--> ABSTRACT: NASA's Current Program as Related to Earth Sciences, by J. F. Reilly, II; #91021 (2010)

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NASA's Current Program as Related to Earth Sciences

REILLY, J. F. II

Life on Mars? Looking back in time towards the Big Bang? Unraveling the geological history of the Moon? Recent contributions from space exploration have had a remarkable impact on how we view the universe. These are all parts of research programs conducted by NASA. Also, we'll discuss some of these projects and their impacts on science.

NASA's research projects reach not only to the planets and stars but to our own planet as well. NASA's Mission to Planet Earth combines the robotic and human space flight programs in examining our planet from perspectives usually reserved for exploration of other worlds. In addition to the more familiar remote sensing of the earth's surface these studies include examination of the upper atmosphere and ocean-air interface. Some examples are the TOMS imaging of reduced ozone concentrations above Antarctica, studies of aerosol dispersion and concentration in the upper atmosphere and boundary layer dynamics at the ocean-atmosphere interface. Earth observation, from a geological, oceanographical or geographical standpoint remains one of the primary data collection efforts returned from orbit. Astronauts are able to collect images of unknown and ephemeral occurrences unavailable by other means. We'll review a few of these examples and discuss the unique opportunities for a geologist in the space program.

Beginning this year or early 1998 NASA will begin building with our International Partners the International Space Station. Over the next 15-20 years the ISS will be a remote scientific outpost similar in environment to Antarctic research stations. This laboratory in space will provide a unique facility where continuous microgravity conditions will be exploited for detailed study of materials and organisms. We'll discuss examples such as the protein crystal growth experiments currently being flown on the Space Shuttle. Additionally, studies of human adaptation to extended space flight will aid in developing mission plans for extended exploration of the Moon and Mars. These studies may also provide insight into degenerative diseases common here on earth.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.