Mission
To advance scientific understanding of Earth’s interconnected systems by integrating NASA’s satellite, airborne, surface, and partner datasets; developing predictive models and data analysis tools; and disseminating peer-reviewed discoveries, tools, and insights to improve societal outcomes.
Overview
NASA’s Earth System Science Research Program (ESSRP), formerly known as the Research & Analysis (R&A) Program, advances Earth system science by enabling the use of satellite, airborne, and ground-based observations, along with modeling approaches, to improve understanding of Earth processes. In collaboration with domestic and international partners, ESSRP ensures that findings inform NASA missions, are published in peer-reviewed literature, and are shared with the broader scientific community and public.
ESSRP supports research pertaining to five Earth science spheres: Atmosphere, Biosphere, Cryosphere, Geosphere, and Hydrosphere. Details on the key research questions, relevant satellite and airborne missions, satellite calibration and validation efforts, research opportunities, research programs, and upcoming meetings and events corresponding to each science sphere can be found below.
Science Spheres
Biosphere
Biosphere provides foundational knowledge on interactions between and within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, along with changes in their biogeochemistry and biodiversity. The goal is to detect and predict natural and human-induced changes in living systems to sustain the services they provide and ensure planetary health for future generations.
Cryosphere
Cryosphere investigates polar ice, including the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, polar glaciers, and sea ice in the Arctic and Southern Oceans, with a focus on satellite and airborne observations. Cryosphere also seeks to improve our understanding of processes, advance prediction, and link the cryosphere to the Earth system.
Geosphere
Geosphere studies processes and changes in the Earth’s core, mantle, and crust along with surface topography, composition, and geology, as well as the hazards they generate. Geosphere relies on essential measurements including InSAR, GNSS, lidar, gravity, optical, thermal, and hyperspectral observations.
Hydrosphere
Hydrosphere improves the observation, understanding, and prediction of the distribution and movement of water in the Earth System. Specifically, NASA Hydrosphere studies water and energy cycles across land, ocean, and the atmosphere through the integration of measurements from satellites, surface networks, and airborne campaigns.
Enabling Capabilities
Research Leadership
 |  |
| Dr. Barry Lefer | Dr. Michelle Hawkins |
| Associate Director for Research, NASA ESD at Headquarters | Deputy Associate Director for Research, NASA ESD at Headquarters |
A New Arctic Sea Ice Melt Season
The Arctic sea ice melt season has lengthened by ~40 days (51%) since 1979, but after a period of rapid lengthening from 2000–2009 driven by increased shortwave energy absorption and sea ice loss, increased cloudiness has stabilized the melt season since 2010. This suggests the Arctic may have transitioned into a new, longer (but more stable) regime dominated by thin seasonal ice.
Review the publication
Featured News
NASA-Funded Study Shows How Controlled Burns Help Sequoias Survive Wildfires
NASA Data Helps CDC Track Air Quality During World Cup 2026
NASA’s PACE Mission Studies Smoke, Fires
NASA, USGS Scientists Go Rock Hounding in California’s High Desert
Earth Observatory Image of the Day
Temperature records toppled across the central and southern U.S. as the autumnal equinox approached.
An amateur astronomer scouting online satellite maps for campsites in Quebec found an impact crater instead.
