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E
NASA’s Responses to the 2007 Decadal
Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update
This appendix lists each of the recommendations in the 2007 Earth science and applications from
space decadal survey (National Research Council, Earth Science and Applications from Space: National
Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond, The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C., 2007)
and NASA’s response to the report provided to the Space Studies Board in 2009, with updates from NASA
given to the Committee on the Assessment of NASA’s Earth Science Program at its first meeting on April
28, 2011. The text in Table E.1 is taken verbatim from the three documents. Page numbers following each
statement refer to the location of the statement in the document from which it came.
83
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84 EARTH SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS FROM SPACE
TABLE E.1 Recommendations from the 2007 Decadal Survey and NASA Responses in 2009 and 2011
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
Recommendation: The U.S. The committee predicated its schedules The decadal survey predicated its schedules
government, working in concert and program on a NASA ESD budget and program on a NASA ESD budget that
with the private sector, academe, the that reached the level of $2B/year reached the level of $2 billion/year [FY2006
public, and its international partners, (approximately equal to the FY2000 level) $] in FY2010 (approximately equal to the
should renew its investment in in 2010. The Obama administration’s FY2000 level).
Earth-observing systems and restore FY2010 budget for NASA ESD is
its leadership in Earth science and $1.405B exclusive of carry-over funds ESD has focused resources on the
applications. (p. 2) from the 2009 American Recovery and development and rapid launch of
Reinvestment Act), increasing steadily by Foundational Missions (pre-decadal survey:
about $50M/year thereafter. (p. 2) OSTM, OCO, Glory, NPP, LDCM, GPM and
added decadal survey-recommended
actions, including serving in international
leadership/coordination roles. (p. 3)
Between 2006 and the end of the decade, While it is true that 14 of the 15 At present (April 2011)—of the 13 operating
the number of operating missions will operating NASA research missions are or missions at the time of the decadal survey:
decrease dramatically, and the number soon (within a year) will be beyond their — 12 missions continue to operate
of operating sensors and instruments design lives—and in some cases (e.g., substantially as designed
on NASA spacecraft, most of which QuikSCAT) have been operating for more — ICESAT-1 was terminated owing to laser
are well past their nominal lifetimes, than 3 times their design lives, the 2009 failure (beyond design life)
will decrease by some 40 percent (see Senior Review assessed the technical — uikSCAT operates, but not in wind mode
Q
Figures ES.1 and ES.2). . . . Among the status of each mission and noted that (antenna; beyond design life)
many measurements expected to cease only ICESAT-1 was expected to become — Cloudsat is experiencing significant
over the next few years, the committee scientifically useless prior to 2012. The battery issues (beyond design life)
has identified several that are providing decadal survey committee observation — GRACE is experiencing battery issues
critical information now and that need to is valid, however, in that many of these (beyond design life)
be sustained into the next decade—both satellites in extended mission have — Landsat-7 quality degraded (beyond
to continue important time series and suffered partial failures in redundant design life)
to provide the foundation necessary for systems, and are thus down to single- — 2011 Sr. Review is ongoing and will report
the recommended future observations. string operations. (p. 2) out in June, 2011
These include measurements of total — OSTM/Jason-2 successfully launched and
solar irradiance and Earth radiation and operating
vector sea-surface winds; limb sounding — OCO, Glory launch vehicle failures (p. 5)
of ozone profiles; and temperature
and water vapor soundings from
geostationary and polar orbits. (p. 3)
Recommendation: NOAA should restore
several key climate, environmental,
and weather observation capabilities
to its planned NPOESS and GOES-R
missions, namely:
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APPENDIX E 85
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
• Measurements of ocean vector NOAA, with NASA reimbursable support NOAA, with NASA reimbursable support
winds and all-weather sea-surface (and starting in FY2010, NASA co- has engaged in detailed design studies
temperatures descoped from the funding) has engaged in detailed design and international negotiations with JAXA
NPOESS C1 launch should be restored studies and international negotiations to provide a vector wind measurement
to provide continuity until the with JAXA to provide a vector wind capability (dual-frequency scatterometer)
CMIS replacement is operational on measurement capability (dual-frequency to fly on the JAXA GCOM-W2 mission,
NPOESS C2 and higher-quality active scatterometer) to fly on the JAXA scheduled to launch NET 2015.
scatterometer measurements (from GCOM-W2 mission, scheduled to launch
XOVWM, described in Table ES.1) Net 2015. NOAA, with communication In January 2011, NOAA informed NASA
can be undertaken later in the next with NASA, is working with JAXA to that it would not be able to support
decade. (p. 5) negotiate near-real-time provision continued studies or future implementation
by JAXA of microwave radiometer of a scatterometer, but that NOAA would
measurements from the AMSR-Follow-On welcome NASA provision of NRT data from a
instruments on GCOM-W1 (11/2011 to research-based instrument. NASA discussions
3/2012 LRD) and GCOM-W2, to continue are ongoing with OSTP and OMB.
the availability to the United States of
all-weather SST measurements such as NASA and NOAA collaborate in joint
those initiated by the AMSR-E instrument discussions with ISRO for access to, and
on Aqua. The same negotiations cover refinements of, Oceansat-2 scatterometer
near-real-time access to the vector and ocean color data. (p. 38)
wind measurements from a NOAA-
supplied Dual-Frequency Scatterometer
instrument for GCOM-W2. (p. 3)
• The limb sounding capability of the NOAA and NASA co-funded the NOAA and NASA co-funded the restoration
Ozone Monitoring and Profiling Suite restoration of limb-sounding capability of limb-sounding capability to the OMPS
(OMPS) on NPOESS should be restored. to the OMPS instrument package on instrument package on NPP, and this has
(p. 5) NPP, and this has been completed. been completed. Ozone profiling through
Ozone profiling through limb-sounding limb-sounding capability for JPSS remains an
capability for NPOESS remains an open open issue for NOAA. (p. 39)
issue for NOAA. (p. 3)
The committee also recommends that
NOAA:
• Ensure the continuity of
measurements of Earth’s radiation
budget (ERB) and total solar irradiance
( TSI) through the period when the
NPOESS spacecraft will be in orbit by:
—Incorporating on the NPOESS NOAA reimbursable funding has been NOAA reimbursable funding has been used
Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft used by NASA to refurbish, test, and by NASA to refurbish, test, and integrate the
the existing “spare” CERES integrate the CERES FM-5 spare unit onto CERES FM-5 spare unit onto NPP. This task
instrument, and, if possible, a TSI NPP. This task was completed less than was completed in less than 18 months after
sensor. (p. 5) 18 months after the decision to proceed. ATP. A TSI capability is not thought to be
A TSI capability is not needed on NPP, needed on NPP, as the NASA Glory Mission
as the NASA Glory mission, now due to carried a state-of-the-art TIM instrument, and
launch NLT 11/2010 carries a state-of-the- the 2009 NASA ESD Senior Review extended
art Total Irradiance Monitor instrument, the ongoing SORCE mission (ACRIMSAT was
and the recent NASA ESD Senior Review also conditionally extended). (p. 40)
extended the ongoing SORCE mission
(ACRIMSAT was also conditionally
extended). (p. 3)
continues
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86 EARTH SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS FROM SPACE
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
—Incorporating these or similar NOAA reimbursable funding has recently NOAA reimbursable funding has recently
instruments on the NPOESS been made available to NASA for been made available to NASA for
spacecraft that will follow NPP, or construction of the CERES FM-6 and TSIS construction of the CERES FM-6 and TSIS
ensuring that measurements of instruments for flight on the NPOESS C-1 instruments for flight on TBD missions. (p. 40)
TSI and ERB are obtained by other mission. (p. 4)
means. (p. 5)
• Develop a strategy to restore NASA is not aware of NOAA plans to NOAA has not approached NASA with
the previously planned capability develop these capabilities. (p. 4) any plans for implementing a flight unit
to make high-temporal- and high- based on the existing GIFTS Engineering
vertical-resolution measurements of Development Unit, or any other approach.
temperature and water vapor from NASA has provided written statements of
geosynchronous orbit. (p. 5) its willingness to consider a proposal for
a Space Act agreement to enable further
development of the GIFTS EDU. (p. 41)
The high-temporal- and high-vertical-
resolution measurements of temperature
and water vapor from geosynchronous
orbit were originally to be delivered
by the Hyperspectral Environmental
Sensor (HES) on the GOES-R spacecraft.
Recognizing the technological challenges
and accompanying potential for
growth in acquisition costs for HES, the
committee recommends consideration of
the following approaches:
• Working with NASA, complete NOAA has not approached NASA with NOAA has not approached NASA with
the GIFTS instrument, deliver it to any plans or discussions of implementing any plans for implementing a flight unit
orbit via a cost-effective launch and a flight unit based on the existing based on the existing GIFTS Engineering
spacecraft opportunity, and evaluate GIFTS Engineering Development Unit Development Unit, or any other approach.
its potential to be a prototype for the (EDU), or any other approach. NASA NASA has provided written statements of
HES instrument. (p. 6) has provided written statements of its its willingness to consider a proposal for
willingness to consider a proposal for a a Space Act agreement to enable further
Space Act agreement to enable further development of the GIFTS EDU. (p. 41)
development of the GIFTS EDU. (p. 4)
• Extend the HES study contracts NASA is not aware of the status of any NASA is not aware of the status of any NOAA
focusing on cost-effective approaches NOAA continuations of the HES study continuations of the HES study contracts.
to achieving essential sounding contracts. (p. 4) (p. 41)
capabilities to be flown in the GOES-R
time frame. (p. 6)
Recommendation: NASA should
ensure continuity of measurements of
precipitation and land cover by:
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APPENDIX E 87
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
Launching the GPM mission in or GPM continues on track for a launch of GPM continues on track for a launch of the
before 2012. (p. 6) the GPM Core mission, in collaboration GPM Core mission, in collaboration with
with JAXA (who provides the HII-A L/V JAXA, in 7/2013. GPM passed its KDP-C in
and the Dual-Frequency Precipitation 12/2009. Cost increases and 70% budgeting
Radar), in 7/2013. GPM will complete its requirements caused the planned GPM
mission CDR [Critical Design Review] and Low Inclination Orbiter (LIO) mission to be
[Key Decision Point] KDP-C reviews in put on hold, pending negotiations with
September, 2009. Cost increases and 70% international partners (NASA continued
budgeting requirements have caused to budget for and develop the GMI-2
the planned GPM Low Inclination Orbiter instrument, accommodation costs, data
(LIO) mission to be put on hold, pending downlink, and science).
negotiations with international partners.
However, the NASA budget DOES The President’s FY2012 budget directs
continue to include procurement of the termination of all GPM LOI activities. (p. 7)
second GMI-2 radiometer instrument (the
sole science instrument planned for LIO),
accommodation costs should a partner
spacecraft and launch be identified,
and all necessary space and ground
telemetry and science funding to cover a
replacement LIO mission. (pp. 4-5)
• Securing before 2012 a LDCM continues toward a 12/2012 LRD, LDCM continues on-track toward a 12/2012
replacement for collection of Landsat carrying both the OLI (30m resolution LRD, carrying both the OLI and a Thermal
7 data. (p. 6) multispectral instrument) and a QWIPS Infrared Sensor (“TIRS”; 120 m-resolution—
technology Thermal Infrared Sensor TIRS was mandated but not funded by
The committee also recommends that (“TIRS”; 120 m-resolution). Instrument Congress, leading to ~$150 million hit to the
NASA continue to seek cost-effective, PDRs have been successfully completed; ESD core program). LDCM passed its KDP-C
innovative means for obtaining Mission PDR was held in July 2009 in December, 2009. TIRS is an in-house GSFC
information on land cover change. in preparation for KDP-C review in development.
(p. 6) November. OLI, s/c, and launch vehicle
contracts are in place. TIRS is an in- Residual mission development risk is being
house GSFC implementation. USGS is focused on TIRS, to ensure a 12/2012 launch
facing significant budget challenges of LDCM with at least a full baseline OLI
for the LDCM Mission Operations mission. Significant launch vehicle (Atlas-V)
Element contract/development (NASA penalties (up to ~$150 million) will be
procurement, using reimbursable funding incurred should the launch be delayed by
from USGS). (p. 5) NASA.
NASA continues to work with USGS to
accommodate USGS funding issues for the
LDCM Mission Operations Element contract/
development (MOE is a NASA procurement,
using reimbursable funding from USGS).
SMD/JASD working with USGS for
reimbursable Landsat 9 program. (p. 8)
continues
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88 EARTH SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS FROM SPACE
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
NASA concept, pre-formulation, and
Recommendation: In addition to NASA concept and formulation studies
formulation studies indicate that the
implementing the re-baselined indicate that the decadal survey mission
decadal survey’s mission cost estimates were
NPOESS and GOES program and cost estimates are understated by
understated by factors of 2-6. (p. 9)
completing research missions factors of 2-6 (for instance, CLARREO [10
currently in development, NASA and instruments on 3 separate spacecraft]
NOAA should undertake the set of was estimated by the survey at a total
17 missions recommended in Tables mission cost of $200 million, vs. ~$950
ES.1 and ES.2 comprising low-cost million in the NASA pre-formulation
(<$300 million), medium-cost ($300 studies). NASA faces considerable
million to $600 million), and large- uncertainty in the availability of medium-
cost ($600 million to $900 million) class launch vehicles beyond 2011 due
missions and phased appropriately to the retirement of the Delta-II. The
over the next decade. Larger, facility- availability of new commercial launch
class (>$1 billion) missions are not vehicles in this class will influence
recommended. As part of this strategy: the implementation of future mission
(p. 8) architectures. (p. 5)
Recommendations to NOAA. Note discussion
NOAA should transition to operations Recommendations to NOAA. Note
above on CERES and scatterometer
three research observations. These discussion above on CERES and
capabilities being planned or funded by
are vector sea-surface winds; GPS scatterometer capabilities being planned
NOAA for JPSS.
radio occultation temperature, water or funded by NOAA for NPOESS C-1.
vapor, and electron density soundings; NOAA international discussions regarding
NOAA international discussions regarding
and total solar irradiance (restored GPSRO are in an early stage. (p. 5)
GPSRO are in an early stage. (p. 42)
to NPOESS). Approaches to these
transitions are provided through the
recommended XOVWM, GPSRO, and
CLARREO missions listed in Table ES.1.
(p. 8)
NASA should implement a set of 15 SMAP entered formulation in 9/2008; NASA has NOT manifested a GPS receiver on
missions phased over the next decade. ICESat-2 will enter formulation in late every LEO mission. (p. 10)
All of the appropriate low Earth orbit 2009. Competitive science teams have
(LEO) missions should include a Global been solicited (through ROSES) and
Positioning System (GPS) receiver to selected for both SMAP and ICESAT-2
augment operational measurements in late summer 2008. Budgetary-driven
of temperature and water vapor. The LRDs for SMAP and ICESAT-2 are 2014
missions and their specifications are and 2015, respectively. Strong (>$10
listed in Table ES.2. (p. 8) million/year) ongoing pre-formulation
science and technical studies are being
conducted for DESDynI and CLARREO;
in March, 2009, after nearly a year of
study, the decision was made by ESD
to implement DESDynI as 2 spacecraft
(a radar and a lidar), to launch within
1 year of each other. Budgetary-driven
LRDs for CLARREO and DESDynI are
2019-2020 (for both). Community and
international workshops have been held
(often multiple workshops) for all 5 Tier-2
missions (SWOT, HyspIRI, ASCENDS, ACE,
Geo-CAPE); early pre-formulation studies
are funded at ~$1-2 million/year for each
mission in FY2010. (p. 6)
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APPENDIX E 89
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
Recommendation: U.S. civil space
agencies should aggressively pursue
technology development that supports
the missions recommended in Tables
ES.1 and ES.2; plan for transitions
to continue demonstrably useful
research observations on a sustained,
or operational, basis; and foster
innovative space-based concepts. In
particular: (p. 12)
• NASA should increase investment NASA’s competitive Earth Science NASA’s competitive Earth Science
in both mission-focused and cross- Technology Office’s program has Technology Office’s program has been
cutting technology development been focused on the needs of the 15 focused on the 15 identified NASA decadal
to decrease technical risk in the identified NASA decadal survey missions survey missions since ROSES 2008. NASA
recommended missions and promote since ROSES 2008. AT PRESENT (not has funded over 70 new, competitively
cost reduction across multiple counting previous ESTO projects), NASA selected projects that support the survey
missions. Early technology-focused is funding over twenty investments in missions. These include advanced remote
investments through extended mission technology development that support sensing instrument developments such as
Phase A studies are essential. (p. 12) the Tier 2 survey missions. These include lidars to measure carbon dioxide, thermal
advanced remote sensing instrument spectrometers to measure minerals and
developments such as lidars to measure water resources, an interferometric synthetic
carbon dioxide, thermal spectrometers to aperture radar to measure ocean topography,
measure minerals and water resources, a radiometer to measure carbon monoxide, a
an interferometric synthetic aperture Fourier transform spectrometer to measure
radar to measure ocean topography, a trace gases, a polarimetric aerosol imager,
radiometer to measure carbon monoxide, a cloud profiling radar, and an ocean color
a Fourier transform spectrometer to radiometer.
measure trace gases, a polarimetric
aerosol imager, a cloud profiling radar, There are also many component
and an ocean color radiometer. There technologies funded, such as lightweight,
are also many component technologies deployable telescopes and antennas, optical
funded, such as lightweight, deployable receivers and detectors, and radio frequency
telescopes and antennas, optical receivers.
receivers and detectors, and radio
frequency receivers. A portion of the FY2009 ARRA/Stimulus
funding for ESD was specifically set aside to
A portion of the FY2009 ARRA/Stimulus augment support for competitively selected
funding for ESD was specifically set aside Earth Science Technology projects.
to augment support for competitively
selected Earth Science Technology Upon publication of the decadal survey in
2007, ESTO investments already supported
projects. Specific investments by mission
all 18 of the recommended mission
are shown in Table 1. (p. 6)
concepts. Since then, ESTO has awarded 74
additional technology projects representing
an investment of over $172 million directly
related to the Earth science priorities
outlined by the decadal survey. (pp. 14-15)
continues
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90 EARTH SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS FROM SPACE
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
• To restore more frequent launch A Venture-class line for regularly selected, A “3-strand” Venture-class line for regularly
opportunities and to facilitate the competitively selected, PI-led, science- selected, competitively selected, PI-led,
demonstration of innovative ideas and driven, cost- and schedule-constrained science-driven, cost- and schedule-
higher-risk technologies, NASA should investigations has been established constrained investigations has been
create a new Venture class of low-cost within the Earth System Science established. (p. 43)
research and application missions Pathfinder program. The first solicitation,
(~$100 million to $200 million). These for airborne studies (up to 4 complete (See pp. 17-19 of Freilich’s presentation for
missions should focus on fostering investigations expected to be selected, more on Earth Venture)
revolutionary innovation and on each up to $30 million) was released on
training future leaders of space-based 10 July 2009, with selections and funding
Earth science and applications. (p. 12) expected in Q1 of CY2010. [Biennial]
solicitations are budgeted and expected,
alternating between orbital and
suborbital (airborne) investigations. The
next solicitation, expected to be released
in summer 2011, will call for instruments
to fly on spaceborne Missions of
Opportunity (up to 2 proposals expected
to be selected, in the $80 million to $100
million class). (pp. 7-8)
• NOAA should increase investment This is a recommendation to NOAA. This is a recommendation to NOAA.
in identifying and facilitating the NOAA has identified NOAA scientific and NOAA has identified NOAA scientific
transition of demonstrably useful engineering points-of-contact for each and engineering POCs for each new
research observations to operational new NASA decadal survey mission. The NASA decadal survey mission. Starting in
use. (p. 12) president’s FY2010 budget request for FY2011, NOAA received funding to initiate
the Department of Commerce includes development of Jason-3 in partnership
NOAA funding to initiate development with EUMETSAT, with CNES and NASA as
of Jason-3 in partnership with EUMETSAT junior partners. Until passage of the FY2011
and ESA. As noted above, NOAA is Full-year CR, NOAA was actively negotiating
actively negotiating with JAXA for with JAXA for provision of a scatterometer
provision of a scatterometer for flight on for flight on GCOM-W2 (with NASA technical
GCOM-W2. (p. 8) support); however, this is no longer
being pursued by NOAA (although being
considered to be taken up by NASA). (p. 43)
The committee endorses the Technical challenges, Congressional With the release of the President’s FY2011
recommendation of a 2006 National interest and directed scope changes (e.g., Budget Request, NASA was given the explicit
Research Council report that stated, addition of thermal infrared capability mandate to examine possible climate
“NASA/SMD [Science Mission to LDCM, refurbishment of the Earth continuity missions and include them in the
Directorate] should develop a science observing instruments on DSCOVR, Climate Initiative submitted by NASA ESD to
strategy for obtaining long-term, mandated NASA co-funding with NOAA OSTP, USGCRP, and OMB.
continuous, stable observations of the of future scatterometer mission studies),
Earth system that are distinct from international/interagency partner SAGE-III (2015), OCO-3 (2015), GRACE-FO
observations to meet requirements by challenges (e.g., Aquarius and NPP), and (2016), and PACE (2019-2020) were identified
NOAA in support of numerical weather budgetary limitations constrain ESD to and included as Climate Continuity Missions.
prediction.” (p. 13) focus on development and expeditious (p. 20)
launch of the 5 Foundational missions
(Glory, Aquarius, NPP, LDCM, GPM),
initiation of the Tier-1 decadal survey
missions (SMAP, ICESAT-2, CLARREO,
and DESDynI), and science/technology
studies for Tier-2 and Tier-3 decadal
survey missions. (p. 8)
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APPENDIX E 91
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
Recommendation: The Office of This is a recommendation to OSTP.
This is a recommendation to OSTP.
Science and Technology Policy, in NASA has been an active collaborator
collaboration with the relevant in discussions and analyses of NPOESS NASA was an active collaborator in
agencies and in consultation with restructuring scenarios. NASA ESD discussions and analyses of NPOESS
the scientific community, should has provided briefs to OSTP and OMB, restructuring scenarios; NASA/JASD
develop and implement a plan for and stands ready to support the implements JPSS, Climate Sensors, Jason-3
achieving and sustaining global Administration in its efforts to implement (to transfer) for NOAA, and Landsat-9 (to
Earth observations. This plan should cross-agency coordination mechanisms come) for USGS.
recognize the complexity of differing to develop and operate an efficient,
agency roles, responsibilities, and predictable, high-quality, spaceborne NASA ESD provides leadership (Freilich Vice-
capabilities as well as the lessons from environmental observing system for Chair 2010-, Kaye acting head 2009-2010 ) to
implementation of the Landsat, EOS, sustained measurements in support of USGCRP; NASA ESD provides 49% of the total
and NPOESS programs. (p. 14) short-term predictions, research, and USGCRP distributed cost budget. (p. 21)
climate science. (p. 8)
Recommendation: Earth system No additional actions taken at this No additional actions taken at this time. NASA
observations should be accompanied time. NASA continues to fund the continues to fund the Socioeconomic Data
by a complementary system of Socioeconomic Data and Applications and Applications Center (SEDAC) operated
observations of human activities and Center (SEDAC) operated by the by the Center for International Earth Science
their effects on Earth. (p. 14) Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), a unit of the
Information Network (CIESIN), a unit Earth Institute at Columbia University based
of the Earth Institute at Columbia at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in
University based at Lamont-Doherty Palisades, New York. SEDAC’s missions are to
Earth Observatory in Palisades, New synthesize Earth science and socioeconomic
York. SEDAC’s missions are to synthesize data and information in ways useful to a
Earth science and socioeconomic data wide range of decision makers and other
and information in ways useful to a applied users, and to provide an “Information
wide range of decision makers and Gateway” between the socioeconomic and
other applied users, and to provide an Earth science data and information domains.
“Information Gateway” between the NASA continues to fund the Land Cover/Land
socioeconomic and Earth science data Use Change (LCLUC) program of competitively
and information domains. (p. 9) selected investigations to understand the
consequences of land cover/land use change
on the Ecosystem, using remotely sensed data.
(p. 22)
Recommendation: Socioeconomic In addition to holding open community In addition to holding open community
factors should be considered in the workshops in the early stages of mission workshops in the early stages of mission
planning and implementation of conceptualization, socioeconomic conceptualization and applications-focused
Earth observation missions and in and related information and needs workshops later in mission development
developing an Earth knowledge and are provided throughout mission life, socioeconomic and related information
information system. (p. 14) development by active representatives and needs are provided throughout mission
of the Earth Science Division’s Applied development by active representatives of
Science Program. For the decadal survey the Earth Science Division Applied Science
missions, an Applied Sciences Program Program. For the decadal survey missions,
point-of-contact has been assigned an Applied Sciences HQ POC has been
to each mission to ensure two-way assigned to each mission to ensure two-way
communications between the user and communications between the user and
developer communities at all stages, developer communities at all stages, including
including from the start of mission from the start of mission formulation. (p. 23)
formulation. (p. 9)
continues
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92
92 EARTH SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS FROM SPACE
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
Recommendation: Critical surface- NASA/ESD continues to sustain and NASA/ESD continues to sustain and expand
based (land and ocean) and upper- expand ground-based observation ground-based observation networks,
air atmospheric sounding networks networks, such as AERONET, SLR, VLBI, such as Aeronet, SLR, VLBI, and GNSS. New
should be sustained and enhanced as and GNSS. All of the latter are topics of international agreements are continuously
necessary to satisfy climate and other focused working groups instituted by sought and approved in all in-situ network
Earth science needs in addition to NASA with the Chinese National Space areas to expand the geographical coverage
weather forecasting and prediction. Agency; similarly, new international of networks and increase their quality.
(p. 14) agreements are continuously sought
and approved in all in-situ network areas In conjunction with planned OCO-2 and
to expand the geographical coverage ongoing GOSAT validations, NASA added 3
of networks and increase their quality. sites to the international TCCON network of
In conjunction with planned OCO and ground-based calibrated Fourier Transform
GOSAT validations, NASA has added 3 Spectrometers.
sites to the international TCCON network
of ground-based calibrated Fourier An update of the Geodetic Network was
Transform Spectrometers. (p. 9) included specifically as part of the Climate
Initiative. (p. 24)
Recommendation: To facilitate the ESD has expanded the airborne program ESD has expanded the airborne program
synthesis of scientific data and in many ways over the last 3 years, and over the last 3 years, and continues to
discovery into coherent and timely continues to revitalize and expand revitalize and expand the capabilities in
information for end users, NASA the capabilities in close collaboration close collaboration with the research and
should support Earth science research with the research and applications applications communities.
via suborbital platforms: airborne communities. Significant additional
programs, which have suffered resources have been added to the Significant resources have been added
substantial diminution, should be airborne science program to cover to the airborne science program to cover
restored, and unmanned aerial vehicle maintenance and routine operations maintenance and routine operations of the
technology should be increasingly of the airborne fleet (routine activities airborne fleet (previously funded directly
factored into the nation’s strategic which in many cases had to be funded from the research science budget). Formal
plan for Earth science. (p. 14) directly from the research science coordination and associated documentation
budget). A majority of the airborne have resulted in more standard, more
science fleet has been collocated at Site straightforward interface definitions/
9 in Palmdale, facilitating access to the requirements for contributed instruments,
airborne platforms by non-NASA (and allowing easier and platform-independent
non-citizen) students and researchers. transfers and integrations. Coordination
Formal coordination and associated with the FAA has allowed expanded use
documentation have resulted in of UAS platforms in the national airspace,
more standard, more straightforward contributing to the now-routine use of NASA
interface definitions/requirements for UAS and instrumentation in support of
contributed instruments, allowing easier wildfire containment efforts on both coasts.
and platform-independent transfers In a joint effort between NASA and Northrop
and integrations. Coordination with the Grumman, 2 Global Hawk (Predator) UASs
FAA has allowed much-expanded use of have been added to the research fleet, vastly
UAS platforms in the national airspace, expanding the long-duration, heavy-lift,
contributing to the now-routine use high-altitude capabilities available to NASA
of NASA UAS and instrumentation in researchers. In addition to the airborne
support of wildfire containment efforts Venture-class solicitation discussed above,
on both coasts. In a joint effort between ESD has supported twice-yearly ICE Bridge
NASA and Northrop Grumman, 2 Global airborne campaigns in both the Arctic
Hawk (Predator) UASs have been added and Antarctic to span the gap between
to the research fleet, vastly expanding the the demise of ICESAT-1 and the launch of
long-duration, heavy-lift, high-altitude ICESAT-2. (p. 25)
capabilities available to NASA researchers.
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APPENDIX E 93
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
In addition to the airborne Venture-class
solicitation discussed above, ESD has
begun twice-yearly ICE Bridge airborne
campaigns in both the Arctic and
Antarctic to span the gap between the
expected demise of ICESAT-1 and the
launch of ICESAT-2. Airborne science
flight hours increased more than 60% in
2008 over 2007, with additional increases
on track this year. (p. 10)
Recommendations:
• Teams of experts should be formed NASA continues to support and NASA continues to support and fund
to consider assimilation of data from fund multiagency, multi-institution multiagency, multi-institution assimilation
multiple sensors and all sources, assimilation efforts including the Joint efforts including the Joint Center for Satellite
including commercial providers and Center for Satellite Data Assimilation Data Assimilation (JCSDA), the Short-Term
international partners. (p. 15) (JCSDA), the Short-Term Prediction and Prediction and Research Transition Center
Research Transition Center (SPoRT) to (SPoRT) to transition unique observations
transition unique observations and and research capabilities to the operational
research capabilities to the operational weather community to improve short-term
weather community to improve forecasts on a regional scale, the MERRA
short-term forecasts on a regional (Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for
scale, the massive MERRA (Modern Era Research and Applications) reanalysis project
Retrospective-Analysis for Research at the Global Modeling and Assimilation
and Applications) reanalysis project at Office (GMAO), and a variety of similar
the Global Modeling and Assimilation assimilation and modeling activities in
Office (GMAO), and a variety of similar association with international initiatives such
assimilation and modeling activities in as GODAE (Global Ocean Data Assimilation
association with international initiatives Office). NASA is preparing for a major role in
such as GODAE (Global Ocean Data the upcoming IPCC Fifth Assessment Report
Assimilation Office). NASA is preparing modeling and analysis effort. (p. 30)
for a major role in the upcoming IPCC
Fifth Assessment Report modeling and
analysis effort. (p. 10)
• NOAA, working with the This is a recommendation to NOAA. This is a recommendation to NOAA.
Climate Change Science Program (p. 10) (p. 30)
and the international Group on
Earth Observations, should create a
climate data and information system
to meet the challenge of ensuring
the production, distribution, and
stewardship of high-accuracy climate
records from NPOESS and other
relevant observational platforms.
(p. 15)
continues
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94 EARTH SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS FROM SPACE
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
• As new Earth observation missions Data processing, archive, and distribution Data processing, archive, and distribution
are developed, early attention should activities are budgeted fully from activities are budgeted fully from the start in
be given to developing the requisite the start in all NASA flight missions, all decadal survey missions. Approximately
data processing and distribution specifically including the identified 9% of the entire ESD annual budget is
system, and data archive. Distribution decadal survey missions. Approximately focused specifically on multi-mission
of data should be free or at low cost 11% of the entire ESD annual budget operations (EOSDIS and related information
to users, and provided in an easily is focused specifically on multi-mission systems) activities. NASA continues to
accessible manner. (p. 15) operations (EOSDIS and related maintain a free and open distribution policy
information systems) activities. NASA for all mission data, with no period of priority.
continues to maintain a free and open (p. 31)
distribution policy for all mission data,
with no period of priority. (p. 11)
• NASA should increase support ESD continues to fund vigorous, ESD continues to fund competitively
for its research and analysis (R&A) competitively selected R&A and Applied selected R&A and Applied Sciences programs
program to a level commensurate with Sciences programs to advance Earth to advance Earth System science; develop
its ongoing and planned missions. System science, develop applications, applications, synthesize and combine
Further, in light of the need for a synthesize and combine measurements measurements from multiple spaceborne
healthy R&A program that is not from multiple spaceborne missions missions as well as in situ observations, and
mission-specific, as well as the need for as well as in situ observations, and to to identify the next generation of tractable,
mission-specific R&A, NASA’s space- identify the next generation of tractable, important Earth science problems that are
based missions should have adequate important Earth science problems amenable to spaceborne data acquisition.
R&A lines within each mission that are amenable to spaceborne data Accounting for just under half of the total
budget as well as mission-specific acquisition. Accounting for just under half ESD budget, these research and related
operations and data analysis. These of the total ESD budget, these research supporting activities (such as data systems)
R&A lines should be protected within and related supporting activities (such as include science budgets for mission science
the missions and not used simply as data systems) include science budgets for teams as well as the R&A portion of the
mission reserves to cover cost growth mission science teams as well as the R&A budget structure. Mission science team lines
on the hardware side. (p. 15) portion of the budget structure. Mission are monitored by HQ Program Scientists and
science team lines are monitored by HQ are protected from technical challenges and
Program Scientists and are “fenced” to associated cost increases during mission
protect them from technical challenges development. (p. 32)
and associated cost increases during
mission development. (p. 11)
• NASA, NOAA, and USGS should In addition to the assimilation-related In addition to the assimilation-related
increase their support for Earth system activities discussed above, a portion of activities discussed above, a portion of
modeling, including provision of the ARRA/Stimulus funding has been set the Stimulus funding has been set aside
high-performance computing facilities aside for modeling-specific work. ROSES for modeling-specific work. ROSES 2008
and support for scientists working 2008 included a major solicitation for the included a major solicitation for the
in the areas of modeling and data Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction (MAP) Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction activity
assimilation. (p. 15) activity that supports observation driven that supports observation driven modeling
modeling that integrates the research that integrates the research activities within
activities within the R&A element. In the R&A element. In addition to community
addition to community grants, the grants, the MAP element supports basic
MAP element supports basic modeling modeling infrastructure as well as research
infrastructure as well as research activities at GISS, GMAO, and the Global
activities at Goddard Institute for Space Modeling Initiative (Chemical Transport
Studies, the NASA Goddard Global Modeling).
Modeling and Assimilation Office, and the
Global Modeling Initiative (Chemical
Transport Modeling)
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APPENDIX E 95
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
Specific foci of the solicitation included The solicitation included Integrated studies
Integrated studies of weather and of weather and climate emphasizing the role
climate emphasizing the role of weather of weather in the climate system through
in the climate system through the use the use of multiparameter observations
of multiparameter observations from from satellites to evaluate and characterize
satellites to evaluate and characterize (i.e., validate) model simulations, coupled
(i.e., validate) model simulations, coupled model investigations designed to examine
model investigations designed to the representation of Earth system processes
examine the representation of Earth spanning a continuum of time and space
system processes spanning a continuum scales associated with weather and climate,
of time and space scales associated development of climate information from
with weather and climate, development numerical simulations that can be applied
of climate information from numerical at spatial and temporal scales suitable for
simulations that can be applied at spatial increasing society’s resilience to climate
and temporal scales suitable for increasing change and development of climate
society’s resilience to climate change change adaptation strategies, development
and development of climate change of innovative ways to apply Observation
adaptation strategies, development of System Simulation Experiments to climate
innovative ways to apply Observation prediction and the future design of space-
System Simulation Experiments to based observing systems, investigations
climate prediction and the future design using the Modern Era Retrospective-analysis
of space-based observing systems, for Research and Applications (MERRA)
investigations using the Modern Era reanalysis data, Ice Sheet Modeling to
Retrospective- analysis for Research and incorporate ice streams into the interior
Applications (MERRA) reanalysis data, Ice ice sheet with particular emphasis on the
Sheet Modeling to incorporate ice streams Greenland outflow glaciers and their coupling
into the interior ice sheet with particular with the interior, Atmospheric Chemistry
emphasis on the Greenland outflow Hindcast investigations forcing Chemistry
glaciers and their coupling with the and Transport Models (CTMs) with multiyear
interior, Atmospheric Chemistry Hindcast meteorological fields derived from global
investigations forcing Chemistry and reanalysis systems, and Advanced Model
Transport Models (CTMs) with multiyear Dynamics and Numerics investigations of
meteorological fields derived from global grids and fluid dynamical formulations that
reanalysis systems, and Advanced Model support high resolution simulation of the
Dynamics and Numerics investigations Earth’s climate.
of grids and fluid dynamical formulations
that support high resolution simulation of The call resulted in 52 investigations being
the Earth’s climate. selected, most for a period of 4 years. (pp.
34-35)
The call resulted in 52 investigations
being selected, most for a period of 4
years. (p. 12)
Recommendation: A formal No formal, comprehensive interagency No formal, comprehensive interagency
interagency planning and review process focused on the decadal survey process focused on the decadal survey has
process should be put into place that has been put into place. Details of been put into place.
focuses on effectively implementing ongoing relevant activities are discussed
the recommendations made in the at the regular (quarterly) NASA-NOAA Details of ongoing relevant activities are
present decadal survey report and Roundtable meetings co-chaired by ESD discussed at the regular (quarterly) NASA-
sustaining and building an Earth and NESDIS. (p. 12) NOAA Roundtable/Joint Working Group
knowledge and information system for meetings co-chaired by ESD and NESDIS.
the next decade and beyond. (p. 15)
ESD, JASD, and USGS hold similar periodic
bilateral coordination meetings (~3/year).
(p. 36)
continues
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96 EARTH SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS FROM SPACE
TABLE E.1 Continued
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
Recommendation: NASA, NOAA, and ESD continues to support a vigorous ESD continues to support a vigorous
USGS should pursue innovative Education and Public Outreach Education and Public Outreach program,
approaches to educate and train program, including annual competitive including annual competitive solicitations
scientists and users of Earth solicitations for Earth System Science for Earth System Science Fellowships, a
observations and applications. A Fellowships, a New Investigator New Investigator Program, and the GLOBE
particularly important role is to Program, and the GLOBE program. These program. These activities complement
assist educators in inspiring and activities complement other NASA-wide other NASA-wide educational activities
training students in the use of Earth educational activities at the Directorate at the Directorate and Agency levels,
observations and the information and Agency levels, with which ESD with which ESD coordinates closely. The
derived from them. (p. 15) coordinates closely. The schedule- schedule-constrained Venture-Class program
constrained Venture-Class program described above specifically enables training
described above specifically enables opportunities for students and post-doctoral
training opportunities for students researchers and the development and test of
and post-doctoral researchers and the cutting-edge, innovative measurement and
development and test of cutting-edge, analysis techniques. (p. 37)
innovative measurement and analysis
techniques. (p. 13)
NOTE: Tables and figures referred to are not reprinted here.
Edward J. Weiler, Associate Administrator, NASA Science Mission Directorate, letter to Charles F. Kennel, Chair, Space Studies Board,
a
National Research Council, dated October 25, 2009.
Michael Freilich, Director, NASA Earth Science Division, “Earth Science Division Decadal Survey Status,” presentation to the
b
Committee on the Assessment of NASA’s Earth Science Program, April 27, 2011.
