**600 [DIRECTOR OF SCIENCES AND EXPLORATION]{.underline}**

Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates a broad program of
scientific research, both theoretical and experimental, in the study of
the Earth-Sun system, the solar system and the origins of life, and the
birth and evolution of the universe. The program ranges from modeling
and basic research, to flight experiment development, and to data
analysis and communication of results.

**601 [ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR SCIENCE ENGINEERING]{.underline}**

The Associate Director for Science Engineering (ADSE) provides enabling
engineering and technology support to science divisions in the Sciences
and Exploration Directorate (SED) for instrument and mission concept
development, in partnership with the Applied Engineering and Technology
Directorate (AETD). The ADSE serves as the primary liaison and interface
to AETD and provides engineering support to meet SED needs and
priorities. The ADSE performs a supervisory and career development
function for SED engineers, who are matrixed to, and reside in, SED
Divisions, Laboratories, and Branches. In addition, the ADSE coordinates
externally matrixed and detailed engineering support from AETD and
ensures coordination of performance appraisal and performance planning.
The ADSE assists SED scientists in identifying required engineering
resources and oversees manpower planning, allocations, and tracking. In
addition, the ADSE oversees internal SED engineering processes, serving
as liaison for external oversight, as needed. The ADSE coordinates with
the SED Assistant Director for Technology on strategic priorities, and
provides technical oversight and coordination of technology development
in SED laboratories, coordinating with AETD technologists.

**602 [UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS OFFICE]{.underline}**

The University Programs Office coordinates undergraduate and
graduate-level work experience programs with universities with strong
science and engineering departments to develop a broad and diverse base
of talented candidates to meet future SED staffing needs. The UPO
coordinates Resident Research Assistant program assignments Goddard
science and engineering organizations, and supports the Center Director
in administering the Director's Discretionary Fund program.

### 603 [ADMINISTRATION AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT OFFICE]{.underline}

Responsible for administration and management of SED resources in
support of the Directorate's technical program. Primary financial and
business management functions include coordination and administration of
budget planning and execution to support the programmatic and
institutional requirements of the Directorate's Divisions and Offices,
and the associated flight instruments, mission operations and data
analysis projects, and supporting research and technology programs.
Major responsibility also includes resource monitoring, analysis, and
administrative reporting supporting the Directorate's overall resources.
The Office is responsible for implementation of all NASA/GSFC policies
and procedures to ensure proper financial and business management within
SED, as well as on-going coordination and review to assess compliance.
Trains and provides collocated resources support to Divisions and
Offices with within the Directorate to support efficient implementation
of resources and to ensure effective utilization of resources.

**604 [OFFICE OF SCIENCE UTILIZATION]{.underline}**

The Office of Science Utilization is responsible for identifying
potential applications of SED science discoveries, scientific
observations, data analyses, and technology that could benefit other
government agencies, industry, and the public. The Office works with
Directorate scientists to identify scientific activities that may have
potential use, and with external organizations to explore need,
feasibility, and benefits. Where potential applications exist, the
Office works with Directorate scientists and engineers and with the
potential users to prototype and demonstrate the concept, evaluate the
results, and support the transfer to operational use. The Office of
Science Utilization is the administrative home of the NASA Level II
Geospatial Interoperability Office, enabling coordination of
applications of NASA data with efforts to facilitate access to that
data. Office develops proposals and business plans, and works with NASA
HQ and other funding sources to establish the financial resources to
support this work.

**605 [SCIENCE]{.underline} [PROPOSAL SUPPORT OFFICE]{.underline}**

The Science Proposal Support Office administers the SED Directorate new
business process and provides assistance to the Directorate\'s
scientists in writing winning proposals. This includes: 1) coordinating
the call for concepts, peer reviews and presentations to the Director of
SED for new mission and instrument proposals; 2) supporting scientist
proposals for small research activities and ensuring that they are able
to write winning proposals; 3) tracking the Directorate\'s success rate
and providing feedback to the Directorate management on winning
strategies; and 4) alerting the Directorate scientists to new business
opportunities. The Office coordinates with the Assistant Director for
Technology and Associate Director for Science Engineering to
strategically manage technology development resources consistent with
Directorate science, mission, and instrument proposal priorities. The
Science Proposal Support works with the Center's New Opportunities
Office on all SED activities associated with the Center's overall new
business process.

**606 [COMPUTATIONAL & INFORMATION SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY
OFFICE]{.underline}**

The Computational & Information Sciences and Technology Office (CISTO)
provides applied information system research and services to support the
research programs of the Science and Exploration Directorate. The office
supports high performance computing, provides high rate network and
information technology (IT) security services, and performs research in
information science and technology. The Office supports the Center Chief
Information Officer in development of strategic IT plans, policies, and
procedures for computing resources and security; and leads Directorate
efforts to implement policies and ensure compliance. The Office develops
strategies to optimize cost-effectiveness in the utilization of
information technologies in support of the Directorate's mission.

**606.1 [NETWORKS AND SECURITY GROUP]{.underline}**

Provides strategic network planning, services, and capabilities to
efficiently meet overall Directorate research and mission requirements.
Leads implementation of network security procedures and functions to
protect Directorate systems and data from intrusions, and assures that
Agency and Center security requirements are met. The organization works
with the CIO\'s Office and other Center organizations to develop
integrated design and management of IT networks. Designs and deploys
specific capabilities necessary to support Directorate projects. Manages
the Agency-level NASA Incident Response Center (NASIRC).

**606.2 [HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING GROUP]{.underline}**

Provides strategic planning, design, and procurement of project-specific
and shared-resource high performance computational resources and
services. Provides portal services to leadership class systems external
to Goddard, and provides the IT infrastructure needed to support the
analysis environment for modeling and assimilation activities. Supports
discipline-specific software integration activities in other Directorate
organizations to assist in the transition to high performance computing
architectures.

**606.3 [INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP]{.underline}**

Performs strategic technology planning to prioritize technology advances
needed to enable science investigations and missions. Conceives,
proposes, and implements applied information science and technology
research projects needed to achieve Directorate science research
objectives. Provides expertise in computing and information science and
technology as a service for the Directorate. Explores new challenges in
computing and information science and technology research that are
relevant to the Directorate, and facilitates new uses of Directorate
science and data products.

**610 [earth Sciences Division]{.underline}**

> Plans, organizes, evaluates, and carries out a broad program of
> scientific research, both theoretical and experimental, in the study
> of Earth sciences. The program ranges from basic research, to the
> definition and development of flight missions and instruments, to
> mission operations and data analysis.

**610.1 [GLOBAL MODELING AND ASSIMILATION]{.underline}**
**[OFFICE]{.underline}**

> The Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) focuses on
> comprehensive global climate modeling and on satellite data synthesis
> through assimilation. Global ocean, atmosphere and land surface models
> are developed as components of assimilation and forecast systems as
> well as for addressing the weather and climate research questions
> identified in NASA's science mission. The Office promotes the use of
> satellite data by operational agencies through the transition of
> targeted assimilation technology. It uses assimilation tools to
> contribute to the design of future missions. It enables the use of
> satellite data by the research community and by NASA's Instrument
> Teams through the provision of research-quality assimilated data
> products, including trace gas, aerosol and climate products, and ocean
> and land surface products. GMAO research focuses on observing system
> optimization, on understanding transient climate variability and its
> predictability, on the hydrological cycle, and on the interaction
> between the biospheric and chemical components of the Earth system and
> climate.

**610.2 [GLOBAL CHANGE DATA CENTER]{.underline}**

> Provides Earth science data operations and archive management to key
> Earth science flight missions and data collection projects. Publishes
> data produced by NASA flight missions in forms that are conducive to
> scientific research and education. Develops and operates key advanced
> data systems in support of NASA flight missions. Develops, implements,
> and operates the GSFC DAAC and provides special services for the Earth
> science communities. Performs outreach to the science and education
> user communities to promote awareness and utilization of NASA data and
> to solicit input from users regarding data and information needs.
> Works closely with flight project and Earth scientists in data system
> planning and utilization; develops and implements capability to
> support Earth sciences mission needs. Responsible for supporting
> instrument algorithm development and operational project data set
> production systems.

**610.3 [SOFTWARE INTEGRATION AND VISUALIZATION OFFICE]{.underline}**

> The Software Integration and Visualization Office (SIVO) is a
> program-provided activity to support NASA modeling programs. The
> activities include development of software environments to support
> collaborative research amongst a range of NASA modeling and
> assimilation activities. The environment will support, for example,
> interoperability, reuse, ease of use, and performance portability
> addressing the specific requirements of high-end modeling and
> assimilation. SIVO will promote the adoption of modern software
> engineering principles into the science community and will have a
> formal interface to the multi-Agency Earth System Modeling Framework
> (ESMF). SIVO will supply human resources to NASA-funded science teams
> in specific programs, for example the Modeling, Analysis, and
> Prediction Program, to assure ESMF compliance and to integrate, in
> partnership with members of the science team, developments and
> modifications into the program models. Scientific validation will be
> the responsibility of SIVO's science partners.
>
> The computational mission of SIVO will focus on high-performance
> computing. This will include the development of scaleable parallel
> software for distributed and shared memory environments. In addition,
> SIVO will work to develop analysis capabilities, for example
> visualization and data mining, suitable for high data volume modeling
> and assimilation activities. The computational facilities will be
> distributed across the nation, and analysis will require information
> from these facilities as well as distributed observational data
> systems. SIVO will represent the computational requirements of
> specified NASA-sponsored modeling and assimilation for computational
> systems design and procurement.
>
> SIVO will provide software, data, and web services to level specified
> by the program office. This includes managing access into and out
> software repositories. SIVO will direct inquiries to appropriate
> science partners.
>
> SIVO will require formal teaming with both the modeling science teams
> and NASA's high performance computing organizations.

**611 [GODDARD INSTITUTE FOR SPACE STUDIES]{.underline}**

> Conducts a comprehensive theoretical and experimental research program
> focused on the causes of long-term climate change.  The program
> includes remote sensing of the Earth and planets, modeling activities
> to understand the factors influencing long-term climate change, and
> basic studies of how the Earth, the sun, and life have evolved
> together and continue to co-exist.  GISS places an emphasis on
> involving students and educators in its research and measurements, and
> aims to foster public understanding of its research and the science
> research process.
>
> **613 [LABORATORY FOR ATMOSPHERES]{.underline}**
>
> The Laboratory serves as the focal point at GSFC for the leadership,
> planning, management, and execution of a comprehensive research and
> technology development program dedicated to advancing our knowledge of
> the atmospheres of the Earth and other planets, for which exploration
> is planned by NASA. The research program is aimed at advancing our
> ability to understand the influence of solar variability on the
> earth's climate, to predict the weather and climate of the Earth; to
> advance our understanding of the structure, dynamics, and radiative
> properties of precipitation, clouds, aerosols, and atmospheric
> chemistry including the determination of the role of natural and
> anthropogenic trace species on the ozone balance in the stratosphere
> and the troposphere. We also conduct research to and advancing our
> understanding of physical properties of the atmospheres and
> ionospheres of the Earth and other planets.
>
> The research program identifies problems and requirements for
> atmospheric observations via satellite missions. Laboratory scientists
> conceive, design, develop, and implement ultraviolet, infrared,
> optical, radar, laser and Lidar technology, for remote sensing of the
> terrestrial and planetary atmospheres. They conduct field measurements
> for satellite data calibration and validation, and carry out
> computer-based climate model simulations, observing system simulation
> studies, cloud resolving scale modeling, and the development of
> next-generation earth system model and climate process submodels.
> Interdisciplinary research is carried out in collaboration with other
> laboratories and research groups within the Earth Sciences Division,
> as well across the Sciences and Exploration Directorate.
>
> **613.1 [MESOSCALE ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES BRANCH]{.underline}**
>
> The mission of this branch is to understand the physics and dynamics
> of atmospheric processes through the use of satellite, airborne and
> surface-based remote sensing observations and computer-based
> simulations. Development of advanced remote sensing instrumentation
> (primarily lidar) and techniques to measure meteorological parameters
> in the troposphere is an important focus. Key areas of investigation
> are cloud and precipitation systems and their environments, including
> aerosols, from the scale of individual clouds and thunderstorms
> through mesoscale convective systems and cyclonic storms, and up to
> the scale of the impact of these systems on regional and global
> climate. The processes constituting the interaction of the atmosphere
> with the land and ocean surface beneath it are also of high priority.
> Thus, the branch focuses its research on all aspects of the
> atmospheric hydrologic cycle, its connections to the global energy
> cycle, and associated hazards. The branch also seeks to contribute to
> formulation of mission concepts to support planetary exploration, both
> measurements and modeling concerned with assessment of meteorological
> hazards.
>
> **613.2 [CLIMATE AND RADIATION BRANCH]{.underline}**
>
> The Climate and Radiation Branch has a 3-fold mission: (1) To
> understand, assess, and predict climate variability and change,
> including the impact of natural forcings and human activities on
> climate now and in the future, (2) to assess the impacts of climate
> variability and change on society, and (3) to consider strategies for
> adapting to and mitigating climate variability and change. To address
> this mission, a wide scale range is studied, from the microscale to
> the Earth-Sun distance in space, and from microsecond to geologic in
> time. Research focus areas include tropospheric aerosols, cloud
> processes, rainfall, solar radiation, and surface properties. Key
> disciplines are radiative transfer, as a driver for climate change,
> and as a tool for the remote sensing of parameters of the Earth\'s
> climate system, climate theory and modeling over the full range of
> scales, and the development of new methods for the analysis of climate
> data. Ongoing projects in cooperation with NASA partners address gaps
> in the current climate observing system, development and deployment of
> new instruments, and planning for future space-based and in situ
> missions.
>
> **613.3 [ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND DYNAMICS BRANCH]{.underline}**
>
> The Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Branch conducts research on
> remote sensing of aerosols and atmospheric trace gases from satellite,
> aircraft and ground, and develops computer-based models to understand
> and predict the long-term evolution of the ozone layer and changes in
> global air quality caused by human activity. Studies the interaction
> between atmospheric chemistry and climate change are emphasized. The
> Branch develops, maintains, and reprocesses research quality long-term
> ozone data to enable national and international ozone research and
> assessment. It continues its long history of providing science
> leadership for NASA's atmospheric chemistry satellites, such as TOMS,
> UARS and EOS Aura, and develops concepts for future satellite
> missions.

**614 [HYDrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory ]{.underline}**

> The Mission of the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory is
> *to explore and understand the Earth's hydrosphere and biosphere,
> including the transport and storage of water in all its forms, the
> processes that support life on Earth, and the linkages between the
> hydrosphere, climate and life.* This mission supports NASA and the
> nation by conceiving, developing, and implementing cutting-edge
> observations from space to enable community-wide climate, hydrologic
> and biospheric research in solving real-world issues. Our mission
> defines the multiple roles that the Laboratory serves as a federal
> research and development organization. The Laboratory's focus on water
> and life on Earth is closely aligned with NASA's mission to
> *"understand and protect our home planet"* and to *"improve life
> here"*. As a part of our mission, we accept the challenge of the
> President's vision of exploration as we apply our expertise "to
> explore the universe and search for life".
>
> The Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory develops
> pioneering approaches to understanding the Earth's hydrosphere and
> biosphere using the unique perspective of space. Laboratory research
> and development activities address the observation and understanding
> of the Earth's hydrosphere and biosphere: the global water cycle, the
> cryosphere, land surface hydrology, physical and biological
> oceanography, and the global carbon cycle, and marine and terrestrial
> ecosystems, plus strong leadership in providing the scientific
> community with access to the related satellite data. The Laboratory's
> research and development staff thus provide end-to-end capabilities,
> with a strong scientific basis, that extend from sensor development,
> to space mission design, to the collection, calibration, validation,
> and delivery of data products and numerical models to the scientific
> community and the nation. The results of these activities are well
> illustrated by Laboratory leadership in numerous space missions. These
> space missions succeed because of instrumentation concepts, science
> algorithms and new technologies that were developed by, or with
> assistance from, Laboratory staff. Indeed, many of the key space
> remote sensing technologies---e.g. microwave and laser altimetry,
> passive microwave precipitation measurement techniques, producing
> ocean and land remote sensing products on a global scale ---were and
> are being developed within the Laboratory.
>
> Laboratory leadership and support of validating field exercises
> provides the climate-quality calibrations for the data sets from these
> and other instruments. The Laboratory thus enables new space-based
> measurements; provides data streams that are stable, well-calibrated
> and research-proven; creates new and innovative data analysis tools
> including forecast models; facilitates broader use of satellite data
> by the academic and federal colleagues; and conducts scientific
> analyses that address national needs for prediction of changes in the
> Earth's hydrosphere and biosphere under the influence of climate
> variability and change. The Laboratory staff thus provides a unique
> capability spanning scientific skill, development of new
> instrumentation, and production of credible, research-quality data
> products that enables NASA's success in Earth sciences and
> exploration.

#### Wallops Field Site Administration

> The Laboratory's Wallops Field Site, located at Wallops Island, VA,
> has the responsibility for HBSL's laboratories and office space, and
> for all routine administrative functions for the HBSL employees
> located at Wallops. In addition, they represent Code 614 on the
> Wallops Senior Management Council and the Wallops Facilities
> Coordinating Committee. Scientific guidance, support and personnel
> evaluations for HBSL employees are provided by the HBSL science
> branches.

**614.1 [CRYOspheric Sciences Branch]{.underline}**

> The Cryospheric Sciences Branch provides national leadership in
> understanding the role of ice and snow in the Earth System. Scientists
> within the branch analyze data and develop remote sensing methods,
> algorithms, and physical models to address several important
> questions:

-   What is the current state of the cryosphere and how is it changing?

-   What are the mechanisms that control those changes?

-   How do these changes impact the rest of the Earth System?

> Our sea ice research efforts focus on understanding the variability of
> ice cover over time, how the sea ice modulates the exchange of energy
> and moisture between the ocean and atmosphere, and the influences of
> sea ice on ocean circulation. Studies of glaciers and ice sheets are
> targeted toward understanding where these ice masses are growing or
> shrinking and why, their contributions to sea level rise, and their
> interactions with the climate system either in response to or as
> indicators of climate change. Snow research within the branch is
> concerned with the role of seasonal snow cover and snowpack
> accumulation and ablation in the climate system and its influence on
> the Earth's energy balance and water budgets. To carry out these
> important activities, the branch combines comprehensive in situ,
> aircraft, and satellite observations along with sophisticated modeling
> efforts to characterize the behavior of snow and ice and understand
> the processes at work. We provide the scientific expertise needed to
> develop necessary instrumentation and satellite missions, develop
> research-quality data sets to address these questions, and work with
> the broader research community to ensure effective utilization of
> these tools and capabilities. Additionally we apply our knowledge and
> expertise in cryospheric remote sensing and the physics of ice to
> explore cryospheric processes on other bodies in the solar system,
> such as Mars and Europa.
>
> **614.2 [Ocean Sciences Branch]{.underline}**
>
> The Ocean Sciences Branch supports NASA's missions and programs
> related to biological and physical oceanography. The activities within
> the biological discipline include calibration, validation, algorithm
> and data processing, and distribution support for NASA's SeaWiFS and
> MODIS ocean color sensors. As a part of the Ocean Sciences Branch, the
> Ocean Color Project Office manages the calibration, validation, data
> processing, and data distribution of ocean color data sets including
> the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWIFS) and MODIS/Aqua.
> This effort is conducted with guidance from the NASA Headquarters
> Ocean Biogeochemistry Program Manager. The Ocean Color Project Office
> is also the lead group for demonstrating the \"missions to
> measurement\" strategy for the generation of long-term satellite time
> series which includes activities for future missions such as the
> NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) Visible and Infrared Imaging
> Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). With this strong basis in primary
> productivity science, the branch advises NASA activities related to
> future NASA missions to investigate carbon cycle science related
> issues and the role of ocean biology in the global environment.
>
> The physical oceanography discipline is rooted in advancing the
> understanding of ocean circulation and air-sea interaction processes
> and their role in climate through satellite data analysis and ocean
> modeling, particularly through use of data from the TOPEX/JASON
> altimetry missions and infra-red and microwave sea-surface temperature
> retrievals from the EOS platforms. The branch's leadership on the new
> sea-surface salinity measurement through the Aquarius mission includes
> the project Co-PI and collaboration between its scientists and the
> engineers building the instrument.
>
> **614.3 [Hydrological Sciences Branch]{.underline}**

The Hydrological Sciences Branch conceives of and executes
observationally-driven research to enable improved quantification,
understanding and prediction of the waters of the Earth, including their
occurrence, circulation, and distribution, chemical, physical,
biological and thermodynamic properties, reaction with the environment,
resource management, and response to Earth System variability and
change. These research activities emphasize the development of remote
sensing physical principles to observe and model global hydrologic cycle
storage components such as lakes, streams, rivers, groundwater, seasonal
snow pack and soil moisture, and the hydrologic fluxes, such as
precipitation, evapotranspiration, river discharge, and associated
energy budgets. Leads and enables community hydrologic research to
address real-world water issues using NASA's unique view from space
through developing innovative remote-sensing theory, field-studies,
models, and data assimilation methods. Enable cross-discipline research
advancements such as working with meteorologists to enhance weather and
climate prediction systems, engineers to develop new sensors and
missions, and water managers to improve decision support. Applies
terrestrial water science and remote sensing expertise to support the
exploration and possible long-term inhabitation of the Moon and Mars.

> **614.4 [Biospheric Sciences Branch]{.underline}**
>
> The Biospheric Sciences Branch conducts fundamental and applied
> research on the carbon cycle, ecosystem dynamics and land cover change
> emphasizing the use of remote sensing techniques. The Branch's
> research goals are primarily aligned with the following NASA science
> questions:

-   How are global ecosystems changing?

-   What changes are occurring in global land cover and land use, and
    what

> are their causes?

-   How do ecosystems, land cover, and biogeochemical cycles respond to

and affect global environmental change?

-   What are the consequences of land cover and land use change for

> human societies and the sustainability of ecosystems?

-   How will carbon cycle dynamics and terrestrial and marine ecosystems

> change in the future?
>
> In pursuit of answers for these questions studies are made of the
> state, variability, and prediction of ecological systems ranging from
> small-scale forest disturbance and alterations to the urban
> environment, to regional agricultural crop productivity and
> desertification processes, to global vegetated ecosystems. Study
> techniques include biophysical on-site measurements; aircraft
> overflights; analysis of satellite data from NASA, NOAA, and
> international missions; and theoretical modeling. In addition,
> research is conducted in support of new and existing NASA missions
> including sensor characterization and calibration, atmospheric
> correction for sensor data and advanced information extraction
> techniques. Branch scientists have key roles in enabling NASA missions
> as project and mission scientists (e.g., Landsat, Landsat Data
> Continuity Mission, Earth Observer -1, Terra, and NPOESS Preparatory
> Program) and in large-scale interdisciplinary projects (e.g., FIFE,
> BOREAS, LBA, SAFARI and NACP.) The Branch also collaborates with
> research groups in and outside of NASA to exploit new sensing
> technologies and data systems. Branch expertise in the use of remote
> sensing technology including radar, lidar, multiangle, and
> hyperspectral techniques for surface characterization can be applied
> to NASA's new Exploration initiative.
>
> **614.5 [TERRESTRIAL Information Systems Branch]{.underline}**
>
> The Terrestrial Information Systems Branch supports the requirements
> of GSFC projects that advance our understanding of the atmosphere,
> hydrosphere and biosphere on a global scale through the production of
> stable, well calibrated and scientifically validated products from a
> series of earth observing satellites. In producing quality data
> products, members of the branch are engaged in:

-   Developing algorithms for precisely locating and atmospherically
    correcting observations from satellite instruments;

-   Developing and operating computing systems that produce, archive and
    distribute global products;

-   Assessing the quality of global products as they are produced;

-   Implementing measurement systems for science disciplines to
    inter-relate observations from multiple instruments over long time
    scales to support investigations into climate and ecosystem change;

-   Developing and managing a global network of validation sites and;

-   Innovative research in the areas of computational algorithms,
    computing systems and technologies for acquiring, archiving,
    searching and distributing remotely sensed data.

> Recognizing the need for a rapid response in many of NASA application
> areas, the branch also partners with other federal agencies, such as
> the Department of Interior and Department of Defense, to develop and
> operate computing systems which provide custom products in near
> real-time to national and international users for applied research
> activities (such as fire and flood monitoring, famine prediction,
> invasive species, and ecological forecasting) and applications, e.g.
> military tactical support.
>
> **614.6 [Instrumentation Sciences Branch]{.underline}**
>
> Instrumentation Sciences Branch staff develops and applies advanced,
> remote sensing techniques, in-situ instrumentation, and data systems
> that support research in the areas of the oceanography, meteorology,
> climatology, hydrology, and the biospheric sciences. Branch scientists
> plan scientific research and technology development, and conduct
> system studies to develop mission-oriented instrument concepts. These
> instruments may be operated on satellites, on aircraft, on the ground
> or in the laboratory. They include passive and active microwave
> sensors for measuring earth surface processes, radars for weather and
> ocean surface measurements, optical sensors for measuring the
> biosphere, radar and lidar altimeters, aircraft remote sensors,
> integration of remote and in-situ sensing capabilities with UAV and
> other autonomous platforms, ozone and wind sensors, and many other
> instruments as needed by the scientific community. Branch remote
> sensing activities include basic field and laboratory studies that
> elucidate the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the
> environment as it relates to improving our understanding of remote
> sensing systems. They develop models which describe and predict the
> performance of remote sensing systems as applied from the ground-base,
> aircraft, and space. Branch activities include the development of data
> analysis algorithms which are designed to provide useful geophysical
> information from remote sensor data. Maintains an end-to-end sensor
> and system development and technique capability. Branch scientists
> also develop and furnish to the scientific community, data analysis
> algorithms which are designed to provide useful geophysical
> information from remote sensor data. With their expertise in
> instrumentation development and application, branch staff regularly
> assists other researchers with field experiment planning, flight
> platform interfacing, and data acquisition.

660. **[ASTROPHYSICS SCIENCE DIVISION]{.underline}**

> The Astrophysics Science Division provides scientific leadership to
> achieve NASA's strategic science goals in the exploration of the
> Universe by addressing the following questions:

-   How do galaxies, stars and planetary systems form and evolve?

-   What is the diversity of worlds beyond our solar system?

-   Which planets might harbor life?

-   What powered the big bang?

-   What is the nature of the mysterious Dark Energy that is pulling the
    universe apart?

-   What happens to space, time and matter at the edge of the black
    hole?

-   What are the cycles of matter and energy in the evolving universe?

> To do this, the Division provides project scientists to ensure the
> science requirements of the GSFC missions are met, and also conducts a
> broad program of research in the realm of astronomy, astrophysics and
> fundamental physics. This research is the study, by way of photons,
> particles, and gravitational waves, of processes in cosmic sites and
> the physics processes operating therein. These involve complimentary
> studies using sub-mm, infra-red, optical, uv, x-rays, gamma rays,
> gravitational waves, and energetic charged particles. The Division
> scientists develop theoretical models of the origin and structure of
> astrophysical objects and processes, design experimental approaches
> and hardware to test these theories, and interpret and evaluate data
> gathered from the experiments, archive and disseminate the data,
> provide expert user support to the community, publishes conclusions
> drawn therefrom, and undertakes education and public outreach programs
> centered on the Division's science missions.

1.  **[OFFICE FOR GENERAL INVESTIGATOR PROGRAMS]{.underline}**

> The Office for General Investigator Programs (OGIP) provides
> leadership in the labs Mission Operations and Data Analysis
> Activities. The OGIP supports the use, by the broadest possible
> community, of astrophysics data through guest observer programs, data
> analysis software, instrument calibration, multi-mission standards,
> and archive access. The Office is responsible for the High Energy
> Astrophysics Science Archive Center (HEARSARC), Legacy Archive for
> Microwave Background Data Analysis (LAMBDA), and dedicated science
> support facilities for individual missions. Data from these and older
> missions are also included with future mission data added as
> appropriate. The Office is also responsible for administering the
> guest observer programs for current astrophysics missions.

2.  **[SCIENCE OPERATIONS AND DATA MANAGEMENT OFFICE]{.underline}**

> The Science Operations and Data Management Office oversees the
> computer requirements for data processing and analysis functions for
> the Division. The Office personnel design, develop, and implement the
> computer programming required for the processing and analysis of
> astrophysical data. The Office supervises and performs the production
> processing of all data through the final analysis phases. It manages
> all aspects of the Division's computer processing and serves as the
> focal point for all computer related matters including information
> technology security. The Office develops requirements for and monitors
> performance of all contracts for programming and data processing
> support services.

3.  **[INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT GROUP]{.underline}**

> Designs, develops, and assesses the scientific quality of advanced,
> high performance instrumentation from sub-mm to gamma-ray, cosmic rays
> and gravitational waves. The instrumentation is flown on satellites,
> rockets, balloons, aircraft, and is tested in ground-based
> applications. Provides for the development and operation of laboratory
> equipment needed for instrument development and calibration. Provides
> design, development, and test for advanced detector, electronic and
> optical-mechanical instrumentation in support of scientists in the
> laboratory. The group develops requirements for and monitors
> performance of all contracts for electrical, mechanical and technician
> engineering support services.

661. **[ASTROPARTICLE PHYSICS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> Conducts research at the interface between cosmology and high-energy
> particle physics to investigate the birth and evolution of the
> Universe in terms of unified theories of fundamental interactions.
> This includes a broad range of space based scientific investigations
> to study the origin, nature, and effect of cosmic rays, and the
> electromagnetic radiation that carries the signatures of nuclear,
> thermal, dark matter, and acceleration processes through out the
> Universe. Support the Solar System Exploration Division by providing
> gamma ray detectors to characterize the surface composition of solar
> bodies. Support the Earth Sciences Division by providing cosmic ray
> detectors to determine the energy and composition of the solar wind.

662. **[X-RAY ASTROPHYSICS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> Conducts astrophysical investigations of a broad range of systems from
> remote robotic observations of nearby solar system objects, to
> cosmological structures utilizing the radiation that they produce,
> primarily using X-ray radiation. This includes the physics of extreme
> environments, such as those near the event horizons of black holes,
> and on the evolution of starts, galaxies, and large scale structure.
> Support the Earth Sciences Division by providing detectors to
> characterize the surface composition of solar system bodies. Supports
> the Solar System Exploration Division by providing remote observations
> of solar system bodies.

663. **[GRAVITATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> Conducts a broad range of scientific investigations to test Einstein's
> theory of general relativity. Provides the science and technical
> leadership towards the development of space based gravitational wave
> detection systems.

664. **[OBSERVATIONAL COSMOLOGY LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> Use the scientific method to understand the origin, evolution and
> ultimate fate of the Universe, including: 1) what powered the big
> bang, 2) the size, shape, and matter-energy content of the Universe,
> 3) when the first stars and galaxies appeared and their evolution with
> cosmic time, and 4) the nature of the mysterious dark energy that is
> driving the universe apart.

667. **[EXO-PLANETS AND STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> Conduct remote science investigations and observations to determine
> how, when and where planetary systems form and evolve, characterize
> extra-solar planets and identify those that might harbor life.

**670 [HELIOPHYSICS SCIENCE DIVISION]{.underline}**

> The Heliophysics Science Division (HSD) provides scientific leadership
> and expertise necessary to achieve NASA's strategic science goals in
> solar physics, heliospheric physics, geospace physics and space
> weather. It leads the definition and development of missions in
> support of these goals and performs fundamental research into solar
> structure and magnetic activity, the origins and acceleration of the
> solar wind, the effects of solar outbursts on the heliosphere, the
> response of the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere system at the Earth
> and other planets to solar variability including solar irradiance.
> HSD's scientists develop coupled models of the sun and its corona, the
> heliosphere, geospace, and the high altitude environments of all of
> the planets, and they propose, develop and fly state-of-the-art
> instrumentation for photon and neutral atom imaging, electric and
> magnetic field mapping, and plasma and energetic charged particle
> measurements. HSD also designs and implements unique data systems that
> manage a wide range of solar-terrestrial data and enable rapid access
> and analysis across mission and discipline boundaries for the United
> States space science community. The scientists in the HSD interpret
> and evaluate data gathered from its instruments, draw comparisons with
> computer simulations and theoretical models, and publish the results.
> HSD's education and outreach activities communicate the excitement and
> societal relevance of NASA's operating and future Heliophysics
> missions.

**671 [SOLAR PHYSICS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Solar Physics Laboratory leads in the exploration and
> understanding of the Sun as a star and the complex dynamics of the
> solar corona. It is in this region of the Sun's atmosphere that
> explosive releases of energy stored in magnetic fields give rise to
> the flares and coronal mass ejections that drive space weather
> throughout the solar system. Laboratory scientists conceive and carry
> out investigations that advance knowledge of the Sun and its variable
> output of light, solar wind plasma and embedded magnetic fields,
> energetic charged particles, x-rays, and gamma-rays. The Solar Physics
> Laboratory also develops new instruments and mission concepts,
> theoretical models, and innovative techniques to access and analyze
> data. Laboratory scientists support NASA\'s Science Mission
> Directorate by providing Project Scientists, contributing to strategic
> planning and mission definition, and communicating research results to
> the scientific community and the public.

**672 [HELIOSPHERIC PHYSICS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Heliospheric Physics Laboratory leads in the exploration of the
> heliosphere through the conception and development of instruments and
> theoretical models designed to determine the origin and evolution of
> the solar wind, low energy cosmic rays, and the interaction of the
> Sun's heliosphere with the local interstellar medium. Laboratory
> scientists lead in the design and implementation of multi-disciplinary
> data services, innovative ground data systems, data modeling and
> visualization research. The Heliospheric Physics Laboratory supports
> NASA\'s Science Mission Directorate by providing Project Scientists
> and contributing to strategic planning and mission definition.

**673 [GEOSPACE PHYSICS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Geospace Physics Laboratory mission is to advance knowledge of the
> coupled solar wind - magnetosphere - ionosphere system by means of
> experimental and theoretical investigations. Laboratory scientists are
> leaders in the development and implementation of plasma analyzers and
> low energy neutral atom imagers as well Geospace theory and modeling.
> The Geospace Physics Laboratory supports NASA\'s Science Mission
> Directorate by providing Project Scientists, contributing to strategic
> planning and mission definition, and communicating research results to
> the scientific community and the public.

**674 [SPACE WEATHER LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Space Weather Laboratory mission is to perform fundamental
> research and modeling of the coupled Sun-Earth system. The Laboratory
> undertakes spaceflight-based, ground-based, and theoretical and
> modeling studies of the space weather effects important to NASA and
> the nation. Laboratory scientists are leaders in the development and
> implementation of electric and magnetic field instrumentation,
> ultra-violet imagers, and space environment theory and models. Space
> Weather Laboratory scientists serve as Project Scientists for NASA
> flight missions with space weather applications, and support strategic
> planning activities at NASA and other government agencies. The
> Laboratory also communicates NASA research results to the scientific
> community, other government organizations with space weather
> interests, and to the public.

**690 [SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION DIVISION]{.underline}**

> The Solar System Exploration Division plans, organizes, evaluates, and
> implements a broad program of scientific research, both theoretical
> and experimental, to explore the solar system and to study the
> formation and evolution of planetary systems. The Division provides
> scientific expertise and leadership to support GSFC projects and to
> achieve NASA\'s strategic goals in the exploration of the Moon, Mars,
> and beyond.

Representative research questions addressed by the Division are:

-   How do planets and planetary systems form, evolve, and diverge in
    their evolution?

-   What processes determine the dynamics and evolution of planetary
    interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres?

-   How and why does the Earth differ from the other terrestrial planets
    in our solar system and in extrasolar systems?

-   What is the current and future state of the Earth, and what
    processes are changing it?

-   How do the small bodies in the solar system form and evolve?

-   Where are other habitable environments in the solar system?

-   Is there now, or was there ever, life on other planets within our
    solar system?

-   What are the characteristics of extrasolar planets, how do they
    compare with planets found in our own solar system, and what do they
    tell us about the origin and evolution of planetary systems and
    habitable planets?

-   How do solar variations affect the planets, interplanetary space,
    and human explorers?

-   What do we need to know in order to send explorers safely to the
    Moon and Mars, and what do they and their robotic partners do when
    they get there?

To do this the Division conducts a broad program of research in the
areas of:

-   Astrochemistry (comet ices, prebiotic organics, gas-phases,
    interstellar grains, asteroids)

-   Planetary systems (planetary atmospheres, comets, extrasolar
    planetary systems)

-   Planetary geodynamics (interiors, crustal evolution and dynamics,
    geology, topography, cratering, volcanism,
    orbital-rotational-climactic studies)

-   Space geodesy (planetary gravity and rotation, time-variable
    gravity, geophysical fluids)

-   Planetary magnetospheres (planetary magnetism and electrodynamics,
    radiowaves)

-   Comparative planetary studies and studies of Earth as a planet
    (interior, geodynamics, atmospheric chemistry, geospace)

-   Solar system data systems, EPO, and innovative instrument
    development

-   Cross-cutting research areas in Astrobiology, Lunar Exploration,
    Mars Exploration

> The Division personnel develop theoretical models of the origin and
> structure of solar systems and their objects, and the processes that
> alter them. They design experimental approaches and hardware to test
> these theories, and they collect, interpret, and evaluate data
> gathered from these experiments. They publish conclusions based on
> this experimental and theoretical research. They archive and
> disseminate the data, provide expert user support to the community,
> and undertake education and public outreach programs centered on the
> Division\'s science missions and services.

**690.1 [SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION DATA SERVICES OFFICE]{.underline}**

> The SSEDS Office serves the Division as a key interface for
> coordinating data management and archiving plans within NASA's Science
> Mission. It supports the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) as
> a permanent archive for data associated with NASA missions that
> explore the Universe, Solar System, and Sun-Earth System and provides
> requested management support to the science active archive centers. In
> particular, the NSSDC, as the World Data Center for Satellite
> Information, serves as the distribution center for a broad range of
> space science satellite data and information. The NSSDC is responsible
> for the development, maintenance, and operation of
> discipline-independent inter-operable master catalogs, data standards,
> and other information services; support of NASA Headquarters with
> oversight function of preservation; and access to existing and future
> NASA space science archives. The NSSDC develops and integrates
> state-of-the-art capabilities and systems necessary to carry out its
> mission and is responsible for maintaining useful products and
> publications. The SSEDS maintains the necessary in-house expertise to
> support these and other data service activities, including those
> related to advanced information and storage technologies for
> distributed and intelligent data systems. The SSEDS also conducts
> programs in education and public outreach.

**691 [ASTROCHEMISTRY LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> Members of the Astrochemistry Laboratory propose and carry out
> measurements, observations and modeling of key rates and/or
> fundamental quantities that control important chemical processes in
> astrophysical and planetary environments or that yield the chemical
> and isotopic compositions of solar system bodies. Members also perform
> simulations of natural processes or synthesize simplified analog
> samples of natural materials in order to better understand the
> unexpected consequences of natural events or to record the
> spectroscopic properties of well characterized samples for comparison
> with observations.

**693 [PLANETARY SYSTEMS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Planetary Systems Laboratory conducts research in the origin of
> the Sun\'s family of planets and minor bodies, and their evolution to
> their current state. This research improves the understanding of the
> composition and dynamics of planetary atmospheres and surfaces,
> including the current and evolutionary processes which act to shape
> and maintain these atmospheres and surfaces. The properties and
> evolutionary history of our solar system are studied in the context of
> planetary systems surrounding other stars, including comparing the
> Sun\'s planets with extrasolar planets, and understanding how life
> begins and evolves in planetary systems.

**694 [LASER REMOTE SENSING LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Laser Remote Sensing Laboratory formulates, designs, and develops
> laser remote sensing techniques, instruments and advanced mission
> concepts for scientific measurements of the planets in the solar
> system, including the Earth. Measurements include planetary
> topography, surface and vegetation change detection, atmospheric
> constituent analysis, and precision ranging with applications in
> planetary geodynamics, biomass estimation (on Earth), atmospheric
> profiling, space geodesy, and optical communications. Laboratory
> personnel have broad experience in the analysis and development of
> both active and passive sensors for ground-based, airborne and
> spaceborne platforms. Activities include planning and participating in
> scientific field campaigns, analyzing the laser measurement and laser
> sensor performance, acquiring and interpreting Lidar data, and
> developing lasers, optics, and detector components.

**695 [PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory advances planetary exploration
> by research concerning planetary magnetospheres, including the origins
> and evolution of planetary magnetic fields and associated
> electromagnetic emissions. This includes the study of underlying
> fundamental physical processes, the impact of solar events on
> planetary environments as observed by radio emissions, and the
> scientific formulation of related advanced space architecture and
> mission concepts for solar system research and their development in
> partnership with Goddard's engineers as well as other NASA centers and
> outside laboratories.

**697 [SPACE GEODESY LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> Laboratory members conduct broad scientific research in global
> planetary dynamics, in fields that are related to space geodesy or
> rely on space geodesy for source observations. The Laboratory carries
> a heritage in the state-of-the-art gravity fields for the Earth and
> the terrestrial planets and satellites in the Solar System, based on
> spacecraft tracking, modeling and computing capability for precise
> orbit determination. Research in time-variable gravity and planetary
> rotation and crustal deformation is performed to understand the
> Earth\'s atmosphere-hydrosphere-solid Earth-core system, and its
> dynamic interactions. The worldwide geodetic Very-Long-Baseline
> Interferometry is coordinated from the Laboratory. Members also
> conduct research that results in frontier models in ocean tides, and
> core dynamics of Earth and other planetary bodies. The Laboratory\'s
> research leverages actively on collaborations with researchers from
> the outside scientific community.

**698 [PLANETARY GEODYNAMICS LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory conducts research into the
> structure, dynamics and evolution of the Solid Earth and Planets using
> in situ and remote sensing data, to better understand: (1)The dynamics
> of the solar system and the climatic and potential impact effects that
> result for us on Earth; (2) How and why the Earth is similar to -- and
> different from -- other planetary bodies in our solar system; (3)The
> current and likely future state of the Earth, especially as regards
> hazards to humans; and (4)The likely location of other habitable
> environments in the solar system. These investigations include the
> broad disciplines of Earth and planetary geophysics, geology and
> geodesy and involve mission studies, measurements, and modeling.

**699** **[ATMOSPHERIC EXPERIMENT LABORATORY]{.underline}**

> The Atmospheric Experiment Laboratory carries out experimental
> investigations to further our understanding of the formation and
> evolution of various solar system objects such as the Earth, the
> planets, their satellites, and comets. Investigations address the
> composition and structure of solar system bodies and their
> atmospheres, the physical and chemical phenomena occurring in the
> atmospheres and on or near the surfaces. The Laboratory developed and
> is constantly refining neutral gas, ion, and gas chromatograph mass
> spectrometers to measure atmospheric gas and surface composition using
> Entry Probes, Landers and Orbiting Satellites.