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Earth Observing System: Concerns Over NASA's Basic Research Funding Strategy

NSIAD-96-97 Published: Jul 11, 1996. Publicly Released: Aug 13, 1996.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) plans for funding its Earth Observing System (EOS) and developing EOS-related basic research, focusing on: (1) the current number of EOS science investigations; (2) researchers' views on whether changes to EOS have adversely affected their ability to carry out their interdisciplinary earth sciences investigations; and (3) the Earth System Science Pathfinder program and its potential impact on future EOS investigations.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
In judging the extent to which it should support the proposed Earth System Pathfinder program, Congress may wish to have NASA demonstrate that the potential value of Pathfinder investigations will exceed the potential value of additional EOS investigations that could be obtained with the same resources.
Closed – Not Implemented
Congress did not act on this matter for consideration during the most recently completed appropriations request cycle. No further consideration is anticipated.

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Topics

Aerospace researchBudget cutsEarth resources satellitesEarth sciences researchMission budgetingResearch and development costsSpace explorationEarth observing systemSpace exploration vehicleOzone