Extension of NASA's science and technology results, earth observations for decision support

Abstract

The Office of Science of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is focused using the vantage point of space to improve our knowledge of the Earth system, space systems, and exploration. NASA spaceborne satellites provide measurements that are used in science research associated with the water and energy cycle, the carbon cycle, weather and climate, atmospheric chemistry, and the solid Earth and natural hazards. The NASA science mission has a focus on improving the prediction capacity in the areas of weather, climate, and natural and technological hazards. The data and knowledge resulting from the Sun-Earth observing systems and science models of the Sun and the Earth are available for assimilation into decision support systems to serve society. Through partnerships with national and international agencies and organizations, NASA contributes to benchmarking practical uses of observations from remote sensing systems and predictions from Sun-Earth science research. This objective is to establish innovative solutions using Sun-Earth science information to provide decision support that can be adapted in applications of national and international priority. A common modeling framework is followed as well as utilization of an enterprise architecture. Space-based data acquired by NASA contribute to Sun-Earth science models that enable understanding and forecasting of weather, climate, and to disaster management to serve in primary applications including the related applications in wildfire management, food security, aviation safety, homeland security, tropical weather, human health, invasive species management, and water and air quality management. Common systems engineering approaches are employed, including dependence on geospatial standards and interoperability, verification and validation, benchmarking, visualization, and workforce development. This paper describes the Sun-Earth observing missions, the science models, and the decision support systems in the context of a systems engineering approach to enhancing decision support systems for disaster management relevant to decision makers. The architecture for systematically delivering results from research to operations is described. Recent results and solutions are highlighted specific to disaster management as related to U. S. National and International efforts. © 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.