NASA AGENCY REPORT

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NASA AGENCY REPORT

• Dr. Eric J. Lindstrom
• Physical Oceanography Program Scientist
• Earth Science Division
• Science Mission Directorate

MARCH 12, 2007
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NASAs Mission and Vision

• NASA will continue the objectives for space
  exploration established in the National
  Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958.
• To pioneer the future in space exploration,
• Scientific discovery, and aeronautics research.
• NASA has embraced President George W. Bushs
  directive, A Renewed Spirit of Discovery The
  Presidents Vision for Space Exploration, as the
  Agencys Vision.
• Explore the solar system and beyond
• Return humans to the Moon in the next decade
• Ultimately send humans to Mars and beyond
• Enhance understanding of the planets and
• Ask new questions and answer questions as old as
  humankind.

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NASAs Strategic Goals 2006 Through 2016
Strategic Goal 1 Fly the Shuttle as safely as
possible until its retirement, not later than
2010. Strategic Goal 2 Complete the
International Space Station in a manner
consistent with NASAs International Partner
commitments and the needs of human
exploration. Strategic Goal 3 Develop a
balanced overall program of science, exploration,
and aeronautics consistent with the redirection
of the human spaceflight program to focus on
exploration. Strategic Goal 4 Bring a new Crew
Exploration Vehicle into service as soon as
possible after Shuttle retirement. Strategic Goal
5 Encourage the pursuit of appropriate
partnerships with the emerging commercial space
sector. Strategic Goal 6 Establish a lunar
return program having the maximum possible
utility for later missions to Mars and other
destinations.
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National Space Policy

• The August 31, 2006 National Space Policy (NSP)
  states that NASA shall develop, acquire, and use
  civil space systems to advance fundamental
  scientific knowledge of our Earth system and
  shall conduct a program of research to advance
  scientific knowledge of the Earth through
  space-based observation.
• The NSP states that NOAA, in coordination with
  NASA, shall be responsible for operational civil
  environmental space-based remote sensing systems,
  that NASA, NOAA and the Department of Defense
  (DoD) continue to consolidate civil and military
  polar-orbiting operational environmental sensing
  systems, and that NOAA, with support from NASA,
  shall continue a program of civil geostationary
  operational environmental satellites.
• The NSP states that NASA and NOAA shall
  transition mature research and development
  capabilities to long-term operations, as
  appropriate.

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With the Launch of Aura, the 1st Series of EOS is
Now Complete
Lost contact
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Sub-goal 3A
Study Earth from space to advance scientific
understanding and meet societal needs.

• Over the next 10 years, NASA will deploy the next
  generation of advanced observing and research
  capabilities
• In 2008, Glory will help characterize aerosol
  properties and provide measurement continuity of
  the Suns influence on Earths climate system
• In 2008, the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)
  will extend the data record of essential
  measurements and demonstrate new weather
  satellite instruments
• In 2008, the Ocean Surface Topography Mission
  (OSTM) will take the next step toward an
  operational capability for ocean altimetry from
  space.
• In 2008, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)
  will take the first measurements of the global
  distribution of carbon dioxide
• In 2009, Aquarius will take the first global
  measurements of sea surface salinity.
• By 2012, the Global Precipitation Measurement
  (GPM) mission will extend the coverage of
  observations currently demonstrated by the TRMM
  satellite.
• NASA and USGS will conduct a mission to secure
  near-term availability of Landsat-type data and
  will design a strategy for long-term data
  continuity.

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Ocean Surface Topography Science Team

• Present Team selected in 2004. Contracts run
  through March 2008.
• Re-competition of team advertised by NASA in
  ROSES 2007.
• Notice of intent to propose due 8/31/07
• Proposals due 10/31/07.
• Selection in early 2008.
• Full information at http//nspires.nasaprs.com/ext
  ernal/Follow path to ROSES 07 and OSTST
  (Appendix A.7)

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