Observations from space over the past 50 years have fundamentally transformed the way people view the Earth. The National Research Council report Earth Observations from Space: The First 50 Years of Scientific Achievements (2008) describes how satellites have revolutionized Earth studies and ushered in a new era of multidisciplinary Earth sciences.
Background: This project was overseen by the
Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate of the
National Research Council. At the request of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Research Council assembled a committee to examine the scientific accomplishments that have resulted from space-based observations.
Since the launch of Sputnik I in 1957, thousands of satellites have been sent into
space on missions to collect data about the Earth. Today, the ability to forecast weather, climate,
and natural hazards depends critically on these satellite-based observations. Satellites
have helped address fundamental
scientific questions and enabled a plethora of applications with important societal
benefits.
In particular, the ability to gather satellite images frequently enough to create "movies" of the changing planet is improving the understanding of Earth's dynamic processes and helping society to manage limited resources and environmental challenges. Dynamic observations from space have advanced understanding of weather, the atmosphere, pollution, and more.
The committee's report concludes that continued Earth observations from space will be required to address scientific and
societal challenges of the future.
This Web site was developed by the
Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate based on the
report and its
companion CD.
