, and structure of the agency.

The Vision for Space Exploration can be found online HERE

2010 December: Technology Frontiers: Breakthrough Capabilities for Space Exploration

• From an email I received on 24 January 2011: "The final report of the Breakthrough Capability activity is complete. A copy of this report titled “Technology Frontiers: Breakthrough Capabilities for Space Exploration” is sent to you because you participated in the workshops and/or interview. The sponsor of this activity John Olson and Doug Craig of the Exploration Space Mission Directorate’s, Directorate Integration Office at NASA Headquarters, and the Technology Assessment and Integration Team at NASA LaRC appreciate all your efforts involving this activity. Your participation at the workshops and expert review of the draft report have made this report an excellent body of work and great resource for identification of breakthrough capabilities and future technology concepts that would have a paradigm-shifting effect on space exploration. This report has been sent to various space exploration planning organizations at NASA HQ and will be used to identify breakthrough capabilities and disruptive technology concepts for human and robotic exploration of space. Regards, Julie Williams-Byrd, Technology Assessment and Integration Team Lead, LaRC"