NASA’s Earth Observing System
NASA's Earth Observing System is a series of polar-orbiting and low-inclination satellites that are coordinated to orbit the earth with the purpose of gathering data that aids in the study of clouds, water cycles, oceans, land surfaces, ecosystem processes, and much more. These EOS satellites are the first to offer integrated measurements of the Earth’s processes. The data gathered by the EOS is valuable because it can improve weather forecasts and it will eventually give scientists the ability to predict how the climate will change in the future, which can benefit all of humanity.
The Earth Observing System (EOS) is the central component of NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) program. Created in 1991, the ESE program’s purpose is "to develop a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes to enable improved prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards for present and future generations.” The three main components of the ESE are: Earth-observing satellites, an advanced data system, and teams of scientists who study the data and share it with the public.
NASA’s website currently lists twenty-five missions that have or will be part the Earth Observing System. The first EOS satellite, Terra, was launched in December of 1999. Each satellite mission serves a different purpose in observing the Earth. For example, one of the main purposes of Terra is to provide data on the state of the atmosphere. A future EOS mission is called the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, and it is planned to launch in January of 2013. The main focus areas of this mission will be the Earth's ecosystems, carbon cycle, and Biogeochemistry.
Common questions answered through Earth Observing System Missions:
-How does the Earth system respond to natural and human-induced changes?
-How is the global Earth system changing?
-What are the primary forcings of the Earth system?
-How will the Earth system change in the future?
