A--EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE RESEARCH USING DATA AND PRODUCTS FROM TERRA, AQUA, AND ACRIM SATELLITES

This NASA Research Announcement (NRA) provides an opportunity for scientists to undertake significant studies concerning some of the Earth Science Enterprise's key research questions through the use of data and derived products from three of the Earth Observing System (EOS) series of satellites, namely Terra, ACRIMSAT, and Aqua, and their measurement sensors. It represents both a continuation of the research aspects of the EOS Instrument Teams from these satellites and new opportunities for other scientists to conduct research projects using the new data and products resulting from these satellites. This NRA solicits two types of proposals: 1.) "EOS Algorithm Refinement Proposals" will be accepted from prospective new or continuing science team members who wish to refine and maintain the derived product quality for any of the currently-approved Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD) algorithms. The scientific justification for such improvements must be compelling and should be the focus of the proposed investigations. Current team members from foreign countries need not reapply and do not need to submit proposals to this NRA. 2.) "Science Data Analysis and Modeling Research Proposals" will be accepted from any proposer with innovative approaches to making scientific use of the data or products from the research sensors on Terra, Aqua, and ACRIMSAT. These data and/or products can be used individually, in combination with that from other sensors, or in conjunction the appropriate data from other sources and satellites. Proposers selected under this category may also request to become members of one or more science teams. This NRA is open to all scientific investigators who submit proposals that respond to the key science questions of the Earth Science Enterprise Research Program ( http://www.earth.nasa.gov/visions/researchstrat/Research_Strategy.htm ), and meet the other requirements stated in this announcement. Awards will be made for a period of up to three years for approved projects. Participation in the program is open to all categories of domestic and foreign organizations, including educational institutions, industry, non-profit institutions, NASA centers and other U.S. Government agencies. In accordance with NASA policy as described in Appendix B, all investigations by foreign proposers will be conducted on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, i.e., investigators whose home institution is outside the United States cannot be funded by NASA. Current foreign EOS Science Team Members may continue their participation and need not propose again. The total budget available for EOS science team leaders and members to conduct Algorithm Maintenance and Data Analysis and Modeling will be approximately $63M/yr for the next three years. NASA is trying to achieve a balanced program of activity that is keyed to the post-launch status of the flight program missions. As time goes on, less emphasis will be placed upon algorithm refinement and more will be placed on the analysis of EOS data and the modeling of results. The support for algorithm development is currently planned to decrease from about $33M to $24M over the next three years, with a corresponding increase in the amount devoted towards scientific data analysis and modeling efforts. Team member proposals should be in the general range of $150K-300K/yr. The overall program balance will be determined by the selecting official. Both the number of team members and the sizes of the resulting grants and contracts from this solicitation will be determined by the selecting official to achieve an optimal blend of continuing algorithm refinement and necessary continuing calibration and validation activities while moving aggressively to achieve the maximum exploitation of the new EOS data for answering the key questions of the ESE Research Plan. The complete NRA will be available electronically on January 30, 2003, via the Internet at the Research Opportunities Web Page at http://research.hq.nasa.gov under "Office of Earth Science (Code Y)". A paper copy will be available to those who do not have access to Internet by calling +1 (555) 000-0000 and leaving a voice mail message. This announcement will be open through April 15, 2003, and proposals may be submitted at any time throughout this period. Notice of Intent will be due February 28, 2003.