It is essential that the ESE outcomes projected in the six science focus areas² be realistic and attainable within the resources and time specified, and that they be desirable and practical for partner agencies. The committee recommends that ESE carefully evaluate each projected outcome for practicality prior to including it in future versions of the draft document. In particular, ESE should evaluate the realizability of its "predictive capabilities enabled by an Earth system modeling capability in 2025." ESE should more clearly delineate the partnerships with other federal agencies that are needed to realize relevant national priorities. The committee is concerned that the ESE draft document, as submitted, does not clearly state the relevance of NASA's contributions to those of other agencies in light of broader national goals.

2. Does it effectively respond to the NASA Strategic Plan?

The ESE draft document responds effectively to the vision, mission, and goals articulated in the overall NASA Strategic Plan,³ but not to that plan's implementing strategies. The NASA Strategic Plan links the objectives of each NASA enterprise to NASA's overall goals. This logical structure is not evident in the ESE draft document. To demonstrate the alignment of the ESE program with the NASA Strategic Plan, the committee recommends that the ESE draft document be revised so that it (1) states explicitly the NASA goals to which ESE contributes and (2) explains how the programs of the ESE contribute to NASA's objectives and goals.

The committee notes ESE's contribution to the goals under NASA's mission "to inspire the next generation of explorers": ESE's record in training the next generation of researchers is strong and deserves credit. There are, however, no examples of any such accomplishments in the draft document's short section "Earth Science Education," which is also incomplete because it focuses primarily on outreach and K-12 education. The committee recommends that the ESE draft document describe a vision for a strong partnership between NASA and universities with regard to long-term education needs and the intellectual development of the next generation of Earth system scientists.

3. Does it describe an endeavor that stands as an important scientific program and makes needed contributions to broader national priorities?

The committee found the range of ESE activities outlined in the draft document to be both potentially exciting and critically necessary for achieving many national and international imperatives. However, the draft document does not make any attempt to persuade the reader that the objectives under ESE's six science focus areas can be achieved given existing and expected knowledge and resources. The draft document does not provide evidence that the applications goals of the specific science focus areas can be realized, nor does it set forth the criteria and processes by which the identified objectives were determined. It lacks descriptions of ESE's approach to setting priorities, assessing progress, and developing and incorporating technology.

Executive Summary (1-4)

Introduction (5-6)

Responses to the Five Questions (7-18)

Appendix A: Letter of Request (19-19)

Appendix B: Statement of Task (20-20)

Appendix C: Members of the Committee to Review the NASA Earth Science Enterprise Strategic Plan (21-21)

Appendix D: Members of the Space Studies Board (22-22)