Our View of Earth From Space Is in Danger

[n2doc]

By Adam Mann
May 7, 2012 | 6:30 am


Earth-observing satellites have completely changed our understanding of our planet and ourselves. But the ability of U.S. scientists to track tornadoes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and climate change from space is now in a steep decline.

“The nation’s Earth observing capability from space is beginning to wane as older missions fail and are not replaced,” according to a new National Research Council report, released May 2 as an update to a 2007 decadal report on Earth-observing capabilities.

While roughly 22 satellite or satellite systems run by NASA, NOAA, and the USGS are currently in orbit, that number could drop to only six by 2020. Of the 18 missions recommended in the original 2007 report, only two have specific launch dates.

This is a dire situation, considering that the U.S. relies on this network of satellites for weather forecasting, climate change data, and important geologic and oceanographic information – not to mention the thousands of amazing pictures of our home planet. Weather-related damage from wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, and heat waves resulted in nearly 600 fatalities and cost the economy approximately $50 billion in 2011, but this number would have been even greater without satellite observations.

Many factors have contributed to this situation, including delays, launch failures, and changes in mission design and scope. But the primary reason is a lack of funding.

more

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/05/earth-observing-satellites/

[krispos42]

1. If there are no satellite images to prove global warming...

...global warming does not exist. Ta-da! And look, we can give another tax break to the investment class!