NASA's Surface Biology and Geology Concept Study: Status and Next Steps

The National Academies Decadal Survey for Earth Science recommended that NASA pursue global imaging spectroscopy and thermal infrared measurements in the coming decade [1]. Both measurements would offer repeat coverage on approximately five-day to biweekly cadence, with comprehensive coverage of the globe's coastal and terrestrial area. This would be an unprecedented volume of data with the potential to transform remote sensing practice. To address this recommendation, NASA has sponsored a concept study by NASA research centers and associated university partners (https://sbg.jpl.nasa.gov). This study is determining a family of architecture options - including launch vehicle, spacecraft, instrument, and suborbital components - that could address the Decadal Survey objectives. The architecture study is driven by science needs and builds on input of the research community. As of this writing, the study is entering a phase in which a large field of system possibilities is pared down to a representative handful for an ultimate decision by NASA.

1. Introduction

The National Academies 2017 Decadal Survey for Earth Science recommended that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) pursue a global imaging spectroscopy and thermal infrared investigation in the coming decade [1]. The Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) investigation would address global science themes, including: flows of energy, carbon, water, and nutrients sustaining terrestrial and marine ecosystems; the variability of the land surface and the fluxes of water and energy; inventory of the world's volcanoes, and the composition and temperature of volcanic products immediately following eruptions; other natural hazards including wildfires; snow accumulation and melt; water balance from the headwaters to the continent; land and water use effects on evapotranspiration; functional traits and diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and vegetation; and more.