Enabling Capabilities

Airborne Science 

The Airborne Science Program (ASP) provides access to platforms that can be used for in situ observation and remote sensing of the Earth’s atmosphere and surface. Aircraft have proven to be of significant value in Earth system science research testing new measurement approaches, collecting detailed data to better document and test Earth system process models, and providing satellite calibration/validation. They enable high-resolution tempo­ral and spatial measurements of complex local processes, which are coupled to global satellite observations for a better understanding of the Earth system. The current fleet of NASA aircraft include the large science laboratory B777, the high-altitude ER-2 and WB-57, the P-3, and multiple business class Gulfstream aircraft. ASP also supports the use of commercial aircraft services to address airborne research requirements that are not economically efficient for NASA to own and operate. Finally, ASP provides skilled personnel and infrastructure required to plan and execute airborne campaigns. 

Crowdsourcing 

The Crowdsourcing effort engages the public in voluntary Earth system data collections, analyses, and interpretations to support NASA’s missions, accelerate scientific discovery, and enable societally relevant applications. Crowdsourcing participants are NASA’s eyes and ears on the ground, providing a cost-effective way to fill in spatial and temporal observation gaps that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive to accomplish. Participants include tourists, retirees, students, educators (formal and informal), library patrons, scientists, and more, united by their desire to make meaningful contributions to NASA, their communities, and the surrounding world. Crowdsourced Earth system observations support satellite validation efforts, contribute hyperlocal meteorological input to improve predictability, help assess satellite data product accuracy, enable timely community safety warning and response, provide surveillance for mosquito vector-borne diseases, and more. 

Early Career Research 

“Striving for Excellence in Earth Science”. The Early Career Research (ECR) Program’s vision is to empower the next generation of Earth science researchers to create a workforce that enables solutions to benefit society, respond to changes in the Earth’s system, and to support the Earth Science to Action Strategy. The ECR commitment is to support outstanding scientific research at all early career levels, ranging from high school to early career professionals, and enable greater participation across the Earth Science Division program elements and Spheres. ECR also works to cultivate global scientific leadership and provide sustainable support through a cohort experience that facilities workforce development and improves Earth Science retention efforts. ECR also serves as a liaison with other workforce development programs across NASA. 

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Ground Networks and Calibration Labs 

This effort ensures accurate measurements across NASA’s Earth Science Division through comprehensive pre- and post-launch activities. Pre-launch efforts focus on calibrating sensors and platforms in highly controlled laboratory environments, such as radiometric and geometric sensor characterization with traceable standards. Post-launch activities verify algorithm performance and validate geophysical data product accuracy across several temporal and spatial scales. The capability maintains active partnerships and conducts regular field campaign deployments in coordination with the Airborne Science activities. 
 
The validation architecture employs a hierarchical measurement approach incorporating in situ/ground networks, balloon-borne vertical profiling systems, and complementary passive/active remotely sensed observations. These measurement capabilities, primarily funded through NASA programs and proven as core competencies at NASA centers or partnering organizations, enable cross-mission validation studies and support innovative Earth system science research across the agency's scientific and applications portfolio. 

Integrated Modeling Capabilities 

The Integrated Modeling Virtual Institute (IMVI) coordinates synergistic Earth System model development across NASA’s modeling portfolio, along with strategic partnerships, to maintain and enhance NASA’s leading role in producing and providing advanced analyses, predictions, and projections of the Earth system. IMVI builds upon decades of NASA investments in Earth system modeling and data assimilation techniques, and aims to enhance cross-disciplinary synergies, consolidating core modeling tools and data products into an integrated and efficient portfolio that supports NASA’s Earth Science modeling and analysis strategy. IMVI development focuses on interdisciplinary system integration to deliver core products needed by NASA and society, enabled by NASA’s scientific computing infrastructure. The Scientific Computing project supports NASA's Earth Science Discovery supercomputing facility and funds IMVI initiatives including code modernization, data interfaces, and AI/ML applications for Earth observation, data assimilation into IMVI models, Earth system process emulation, and uncertainty characterization. In its initial phase, IMVI focuses on integrating core modeling activities and complementary strengths across the GEOS, Model-E, ISSM, LIS, and ECCO teams. 

Space Geodesy Program 

NASA's Space Geodesy Program (SGP) encompasses the development, deployment, operation, and maintenance of a global network of space geodetic observatories consisting of geodetic and associated instruments. In addition, SGP manages a data collection and transfer system, analysis, and the public dissemination of products required to maintain a stable terrestrial reference system, measure the Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP), and support NASA’s missions and the scientific community. The primary goals of the SGP are to contribute to the maintenance and improvement of a stable Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF), EOP and precision orbit determination that meets the needs of NASA's Earth orbiting missions, geodynamics and broader Earth Science objectives, and NASA’s deep space navigation. 
 
The NASA Earth Science Division funds the geodetic network operations and maintenance of three geodetic techniques: Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), and Global GPS Network (GGN). In addition, the program supports data processing and international collaboration for the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). The SLR and VLBI efforts are managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and GGN is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.