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Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey (2012)

Chapter: Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update

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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
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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.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
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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. government, working in concert with the private sector, academe, the public, and its international partners, should renew its investment in Earth-observing systems and restore its leadership in Earth science and applications. (p. 2) The committee predicated its schedules and program on a NASA ESD budget that reached the level of $2B/year (approximately equal to the FY2000 level) in 2010. The Obama administration’s FY2010 budget for NASA ESD is $1.405B exclusive of carry-over funds from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), increasing steadily by about $50M/year thereafter. (p. 2) The decadal survey predicated its schedules and program on a NASA ESD budget that reached the level of $2 billion/year [FY2006 $] in FY2010 (approximately equal to the FY2000 level).

ESD has focused resources on the development and rapid launch of Foundational Missions (pre-decadal survey: 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, the number of operating missions will decrease dramatically, and the number of operating sensors and instruments on NASA spacecraft, most of which are well past their nominal lifetimes, will decrease by some 40 percent (see Figures ES.1 and ES.2)…. Among the many measurements expected to cease over the next few years, the committee has identified several that are providing critical information now and that need to be sustained into the next decade—both to continue important time series and to provide the foundation necessary for the recommended future observations. These include measurements of total solar irradiance and Earth radiation and vector sea-surface winds; limb sounding of ozone profiles; and temperature and water vapor soundings from geostationary and polar orbits. (p. 3) While it is true that 14 of the 15 operating NASA research missions are or soon (within a year) will be beyond their design lives—and in some cases (e.g., QuikSCAT) have been operating for more than 3 times their design lives, the 2009 Senior Review assessed the technical status of each mission and noted that only ICESAT-1 was expected to become scientifically useless prior to 2012. The decadal survey committee observation is valid, however, in that many of these satellites in extended mission have suffered partial failures in redundant systems, and are thus down to single-string operations. (p. 2)

At present (April 2011)—of the 13 operating missions at the time of the decadal survey:

—   12 missions continue to operate substantially as designed

—   ICESAT-1 was terminated owing to laser failure (beyond design life)

—   QuikSCAT operates, but not in wind mode (antenna; beyond design life)

—   Cloudsat is experiencing significant battery issues (beyond design life)

—   GRACE is experiencing battery issues (beyond design life)

—   Landsat-7 quality degraded (beyond design life)

—   2011 Sr. Review is ongoing and will report out in June, 2011

—   OSTM/Jason-2 successfully launched and operating

—   OCO, Glory launch vehicle failures (p. 5)

Recommendation: NOAA should restore several key climate, environmental, and weather observation capabilities to its planned NPOESS and GOES-R missions, namely:    
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×

 

Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
• Measurements of ocean vector winds and all-weather sea-surface temperatures descoped from the NPOESS C1 launch should be restored to provide continuity until the CMIS replacement is operational on NPOESS C2 and higher-quality active scatterometer measurements (from XOVWM, described in Table ES.1) can be undertaken later in the next decade. (p. 5) NOAA, with NASA reimbursable support (and starting in FY2010, NASA co-funding) has engaged in detailed design studies and international negotiations with JAXA to provide a vector wind measurement capability (dual-frequency scatterometer) to fly on the JAXA GCOM-W2 mission, scheduled to launch Net 2015. NOAA, with communication with NASA, is working with JAXA to negotiate near-real-time provision by JAXA of microwave radiometer measurements from the AMSR-Follow-On instruments on GCOM-W1 (11/2011 to 3/2012 LRD) and GCOM-W2, to continue the availability to the United States of all-weather SST measurements such as those initiated by the AMSR-E instrument on Aqua. The same negotiations cover near-real-time access to the vector wind measurements from a NOAA-supplied Dual-Frequency Scatterometer instrument for GCOM-W2. (p. 3) NOAA, with NASA reimbursable support has engaged in detailed design studies and international negotiations with JAXA to provide a vector wind measurement capability (dual-frequency scatterometer) to fly on the JAXA GCOM-W2 mission, scheduled to launch NET 2015.

In January 2011, NOAA informed NASA that it would not be able to support continued studies or future implementation of a scatterometer, but that NOAA would welcome NASA provision of NRT data from a research-based instrument. NASA discussions are ongoing with OSTP and OMB.

NASA and NOAA collaborate in joint discussions with ISRO for access to, and refinements of, Oceansat-2 scatterometer and ocean color data. (p. 38)
• The limb sounding capability of the Ozone Monitoring and Profiling Suite (OMPS) on NPOESS should be restored. (p. 5) NOAA and NASA co-funded the restoration of limb-sounding capability to the OMPS instrument package on NPP, and this has been completed. Ozone profiling through limb-sounding capability for NPOESS remains an open issue for NOAA. (p. 3) NOAA and NASA co-funded the restoration of limb-sounding capability to the OMPS instrument package on NPP, and this has been completed. Ozone profiling through limb-sounding capability for JPSS remains an open issue for NOAA. (p. 39)
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 Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft the existing “spare” CERES instrument, and, if possible, a TSI sensor. (p. 5) NOAA reimbursable funding has been used by NASA to refurbish, test, and integrate the CERES FM-5 spare unit onto NPP. This task was completed less than 18 months after the decision to proceed. A TSI capability is not needed on NPP, as the NASA Glory mission, now due to launch NLT 11/2010 carries a state-of-the-art Total Irradiance Monitor instrument, and the recent NASA ESD Senior Review extended the ongoing SORCE mission (ACRIMSAT was also conditionally extended). (p. 3) NOAA reimbursable funding has been used by NASA to refurbish, test, and integrate the CERES FM-5 spare unit onto NPP. This task was completed in less than 18 months after ATP. A TSI capability is not thought to be needed on NPP, as the NASA Glory Mission carried a state-of-the-art TIM instrument, and the 2009 NASA ESD Senior Review extended the ongoing SORCE mission (ACRIMSAT was also conditionally extended). (p. 40)    
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b

—Incorporating these or similar instruments on the NPOESS spacecraft that will follow NPP, or ensuring that measurements of TSI and ERB are obtained by other means. (p. 5)

NOAA reimbursable funding has recently been made available to NASA for construction of the CERES FM-6 and TSIS instruments for flight on the NPOESS C-1 mission. (p. 4)

NOAA reimbursable funding has recently been made available to NASA for construction of the CERES FM-6 and TSIS instruments for flight on TBD missions. (p. 40)

• Develop a strategy to restore the previously planned capability to make high-temporal- and high-vertical-resolution measurements of temperature and water vapor from geosynchronous orbit. (p. 5)

NASA is not aware of NOAA plans to develop these capabilities. (p. 4)

NOAA has not approached NASA with any plans for implementing a flight unit based on the existing GIFTS Engineering Development Unit, or any other approach. NASA has provided written statements of 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 the GIFTS instrument, deliver it to orbit via a cost-effective launch and spacecraft opportunity, and evaluate its potential to be a prototype for the HES instrument. (p. 6)

NOAA has not approached NASA with any plans or discussions of implementing a flight unit based on the existing GIFTS Engineering Development Unit (EDU), or any other approach. NASA has provided written statements of its willingness to consider a proposal for a Space Act agreement to enable further development of the GIFTS EDU. (p. 4)

NOAA has not approached NASA with any plans for implementing a flight unit based on the existing GIFTS Engineering Development Unit, or any other approach. NASA has provided written statements of its willingness to consider a proposal for a Space Act agreement to enable further development of the GIFTS EDU. (p. 41)

• Extend the HES study contracts focusing on cost-effective approaches to achieving essential sounding capabilities to be flown in the GOES-R time frame. (p. 6)

NASA is not aware of the status of any NOAA continuations of the HES study contracts. (p. 4)

NASA is not aware of the status of any NOAA continuations of the HES study contracts. (p. 41)

Recommendation: NASA should ensure continuity of measurements of precipitation and land cover by:

   
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
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Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b

Launching the GPM mission in or before 2012. (p. 6)

GPM continues on track for a launch of the GPM Core mission, in collaboration with JAXA (who provides the HII-A L/V and the Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar), in 7/2013. GPM will complete its mission CDR [Critical Design Review] and [Key Decision Point] KDP-C reviews in September, 2009. Cost increases and 70% budgeting requirements have caused the planned GPM Low Inclination Orbiter (LIO) mission to be put on hold, pending negotiations with international partners. However, the NASA budget DOES continue to include procurement of the 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)

GPM continues on track for a launch of the GPM Core mission, in collaboration with JAXA, in 7/2013. GPM passed its KDP-C in 12/2009. Cost increases and 70% budgeting requirements caused the planned GPM Low Inclination Orbiter (LIO) mission to be put on hold, pending negotiations with international partners (NASA continued to budget for and develop the GMI-2 instrument, accommodation costs, data downlink, and science).

The President’s FY2012 budget directs termination of all GPM LOI activities. (p. 7)

• Securing before 2012 a replacement for collection of Landsat 7 data. (p. 6)

The committee also recommends that NASA continue to seek cost-effective, innovative means for obtaining information on land cover change. (p. 6)

LDCM continues toward a 12/2012 LRD, carrying both the OLI (30m resolution multispectral instrument) and a QWIPS technology Thermal Infrared Sensor (“TIRS”; 120 m-resolution). Instrument PDRs have been successfully completed; Mission PDR was held in July 2009 in preparation for KDP-C review in November. OLI, s/c, and launch vehicle contracts are in place. TIRS is an in-house GSFC implementation. USGS is facing significant budget challenges for the LDCM Mission Operations Element contract/development (NASA procurement, using reimbursable funding from USGS). (p. 5)

LDCM continues on-track toward a 12/2012 LRD, carrying both the OLI and a Thermal Infrared Sensor (“TIRS”; 120 m-resolution—TIRS was mandated but not funded by Congress, leading to ~$150 million hit to the ESD core program). LDCM passed its KDP-C in December, 2009. TIRS is an in-house GSFC development.

Residual mission development risk is being focused on TIRS, to ensure a 12/2012 launch of LDCM with at least a full baseline OLI mission. Significant launch vehicle (Atlas-V) penalties (up to ~$150 million) will be incurred should the launch be delayed by 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)

Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b

Recommendation: In addition to implementing the re-baselined NPOESS and GOES program and completing research missions currently in development, NASA and NOAA should undertake the set of 17 missions recommended in Tables ES.1 and ES.2 comprising low-cost (<$300 million), medium-cost ($300 million to $600 million), and large-cost ($600 million to $900 million) missions and phased appropriately over the next decade. Larger, facility- class (>$1 billion) missions are not recommended. As part of this strategy: (p. 8)

NASA concept and formulation studies indicate that the decadal survey mission cost estimates are understated by factors of 2-6 (for instance, CLARREO [10 instruments on 3 separate spacecraft] was estimated by the survey at a total mission cost of $200 million, vs. ~$950 million in the NASA pre-formulation studies). NASA faces considerable uncertainty in the availability of medium- class launch vehicles beyond 2011 due to the retirement of the Delta-II. The availability of new commercial launch vehicles in this class will influence the implementation of future mission architectures. (p. 5)

NASA concept, pre-formulation, and formulation studies indicate that the decadal survey’s mission cost estimates were understated by factors of 2-6. (p. 9)

NOAA should transition to operations three research observations. These are vector sea-surface winds; GPS radio occultation temperature, water vapor, and electron density soundings; and total solar irradiance (restored to NPOESS). Approaches to these transitions are provided through the recommended XOVWM, GPSRO, and CLARREO missions listed in Table ES.1. (p. 8)

Recommendations to NOAA. Note discussion above on CERES and scatterometer capabilities being planned or funded by NOAA for NPOESS C-1. NOAA international discussions regarding GPSRO are in an early stage. (p. 5)

Recommendations to NOAA. Note discussion above on CERES and scatterometer capabilities being planned or funded by NOAA for JPSS.

NOAA international discussions regarding GPSRO are in an early stage. (p. 42)

NASA should implement a set of 15 missions phased over the next decade. All of the appropriate low Earth orbit (LEO) missions should include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to augment operational measurements of temperature and water vapor. The missions and their specifications are listed in Table ES.2. (p. 8)

SMAP entered formulation in 9/2008; ICESat-2 will enter formulation in late 2009. Competitive science teams have been solicited (through ROSES) and selected for both SMAP and ICESAT-2 in late summer 2008. Budgetary-driven LRDs for SMAP and ICESAT-2 are 2014 and 2015, respectively. Strong (>$10 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)

NASA has NOT manifested a GPS receiver on every LEO mission. (p. 10)

Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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 in both mission-focused and cross-cutting technology development to decrease technical risk in the recommended missions and promote cost reduction across multiple missions. Early technology-focused investments through extended mission Phase A studies are essential. (p. 12)

NASA’s competitive Earth Science Technology Office’s program has been focused on the needs of the 15 identified NASA decadal survey missions since ROSES 2008. AT PRESENT (not counting previous ESTO projects), NASA is funding over twenty investments in technology development that support the Tier 2 survey missions. These include advanced remote sensing instrument developments such as lidars to measure carbon dioxide, thermal spectrometers to measure minerals and water resources, an interferometric synthetic aperture radar to measure ocean topography, a radiometer to measure carbon monoxide, a Fourier transform spectrometer to measure trace gases, a polarimetric aerosol imager, a cloud profiling radar, and an ocean color radiometer. There are also many component technologies funded, such as lightweight, deployable telescopes and antennas, optical receivers and detectors, and radio frequency receivers.

A portion of the FY2009 ARRA/Stimulus funding for ESD was specifically set aside to augment support for competitively selected Earth Science Technology projects. Specific investments by mission are shown in Table 1. (p. 6)

NASA’s competitive Earth Science Technology Office’s program has been focused on the 15 identified NASA decadal survey missions since ROSES 2008. NASA has funded over 70 new, competitively selected projects that support the survey missions. These include advanced remote sensing instrument developments such as lidars to measure carbon dioxide, thermal spectrometers to measure minerals and water resources, an interferometric synthetic aperture radar to measure ocean topography, a radiometer to measure carbon monoxide, a Fourier transform spectrometer to measure trace gases, a polarimetric aerosol imager, a cloud profiling radar, and an ocean color radiometer.

There are also many component technologies funded, such as lightweight, deployable telescopes and antennas, optical receivers and detectors, and radio frequency receivers.

A portion of the FY2009 ARRA/Stimulus funding for ESD was specifically set aside to augment support for competitively selected Earth Science Technology projects.

Upon publication of the decadal survey in 2007, ESTO investments already supported all 18 of the recommended mission 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)

   
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b

• To restore more frequent launch opportunities and to facilitate the demonstration of innovative ideas and higher-risk technologies, NASA should create a new Venture class of low-cost research and application missions (~$100 million to $200 million). These missions should focus on fostering revolutionary innovation and on training future leaders of space-based Earth science and applications. (p. 12)

A Venture-class line for regularly selected, competitively selected, PI-led, science-driven, cost- and schedule-constrained investigations has been established within the Earth System Science Pathfinder program. The first solicitation, for airborne studies (up to 4 complete investigations expected to be selected, each up to $30 million) was released on 10 July 2009, with selections and funding 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)

A “3-strand” Venture-class line for regularly selected, competitively selected, PI-led, science-driven, cost- and schedule-constrained investigations has been established. (p. 43)

(See pp. 17-19 of Freilich’s presentation for more on Earth Venture)

• NOAA should increase investment in identifying and facilitating the transition of demonstrably useful research observations to operational use. (p. 12)

This is a recommendation to NOAA. NOAA has identified NOAA scientific and engineering points-of-contact for each new NASA decadal survey mission. The president’s FY2010 budget request for the Department of Commerce includes NOAA funding to initiate development of Jason-3 in partnership with EUMETSAT and ESA. As noted above, NOAA is actively negotiating with JAXA for provision of a scatterometer for flight on GCOM-W2. (p. 8)

This is a recommendation to NOAA. NOAA has identified NOAA scientific and engineering POCs for each new NASA decadal survey mission. Starting in FY2011, NOAA received funding to initiate development of Jason-3 in partnership with EUMETSAT, with CNES and NASA as junior partners. Until passage of the FY2011 Full-year CR, NOAA was actively negotiating with JAXA for provision of a scatterometer for flight on GCOM-W2 (with NASA technical 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 recommendation of a 2006 National Research Council report that stated, “NASA/SMD [Science Mission Directorate] should develop a science strategy for obtaining long-term, continuous, stable observations of the Earth system that are distinct from observations to meet requirements by NOAA in support of numerical weather prediction.” (p. 13)

Technical challenges, Congressional interest and directed scope changes (e.g., addition of thermal infrared capability to LDCM, refurbishment of the Earth observing instruments on DSCOVR, mandated NASA co-funding with NOAA of future scatterometer mission studies), international/interagency partner challenges (e.g., Aquarius and NPP), and budgetary limitations constrain ESD to focus on development and expeditious 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)

With the release of the President’s FY2011 Budget Request, NASA was given the explicit mandate to examine possible climate continuity missions and include them in the Climate Initiative submitted by NASA ESD to OSTP, USGCRP, and OMB.

SAGE-III (2015), OCO-3 (2015), GRACE-FO (2016), and PACE (2019-2020) were identified and included as Climate Continuity Missions. (p. 20)

   
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b

Recommendation: The Office of Science and Technology Policy, in collaboration with the relevant agencies and in consultation with the scientific community, should develop and implement a plan for achieving and sustaining global Earth observations. This plan should recognize the complexity of differing agency roles, responsibilities, and capabilities as well as the lessons from implementation of the Landsat, EOS, and NPOESS programs. (p. 14)

This is a recommendation to OSTP. NASA has been an active collaborator in discussions and analyses of NPOESS restructuring scenarios. NASA ESD has provided briefs to OSTP and OMB, and stands ready to support the Administration in its efforts to implement cross-agency coordination mechanisms to develop and operate an efficient, predictable, high-quality, spaceborne environmental observing system for sustained measurements in support of short-term predictions, research, and climate science. (p. 8)

This is a recommendation to OSTP.

NASA was an active collaborator in discussions and analyses of NPOESS restructuring scenarios; NASA/JASD implements JPSS, Climate Sensors, Jason-3 (to transfer) for NOAA, and Landsat-9 (to come) for USGS.

NASA ESD provides leadership (Freilich Vice-Chair 2010-, Kaye acting head 2009-2010) to USGCRP; NASA ESD provides 49% of the total USGCRP distributed cost budget. (p. 21)

Recommendation: Earth system observations should be accompanied by a complementary system of observations of human activities and their effects on Earth. (p. 14)

No additional actions taken at this time. NASA continues to fund the Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) operated by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), a unit of the Earth Institute at Columbia University based at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, New York. SEDAC’s missions are to synthesize Earth science and socioeconomic data and information in ways useful to a wide range of decision makers and other applied users, and to provide an “Information Gateway” between the socioeconomic and Earth science data and information domains. (p. 9)

No additional actions taken at this time. NASA continues to fund the Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) operated by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), a unit of the Earth Institute at Columbia University based at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, New York. SEDAC’s missions are to synthesize Earth science and socioeconomic data and information in ways useful to a wide range of decision makers and other applied users, and to provide an “Information Gateway” between the socioeconomic and Earth science data and information domains. NASA continues to fund the Land Cover/Land Use Change (LCLUC) program of competitively selected investigations to understand the consequences of land cover/land use change on the Ecosystem, using remotely sensed data. (p. 22)

Recommendation: Socioeconomic factors should be considered in the planning and implementation of Earth observation missions and in developing an Earth knowledge and information system. (p. 14)

In addition to holding open community workshops in the early stages of mission conceptualization, socioeconomic and related information and needs are provided throughout mission development by active representatives of the Earth Science Division’s Applied Science Program. For the decadal survey missions, an Applied Sciences Program point-of-contact has been assigned to each mission to ensure two-way communications between the user and developer communities at all stages, including from the start of mission formulation. (p. 9)

In addition to holding open community workshops in the early stages of mission conceptualization and applications-focused workshops later in mission development life, socioeconomic and related information and needs are provided throughout mission development by active representatives of the Earth Science Division Applied Science Program. For the decadal survey missions, an Applied Sciences HQ POC has been assigned to each mission to ensure two-way communications between the user and developer communities at all stages, including from the start of mission formulation. (p. 23)

   
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b

Recommendation: Critical surface-based (land and ocean) and upper-air atmospheric sounding networks should be sustained and enhanced as necessary to satisfy climate and other Earth science needs in addition to weather forecasting and prediction. (p. 14)

NASA/ESD continues to sustain and expand ground-based observation networks, such as AERONET, SLR, VLBI, and GNSS. All of the latter are topics of focused working groups instituted by NASA with the Chinese National Space Agency; similarly, new international agreements are continuously sought and approved in all in-situ network areas to expand the geographical coverage of networks and increase their quality. In conjunction with planned OCO and GOSAT validations, NASA has added 3 sites to the international TCCON network of ground-based calibrated Fourier Transform Spectrometers. (p. 9)

NASA/ESD continues to sustain and expand ground-based observation networks, such as Aeronet, SLR, VLBI, and GNSS. New international agreements are continuously sought and approved in all in-situ network areas to expand the geographical coverage of networks and increase their quality.

In conjunction with planned OCO-2 and ongoing GOSAT validations, NASA added 3 sites to the international TCCON network of ground-based calibrated Fourier Transform Spectrometers.

An update of the Geodetic Network was included specifically as part of the Climate Initiative. (p. 24)

Recommendation: To facilitate the synthesis of scientific data and discovery into coherent and timely information for end users, NASA should support Earth science research via suborbital platforms: airborne programs, which have suffered substantial diminution, should be restored, and unmanned aerial vehicle technology should be increasingly factored into the nation’s strategic plan for Earth science. (p. 14)

ESD has expanded the airborne program in many ways over the last 3 years, and continues to revitalize and expand the capabilities in close collaboration with the research and applications communities. Significant additional resources have been added to the airborne science program to cover maintenance and routine operations of the airborne fleet (routine activities which in many cases had to be funded directly from the research science budget). A majority of the airborne science fleet has been collocated at Site 9 in Palmdale, facilitating access to the airborne platforms by non-NASA (and non-citizen) students and researchers. Formal coordination and associated documentation have resulted in more standard, more straightforward interface definitions/requirements for contributed instruments, allowing easier and platform-independent transfers and integrations. Coordination with the FAA has allowed much-expanded use of UAS platforms in the national airspace, contributing to the now-routine use of NASA UAS and instrumentation in support of wildfire containment efforts on both coasts. In a joint effort between NASA and Northrop Grumman, 2 Global Hawk (Predator) UASs have been added to the research fleet, vastly expanding the long-duration, heavy-lift, high-altitude capabilities available to NASA researchers.

ESD has expanded the airborne program over the last 3 years, and continues to revitalize and expand the capabilities in close collaboration with the research and applications communities.

Significant resources have been added to the airborne science program to cover maintenance and routine operations of the airborne fleet (previously funded directly from the research science budget). Formal coordination and associated documentation have resulted in more standard, more straightforward interface definitions/requirements for contributed instruments, allowing easier and platform-independent transfers and integrations. Coordination with the FAA has allowed expanded use of UAS platforms in the national airspace, contributing to the now-routine use of NASA UAS and instrumentation in support of wildfire containment efforts on both coasts. In a joint effort between NASA and Northrop Grumman, 2 Global Hawk (Predator) UASs have been added to the research fleet, vastly expanding the long-duration, heavy-lift, high-altitude capabilities available to NASA researchers. In addition to the airborne Venture-class solicitation discussed above, ESD has supported twice-yearly ICE Bridge airborne campaigns in both the Arctic and Antarctic to span the gap between the demise of ICESAT-1 and the launch of ICESAT-2. (p. 25)

Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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 to consider assimilation of data from multiple sensors and all sources, including commercial providers and international partners. (p. 15)

NASA continues to support and fund multiagency, multi-institution assimilation efforts including the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA), the Short-Term Prediction and Research Transition Center (SPoRT) to transition unique observations and research capabilities to the operational weather community to improve short-term forecasts on a regional scale, the massive MERRA (Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications) reanalysis project at the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO), and a variety of similar assimilation and modeling activities in association with international initiatives such as GODAE (Global Ocean Data Assimilation Office). NASA is preparing for a major role in the upcoming IPCC Fifth Assessment Report modeling and analysis effort. (p. 10)

NASA continues to support and fund multiagency, multi-institution assimilation efforts including the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA), the Short-Term Prediction and Research Transition Center (SPoRT) to transition unique observations and research capabilities to the operational weather community to improve short-term forecasts on a regional scale, the MERRA (Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications) reanalysis project at the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO), and a variety of similar assimilation and modeling activities in association with international initiatives such as GODAE (Global Ocean Data Assimilation Office). NASA is preparing for a major role in the upcoming IPCC Fifth Assessment Report modeling and analysis effort. (p. 30)

• NOAA, working with the Climate Change Science Program 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)

This is a recommendation to NOAA. (p. 10)

This is a recommendation to NOAA. (p. 30)

   
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b

• As new Earth observation missions are developed, early attention should be given to developing the requisite data processing and distribution system, and data archive. Distribution of data should be free or at low cost to users, and provided in an easily accessible manner. (p. 15)

Data processing, archive, and distribution activities are budgeted fully from the start in all NASA flight missions, specifically including the identified decadal survey missions. Approximately 11% of the entire ESD annual budget is focused specifically on multi-mission operations (EOSDIS and related information systems) activities. NASA continues to maintain a free and open distribution policy for all mission data, with no period of priority. (p. 11)

Data processing, archive, and distribution activities are budgeted fully from the start in all decadal survey missions. Approximately 9% of the entire ESD annual budget is focused specifically on multi-mission operations (EOSDIS and related information systems) activities. NASA continues to maintain a free and open distribution policy for all mission data, with no period of priority. (p. 31)

• NASA should increase support for its research and analysis (R&A) program to a level commensurate with its ongoing and planned missions. Further, in light of the need for a healthy R&A program that is not mission-specific, as well as the need for mission-specific R&A, NASA’s space-based missions should have adequate R&A lines within each mission budget as well as mission-specific operations and data analysis. These R&A lines should be protected within the missions and not used simply as mission reserves to cover cost growth on the hardware side. (p. 15)

ESD continues to fund vigorous, competitively selected R&A and Applied Sciences programs to advance Earth System science, develop applications, synthesize and combine measurements from multiple spaceborne missions as well as in situ observations, and to identify the next generation of tractable, important Earth science problems that are amenable to spaceborne data acquisition. Accounting for just under half of the total ESD budget, these research and related supporting activities (such as data systems) include science budgets for mission science teams as well as the R&A portion of the budget structure. Mission science team lines are monitored by HQ Program Scientists and are “fenced” to protect them from technical challenges and associated cost increases during mission development. (p. 11)

ESD continues to fund competitively selected R&A and Applied Sciences programs to advance Earth System science; develop applications, synthesize and combine measurements from multiple spaceborne missions as well as in situ observations, and to identify the next generation of tractable, important Earth science problems that are amenable to spaceborne data acquisition. Accounting for just under half of the total ESD budget, these research and related supporting activities (such as data systems) include science budgets for mission science teams as well as the R&A portion of the budget structure. Mission science team lines are monitored by HQ Program Scientists and are protected from technical challenges and associated cost increases during mission development. (p. 32)

• NASA, NOAA, and USGS should increase their support for Earth system modeling, including provision of high-performance computing facilities and support for scientists working in the areas of modeling and data assimilation. (p. 15)

In addition to the assimilation-related activities discussed above, a portion of the ARRA/Stimulus funding has been set aside for modeling-specific work. ROSES 2008 included a major solicitation for the Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction (MAP) activity that supports observation driven modeling that integrates the research activities within the R&A element. In addition to community grants, the MAP element supports basic modeling infrastructure as well as research activities at Goddard Institute for Space Studies, the NASA Goddard Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, and the Global Modeling Initiative (Chemical Transport Modeling)

In addition to the assimilation-related activities discussed above, a portion of the Stimulus funding has been set aside for modeling-specific work. ROSES 2008 included a major solicitation for the Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction activity that supports observation driven modeling that integrates the research activities within the R&A element. In addition to community grants, the MAP element supports basic modeling infrastructure as well as research activities at GISS, GMAO, and the Global Modeling Initiative (Chemical Transport Modeling).

Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b
 

Specific foci of the solicitation included Integrated studies of weather and climate emphasizing the role of weather in the climate system through the use of multiparameter observations from satellites to evaluate and characterize (i.e., validate) model simulations, coupled model investigations designed to examine the representation of Earth system processes spanning a continuum of time and space scales associated with weather and climate, development of climate information from numerical simulations that can be applied at spatial and temporal scales suitable for increasing society’s resilience to climate change and development of climate change adaptation strategies, development of innovative ways to apply Observation System Simulation Experiments to climate prediction and the future design of space-based observing systems, investigations using the Modern Era Retrospective- analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalysis data, Ice Sheet Modeling to incorporate ice streams into the interior ice sheet with particular emphasis on the Greenland outflow glaciers and their coupling with the interior, Atmospheric Chemistry Hindcast investigations forcing Chemistry and Transport Models (CTMs) with multiyear meteorological fields derived from global reanalysis systems, and Advanced Model Dynamics and Numerics investigations of grids and fluid dynamical formulations that support high resolution simulation of the Earth’s climate.

The call resulted in 52 investigations being selected, most for a period of 4 years. (p. 12)

The solicitation included Integrated studies of weather and climate emphasizing the role of weather in the climate system through the use of multiparameter observations from satellites to evaluate and characterize (i.e., validate) model simulations, coupled model investigations designed to examine the representation of Earth system processes spanning a continuum of time and space scales associated with weather and climate, development of climate information from numerical simulations that can be applied at spatial and temporal scales suitable for increasing society’s resilience to climate change and development of climate change adaptation strategies, development of innovative ways to apply Observation System Simulation Experiments to climate prediction and the future design of space-based observing systems, investigations using the Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalysis data, Ice Sheet Modeling to incorporate ice streams into the interior ice sheet with particular emphasis on the Greenland outflow glaciers and their coupling with the interior, Atmospheric Chemistry Hindcast investigations forcing Chemistry and Transport Models (CTMs) with multiyear meteorological fields derived from global reanalysis systems, and Advanced Model Dynamics and Numerics investigations of grids and fluid dynamical formulations that support high resolution simulation of the Earth’s climate.

The call resulted in 52 investigations being selected, most for a period of 4 years. (pp. 34-35)

Recommendation: A formal interagency planning and review process should be put into place that focuses on effectively implementing the recommendations made in the present decadal survey report and sustaining and building an Earth knowledge and information system for the next decade and beyond. (p. 15)

No formal, comprehensive interagency process focused on the decadal survey has been put into place. Details of ongoing relevant activities are discussed at the regular (quarterly) NASA-NOAA Roundtable meetings co-chaired by ESD and NESDIS. (p. 12)

No formal, comprehensive interagency process focused on the decadal survey has been put into place.

Details of ongoing relevant activities are discussed at the regular (quarterly) NASA-NOAA Roundtable/Joint Working Group meetings co-chaired by ESD and NESDIS.

ESD, JASD, and USGS hold similar periodic bilateral coordination meetings (~3/year). (p. 36)

   
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Decadal Survey Recommendation NASA’s Response (2009)a NASA Update (2011)b

Recommendation: NASA, NOAA, and USGS should pursue innovative approaches to educate and train scientists and users of Earth observations and applications. A particularly important role is to assist educators in inspiring and training students in the use of Earth observations and the information derived from them. (p. 15)

ESD continues to support a vigorous Education and Public Outreach program, including annual competitive solicitations for Earth System Science Fellowships, a New Investigator Program, and the GLOBE program. These activities complement other NASA-wide educational activities at the Directorate and Agency levels, with which ESD coordinates closely. The schedule-constrained Venture-Class program described above specifically enables training opportunities for students and post-doctoral researchers and the development and test of cutting-edge, innovative measurement and analysis techniques. (p. 13)

ESD continues to support a vigorous Education and Public Outreach program, including annual competitive solicitations for Earth System Science Fellowships, a New Investigator Program, and the GLOBE program. These activities complement other NASA-wide educational activities at the Directorate and Agency levels, with which ESD coordinates closely. The schedule-constrained Venture-Class program described above specifically enables training opportunities for students and post-doctoral researchers and the development and test of cutting-edge, innovative measurement and analysis techniques. (p. 37)

NOTE: Tables and figures referred to are not reprinted here.

aEdward J. Weiler, Associate Administrator, NASA Science Mission Directorate, letter to Charles F. Kennel, Chair, Space Studies Board, National Research Council, dated October 25, 2009.

bMichael Freilich, Director, NASA Earth Science Division, “Earth Science Division Decadal Survey Status,” presentation to the Committee on the Assessment of NASAs Earth Science Program, April 27, 2011.

Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Page 83
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Page 89
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Page 90
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Page 91
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
Page 94
Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix E: NASA's Responses to the 2007 Decadal Survey and Its April 2011 Status Update." National Research Council. 2012. Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/13405.
×
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Understanding the effects of natural and human-induced changes on the global environment and their implications requires a foundation of integrated observations of land, sea, air and space, on which to build credible information products, forecast models, and other tools for making informed decisions.

The 2007 National Research Council report on decadal survey called for a renewal of the national commitment to a program of Earth observations in which attention to securing practical benefits for humankind plays an equal role with the quest to acquire new knowledge about the Earth system. NASA responded favorably and aggressively to this survey, embracing its overall recommendations for Earth observations, missions, technology investments, and priorities for the underlying science. As a result, the science and applications communities have made significant progress over the past 5 years.

However, the Committee on Assessment of NASA's Earth Science Program found that the survey vision is being realized at a far slower pace than was recommended, principally because the required budget was not achieved. Exacerbating the budget shortfalls, NASA Earth science programs experienced launch failures and delays and the cost of implementing missions increased substantially as a result of changes in mission scope, increases in launch vehicle costs and/or the lack of availability of a medium-class launch vehicle, under-estimation of costs by the decadal survey, and unfunded programmatic changes that were required by Congress and the Office of Management and Budget. In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has made significant reductions in scope to its future Earth environmental observing satellites as it contends with budget shortfalls.

Earth Science and Applications from Space: A Midterm Assessment of NASA's Implementation of the Decadal Survey recommends a number of steps to better manage existing programs and to implement future programs that will be recommended by the next decadal survey. The report also highlights the urgent need for the Executive Branch to develop and implement an overarching multiagency national strategy for Earth observations from space, a key recommendation of the 2007 decadal survey that remains unfulfilled.

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