This is the accessible text file for GAO report number GAO-10-456 
entitled 'Environmental Satellites: Strategy Needed to Sustain 
Critical Climate and Space Weather Measurements' which was released on 
May 28, 2010. 

This text file was formatted by the U.S. Government Accountability 
Office (GAO) to be accessible to users with visual impairments, as 
part of a longer term project to improve GAO products' accessibility. 
Every attempt has been made to maintain the structural and data 
integrity of the original printed product. Accessibility features, 
such as text descriptions of tables, consecutively numbered footnotes 
placed at the end of the file, and the text of agency comment letters, 
are provided but may not exactly duplicate the presentation or format 
of the printed version. The portable document format (PDF) file is an 
exact electronic replica of the printed version. We welcome your 
feedback. Please E-mail your comments regarding the contents or 
accessibility features of this document to Webmaster@gao.gov. 

This is a work of the U.S. government and is not subject to copyright 
protection in the United States. It may be reproduced and distributed 
in its entirety without further permission from GAO. Because this work 
may contain copyrighted images or other material, permission from the 
copyright holder may be necessary if you wish to reproduce this 
material separately. 

Report to Congressional Committees: 

United States Government Accountability Office: 
GAO: 

April 2010: 

Environmental Satellites: 

Strategy Needed to Sustain Critical Climate and Space Weather 
Measurements: 

GAO-10-456: 

GAO Highlights: 

Highlights of GAO-10-456, a report to congressional committees. 

Why GAO Did This Study: 

Environmental satellites provide data on the earth and its space 
environment that are used for forecasting the weather, measuring 
variations in climate over time, and predicting space weather. In 
planning for the next generation of these satellites, federal agencies 
originally sought to fulfill weather, climate, and space weather 
requirements. However, in 2006, federal agencies restructured two key 
satellite acquisitions, the National Polar-orbiting Operational 
Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and the Geostationary 
Operational Environmental Satellite-R series (GOES-R). This involved 
removing key climate and space weather instruments. 

GAO was asked to (1) assess plans for restoring the capabilities that 
were removed from the two key satellite acquisitions, (2) evaluate 
federal efforts to establish a strategy for the long-term provision of 
satellite-provided climate data, and (3) evaluate federal efforts to 
establish a strategy for the long-term provision of satellite-provided 
space weather data. To do so, GAO analyzed agency plans and reports. 

What GAO Found: 

After key climate and space weather instruments were removed from the 
NPOESS and GOES-R programs in 2006, federal agencies decided to 
restore selected capabilities in the near term. However, neither the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) nor the 
Department of Defense (DOD) has established plans to restore the full 
set of NPOESS capabilities over the life of the program. Further, NOAA 
has not made any plans to restore the advanced climate capabilities of 
the instrument that was removed from GOES-R. Expected gaps in coverage 
for the instruments that were removed range from 1 to 11 years, and 
begin as soon as 2015. Until these capabilities are in place, the 
agencies will not be able to provide key environmental data that are 
important for sustaining climate and space weather measurements. 

For over a decade, federal agencies and the climate community have 
clamored for a national interagency strategy to coordinate agency 
priorities, budgets, and schedules for environmental satellite 
observations over the long-term—and the governance structure to 
implement that strategy. In mid-2009, a White House-sponsored 
interagency working group drafted a report that identifies and 
prioritizes near-term opportunities for environmental observations; 
however, the plan has not been approved by key entities within the 
Executive Office of the President and there is no schedule for 
finalizing it. In addition, the report does not address costs, 
schedules, or the long-term provision of satellite data, and there is 
no process or time frame for implementing it. Without a strategy for 
continuing environmental measurements over the coming decades and a 
means for implementing it, agencies will continue to independently 
pursue their immediate priorities on an ad hoc basis, the economic 
benefits of a coordinated approach to investments in earth observation 
may be lost, and our nation’s ability to understand climate change may 
be limited. 

While federal agencies have taken steps to plan for continued space 
weather observations in the near-term, they lack a strategy for the 
long-term provision of space weather data. NOAA and DOD plan to 
replace aging satellites, and an interagency space weather program 
drafted two reports on how to mitigate the loss of key satellites and 
instruments. These reports were submitted to the Executive Office of 
the President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the 
fall of 2009. However, OSTP has no schedule for approving or releasing 
the reports. Until OSTP approves and releases the reports, it will not 
be clear whether the reports provide a strategy to ensure the long-
term provision of space weather data—or whether the current efforts 
are simply attempts to ensure short-term data continuity. Without a 
comprehensive long-term strategy for the provision of space weather 
data, agencies may make ad hoc decisions to ensure continuity in the 
near term and risk making inefficient investment decisions. 

What GAO Recommends: 

GAO is making recommendations to the President’s Assistant for Science 
and Technology to establish and implement interagency strategies for 
the long-term provision of environmental observations. The Assistant’s 
office neither agreed nor disagreed with the recommendations, but 
noted its plan to develop a strategy for earth observations. 

View [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-456] or key 
components. For more information, contact David A. Powner at (202) 512-
9286 or pownerd@gao.gov. 

[End of section] 

Contents: 

Letter: 

Background: 

Federal Agencies Have Not Established Plans to Restore All 
Capabilities Removed from the NPOESS and GOES-R Programs: 

Federal Efforts to Ensure the Long-term Provision of Satellite Climate 
Data Are Insufficient: 

Federal Agencies Lack a Strategy for the Long-term Provision of Space 
Weather Data: 

Conclusions: 

Recommendations for Executive Action: 

Agency Comments and Our Evaluation: 

Appendix I: Objectives, Scope, and Methodology: 

Appendix II: Key Federal Organizations with Climate and Space Weather 
Responsibilities: 

Appendix III: Federal Organizations That Participate in Interagency 
Coordination Groups: 

Appendix IV: Comments from the Department of Commerce: 

Appendix V: Comments from the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration: 

Appendix VI: GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments: 

Tables: 

Table 1: Examples of Satellite-Provided Climate Products and Their 
Uses: 

Table 2: Examples of Satellite-Provided Space Weather Products and 
Their Uses: 

Table 3: Organizations within the Executive Office of the President 
That Provide Oversight of Environmental Observations: 

Table 4: Instruments and Products Removed from the NPOESS and GOES-R 
Programs: 

Table 5: Key Federal Organizations' Roles for Climate Observation: 

Table 6: Key Federal Organizations' Roles for Space Weather 
Observation: 

Table 7: Federal Organizations That Participate in Interagency 
Coordination Groups: 

Figures: 

Figure 1: Characteristics of Polar and Geostationary Satellites: 

Figure 2: Configuration of Operational Polar Satellites: 

Figure 3: Approximate GOES Geographic Coverage: 

Figure 4: Stages of Satellite Data Processing: 

Figure 5: Examples of Weather Products: 

Figure 6: Example of a Climate Data Record: 

Figure 7: Key Assets and Risks in the Earth's Space Environment: 

Figure 8: Current Plans and Potential Gaps in Coverage for Instruments 
Removed from NPOESS and GOES-R: 

Abbreviations: 

DOD: Department of Defense: 

DMSP: Defense Meteorological Satellite Program: 

GOES-R: Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite System-R 
series: 

GPS: Global Positioning System: 

JPSS: Joint Polar Satellite System: 

MetOp: Meteorological Operational (satellite): 

NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration: 

NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 

NPOESS: National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite 
System: 

NPP: NPOESS Preparatory Project: 

OMB: Office of Management and Budget: 

OSTP: Office of Science and Technology Policy: 

POES: Polar Operational Environmental Satellites: 

USGEO: U.S. Group on Earth Observations: 

USGCRP: U.S. Global Change Research Program: 

[End of section] 

United States Government Accountability Office: 
Washington, DC 20548: 

April 27, 2010: 

The Honorable Brian Baird: 
Chairman: 
The Honorable Bob Inglis: 
Ranking Member: 
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment: 
Committee on Science and Technology: 
House of Representatives: 

The Honorable Brad Miller: 
Chairman: 
The Honorable Paul Broun, Jr. 
Ranking Member: 
Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight: 
Committee on Science and Technology: 
House of Representatives: 

Environment-observing satellites provide data that are used for 
weather forecasting, as well as climate monitoring, prediction, and 
research. Current satellites provide measurements of the earth's 
atmosphere, oceans, land, and space environment. For example, 
satellites provide data on precipitation, cloud cover, sea surface 
temperatures, land vegetation, snow cover, and solar flares. These 
data are used to provide warnings of severe storms and hurricanes, and 
to monitor and predict seasonal, annual, and decade-long changes in 
the earth's temperature and ozone coverage. They are also used to 
observe and forecast space weather, which is when solar activities 
such as solar flares and solar winds are expected to affect space and 
earth assets (including satellites, airplanes flying at high 
altitudes, and the electric power grid). 

In planning for the next generation of environmental satellites to 
help observe and predict weather and climate, federal agencies 
originally established plans for polar and geostationary satellites 
that would meet a wide variety of missions. Specifically, the National 
Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) 
program--managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration (NASA), and the Department of Defense (DOD)--was 
originally envisioned to fulfill requirements for global observations 
of weather, space weather, and climate.[Footnote 1] In addition, 
NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R series 
(GOES-R) program was originally envisioned to fulfill requirements for 
continuous observations of weather, climate, and space weather for the 
continental United States and adjacent oceans. However, both of these 
programs were restructured due to growing costs. These restructuring 
efforts involved removing selected climate and space weather 
instruments and reducing the capabilities of other instruments. As a 
result, the United States' ability to sustain important climate and 
space weather measurements over the long term was put at risk. 

This report responds to your request that we (1) assess plans for 
restoring the capabilities that were removed from the NPOESS and GOES- 
R satellites, (2) evaluate the adequacy of federal efforts to 
establish a strategy for the long-term provision of satellite-provided 
climate data, and (3) evaluate the adequacy of federal efforts to 
establish a strategy for the long-term provision of satellite-provided 
space weather data. To assess plans for restoring the capabilities 
that were removed from the NPOESS and GOES-R programs, we compared the 
original program plans for sensors and products with current plans for 
these and other satellite programs and identified gaps over time. To 
evaluate the adequacy of federal efforts to establish a strategy for 
the long-term provision of satellite-provided climate data, we 
compared plans for the provision of climate data with leading 
practices and past recommendations for the development of a long-term 
strategy, and we identified the shortfalls of and challenges to those 
plans. To evaluate the adequacy of federal efforts to establish a 
strategy for the long-term provision of satellite-provided space 
weather data, we compared plans for the provision of space weather 
data with leading practices for the development of a long-term 
strategy, and we identified the shortfalls of and challenges to those 
plans. We also visited key weather, space weather, and climate 
facilities to obtain information related to federal strategic planning 
efforts for space-based observations and interviewed relevant agency 
officials. In addition, this report builds on work we have done on 
environmental satellites and climate change over the last several 
years.[Footnote 2] 

We conducted this performance audit from June 2009 to April 2010, in 
accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our 
findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe 
that the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our 
findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. Additional 
details on our objectives, scope, and methodology are provided in 
appendix I. 

Background: 

Since the 1960s, the United States has used satellites to observe the 
earth and its land, oceans, atmosphere, and space environments. 
Satellites provide a global perspective of the environment and allow 
observations in areas that may be otherwise unreachable or unsuitable 
for measurements. Used in combination with ground, sea, and airborne 
observing systems, satellites have become an indispensable part of 
measuring and forecasting weather and climate. For example, satellites 
provide the graphical images used to identify current weather 
patterns, as well as the data that go into numerical weather 
prediction models. These models are used to forecast weather 1 to 2 
weeks in advance and to issue warnings about severe weather, including 
the path and intensity of hurricanes. Satellite data are also used to 
warn infrastructure owners when increased solar activity is expected 
to affect key assets, including communication satellites or the 
electric power grid. When collected over time, satellite data can also 
be used to observe trends and changes in the earth's climate. For 
example, these data are used to monitor and project seasonal, annual, 
and decadal changes in the earth's temperature, vegetation coverage, 
and ozone coverage. 

Current Environmental Satellite Programs Include Both Operational and 
Research Satellites: 

Environmental satellite programs generally fall into two categories: 
operational satellites and research and development satellites. 
Operational environmental satellites contribute to weather and climate 
predictions on a regular basis, and federal agencies sustain them by 
launching new satellites as older ones reach the end of their useful 
lives. Alternatively, research and development satellites are designed 
to test new technologies or to provide insights into environmental 
science. While there is not a commitment to sustain the capabilities 
demonstrated on research and development satellites on subsequent 
missions, these capabilities can be included on operational satellites 
if they demonstrate the usefulness of a new measurement or the 
maturity of new technology. Currently, the United States operates a 
fleet of operational environmental satellites, as well as multiple 
research and development satellites. 

Operational Environmental Satellites: 

Operational environmental satellites conduct earth observations from 
space in either a low-earth polar orbit or a geostationary earth 
orbit. Polar-orbiting satellites circle the earth in an almost north- 
south orbit within 1,250 miles of the earth, providing global coverage 
of conditions that affect weather and climate. Each satellite makes 
about 14 orbits a day. As the earth rotates beneath it, each satellite 
views the entire earth's surface twice a day. In contrast, 
geostationary satellites maintain a fixed position relative to the 
earth from an orbit of about 22,300 miles in space. Figure 1 describes 
key characteristics of polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites. 

Figure 1: Characteristics of Polar and Geostationary Satellites: 

[Refer to PDF for image: illustration] 

Illustration depicts the world and the sun, as well as the following 
information: 

Polar satellites: 
* Low earth orbit (less than 1,250 miles above the earth); 
* Take approximately 90-120 minutes to orbit the earth; 
* Travel in a North-South direction. 

Geostationary satellites: 
* At least 22,300 miles above the earth; 
* Take approximately 24 hours to orbit the earth, keeping them in a 
fixed position relative to the earth's surface. 

Sources: GAO and Map Art. 

[End of figure] 

The United States currently operates two operational polar-orbiting 
meteorological satellite systems: the Polar Operational Environmental 
Satellites (POES) series, which is managed by NOAA, and the Defense 
Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), which is managed by the Air 
Force. The POES and DMSP programs provide data that are processed to 
provide graphical weather images and specialized weather products. 
They also provide the predominant input into numerical weather 
prediction models, a primary tool for forecasting weather. These 
satellites also provide data used to monitor environmental phenomena, 
such as ozone depletion, drought conditions, and energetic particle 
activity in the near-earth space environment, as well as data sets 
that are used by researchers to monitor climate change. 

Currently, one POES and two DMSP satellites are positioned so that 
they can observe the earth in early morning, midmorning, and early 
afternoon polar orbits. In addition, a European satellite, called the 
Meteorological Operational (MetOp) satellite, provides observations in 
the midmorning orbit.[Footnote 3] Together, they ensure that, for any 
region of the earth, the data provided to users are generally no more 
than 6 hours old. Figure 2 illustrates the current operational polar 
satellite configuration. 

Figure 2: Configuration of Operational Polar Satellites: 

[Refer to PDF for image: illustration] 

Illustration depicts the world and the following information: 

Notional local equatorial crossing times: 

DMSP: 0530 hours; 
DMSP: 0800 hours; 
MetOp: 0930 hours; 
POES: 1330 hours. 

Sources: GAO analysis of NPOESS and DOD data; MapArt (globe). 

[End of figure] 

NOAA, NASA, and DOD are currently developing the next generation of 
operational polar-orbiting environmental satellites, called NPOESS. 
This program was planned to converge the POES and DMSP satellite 
programs into a single program capable of satisfying both civilian and 
military requirements for earth and space weather, as well as climate 
monitoring. As currently defined, NPOESS consists of a series of four 
satellites, as well as a demonstration satellite called the NPOESS 
Preparatory Project (NPP). NPP is intended to reduce the risk 
associated with launching new sensor technologies and to ensure 
continuity of climate data. The agencies plan to launch NPP in 2011, 
with the other satellites following at regular intervals to ensure 
satellite coverage in two orbits through 2026. Due to poor program 
performance and interagency conflicts over system requirements, the 
NPOESS program is currently being restructured to allow separate 
acquisitions by NOAA and DOD. However, it is not yet clear how or when 
this transition will take place. 

In addition to the polar satellite program, NOAA also manages an 
operational geostationary satellite program, called the Geostationary 
Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program. NOAA operates GOES 
as a two-satellite system that is primarily focused on the United 
States (see figure 3). These satellites are uniquely positioned to 
provide broad, continuously updated coverage of atmospheric and 
surface conditions on the earth, as well as the space environment 
surrounding the earth. For example, geostationary satellites observe 
the development of hazardous weather events, such as hurricanes and 
severe thunderstorms, and track their movement and intensity to help 
reduce or avoid major losses of property and life. In addition, the 
geostationary satellites track space weather variables such as solar X-
ray fluctuations and high-energy particles that are used in 
identifying emerging solar storms. 

Figure 3: Approximate GOES Geographic Coverage: 

[Refer to PDF for image: illustration] 

Illustration is a map of the world depicting GOES-West and GOES-East 
coverage. 

Sources: NOAA (data); MapArt (map). 

[End of figure] 

NOAA is currently developing the next generation geostationary series, 
called GOES-R. GOES-R is expected to provide satellite data products 
to users more quickly and to provide better clarity and precision than 
prior geostationary satellites. It is expected to be a two-satellite 
system, launching in 2015 and 2017, and is considered critical to the 
United States' ability to maintain the continuity of data required for 
weather forecasting through 2028. 

Research Satellites: 

In addition to operational polar and geostationary satellites, the 
United States operates research satellites to better understand 
scientific earth processes and to develop new technologies. Since the 
early 1990s, NASA has launched 18 research satellites under its Earth 
Observing System, and plans to launch 6 more by 2013.[Footnote 4] 
These satellites continue to provide global and seasonal earth system 
measurements, which have provided a better understanding of human 
impacts on the earth, as well as improved disaster prediction and 
mitigation technologies. They are used both by NASA's research 
communities and by other agencies, including the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, for operational and decision-making purposes. NASA is now 
planning the next generation of research satellites, called its Earth 
Systematic Missions program. This program consists of three series of 
satellites to advance understanding of the climate system and climate 
change. In addition to its earth observation activities, NASA has been 
working to understand and measure solar activity in the space 
environment. For example, the observations of solar winds from its 
Advanced Composition Explorer mission and solar X-ray images from its 
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory mission are used for both solar 
research and space weather forecasting. 

DOD also develops environmental research satellites in support of its 
mission when a need is identified. For example, the Navy and others 
developed the WindSat program to demonstrate new capabilities for 
measuring the ocean surface wind vectors from space and to demonstrate 
an instrument that was originally planned for the NPOESS mission. In 
addition, DOD's Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System 
satellite is expected to develop a capability for detecting and 
forecasting space weather events that lead to disruptions in 
communication signals in high-frequency radios and Global Positioning 
System (GPS) satellites. 

Environmental Satellite Data and Products: 

Environmental satellites gather a broad range of data that are 
transformed into a variety of products. Satellite sensors observe 
different bands of radiation wavelengths, called channels, which are 
used for remotely determining information about the earth's 
environment. When first received, satellite data are considered raw 
data. To make them usable, NOAA, NASA, and DOD operate data processing 
centers that format the data so that they are time-sequenced and 
include earth location and calibration information. After formatting, 
these data are called raw data records. The data centers further 
process the raw data records into channel-specific data sets, called 
sensor data records and temperature data records. These data records 
are then used to derive weather and climate products called 
environmental data records and climate data records. 

Environmental data records generally support near-term weather 
observations and include a wide range of atmospheric products 
detailing cloud coverage, temperature, humidity, and ozone 
distribution; land surface products showing snow cover, vegetation, 
and land use; ocean products depicting sea surface temperatures, sea 
ice, and wave height; and characterizations of the space environment. 
Combinations of these data records (raw, sensor, temperature, and 
environmental data records) are also used to derive more sophisticated 
products, including the forecasts that result from weather prediction 
modeling. In contrast, climate data records identify longer term 
variations in the climate and include observations of the land, ocean, 
and atmosphere. 

While environmental and climate data products use much of the same 
data, the two user communities' needs differ. In order to deliver 
timely weather forecasts and warnings, meteorologists require the 
rapid delivery of environmental data. Alternatively, scientists 
involved in climate monitoring, prediction, and research require 
accurate, precise, and consistent data over long periods of time. 
Figure 4 is a simplified depiction of the various stages of 
environmental satellite data processing, and figure 5 depicts examples 
of two different weather products. Figure 6 depicts an example of a 
climate data record. 

Figure 4: Stages of Satellite Data Processing: 

[Refer to PDF for image: illustration] 

1) Raw data: 

2) Raw data records: goes directly to 3 and 8. 

3) Sensor data records and temperature data records: goes directly to 
4, 5, and 8. 

5) Calibration: goes directly to 7. 

6) Environmental data records: 

7) Climate data records: 

8) Derived products and output from prediction models. 

Sources: GAO analysis of NASA and NOAA information. 

[End of figure] 

Figure 5: Examples of Weather Products: 

[Refer to PDF for image: illustration] 

Note: The figure on the left is a POES Image of Hurricane Katrina in 
2005, and the figure on the right is an analysis of ozone 
concentration produced from POES satellite data. 

Source: NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite Data and Information 
Service. 

[End of figure] 

Figure 6: Example of a Climate Data Record: 

[Refer to PDF for image: line graph overlaying a world globe] 

Graph depicts annual sea ice minimum in millions of square miles, from 
1978 through 2008. 1978 through 1984 depicts more than 6 million 
square km each year. 1990 through 2006 vary between more than 5 
million, but less than 7 million square km each year. 2007 and 2008 
are each under 4 million km each year. 

Note: This image depicts the minimum sea ice concentration (the fewest 
number of square kilometers (km) of Arctic area covered with sea ice) 
in successive Septembers from 1979-2008. The data was collected by the 
Special Sensor Microwave/Imager sensor on DOD's DMSP satellites. 

[End of figure] 

An Overview of Climate Products and Uses: 

One subset of satellite-provided environmental weather information is 
climate data. Satellite-provided climate data are used in combination 
with ground and ocean observing systems to understand seasonal, 
annual, and decadal variations in the climate. Satellites provide land 
observations such as measurements of soil moisture, changes in how 
land is used, and vegetation growth; ocean observations such as sea 
levels, sea surface temperature, and ocean color; and atmospheric 
observations such as greenhouse gas levels (e.g., carbon dioxide), 
aerosol and dust particles, and moisture concentration. When these 
data are obtained over long periods of time, scientists are able to 
use them to determine short-and long-term trends in how the earth's 
systems work and how they work together. For example, climate 
measurements have allowed scientists to better understand the effect 
of deforestation on how the earth absorbs heat, retains rainwater, and 
absorbs greenhouse gases. Scientists also use climate data to help 
predict climate cycles that affect the weather, such as El Niño, and 
to develop global estimates of food crop production for a particular 
year or season. Table 1 provides examples of ways in which satellite-
provided climate products are used. 

Table 1: Examples of Satellite-Provided Climate Products and Their 
Uses: 

Products: Precipitation analysis; Assesses the probability for 
accumulation of precipitation (rainfall or snowfall) or changes from 
normal precipitation amounts for given regions; 
Uses: 
* Agricultural industry uses for decisions such as crop mixture, crop 
insurance needs, and timing and amount of irrigation needed; 
* Water managers use for plans in developing and operating water 
reservoirs, as well as predicting river flow; 
* Health officials use for studies of impacts to human health (e.g., 
malaria, cholera, and other water-borne diseases). 

Products: Land cover/vegetation and land use analysis; Assesses the 
location, health, and types of plant life for given regions and areas 
of land that can be developed for urbanization or other land uses; 
Uses: 
* Scientists and wildlife conservation managers use in studying the 
impacts of changes in land cover/vegetation on wildlife (e.g., loss of 
food source, habitat); 
* Forestry managers use for decisions on when and where to restrict 
burning in order to prevent wildfire outbreaks; 
* Transportation officials use in determining placement of highways 
and train routes; 
* Agricultural industry and humanitarian assistance planners use crop 
coverage to help predict world food supply and shortages; 
* Scientists and land use planners use to determine how certain areas 
will respond to changing weather, as well as to better understand 
global changes in greenhouse gases and the earth's heat retention. 

Products: Sea wave and wind analysis; Assesses wave heights and wind 
conditions over the ocean to describe sea states and potentially 
adverse tropical weather; 
Uses: 
* Marine cargo industry uses for routing and scheduling shipping 
routes; 
* U.S. Navy uses for military logistics and planning; 
* Petroleum industry uses in offshore drilling operations. 

Products: Sea ice analysis; 
Assesses the location of ice and changes in ice characteristics; 
Uses: 
* Marine cargo industry uses to identify available or emerging 
shipping routes; 
* U.S. Navy uses in Arctic sea ice models for long-range planning for 
fleet operations. 

Products: Land surface temperature analysis; Assesses the probability 
for surface temperature ranges and deviations from normal temperatures 
for given regions; 
Uses: 
* Health officials use in identifying potentially adverse health 
affects on humans (e.g., heat stress, disease outbreaks such as 
malaria and avian influenza); 
* Producers and consumers of natural gas and electricity use to 
identify changing energy demand based on changes in temperatures. 

Products: Cloud physics and aerosol analysis; 
Assesses the presence of clouds, smoke, and dust and their impacts to 
satellite or aircraft instruments; 
* The U.S. Air Force uses for military airborne planning and 
operations; 
* Climate scientists use to account for the effects that cloud 
properties may have on other satellite-based observations. 

Products: Severe weather seasonal outlooks; Assesses the probability 
of the number and severity of severe weather events such as 
hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes; 
Uses: 
* Insurance industry uses in identifying potential liabilities and 
risk of losses; 
* The Federal Emergency Management Agency uses for emergency 
preparedness and response activities; 
* Weather forecasters use to help analyze the likelihood of certain 
weather events such as hurricanes. 

Sources: GAO analysis of data from DOD, NASA, NOAA, the U.S. Group on 
Earth Observations (USGEO), the U.S. Global Change Research Program 
(USGCRP), and the National Research Council. 

[End of table] 

An Overview of Space Weather Products and Uses: 

Another subset of satellite-provided environmental weather information 
is space weather. Satellite-provided observations of space weather 
generally describe changes in solar activity in the space environment. 
Just as scientists use observations of weather that occurs on the 
earth's surface and in its atmosphere to develop forecasts, scientists 
and researchers use space weather observations to detect and forecast 
solar storms that may be potentially harmful to society. Examples of 
space weather observations include bursts of solar energy called solar 
flares, solar winds, geomagnetic activity associated with solar 
storms, solar X-ray images and fluctuations, and solar ultraviolet 
images and fluctuations. These activities can adversely impact space 
assets (such as communication, GPS, and environmental satellites), 
airplanes flying at high altitudes or over the poles, ground assets 
(such as the electric energy grid), and the communications 
infrastructure (including high-frequency radio communications and 
transmissions between GPS satellites and ground-based receivers). 
Figure 7 provides an illustration of the key assets that are affected 
by solar weather and the solar weather activities that could put these 
assets at risk, while table 2 provides examples of ways in which space 
weather products and services are used. 

Figure 7: Key Assets and Risks in the Earth’s Space Environment: 

[Refer to PDF for image: illustration] 

Illustration depicts the following on the ground: 

Radar; 
GPS receivers; 
Electric power grid. 

Assets: 
Communication satellites; 
Environmental satellites; 
GPS satellites; 
International Space Station; 
Planes; 
Communication links. 

Risks: 
Geomagnetic storm; 
Electromagnetic radiation; 
Ionospheric scintillation; 
High-energy particles; 
Solar radio burst. 

Source: GAO. 

[End of figure] 

Table 2: Examples of Satellite-Provided Space Weather Products and 
Their Uses: 

Products: Energetic particle analysis; Assesses the occurrence of 
energetic electrons, protons, and heavy ions in space; 
Uses: 
* Satellite operators use to protect satellite components from damage 
and to correct for satellite disorientation; 
* NASA space mission control managers use to assess potential damage 
to spacecraft and potential harm to astronauts; 
* The Federal Aviation Administration uses to assess potential 
radiation hazards to passengers during high-altitude flights. 

Products: Ionospheric disturbance analysis; Assesses how solar 
activity disturbs the dynamic environment within the upper atmosphere; 
Uses: 
* Military forces monitor for potential disruption to the Global 
Positioning System, which can affect military positioning, navigation, 
and timing of military operations; 
* Others interested in using GPS for land and sea-based navigation 
monitor for potential errors. 

Products: Solar X-rays and radio burst analysis; Assesses bursts of 
solar radio waves and X-rays emitted from the sun; 
Uses: 
* Satellite operators use to correct satellite orbital drift and 
geolocation errors; 
* The military uses to monitor potential radar interference, satellite 
communication interference, and high-frequency radio blackouts. 

Products: Solar wind analysis; Assesses the path, severity, and timing 
of space weather events that are approaching the earth's space 
environment; 
Uses: 
* Civilian and military space weather forecasters use to send out 
space weather warnings, watches, and alerts; 
* NASA researchers use to investigate the sun and its effects on the 
earth and solar system. 

Products: Geomagnetic storm analysis; Assesses solar activity that 
causes disturbances of the earth's magnetic field; 
Uses: 
* The military uses to assess potential launch trajectory errors and 
radar interference; 
* Electric power grid managers monitor for potential damage to or 
failure of the power grid. 

Sources: GAO analysis of DOD, NOAA, and National Research Council data. 

[End of table] 

Federal Responsibilities for Environmental Satellites, Satellite Data 
Processing, and Climate and Space Weather Products: 

Three key federal agencies--NOAA, NASA, and DOD--are responsible for 
managing environmental satellite programs, processing the collected 
environmental data into usable climate and space weather products and 
services, and disseminating the data and products to others. Many 
other agencies use these data and products to support their missions. 
For example, the Department of Agriculture uses temperature, 
precipitation, and soil moisture data and products to inform farmers 
on what to plant, when to plant, and strategies to employ during the 
growing season, while the Department of Energy uses space weather 
information to help determine when the electrical grid could be 
damaged by solar events. These agencies also participate in one or 
more federal working groups that coordinate the agencies' needs for 
and uses of environmental satellite products. These interagency 
working groups are overseen by offices within the Executive Office of 
the President. 

Climate Responsibilities: 

NOAA, DOD, and NASA manage multiple organizations with a diverse set 
of climate responsibilities. Specifically, NOAA has several 
organizations with responsibilities for developing and using satellite 
data to monitor and predict the earth's climate.[Footnote 5] These 
include the following: 

* The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service 
manages the development of environmental satellite products. It also 
has three data centers that archive environmental data and products 
related to climate, oceans, and geophysical features and disseminate 
these data and products to the public. 

* The National Weather Service is responsible for weather, hydrologic, 
and climate forecasts and advisories for the United States, its 
territories, and adjacent waters and ocean areas for the protection of 
life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. Through 
its National Centers for Environmental Prediction's Climate Prediction 
Center, it disseminates products and services that describe the 
earth's climate and provides near-term climate predictions. 

* The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research has climate 
responsibilities focusing on understanding causes of global climate 
change and on improving operational climate forecasting capabilities 
through its Earth System Research Laboratory and Geophysical Fluid 
Dynamics Laboratory. 

Organizations within DOD also have responsibilities for providing 
climate forecasts that are specifically tailored for military planning 
and operations. For example, the Air Force Weather Agency is 
responsible for providing environmental outlooks to support the Air 
Force and Army, including forecasts of the properties of clouds (such 
as density or ice content) and ground conditions to support planning 
for airborne and ground operations. In addition, the Navy's Naval 
Oceanographic Office tracks ocean currents for planning ship tracking 
and missions, and provides outlooks of the acoustical environment for 
submarines. The Navy's Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography 
Command provides environmental outlooks in support of naval 
operations, including outlooks on coastal and open ocean conditions. 

NASA's Earth Science Division is responsible for advancing the 
understanding of the earth system and demonstrating new satellite 
technologies through its environmental research and development 
satellites. NASA currently demonstrates new measurements and 
technologies for measuring climate through various satellite and 
airborne missions, including the Earth Observing System. 

In addition to NOAA, DOD, and NASA, the Department of the Interior's 
U.S. Geological Survey is responsible for operating the Landsat 
satellites, distributing the data, and maintaining an archive of 
Landsat 7 and other remotely sensed data. 

Other agencies use climate products in their operations. For example, 
the Environmental Protection Agency uses sea level data and products 
to examine the potential societal impacts, adaptation options, and 
other decisions sensitive to sea level rise in coastal communities, 
while the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency 
Management Agency uses climate research and predictions to help 
develop disaster preparedness and response plans. Additional 
processing and product development is done in partnership with 
universities, nongovernmental organizations, and industry. See 
appendix II for more information on federal agencies and their climate-
related responsibilities. 

Space Weather Responsibilities: 

NOAA, DOD, and NASA also manage organizations with responsibilities 
for space weather satellites and prediction. NOAA and DOD both obtain 
satellite and land-based measurements of solar activity and produce 
operational space weather products for a variety of users. 
Specifically, NOAA's National Weather Service manages the Space 
Weather Prediction Center, which is responsible for continuously 
monitoring space weather for civilian user communities, and provides 
official space weather warnings, watches, and alerts.[Footnote 6] In 
addition, NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and 
Information Service has a data center that archives environmental data 
related to space weather and disseminates them to the public. 

Complementing NOAA's responsibilities for civilian space weather 
forecasts, DOD's Air Force Weather Agency is responsible for 
continuously monitoring space weather for defense and intelligence 
user communities. The Air Force Weather Agency and NOAA products are 
similar, and the majority of the space weather data they use are the 
same. However, the Air Force customizes specialized products to 
provide space situational awareness for its users.[Footnote 7] Both 
the Air Force and NOAA work together to ensure that both the civilian 
and military sectors understand and can respond to changes in the 
space environment. 

NASA conducts space weather research and development activities using 
environmental satellites. For instance, NASA observes solar wind data 
from its Advanced Composition Explorer mission[Footnote 8] and solar X-
ray images from its Solar and Heliospheric Observatory mission to 
better understand the sun and its effects on the earth and solar 
system. Data from these satellites are used for solar research and are 
also used by other agencies for operational space weather forecasting, 
including watches and warnings. 

Other federal agencies use space weather products to support their 
respective missions. For example, the Department of Transportation's 
Federal Aviation Administration examines radiation exposure at high 
altitudes, while the Department of Energy uses observations from space 
weather satellites to study possible impacts on electrical energy 
transmission through the energy grid. See appendix II for more 
information on federal agencies and their space-weather-related 
responsibilities. 

Interagency Coordination of Satellite-Provided Environmental 
Observations: 

In addition to agencies with responsibilities for acquiring, 
processing and disseminating environmental data and information, there 
are two organizations--the U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO) 
and the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP)--that are 
primarily responsible for coordinating federal efforts with respect to 
observations of the earth's environment. The National Space Weather 
Program serves as the coordinating body for space weather. 

* USGEO is made up of representatives from federal agencies with a 
role in earth observations, as well as liaisons from the Executive 
Office of the President. The group's responsibilities include 
developing and coordinating an ongoing process for planning, 
developing, and managing an integrated U.S. earth-observing system 
consisting of ground, airborne, and satellite measurements.[Footnote 
9] USGEO reports to the National Science and Technology Council's 
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. 

* USGCRP consists of representatives from 13 federal departments and 
agencies, as well as liaisons from the Executive Office of the 
President and USGEO. Congress established USGCRP in 1990 to coordinate 
and integrate federal research on changes in the global environment 
and to discuss its implications for society. USGCRP reports to the 
National Science and Technology Council's Committee on Environment and 
Natural Resources. 

* The National Space Weather Program is responsible for coordinating 
federal efforts and leveraging resources with respect to space weather 
observation. The program consists of representatives from eight 
federal agencies, who coordinate their activities through NOAA's 
Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology. 

Appendix III identifies the federal organizations that participate in 
these interagency coordination groups. 

Executive Oversight of Federal Environmental Observations: 

The Executive Office of the President provides oversight for federal 
space-based environmental observation. Within the Executive Office of 
the President, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Council on 
Environmental Quality carry out these governance responsibilities. In 
addition, the National Science and Technology Council and its 
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources provide the Executive 
Office of the President with executive-level coordination and advice. 
Table 3 identifies roles and responsibilities of organizations within 
the Executive Office of the President that provide oversight of 
federal environmental observation efforts. 

Table 3: Organizations within the Executive Office of the President 
That Provide Oversight of Environmental Observations: 

Organization: OSTP; 
Oversight responsibility: OSTP is responsible for, among other things, 
providing scientific and technical analysis with respect to major 
policies, plans, and programs of the federal government; leading an 
interagency effort to develop and implement sound science and 
technology policies and budgets; and building partnerships among 
federal, state, and local governments, other countries, and the 
scientific community; The Assistant to the President for Science and 
Technology is also the Director of OSTP. 

Organization: OMB; 
Oversight responsibility: OMB is responsible for overseeing federal 
program budget planning; evaluating the effectiveness of agency 
programs, policies, and procedures; assessing competing funding 
demands among agencies; and setting funding priorities. 

Organization: Council on Environmental Quality; 
Oversight responsibility: The council coordinates federal 
environmental efforts and works with agencies and other White House 
offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. 

Organization: National Science and Technology Council; 
Oversight responsibility: This is a cabinet-level council that 
coordinates science and technological policies among federal research 
and development entities and sets national goals for science and 
technology investments. The council's Committee on Environment and 
Natural Resources provides advice on federal research and development 
efforts in the area of environment and natural resources. The 
Assistant to the President for Science and Technology functions as the 
head of the council and its committees, while OSTP provides 
administrative support. 

Source: GAO analysis of Executive Office of the President 
responsibilities. 

[End of table] 

Prior GAO Reports Recommended Developing Plans to Restore Canceled 
Instruments: 

In recent years, we have issued a series of reports on the NPOESS and 
GOES-R satellite programs.[Footnote 10] Both programs are critical to 
United States' ability to maintain the continuity of data required for 
weather forecasting and global climate monitoring through the years 
2026 and 2028, respectively. However, both of these programs were 
restructured due to their complexity and growing costs. These 
restructuring efforts involved removing selected climate and space 
weather instruments. Specifically, on the NPOESS program, four 
instruments were removed and four had their capabilities reduced. On 
the GOES-R program, NOAA removed an advanced instrument that was 
important to the weather and climate community. In May 2008, we 
recommended that the agencies develop a long-term strategy for 
restoring the NPOESS sensors in order to guide short-term decision 
making and to avoid an ad hoc approach to restoring capabilities. 
[Footnote 11] In addition, in April 2009, we recommended that NOAA 
develop a plan for restoring the advanced GOES-R capabilities that 
were removed from the program, if feasible and justified.[Footnote 12] 

Federal Agencies Have Not Established Plans to Restore All 
Capabilities Removed from the NPOESS and GOES-R Programs: 

Federal agencies have not yet established plans to restore all of the 
capabilities removed from the NPOESS[Footnote 13] and GOES-R programs. 
As originally planned, the NPOESS and GOES-R programs included 
instruments and products to meet a wide range of user needs through 
2026 and 2028, respectively. Specifically, both NPOESS and GOES-R were 
envisioned to fulfill requirements for weather, space weather, and 
climate monitoring. However, in 2006, both of these programs were 
restructured due to growing costs. These restructuring efforts 
involved removing selected climate and space weather instruments--and, 
in some cases, replacing them with a less-capable instrument. Table 4 
lists the instruments that were removed or degraded. 

Table 4: Instruments and Products Removed from the NPOESS and GOES-R 
Programs: 

Satellite program: NPOESS; 
Instrument: Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor; 
Instrument description: Retrieves specific measurements of clouds and 
aerosols (liquid droplets or solid particles suspended in the 
atmosphere, such as sea spray, smog, and smoke); 
Restructuring decision/status: This instrument was canceled from the 
two afternoon satellites (C1 and C3). Two products (aerosol refractive 
index and cloud particle size and distribution) will no longer be 
produced. 

Satellite program: NPOESS; 
Instrument: Conical-Scanning Microwave Imager/Sounder; 
Instrument description: Collects microwave images and data needed to 
measure rain rate, ocean surface wind speed and direction, amount of 
water in the clouds, and soil moisture, as well as temperature and 
humidity at different atmospheric levels; 
Restructuring decision/status: This instrument was canceled from all 
four NPOESS satellites and is to be replaced by a less complex 
Microwave Imager/Sounder instrument on the second, third, and fourth 
NPOESS satellites. In combination with another instrument, the 
Microwave Imager/Sounder is expected to provide all of the products 
that were originally planned, except for a soil moisture product 
(which will be degraded). 

Satellite program: NPOESS; 
Instrument: Earth Radiation Budget Sensor; 
Instrument description: Measures solar short-wave radiation and long-
wave radiation released by the earth back into space on a worldwide 
scale to enhance long-term climate studies; 
Restructuring decision/status: This instrument was canceled from the 
two afternoon satellites (C1 and C3) and replaced by a legacy sensor 
(called the Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System) on the first 
satellite only. The legacy sensor is expected to provide all of the 
products that were originally planned. 

Satellite program: NPOESS; 
Instrument: Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (nadir/limb); 
Instrument description: Collects data needed to measure the amount and 
distribution of ozone in the earth's atmosphere. Consists of two 
components (limb and nadir) that can be provided separately; 
Restructuring decision/status: One part of this instrument (nadir) is 
to be included on NPP and on the first and third NPOESS satellites. 
The other part (limb) was canceled, but it will be included on NPP. 
Without the limb component, one product (ozone total column/profile) 
will be degraded. 

Satellite program: NPOESS; 
Instrument: Radar Altimeter; 
Instrument description: Measures variances in sea surface 
height/topography and ocean surface roughness, which are used to 
determine sea height, significant wave height, and ocean surface wind 
speed and to provide critical inputs to ocean forecasting and climate 
prediction models; 
Restructuring decision/status: This instrument was canceled from the 
two early morning satellites (C2 and C4). NOAA and the Navy are 
planning to procure separate altimetry satellites. 

Satellite program: NPOESS; 
Instrument: Space Environmental Sensor Suite; 
Instrument description: Collects data to identify, reduce, and predict 
the effects of space weather on technological systems, including 
satellites and radio links; 
Restructuring decision/status: This sensor suite was canceled from 
three NPOESS satellites (C2, C3, and C4) and replaced by a less 
capable and less expensive legacy sensor suite (called the Space 
Environment Monitor) on the first and third NPOESS satellites (C1 and 
C3). The legacy sensor will provide 5 of the 13 planned products. The 
8 products that will no longer be produced include electric fields, 
geomagnetic fields and in situ plasma fluctuations. 

Satellite program: NPOESS; 
Instrument: Total Solar Irradiance Sensor; 
Instrument description: Monitors and captures total and spectral solar 
irradiance data; 
Restructuring decision/status: This sensor was canceled from the two 
early morning satellites (C2 and C4). NOAA plans to include a 
replacement sensor on the first NPOESS satellite. However, one 
product, solar irradiance, will no longer be produced by the second 
and fourth satellites. 

Satellite program: GOES-R; 
Instrument: Hyperspectral Environmental Suite; 
Instrument description: Measures atmospheric moisture and temperature 
profiles to develop weather products such as severe thunderstorm 
warnings and to monitor coastal regions for ecosystem health, water 
quality, coastal erosion, and harmful algal blooms; 
Restructuring decision/status: This instrument was canceled. This 
instrument was envisioned to provide a number of products that will be 
provided by another instrument. Fourteen products will not be 
provided. These include cloud base height, ozone layers, ocean color, 
turbidity, and cloud imagery. 

Sources: GAO analysis of NOAA, NASA, and DOD data. 

[End of table] 

Since June 2006, the agencies have taken steps to restore selected 
capabilities that were removed from NPOESS in the near-term; however, 
they do not yet have plans to restore capabilities for the full length 
of time covered by the NPOESS program. Specifically, the agencies 
decided to restore the capabilities of three NPOESS instruments 
through 2016 or 2021, the capabilities of a fourth instrument through 
2018 for NOAA and through 2025 for the Navy, and to accept degraded 
capabilities in replacing a fifth instrument between 2019 and 2024. 
[Footnote 14] The agencies have not yet made any plans to restore the 
capabilities of a sixth NPOESS instrument, and NOAA has not yet made 
plans to restore the capabilities of the GOES-R instrument. This 
leaves gaps in promised capabilities ranging from 1 to 11 years, 
depending on the instrument. Figure 8 provides a visual summary of 
plans and gaps in plans for key instruments through 2026. 

Figure 8: Current Plans and Potential Gaps in Coverage for Instruments 
Removed from NPOESS and GOES-R: 

[Refer to PDF for image: timelines in a graph format] 

Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor: Glory; 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2010-2015; 
Capability gap: 2015-2024. 

Earth Radiation Budget Sensor (replaced by the Clouds and the Earth's 
Radiant Energy System): 
Aqua: 
Satellite provides capability but is beyond its expected mission life: 
201--2013; 
NPP: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2011-2016; 
NPOESS C1: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2014-2021; 
Capability gap: 2021-2024. 

Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (limb): 
Aura: 
Satellite provides capability but is beyond its expected mission life: 
2010-2013; 
NPP: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2011-2016; 
Capability gap: 2016-2024. 

Radar Altimeter: 
OSTM/Jason-2: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2010-2013; 
Jason-3: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2013-2018; 
Capability gap: 2019-2026; 
GFO-2 altimeter: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2014-2019; 
GFO-3 altimeter: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2020-2025; 
Capability gap: 2026. 

Space Environmental Sensor Suite/Space Environment Monitor: 
DMSP F-17: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2010; 
DMSP F-18: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2010-2013; 
DMSP F-19: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2012-2017; 
DMSP F-20: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2014-2019; 
NPOESS C1: 
Satellite provides limited capability: 2014-2021; 
NPOESS C3: 
Satellite provides limited capability: 2018-2024; 
Capability gap: 2025-2026. 

Total Solar Irradiance Sensor: 
SORCE: 
Satellite provides capability but is beyond its expected mission life: 
2010-2013; 
Glory: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2010-2015; 
NPOESS C1: 
Satellite has or is expected to have this capability: 2014-2021; 
Capability gap: 2021-2026. 

Hyperspectral Environmental Suite: 
Capability gap: 2015-2026. 

Sources: GAO analysis of DOD, NOAA, and NASA information. 

Notes: The Aqua, Aura, Glory, Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM)/ 
Jason-2, and the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) 
satellites are part of NASA's Earth Observing System mission. The 
Geodectic/Geophysical Satellite Follow-On (GFO) missions (GFO-2 and 
GFO-3) are Navy satellites. Jason-3 is a NOAA satellite. 

The Conical-Scanning Microwave Imager/Sounder is not included in this 
chart because NOAA, NASA and DOD agreed to include a less complex 
sensor on the second, third, and fourth NPOESS satellites, ensuring 
coverage through 2026. 

[End of figure] 

Both DOD and NOAA officials reiterated their commitment to look for 
opportunities to restore the capabilities that were removed from 
NPOESS and GOES-R. However, agency officials acknowledge that they do 
not have plans to restore the full set of capabilities because of the 
complexity and cost of developing new satellite programs. 

Until the capabilities that were removed from NPOESS and GOES-R are 
restored, there will be future gaps in key atmospheric measurements, 
including aerosols and key cloud properties. There will also be future 
gaps in oceanic measurements, including sea surface height and wave 
height. These gaps will reduce the accuracy of key climate and space 
weather products--and could lead to interruptions in the continuity of 
data needed for accurate climate observations over time. 
Meteorologists, oceanographers, and climatologists reported that these 
gaps will seriously impact ongoing and planned earth monitoring 
activities. 

Federal Efforts to Ensure the Long-term Provision of Satellite Climate 
Data Are Insufficient: 

For over a decade, the climate community has clamored for an 
interagency strategy to coordinate agency priorities, budgets, and 
schedules for environmental satellites over the long term--and the 
governance structure to implement that strategy. Specifically, in 
1999, the National Research Council reported on the need for a 
comprehensive long-term earth observation strategy and, in 2000, for 
an effective governance structure that would balance interagency 
issues and provide authority and accountability for implementing the 
strategy.[Footnote 15] The National Research Council has repeated 
these concerns in multiple reports since then.[Footnote 16] Similarly, 
in 1999, the Administrators of NOAA and NASA wrote letters to the 
White House's OSTP noting the need for an interagency strategy and the 
means to implement it. They called for OSTP to work with OMB to better 
define agency roles and responsibilities and to align a satellite 
strategy with agency budgets. More recently, in 2008, a strategic 
policy research center recommended that the United States develop an 
overall plan for an integrated, comprehensive, and sustained earth 
observation system and the governance structure to support it. 
[Footnote 17] 

While progress has been made in developing near-term interagency 
plans, this initiative is languishing without a firm completion date, 
and federal efforts to establish and implement a strategy for the long-
term provision of satellite data are insufficient. Specifically, in 
2005, the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on 
Environment and Natural Resources established USGEO to develop an 
earth observation strategy and coordinate its implementation.[Footnote 
18] Since that time, USGEO assessed current and evolving requirements, 
evaluated them to determine investment priorities, and drafted the 
Strategic Assessment Report--a report delineating near-term 
opportunities and priorities for earth observation from both space and 
ground.[Footnote 19] According to agency officials, this report is the 
first in a planned series, and it was approved by OSTP and multiple 
federal agencies in May 2009. However, OSTP has not yet forwarded the 
draft to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and the 
President's National Science and Technology Council because it is 
reconsidering whether to revise or move forward with the plan. USGEO 
officials could not provide a schedule for completing this near-term 
interagency plan. 

This draft report is an important first step in developing a national 
strategy for earth observations, but it is not sufficient to ensure 
the long-term provision of data vital to understanding the climate. 
The draft report integrates different agencies' requirements and 
proposes continuing or improving earth observations in 17 separate 
areas, using both satellite and land-based measuring systems. However, 
the report does not include costs, schedules, or plans for the long-
term provision of satellite data. For example, it does not fully 
address the capabilities that were removed from the NPOESS and GOES-R 
missions. While the report notes the importance of continuing current 
plans to fly the Total Solar Irradiance Sensor on the NPP satellite 
and the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System sensor on the NPP 
and first NPOESS satellites, it does not make recommendations for what 
to do over the long term. 

In addition, the federal government lacks a clear process for 
implementing an interagency strategy. Key offices within the Executive 
Office of the President with responsibilities for environmental 
observations, including OSTP and the Council for Environmental 
Quality, have not established processes or time frames for 
implementing an interagency strategy--including steps for working with 
OMB to ensure that agencies' annual budgets are aligned with the 
interagency strategy. As a result, even if an interagency strategy was 
finalized, it is not clear how OSTP and OMB would ensure that the 
responsibilities identified in the interagency strategy are consistent 
with agency plans and are funded within agency budgets. 

Agency officials cite multiple reasons for the difficulties they have 
encountered over the last decade in establishing a national 
interagency plan for long-term earth observations. One issue involves 
conflicting priorities between and among agencies, including 
disconnects between the research and operational communities and 
between the weather and climate communities. Another issue is the lack 
of agreement on how and when to transition research capabilities to 
operational satellites--and how to fund them. 

Without a long-term interagency strategy for satellite observations, 
and a means for implementing it, agencies face gaps in satellite data 
and risk making ad hoc decisions on individual satellites. For 
example, until recently, NASA's QuikScat research satellite provided 
measurements of the effect of wind on ocean surfaces, which were used 
by the National Weather Service to improve tropical and midlatitude 
storm warnings and by the National/Naval Ice Center to improve its 
understanding of Arctic and Antarctic ice environments.[Footnote 20] 
However, NOAA does not plan to replace the satellite until at least 
2014. This extended gap leaves the organizations that used QuikScat 
with degraded measurements. As another example, Landsat satellites 
have provided data on land cover change, vegetation mapping, and 
wildfire effects for over 35 years.[Footnote 21] Currently, there are 
two Landsat satellites in operation, and both are long past their 
expected life spans. While there is a plan to develop and launch the 
Landsat Data Continuity Mission by June 2013, there is no commitment 
to ensure continuity after that mission.[Footnote 22] Without Landsat 
or a similar satellite program, there will be a significant gap in 
land cover images and other important global climate data ranging from 
water management to agriculture. 

Until an interagency strategy for earth observation is established, 
and a clear process for implementing it is in place, federal agencies 
will continue to procure their immediate priorities on an ad hoc 
basis, the economic benefits of a coordinated approach to investments 
in earth observation may be lost, and the continuity of key 
measurements may be lost. This will hinder our nation's ability to 
understand long-term climate changes. 

Federal Agencies Lack a Strategy for the Long-term Provision of Space 
Weather Data: 

While key federal agencies have taken steps to plan for continued 
space weather observations in the near term, they lack a strategy for 
the long-term provision of space weather data. Similar to maintaining 
satellite-provided climate observations, maintaining space weather 
observations over the long term is important. The National Space 
Weather Program, the interagency coordinating body for the United 
States space weather community, has repeatedly recommended taking 
action to sustain the space weather observation infrastructure on a 
long-term basis. 

Agencies participating in the National Space Weather Program have 
taken short-term actions that may help alleviate near-term gaps in 
space weather observations, but OSTP has not approved or released two 
reports that are expected to establish plans for obtaining space 
weather observations over the long term. Both NOAA and DOD are seeking 
to replace key experimental space-observing satellites.[Footnote 23] 
In addition, at OSTP's request, the National Space Weather Program 
reported in 2008 on the impacts for both operations and research of 
not having NASA's aging Advanced Composition Explorer or the planned 
space weather capabilities from the NPOESS program. It subsequently 
developed, again at the request of OSTP, two reports documenting 
specific recommendations for the future of space weather, one on what 
to do about the Advanced Composition Explorer and the other on the 
replacement of the space weather capabilities removed from the NPOESS 
program. The program submitted the reports in October and November of 
2009, respectively. However, OSTP officials do not have a schedule for 
approving or releasing the reports. 

While the agencies' short-term actions and the pending reports hold 
promise, federal agencies do not currently have a comprehensive 
interagency strategy for the long-term provision of space weather 
data. Until OSTP releases the reports, it will not be clear whether 
they provide a clear strategy to ensure the long-term provision of 
space weather data--or whether the current efforts are simply ad hoc 
attempts to ensure short-term data continuity. Without a comprehensive 
long-term strategy for the provision of space weather data, agencies 
may make ad hoc decisions to ensure continuity in the near term and 
risk making inefficient decisions on key investments. 

Conclusions: 

Almost 4 years after key climate and space weather instruments were 
removed from the NPOESS and GOES-R satellite programs, there are still 
significant gaps in future satellite coverage. While individual 
agencies have taken steps to restore selected capabilities in the near 
term, gaps in coverage ranging from 1 to 11 years are expected 
beginning as soon as 2015. The gaps in satellite coverage are expected 
to affect the continuity of important climate and space weather 
measurements, such as our understanding of how weather cycles impact 
global food production, and when radio and GPS satellite 
communications are likely to be affected by space weather. 

Looking more broadly, despite repeated calls for interagency 
strategies for the long-term provision of environmental data (both for 
climate and space weather purposes), our nation still lacks such 
plans. Efforts to develop even short-term strategies have languished 
in committees and offices supporting the Executive Office of the 
President, and there is no schedule for them to be approved or 
released. Further, even if an interagency strategy for the long-term 
provision of environmental observations was established, there are not 
clear processes in place to implement it or align it with individual 
agencies' plans and annual budgets. Specifically, key organizations 
within the Executive Office of the President, including the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy, the Office of Management and Budget, 
and the Council on Environmental Quality, lack a coordinated process 
for ensuring that individual agencies align their plans and budgets to 
the greater good identified in an interagency plan. 

Until the Executive Office of the President establishes comprehensive 
interagency strategies and internal processes that foster the 
implementation of these strategies, individual agencies will continue 
to address their most pressing priorities as they arise and 
opportunities to effectively and efficiently plan ahead will be lost. 

Recommendations for Executive Action: 

In order to effectively address our country's need for sustained 
environmental observations, we recommend that the Assistant to the 
President for Science and Technology, in collaboration with key 
Executive Office of the President entities (including the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy, the Office of Management and Budget, 
the Council on Environmental Quality, and the National Science and 
Technology Council), take the following four actions: 

* Establish a firm deadline for the completion and release of three 
key reports on environmental observations: 

- USGEO's report on near-term priorities and opportunities in earth 
observations, called the Strategic Assessment Report; 

- The National Space Weather Program's report on how to address the 
loss of the Advanced Composition Explorer capabilities; and: 

- The National Space Weather Program's report on how to address the 
space weather capabilities that were removed from the NPOESS program. 

* Direct USGEO to establish an interagency strategy to address the 
long-term provision of environmental observations from satellites that 
includes costs and schedules for the satellites, as well as a plan for 
the relevant agencies' future budgets. 

* Establish an ongoing process, with timelines, for obtaining approval 
of the interagency strategy and aligning it with agency plans and 
annual budgets. 

* Direct the National Space Weather Program Council to establish an 
interagency strategy for the long-term provision of space weather 
observations. 

Agency Comments and Our Evaluation: 

A senior policy analyst from the Office of Science and Technology 
Policy/Executive Office of the President provided comments on a draft 
of this report via e-mail. In addition, we received written comments 
on a draft of this report from the Secretary of Commerce, who 
transmitted NOAA's comments (see app. IV), and the NASA Associate 
Administrator for its Science Mission Directorate (see app. V). DOD 
officials declined to comment on a draft of the report. 

The Executive Office of the President did not agree or disagree with 
our recommendations; however, officials noted that OSTP is currently 
revising USGEO's Strategic Assessment Report to update information on 
launch schedules and on the availability of certain measurements that 
have changed since completion of the report a year ago. Further, 
officials agreed that the Strategic Assessment Report is a first step 
in developing a strategy for earth observations, and noted that they 
plan to use the report as a basis for meeting congressional reporting 
requirements directing OSTP to develop a strategy on earth 
observations. In crafting this strategy, it will be important for OSTP 
to address long-term interagency needs and to work with OMB to ensure 
that the long-term plans are aligned with individual agencies' plans 
and budgets. If the plan does not include these elements, individual 
agencies will continue to address only their most pressing priorities, 
other agencies' needs may be ignored, and the government may lose the 
ability to effectively and efficiently address its earth observation 
needs. 

In its comments, NOAA noted that it had completed its actions relative 
to delivering input to the Executive Office of the President for 
developing strategies for climate and space weather observations. We 
agree; it is now up to the Executive Office of the President to 
establish and implement an interagency strategy for the long-term 
provision of these observations. The agency also responded to our 
statement that it had not established plans to restore all of the 
capabilities that were removed from the GOES-R and NPOESS programs. 
Regarding GOES-R, NOAA stated that it will continue to evaluate the 
feasibility and priority of addressing requirements and determine the 
appropriate means to meet them. 

Regarding NPOESS, NOAA noted that, in fiscal year 2009, the agency 
restored the highest priority climate sensors that were removed from 
the NPOESS program. NOAA also reported that the fiscal year 2011 
President's Budget Request includes plans to restore additional key 
climate sensors on JPSS and other satellite programs. However, as 
discussed in our report, NOAA's efforts to restore sensors in 2009 
addressed only selected near-term needs and did not address the full 
set of capabilities over the life of the NPOESS program. Further, 
regarding the fiscal year 2011 President's Budget Request, at the time 
of our review the full set of capabilities planned for the JPSS 
program had not yet been determined. For example, the Total Solar 
Irradiance Sensor (which was one of the high-priority sensors that was 
restored to the NPOESS program in fiscal year 2009) will not be 
included on the JPSS satellite, but could instead be included on 
another to-be-determined satellite. As noted several times in our 
report, we focused on the capabilities that were planned for the 
NPOESS program because plans for JPSS had not yet been finalized. We 
have ongoing work to examine the JPSS program, which will further 
evaluate NOAA's plans as they are solidified. In a final comment, NOAA 
stated that we did not distinguish between potential data gaps in 
existing and new capabilities, and suggested that we only use the term 
"gap" to describe the potential loss of an existing capability. Given 
that the requirements for the NPOESS programs were developed and 
validated by multiple agencies nearly a decade ago, and requirements 
for the GOES-R sensor were revalidated by NOAA in 2007, we believe it 
is appropriate to view the removal of these requirements as gaps--
whether they represent existing or new capabilities. 

In its written comments, NASA provided further details on its efforts 
to advance the understanding of earth systems and Heliophysics through 
environmental research satellites, and provided clarification on plans 
for future missions that are included in the fiscal year 2011 
President's Budget Request. The agency also noted that OSTP developed 
a plan for the future of the land-imaging program, under which NASA 
would develop future Landsat-like satellites on behalf of the 
Department of the Interior. However, this plan was established in 2007 
and has not yet been funded or implemented. It is not clear that it 
will be implemented. This situation illustrates that having an 
approved plan is not enough to ensure that critical satellite 
capabilities are obtained, and reiterates the need for an ongoing 
process that aligns interagency strategies with individual agencies' 
plans and annual budgets. 

OSTP, NOAA, and NASA also provided technical comments on the report, 
which we incorporated as appropriate. 

As agreed with your offices, unless you publicly announce the contents 
of this report earlier, we plan no further distribution until 30 days 
from the report date. At that time, we will send copies of this report 
to interested congressional committees, the Secretary of Commerce, the 
Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of NASA, the Director of the 
Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget, and other interested parties. The report also 
will be available on the GAO Web site at [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov]. 

If you or your staff members have questions about this report, please 
contact me at (202) 512-9286 or pownerd@gao.gov. Contact points for 
our Offices of Congressional Relations and Public Affairs may be found 
on the last page of this report. GAO staff who made key contributions 
to this report are listed in appendix VI. 

Signed by: 

David A. Powner: 
Director, Information Technology Management Issues: 

[End of section] 

Appendix I: Objectives, Scope, and Methodology: 

Our objectives were to (1) assess plans to restore capabilities that 
were originally planned for, but then removed from, the National Polar-
orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and 
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R series (GOES-R) 
satellites; (2) evaluate the adequacy of federal efforts to establish 
a strategy for the long-term provision of satellite-provided climate 
data; and (3) evaluate the adequacy of federal efforts to establish a 
strategy for the long-term provision of satellite-provided space 
weather data. To assess plans for restoring capabilities from the 
NPOESS and GOES-R programs, we compared the original program plans for 
sensors and products with current plans and identified gaps over time. 
We also observed monthly senior-level management review meetings, 
reviewed documentation from those meetings, and interviewed agency 
officials to obtain information on any changes in program plans. 

To evaluate the adequacy of federal efforts to establish a strategy 
for the long-term provision of satellite-provided climate data, we 
compared plans developed by the Department of Defense (DOD), National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and a draft strategy developed by 
the Executive Office of the President's Office of Science and 
Technology Policy (OSTP) and the U.S. Group on Earth Observations for 
the provision of climate data with recommendations made by the 
National Research Council and GAO for the development of a long-term 
strategy. We identified the shortfalls of and challenges to those 
plans. We also visited NOAA's National Climatic Data Center, Climate 
Prediction Center, and Earth System Research Laboratory; the Navy's 
Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center and Naval 
Oceanographic Office; and the Air Force Weather Agency to obtain 
information on the uses and users of satellite data for climate 
monitoring and prediction, as well the need for interagency strategic 
planning for space-based climate observations. We also interviewed 
relevant agency officials. 

To evaluate the adequacy of federal efforts to establish a strategy 
for the long-term provision of satellite-provided space weather data, 
we compared DOD, NASA, and NOAA plans for the provision of space 
weather data to leading practices for the development of a long-term 
strategy, and we identified the potential shortfalls of and challenges 
to those plans. We also identified OSTP plans for space weather. We 
attended a space weather events workshop to determine key issues 
related to long-term plans for space weather observations. We also 
visited the Air Force Weather Agency, the Space Weather Prediction 
Center, and NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center to obtain 
information on the uses and users of satellite data for space weather 
monitoring and prediction, as well the need for interagency strategic 
planning for space weather observations. We also interviewed relevant 
agency officials. 

We conducted our work at NOAA, NASA, DOD, and OSTP facilities in the 
Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. In addition, we conducted work at 
satellite data processing facilities in Asheville, North Carolina; 
Monterey, California; Boulder, Colorado; Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi; 
and Omaha, Nebraska. We selected these facilities because they host 
key military and civilian users of satellite data for weather, 
climate, and space weather forecasting. We conducted this performance 
audit from June 2009 to April 2010, in accordance with generally 
accepted government auditing standards. Those standards require that 
we plan and perform the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate 
evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and 
conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that the 
evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and 
conclusions based on our audit objectives. 

[End of section] 

Appendix II: Key Federal Organizations with Climate and Space Weather 
Responsibilities: 

Multiple agencies have a role in developing or using climate and space 
weather products. Table 5 lists key federal organizations' roles with 
respect to climate observation, while table 6 lists key federal 
organizations' roles with respect to space weather observation. 

Table 5: Key Federal Organizations’ Roles for Climate Observation: 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Agriculture; 
Role/responsibility: Monitors environmental conditions and exploits 
environmental observations and land remote sensing to map and monitor 
the health, quality, and production of US and global crop conditions 
for many applications including commodity price stabilization and food 
security. Environmental observations are used to aid in making 
payments to producers and as an input for monitoring program integrity 
for farm, conservation, and insurance programs. Environmental 
conditions are used as an input to monitoring forest health, wildland 
fire fuels, and fire behavior. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Commerce/National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration; 
Role/responsibility: Monitors and predicts changes in the earth's 
environment and oceans and acquires and operates environmental 
satellites, including polar-orbiting and geostationary environmental 
satellites; also has multiple subagencies with responsibilities for 
using this satellite data to develop weather and climate products; 
manages the Polar Operational Environmental Satellite and 
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite programs, which 
provide environmental data used for developing graphical weather 
images and specialized weather products, forecasting weather through 
numerical weather prediction models and monitoring other environmental 
phenomena. 

Federal agency/organization: National Environmental Satellite, Data, 
and Information Service; 
Role/responsibility: Manages the development and operations of 
satellites and remote-based observations; its National Climatic Data 
Center stores and disseminates climate data observed through 
satellites and makes them accessible to the nation and public. 

Federal agency/organization: National Weather Service; 
Role/responsibility: Provides weather and climate forecasts for the 
protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national 
economy. One of several National Centers for Environmental Prediction 
within the National Weather Service, the Climate Prediction Center 
provides products and services that describe, assess, monitor, and 
predict (e.g., forecasts/outlooks ranging from days to seasons to 
years) the earth's environment. 

Federal agency/organization: Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Research; 
Role/responsibility: Conducts analytical and theoretical climate 
research experiments to better understand and predict climate 
variability and change and to enhance society's ability to plan and 
respond to global change; includes labs, like the Earth System 
Research Laboratory, which conduct research to develop new or improved 
products/services and models. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Commerce/National Institute 
of Standards and Technology; 
Role/responsibility: Provides measurements and standards that support 
accurate and reliable climate observations; also performs calibrations 
and special tests of a wide range of instruments and techniques for 
accurate measurements. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Defense; 
Role/responsibility: Manages the defense polar-orbiting operational 
satellite program, called the Defense Meteorological Satellite 
Program, which provides environmental data used for developing 
graphical weather images and specialized weather products, forecasting 
weather through numerical weather prediction models, and monitoring 
other environmental phenomena. 

Federal agency/organization: U.S. Navy; 
Role/responsibility: Monitors environmental conditions that may impact 
military operations in the oceans and near coastal communities; 
its Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center monitors 
atmospheric and oceanographic data to provide tailored global weather 
forecasts and analyses on environmental conditions ranging from days 
to several months in advance that may affect Navy, Marine Corps, and 
other military planning and operations; 
its Naval Oceanographic Office analyzes oceanographic and hydrographic 
data to develop products that detail environmental conditions (e.g., 
acoustics and physics) from the ocean's floor to its surface. 

Federal agency/organization: Air Force Weather Agency; 
Role/responsibility: Monitors environmental conditions that may impact 
military operations on land, in the air, and in space; collects, 
analyzes, and predicts environmental information to provide tailored 
regional and global weather forecasts and effects caused by 
environmental conditions ranging from hours to several months in 
advance that may affect Air Force, Army, Special Operations, and 
intelligence community planning and operations. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Energy; 
Role/responsibility: Conducts climate research in order to understand 
how energy production and use (e.g., changes in greenhouse gas and 
aerosol concentrations) may impact the global climate system. Develops 
models that simulate the effects of climate change and uses field and 
laboratory observations to interpret and extend the results of such 
model simulations. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Health and Human Services; 
Role/responsibility: Uses satellite observations to conduct research 
related to environmental health and the health effects of climate 
changes, including effects of ultraviolet radiation/exposure (skin, 
eyes, immune system) and emerging infectious diseases. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Homeland Security/Federal 
Emergency Management Agency; 
Role/responsibility: Uses climate research and predictions to develop 
disaster preparedness and response plans. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of the Interior/U.S. 
Geological Survey; 
Role/responsibility: Focuses on understanding past and present climate 
and their effects on landscapes, land cover and use, and ecosystems. 
Manages the Landsat satellite programs in conjunction with the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of State; 
Role/responsibility: Contributes to and participates in international 
coordination bodies, such as the United Nations Framework Convention 
on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 
which use U.S. climate assessments as the basis of certain findings in 
their international climate assessments, and helps facilitate federal 
agency coordination with international climate research efforts. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Transportation; 
Role/responsibility: Conducts climate research to (1) examine the 
potential impacts of climate variability and change on transportation 
infrastructure and services; (2) increase energy efficiency and reduce 
greenhouse gases; and (3) improve transportation-related greenhouse 
gas data and modeling. 

Federal agency/organization: Environmental Protection Agency; 
Role/responsibility: Assesses the impacts of climate variability and 
change on air quality, water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and human 
health. From these assessments, it develops options for adaptation to 
be considered by decision makers. 

Federal agency/organization: National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration/Earth Science Division; 
Role/responsibility: Operates research satellites under the Earth 
Observing System program. Many of these satellites provide climate 
observations used by a variety of federal agencies, universities, and 
nongovernmental organizations. The agency's climate mission is to 
advance the state of science of the global integrated earth system, 
including interactions among the global and regional atmosphere, 
oceans, sea ice, lands, and ecosystems. 

Federal agency/organization: National Science Foundation; 
Role/responsibility: Educates the public and funds research to advance 
the state of science, including understanding climate elements such as 
physical, chemical, biological, and human systems and the interactions 
among them. 

Federal agency/organization: Smithsonian Institution; 
Role/responsibility: Conducts research of atmospheric processes, 
ecosystem dynamics, natural and anthropogenic environmental change, 
and historical museum records/artifacts, as well as geologic records; 
its research is intended to have a long-term (i.e., decadal) 
perspective. 

Federal agency/organization: U.S. Agency for International Development; 
Role/responsibility: Uses satellite observations to provide U.S. and 
foreign decision makers--both in the United States and in the 
developing world--with information designed to support policy and 
program interventions for effective and timely response to drought and 
food insecurity. 

Sources: GAO analysis of agency information from DOD, NASA, NOAA, the 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO), and the U.S. Global Change 
Research Program (USGCRP). 

[End of table] 

Table 6: Key Federal Organizations’ Roles for Space Weather 
Observation: 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Commerce/National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration; 
Role/responsibility: Monitors the space weather environment and 
provides operational forecasts, warnings, and alerts. Within the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather 
Service is responsible for providing weather forecasts for the 
protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national 
economy. Its Space Weather Prediction Center provides forecasts and 
warnings of space weather events that may impact space-based assets 
such as Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and earth-based 
assets such as the energy grid. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Defense; 
Role/responsibility: Conducts space weather monitoring through the Air 
Force to mitigate and minimize adverse space weather impacts on 
operational readiness, mission operations, and military capabilities, 
as well as to provide military planners with space situational 
awareness. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Energy; 
Role/responsibility: Uses observations from space weather satellites 
to detect nuclear events; in addition, it uses space weather data to 
examine possible impacts on electrical energy transmission (i.e., the 
energy grid). 

Federal agency/organization: Department of the Interior; 
Role/responsibility: Provides ground-based magnetometer data 
continuously from 14 observatories distributed across the United 
States and its territories through the U.S. Geological Survey; 
collects, transports, and disseminates these data for global-scale 
monitoring of the earth's magnetic field, which can be affected by 
space weather. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of State; 
Role/responsibility: The Department of State's Office of Space and 
Advanced Technology (OES/SAT) ensures that U.S. space policies and 
multilateral science activities, including space weather, support U.S. 
foreign policy objectives and enhance U.S. space and technological 
competitiveness. OES/SAT has primary responsibility for U.S. 
representation to the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses 
of Outer Space. The office also leads interagency coordination on all 
civil space-related international agreements and plays a key role in 
the implementation of National Space Policy focused on dual-use space 
applications such as space-based positioning, navigation, and timing, 
satellite-based remote sensing and earth observation, and space 
weather monitoring. 

Federal agency/organization: Department of Transportation; 
Role/responsibility: Examines space weather impacts to navigation 
(e.g., GPS) and radiation exposure at high altitudes; its Federal 
Aviation Administration considers space weather impacts in optimizing 
national and international aviation weather systems and services. 

Federal agency/organization: National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration; 
Role/responsibility: Develops and manages satellite operations that 
contribute to space weather observations; conducts research of the 
solar-terrestrial system to improve and advance our understanding of 
events and conditions in space and to develop and use new technology; 
explores how solar activity may potentially impact humans in space, as 
well as space-based assets such as solar research satellites like the 
Advanced Composition Explorer and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory 
and robotic assets that explore characteristics of other planets. 

Federal agency/organization: National Science Foundation; 
Role/responsibility: Conducts research to increase fundamental 
understanding of space environment processes and to improve space 
weather predictive capabilities. 

Source: GAO analysis of agency information from the National Space 
Weather Program, Air Force Weather Agency, and Space Weather 
Prediction Center. 

[End of table] 

[End of section] 

Appendix III: Federal Organizations That Participate in Interagency 
Coordination Groups: 

Interagency committees coordinate the interests of the multiple 
federal agencies whose missions involve environmental monitoring and 
research. These include the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which 
coordinates federal climate research efforts; the U.S. Group on Earth 
Observations, which plans for and coordinates earth observations; and 
the National Space Weather Program, which coordinates federal space 
weather monitoring, research, and forecasts. Table 7 identifies 
federal organizations that participate in these interagency 
coordination groups. 

Table 7: Federal Organizations That Participate in Interagency 
Coordination Groups: 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of Agriculture; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Empty]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of Commerce; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of Defense; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of Energy; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of Health and Human Services; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Empty]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of Homeland Security; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Empty]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check][A]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of the Interior; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of State; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Department of Transportation; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Environmental Protection Agency; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Empty]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: National Science Foundation; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Smithsonian Institution; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Empty]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: U.S. Agency for International 
Development; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Empty]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Executive Office of the President: 
Council on Environmental Quality; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Empty]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Empty]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Executive Office of the President: 
Office of Management and Budget; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Federal organizations: Agency: Executive Office of the President: 
Office of Science and Technology Policy; 
U.S. Group on Earth Observations: [Check]; 
U.S. Global Change Research Program: [Check]; 
National Space Weather Program: [Check]. 

Source: GAO based on interagency group documents. 

[A] Agency officials noted that they are working with Homeland 
Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency to have it participate 
in the National Space Weather Program. 

[End of table] 

[End of section] 

Appendix IV: Comments from the Department of Commerce: 

United States Department Of Commerce: 
The Secretary of Commerce: 
Washington, D.C. 20230: 
	
April 9, 2010: 

Mr. David A. Powner: 
Director: 
Information Technology Management Issues: 
U.S. Government Accountability Office: 
441 G Street, NW: 
Washington, DC 20548: 

Dear Mr. Powner: 

Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the Government 
Accountability Office's draft report entitled "Environmental 
Satellites: Strategy Needed to Sustain Critical Climate and Space 
Weather Measurements" (GA0-10-456). On behalf of the Department of 
Commerce, I have enclosed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration's comments on the draft report. 

Sincerely, 

Signed by: 

Gary Locke: 

Enclosure: 

[End of letter] 

Department of Commerce: 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 

Comments to the Draft GAO Report Entitled "Environmental Satellites: 
Strategy Needed to Sustain Critical Climate and Space Weather 
Measurements" (GAO-10-456, April 2010): 

General Comments: 

The Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA) appreciate the opportunity to review this report 
on environmental satellites. The report describes four ongoing 
activities at the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and 
Information Service: (a) the full set of National Polar-orbiting 
Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) capabilities 
removed in 2006; (b) advanced climate capabilities for Geostationary 
Orbiting Environmental Satellite, Series R (GOES-R) removed in 2006; 
(c) a report submitted to the Executive Office of the President, which 
identifies and prioritizes near-term opportunities for environmental 
observations; and (d) two reports submitted to the White House's 
Office of Science and Technology Policy on how to mitigate the loss of 
key satellites and instruments. 

The report accurately describes the status of items (c) and (d), as 
listed above. Our actions are complete. For item (a), the report 
states that NOAA has not established plans for recovering capabilities 
lost when NPOESS was restructured in 2006. NOAA does have a plan to 
restore capabilities for the climate sensors, which was implemented in 
fiscal year (FY) 2009, when NOAA began funding the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) instrument development 
projects to restore the highest priority climate sensors that were 
removed from NPOESS in 2006. The FY 2011 President's budget request 
includes a plan for NOAA to continue restoring key climate sensors 
removed from NPOESS and host the climate sensors on a NOAA satellite 
program called the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Also included 
in the FY 2011 request is a plan to complete the development of the 
Jason 3 satellite with NASA and our European partners and plan for a 
continuity altimetry mission after Jason 3. 

For item (b), the report states that NOAA has not made any plans to 
restore the advanced climate capabilities of the instrument that was 
removed from GOES-R. The referenced instrument is the Hyperspectral 
Environmental Suite (HES), an instrument concept for measuring high-
resolution vertical profiles of temperature and water vapor and 
providing images of the coastal ocean. Early GOES-R instrument concept 
studies proved that the HES concept was too technically advanced to be 
accommodated on the GOES-R spacecraft. NOAA will continue to evaluate 
the feasibility and priority of addressing HES requirements and 
determine the most appropriate methods to meet them. 

In general, the report does not differentiate between gaps in existing 
operational observation and delays, potential or real, in bringing new 
observations into operational use. We would suggest that the term 
"gap" only be utilized to describe potential loss of an existing 
operational capability or established climate record. 

[End of section] 

Appendix V: Comments from the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration: 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration: 
Headquarters: 
Washington, DC 20546-0001: 

April 8, 2010: 

Reply to Attn of: SMD/Strategic Integration and Management Division: 

Mr. David A. Powner: 
Director, Information Technology Management Issues: 
U.S. Government Accountability Office: 
Washington, DC 20548: 

Dear Mr. Powner: 

NASA appreciates the opportunity to comment on your draft report 
entitled, "Environmental Satellites: Strategy Needed to Sustain 
Critical Climate and Space Weather Measurements," (GA0-10-456). 

While no recommendations in the report were directed to NASA, the 
report contains several points that require clarification. 

NASA's Earth Science Division, as described on Page 20, is responsible 
for advancing the understanding of the Earth system and the science 
and technology of remote sensing through its environmental research 
satellites. NASA makes new measurements and creates new technologies 
for measuring climate through various satellite and airborne missions, 
including the Earth Observing System. With these new measurements, 
NASA uncovers the mechanics and interrelationships of Earth system 
processes, creates climate data records that can be extended by 
subsequent research or operational satellites, and pioneers the use of 
new observations in climate models to improve their assessment and 
predictive capabilities. NASA's Heliophysics Division, as described on 
Page 21, conducts space weather research and development activities 
using research satellites. Data from these satellites are used for 
Heliophysics research and are also provided to other agencies for 
operational space weather forecasting. 

With regards to future research satellites, as detailed on Page 11, 
NASA's Earth Science Division currently has five "foundational" 
missions (Glory, Aquarius, NPOESS Preparatory Project, Landsat Data 
Continuity Mission (LDCM), and Global Precipitation Measurement) 
scheduled for launch between 2010 and 2013. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 
President's Budget Request includes funding for a replacement to the 
Orbiting Carbon Observatory, to launch in February 2013. Of the 
missions recommended by the National Research Council in its 2007 
Decadal Survey, "Earth Science and Applications from Space: National 
Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond," the FY2011 Budget Request 
funds all Tier 1 missions to be launched in the three-year period from 
late 2014 to late 2017, achieving the scientific synergies intended by 
the Decadal Survey for those missions. Tier 2 missions are also 
accelerated by the Budget Request, with two to be launched by the end 
of 2020. 

With regard to the Landsat family of satellites described on Page 20, 
the Landsat program is a joint effort between NASA and the U.S. 
Geological Survey (USGS). NASA develops and launches the Landsat 
satellites, while USGS is responsible for operating the satellites and 
distributing and archiving the data. The next Landsat mission, LDCM, 
is currently scheduled for launch between December 2012 and June 2013. 
With regards to the future of the Landsat program, as discussed on 
Page 32, in 2007, the Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a 
plan for a Department of the Interior-led U.S. National Land Imaging 
Program to acquire Landsat-type data beyond LDCM, but that plan has 
not yet been implemented. Under this construct, future Landsat-type 
satellites would be developed by NASA on a reimbursable basis, much 
like the civil weather satellites. 

Thank you again for the opportunity to review and comment on this 
draft report. We look forward to your final report to Congress. 

Sincerely, 

Signed by: 

Edward J. Weiler: 
Associate Administrator for Science Mission Directorate: 

[End of section] 

Appendix VI: GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments: 

GAO Contact: 

David A. Powner, (202) 512-9286, or pownerd@gao.gov: 

Staff Acknowledgments: 

In addition to the individual named above, Colleen M. Phillips, 
Assistant Director; Bill Carrigg; Neil Doherty; Joshua Leiling; 
Kathleen S. Lovett; Lee McCracken; and Joseph D. Thompson made key 
contributions to this report. 

[End of section] 

Footnotes: 

[1] During our review, the White House announced plans to restructure 
the NPOESS program so that NOAA and DOD would no longer continue to 
jointly procure the satellite system. The NOAA portion of this 
restructured program is called the Joint Polar Satellite System 
(JPSS). However, detailed plans about what the restructuring entails 
and when it will occur have not yet been established. Thus, in this 
report, we will continue to refer to this program as the NPOESS 
program. 

[2] GAO, Climate Change Adaptation: Strategic Federal Planning Could 
Help Government Officials Make More Informed Decisions, [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-113] (Washington, D.C.: Oct. 7, 
2009); Polar-orbiting Environmental Satellites: With Costs Increasing 
and Data Continuity at Risk, Improvements Needed in Tri-Agency 
Decision Making, [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-564] 
(Washington, D.C.: June 17, 2009); Geostationary Operational 
Environmental Satellites: Acquisition is Under Way but Improvements 
Needed in Management and Oversight, [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-323] (Washington, D.C.: Apr. 2, 
2009); Environmental Satellites: Polar-orbiting Satellite Acquisition 
Faces Delays; Decisions Needed on Whether and How to Ensure Climate 
Data Continuity, [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-08-899T] 
(Washington, D.C.: June 19, 2008); Environmental Satellites: Polar-
orbiting Satellite Acquisition Faces Delays; Decisions Needed on 
Whether and How to Ensure Climate Data Continuity, [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-08-518] (Washington, D.C.: May 16, 
2008); Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites: Progress 
Has Been Made, but Improvements Are Needed to Effectively Manage 
Risks, [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-08-18] (Washington, 
D.C.: Oct. 23, 2007); Environmental Satellite Acquisitions: Progress 
and Challenges; [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-07-1099T] 
(Washington, D.C.: July 11, 2007); Polar-orbiting Operational 
Environmental Satellites: Restructuring Is Under Way, but Challenges 
and Risks Remain, [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-07-910T] 
(Washington, D.C.: June 7, 2007); Polar-orbiting Operational 
Environmental Satellites: Restructuring Is Under Way, but Technical 
Challenges and Risks Remain, [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-07-498] (Washington, D.C.: Apr. 27, 
2007); Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites: Cost 
Increases Trigger Review and Place Program's Direction on Hold, 
[hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-06-573T] (Washington, 
D.C.: Mar. 30, 2006); Geostationary Operational Environmental 
Satellites: Additional Action Needed to Incorporate Lessons Learned 
from Other Satellite Programs, [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-06-1129T] (Washington, D.C.: Sept. 29, 
2006); Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites: Steps 
Remain in Incorporating Lessons Learned from Other Satellite Programs, 
[hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-06-993] (Washington, D.C.: 
Sept. 6, 2006); and Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental 
Satellites: Technical Problems, Cost Increases, and Schedule Delays 
Trigger Need for Difficult Trade-off Decisions, [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-06-249T] (Washington, D.C.: Nov. 16, 
2005). 

[3] The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological 
Satellites' MetOp program is a series of three polar-orbiting 
satellites dedicated to operational meteorology. The first of the 
MetOp satellites was launched in 2006; others are planned to be 
launched sequentially over 14 years. 

[4] NASA's Earth Observing System program consists of 24 coordinated 
polar-orbiting satellites designed to monitor and understand key 
components of the climate system and their interactions through long- 
term global observations. Many of these missions also have 
international partners. Key satellites within the Earth Observing 
System include the Aura satellite, which focuses on atmospheric 
chemistry and composition; the Aqua satellite, which focuses on the 
earth's water cycle, atmosphere, and land; and the Terra satellite, 
which focuses on land, oceans, and atmosphere. 

[5] In February 2010, NOAA announced that it would create a NOAA 
Climate Service. However, it is not yet clear what the service's 
responsibilities will include. 

[6] According to agency officials, space weather warnings predict 
solar activities that are expected to have an impact within minutes to 
hours, while watches predict solar activities that are expected to 
have impact within 24 to 72 hours, and alerts indicate activity that 
has been observed or is currently ongoing. 

[7] Space situational awareness is an understanding of activity that 
is occurring in the space environment, including potential threats to 
space exploration and national defense readiness. 

[8] The Advanced Composition Explorer is well beyond its design life 
and could fail at any time. 

[9] USGEO also supports the Global Earth Observation System of 
Systems, an international effort to share environmental data to 
support decision-making in nine societal benefit areas: agriculture, 
biodiversity, climate, disasters, ecosystems, energy, health, water, 
and weather. According to its charter, the Global Earth Observation 
System of Systems is to provide the overall conceptual and 
organizational framework needed to move toward integrated global earth 
observations to meet user needs. 

[10] The most recent GAO reports include [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-564], [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-323], [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-08-518], and [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-08-18]. 

[11] [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-08-518]. 

[12] [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-323]. 

[13] During our review, the White House announced plans to restructure 
the NPOESS program so that it would no longer be jointly procured. 
Because detailed plans for the NOAA portion (JPSS) and DOD portion 
have not been established, we focused on the NPOESS program. 

[14] The program restored the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (limb) 
to NPP; a Total Solar Irradiance Sensor to the first NPOESS satellite; 
and the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System sensor (replacing 
the Earth Radiation Budget Sensor) to NPP and the first NPOESS 
satellite. In addition, both NOAA and the Navy have taken steps to 
procure radar altimetry sensors to be included on other satellites. 
The Space Environment Monitor replaces 5 of the 13 space weather 
products that were to be provided by the Space Environmental Sensor 
Suite. 

[15] National Research Council, Climate Research Committee, Adequacy 
of Climate Observing Systems (Washington, D.C.: 1999); National 
Research Council, Space Studies Board: Committee on Earth Studies, 
Issues in the Integration of Research and Operational Satellite 
Systems for Climate Research: Part I. Science and Design (Washington, 
D.C.: 2000). 

[16] For example, see: National Research Council, Committee on a 
Strategy to Mitigate the Impact of Sensor Descopes and Demanifests on 
the NPOESS and GOES-R Spacecraft, Ensuring the Climate Record from the 
NPOESS and GOES-R Spacecraft: Elements of a Strategy to Recover 
Measurement Capabilities Lost in Program Restructuring, (Washington, 
D.C.: 2008); National Research Council, Committee on Earth Science and 
Applications from Space: A Community Assessment and Strategy for the 
Future, Earth Science and Applications from Space: National 
Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond (Washington, D.C.: 2007); 
National Research Council, Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, 
From Research to Operations in Weather Satellites and Numerical 
Weather Prediction: Crossing the Valley of Death (Washington, D.C.: 
2000). 

[17] Center for Strategic and International Studies (Wigbels, Lyn 
et.al.), Earth Observations and Global Change: Why? Where Are We? What 
Next?: A Report of CSIS Space Initiatives (Washington, D.C.: July 
2008). 

[18] Interagency Working Group on Earth Observations, National Science 
and Technology Council, Committee on Environment and Natural 
Resources, Strategic Plan for the U.S. Integrated Earth-Observation 
System (Washington, D.C.: 2005). 

[19] USGEO, Observing Earth's Vital Signs, USGEO Strategic Assessment 
of Earth Observations: Near-Term Gaps and Opportunities (Draft) 
(Washington, D.C.: May 2009). 

[20] The main antenna on the QuikScat satellite failed in November 
2009, rendering it useless to forecasters. The satellite was 8 years 
past its expected life span. 

[21] The Landsat program is jointly managed by NASA and the U.S. 
Geological Survey. 

[22] In August 2007, a White House working group called the Future of 
Land Imaging Interagency Working Group issued A Plan for a U.S. 
National Land Imaging Program. This report recommended that the 
Department of the Interior manage future Landsat programs and have 
NASA develop future satellites. However, this plan has not yet been 
implemented. 

[23] NOAA has requested funding in fiscal year 2011 to refurbish 
NASA's Deep Space Climate Observatory spacecraft to replace the 
experimental Advanced Composition Explorer spacecraft and has 
requested funding to replace its Constellation Observing System for 
Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate. DOD issued a request for 
information to replace its experimental Communication/Navigation 
Outage Forecasting System satellite, which is designed to sense space 
weather that affects how the Global Positioning System, high-frequency 
radio, and other communications devices work in low latitude areas. 

[End of section] 

GAO's Mission: 

The Government Accountability Office, the audit, evaluation and 
investigative arm of Congress, exists to support Congress in meeting 
its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance 
and accountability of the federal government for the American people. 
GAO examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and 
policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance 
to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding 
decisions. GAO's commitment to good government is reflected in its core 
values of accountability, integrity, and reliability. 

Obtaining Copies of GAO Reports and Testimony: 

The fastest and easiest way to obtain copies of GAO documents at no 
cost is through GAO's Web site [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov]. Each 
weekday, GAO posts newly released reports, testimony, and 
correspondence on its Web site. To have GAO e-mail you a list of newly 
posted products every afternoon, go to [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov] 
and select "E-mail Updates." 

Order by Phone: 

The price of each GAO publication reflects GAO’s actual cost of
production and distribution and depends on the number of pages in the
publication and whether the publication is printed in color or black and
white. Pricing and ordering information is posted on GAO’s Web site, 
[hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/ordering.htm]. 

Place orders by calling (202) 512-6000, toll free (866) 801-7077, or
TDD (202) 512-2537. 

Orders may be paid for using American Express, Discover Card,
MasterCard, Visa, check, or money order. Call for additional 
information. 

To Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Federal Programs: 

Contact: 

Web site: [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/fraudnet/fraudnet.htm]: 
E-mail: fraudnet@gao.gov: 
Automated answering system: (800) 424-5454 or (202) 512-7470: 

Congressional Relations: 

Ralph Dawn, Managing Director, dawnr@gao.gov: 
(202) 512-4400: 
U.S. Government Accountability Office: 
441 G Street NW, Room 7125: 
Washington, D.C. 20548: 

Public Affairs: 

Chuck Young, Managing Director, youngc1@gao.gov: 
(202) 512-4800: 
U.S. Government Accountability Office: 
441 G Street NW, Room 7149: 
Washington, D.C. 20548: