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Statement of Task
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) shall convene an ad hoc committee to review the responses from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth observations programs to the 2017 decadal survey, Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space. The committee’s review will include the following tasks:
- Highlight the most significant scientific discoveries, technical advances, and relevant programmatic changes in Earth science and applications over the years since the publication of the decadal survey. Describe any significant changes in the scientific and operating environment specifically related to Earth Observations that should be considered as NASA, NOAA, and the USGS move forward in implementing the decadal survey.
- Assess the degree to which the programs of NASA, NOAA, and the USGS address the strategies, goals, and priorities outlined in the 2017 decadal survey and other relevant National Academies reports, including the impact of legislative or national policy directives.
- Assess the progress toward realizing these strategies, goals, and priorities.
- Assess and provide guidance on impact and effectiveness of Earth science programs (including research, applications, data systems, and technology) in implementing the decadal survey recommendations, synergies, and portfolio balance.
- Recommend actions that could be taken to optimize the full breadth of NASA’s Earth science programs during the remaining decadal interval. Consider current and forecasted resources, progress on decadal missions, coordination with entities external to NASA including other agencies, international partners, and science and technology advances from the study groups examining implementation of the survey-recommended “targeted observables.”
- Recommend any actions that NASA, NOAA, and the USGS should undertake to prepare for the next decadal survey, including information, observables, pathfinders, or technology.
- Comment on NASA efforts since the last survey to enhance the vitality and diversity of the scientists and engineers who work on programs sponsored by NASA Earth Science Division and recommend actions that might be taken to enhance progress in these areas.
In conducting these tasks, the committee shall not revisit or redefine the scientific priorities or recommended targeted observables, unless indicated by superseding legislative or national policy directives. In conducting these tasks, the committee shall not revisit or redefine the scientific priorities or recommended targeted observables, unless indicated by superseding legislative or national policy directives.
