Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-49

Strategic Goal 2: Expand scientific understanding of the 

Earth and the universe in which we live.

OUTCOME 2.1: ADVANCE EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF 

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE. 

The Earth system, like the human body, comprises diverse components that interact in complex ways. To 

understand the Earth system means understanding how Earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere,

cryosphere, and biosphere as a single connected system. It also means understanding how the planet is 

changing on all spatial and temporal scales. 

The purpose of NASA's Earth science program is to develop a scientific understanding of Earth's system 

and its response to natural or human-induced changes and to improve prediction of climate, weather, and 

natural hazards. The Earth Science Division uses a balanced portfolio of flight programs, research, 

technology development, and applied sciences to achieve its objectives and serve national and 

international needs in these areas. Earth Science partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Geological Survey, and other Federal government agencies, local 

government, universities, international agencies, and others to provide science data products and 

applications that enable policy, business, and management decisions.

Providing National Scientific Capabilities for Earth Science

NASA continues to develop the Nation’s capabilities in support of this science objective by funding 

research and mission development performed by scientists and engineers at universities, research 

centers, the private sector, and NASA Centers. The vast majority of research awards also include 

funding for postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students, thereby supporting the 

education and training of future scientists and engineers.

Programs and activities serving this goal in FY 2012 include:

• A broad based research program that is focused on global and environmental change, and the 

advancement of Earth System Science.

• The Airborne Science Program, which conducted over 3,000 flight operation hours and 20 

missions in support of NASA’s Earth science program during FY 2012, involved 129 

undergraduate and 229 graduate students who directly participated in Airborne Science 

investigations and student-led flight projects. NASA Airborne Science platforms were actively 

engaged in mission definition activities, instrument development flights, gathering ice sheet 

observations as gap fillers, and satellite calibration and validation. Development of a Global 

Earth System Model capable of making multi-decadal projections of climate change.

• Development of a Global Data Assimilation System capable of integrating multiple sources of 

observations.

• Graduate fellowships through the New Investigator Program, the NASA Earth System Science 
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-50

Fellowships program, NASA Post Doctoral Program and Presidential Early Career Award for 

Scientists and Engineers. 

• NASA wide supercomputing capability to support scientific discovery, space exploration, and 

aeronautic research.

• Support, enhancement, and continuing use of a worldwide array of ground-based atmosphere 

observation networks.

• Continued operation of the U.S. contribution to the International Global Geodetic Networks 

and development of the next generation geodetic station prototype. 

NASA’s Earth Science continued to operate 15 Earth-orbiting satellites employing a total of 78 distinct 

instruments. These included the Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor Satellite (ACRIMSAT), 

Aqua, Aquarius/SAC-D, Aura, the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation 

(CALIPSO), CloudSat, Earth Observing (EO)-1, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Explorer 

(GRACE), Jason-1, Landsat-7, QuikSCAT, the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE), 

Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP), Terra, and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 

(TRMM). Earth Science makes comprehensive global data sets openly available, some in near-real 

time, via direct broadcast infrastructure. These make crucial contributions to researchers, first 

responders, weather forecasters, and decision makers. 

The Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) project provides science data to 

a wide community of users, including NASA, Federal agencies, international partners, academia, and 

the public. EOSDIS provides users with the services and tools they need in order to use NASA’s Earth 

science data in research and creation of models. EOSDIS archives and distributes data through 

standardized science data products, using algorithms and software developed by Earth Science 

investigators. This project funds the Elements of EOSDIS Evolution, aimed at improving the efficiency 

and effectiveness of EOSDIS while reducing the cost. It also supports the eight nationwide Distributed 

Active Archive Centers (DAAC) installations that collect, disseminate, and archive Earth science data. 

Each DAAC focuses on a specific Earth system science discipline and provides users with data 

products, services, and data-handling tools unique to that specialty.

NASA requires that all funded research investigations publish their results in open, peer reviewed 

science literature, ensuring that data and knowledge are captured. Each year, the Earth Science 

Subcommittee of NASA’s external advisory Science Committee evaluates the progress made by NASA 

toward each science objective. In FY 2012, the subcommittee found that expectations had been fully 

met by research results leading to major scientific findings and discoveries, and major 

accomplishments. 
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-51

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.1.1: Provide national scientific capabilities through necessary 

skilled researchers and supporting knowledge base. (In support of objective 2.1.1: "Improve 

understanding of and improve the predictive capability for changes in the ozone layer, climate 

forcing, and air quality associated with changes in atmospheric composition.")

FY11 In the past year, NASA researchers participated in multiple Earth Venture-1 funded 

suborbital missions, including the Airborne Tropical Tropopause Experiment (ATTREX), 

Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved 

Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ), and the Carbon in Arctic 

Reservoirs Vulnerability Experiment (CARVE). Preliminary analyses of DISCOVER-AQ 

observations over the Baltimore–Washington corridor suggest that the expectation of a wellmixed boundary layer is often incorrect and that each pollutant can have a different vertical 

distribution. CARVE, which conducted its first science flights during May and June 2012, is 

designed to quantify correlations between atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and 

methane with surface-atmosphere carbon fluxes and surface state control variables (soil 

moisture, freeze-thaw state, inundation state, and surface soil temperature) and clarify the 

sensitivities of Arctic carbon cycle processes to climate change.

NASA researchers participated in several internationally coordinated activities to advance 

the state of knowledge of atmospheric ozone measurements and theory. Under the auspices 

of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Stratosphere-troposphere Processes 

And their Role in Climate (SPARC) program, researchers are assessing and extending the 

current knowledge and understanding about measurements of the vertical distribution of 

ozone, with the aim of providing input to the next World Meteorological Organization 

Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion, anticipated for 2014. The SPARC Reassessment 

of Lifetimes of Long-Lived Atmospheric Trace Gas Lifetime Crucial to Ozone Depletion 

and Climate Change, co-led by NASA researchers, is reviewing estimates of the lifetimes of 

key atmospheric molecules crucial to understanding current and future atmospheric 

concentrations of ozone depleting substances and greenhouse gases.

Using measurements from instruments aboard the Aura satellite Microwave Limb Sounder 

(MLS) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), researchers found that the chemical ozone 

destruction over the Arctic in early 2011 was—for the first time in the observational 

record—comparable to that in the Antarctic ozone hole. Significant Arctic ozone loss was 

found to occur even with temperatures much milder than those in the Antarctic. However, it 

is still difficult to predict when such severe Arctic ozone depletion may be matched or 

exceeded.

Numerous studies across the focus area continue to assess and improve the predictive 

capability of models for changes in composition, climate forcing and air quality. For 

example, multiple data sets, mostly from satellite observations (acquired by the 

Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer [TES] and MLS), were used to evaluate the 

performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) 

in simulating the distribution and evolution of aerosol, clouds, precipitation, and chemistry 

during the dry season in South America. The study demonstrated that satellite data are 

valuable to the evaluation of regional model simulations for climatologically important 

processes such as deep convection and biomass burning, especially in regions with little in 

situ observation. 

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

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Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-1: Demonstrate planned progress in understanding and improving predictive capability 

for changes in the ozone layer, climate forcing, and air quality associated with changes in 

atmospheric composition. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will be 

evaluated by external expert review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Multiple Programs

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS1

Green

8ES01

Green

9ES1

Green

10ES01

Green

ES-11-1 

Green

ES-12-1 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update

ES-13-1: Demonstrate planned progress in understanding and improving predictive capability 

for changes in the ozone layer, climate forcing, and air quality associated with changes in 

atmospheric composition. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan 

will be evaluated by external expert review.

FY14

ES-14-1: Demonstrate planned progress in understanding and improving predictive capability 

for changes in the ozone layer, climate forcing, and air quality associated with changes in 

atmospheric composition. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan 

will be evaluated by external expert review.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.1.2: By 2015, launch at least two missions in support of objective 

2.1.1.

FY11 The purpose of this performance goal is to launch satellites in support of objective 2.1.1, as 

outlined in the NASA Science Mission Directorate's 2010 Science Plan. NASA’s Earth 

Science program includes the design, development, and launch of a portfolio of new 

missions, along with the operation and provision of data from the existing fleet of Earth 

observing spacecraft. Launching missions in a timely way increases scientific capabilities 

and helps maintain data continuity. Once the satellites are operating on orbit, NASA uses 

these assets for scientific research and a range of Earth-observing capabilities. Earth Science 

launched the first satellite supporting this performance goal, Aquarius, in June 2011. 

Aquarius will observe and model seasonal and year-to-year variations of sea-surface salinity 

and how these variations relate to changes in the water cycle and ocean circulation, thereby 

influencing climate. During its three-year mission life, Aquarius will collect more sea 

surface salinity measurements than the entire 125-year historical record from ships and 

buoys. 

The next mission, Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)-2, is planned for launch no earlier 

than 2014, but within the completion timeframe for the performance goal. NASA completed 

the OCO-2 Systems Integration Review on May 2, 2012, certifying that OCO-2’s systems 

were working together and could be integrated into the spacecraft bus for testing. OCO-2 

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-53

will be NASA’s first dedicated Earth remote sensing satellite to study atmospheric carbon 

dioxide from space.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-2: Complete the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) Systems Integration Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth System Science Pathfinder

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS6

Yellow

8ES04

Yellow

9ES2

Green

10ES22

Green

ES-11-3 

Yellow

ES-12-2 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update No annual performance goal in FY13.

FY14 ES-14-2: Complete the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) observatory testing.

Comments

NASA did not assign a measure to OCO-2 in FY 2013 due to the schedule uncertainty 

associated with the project’s launch vehicle. Following the failure of the Glory mission’s 

Taurus X/L launch vehicle, NASA revised the plan to launch OCO-2 on this same vehicle. A 

delay in the project was required to allow the procurement of a new launch vehicle. The 

project is now on track for a 2014 launch.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-3: Complete the Earth Venture-1 (EV-1) Investigation Readiness Reviews (IRR) and begin 

initial field campaigns.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth System Science Pathfinder

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None None None None ES-11-4 

Green

ES-12-3 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update No annual performance goal in FY13.

FY14 No annual performance goal in FY14.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-54

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.2.1: Provide national scientific capabilities through necessary 

skilled researchers and supporting knowledge base. (In support of objective 2.1.2: "Enable 

improved predictive capability for weather and extreme weather events.")

FY11 NASA sponsored research continued to gain new insight into weather and extreme-weather 

events by the use of data obtained from a variety of satellite platforms. Several studies have 

examined the robust signatures of internal gravity waves in Atmospheric Infrared Sounder 

Instrument (AIRS) data. AIRS has been used not only to understand the physics of gravity 

waves and its interactions with the large scale weather, but also to develop and improve 

more sophisticated gravity wave parameterizations for weather and climate prediction 

models.

AIRS is increasingly being used to obtain a deeper understanding of the physics of the 

atmospheric boundary layer. It was shown that AIRS is capable of producing a realistic 

structure of temperature and water vapor in the boundary layer over the subtropical oceanic 

regions covered with shallow cumulus. AIRS also has been shown to be a useful tool for 

understanding the interactions between the key cloudy boundary layer characteristics and 

the climatological large scale circulation. This is absolutely essential to understand cloudclimate feedbacks, which are considered by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

(IPCC) to be the main reason for uncertainty in current climate change projections.

NASA’s Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center continues to 

transition experimental satellite data and forecast products to NOAA’s National Weather 

Service (NWS) forecast offices and NOAA/NWS/National Centers for Environmental 

Prediction, to advance current techniques for weather analysis and forecasting while also 

preparing forecasters for the next generation of geostationary and polar-orbiting satellite 

capabilities. NASA collaborates with the NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental 

Satellite (GOES)-R and Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Proving Grounds to demonstrate 

future forecasting capabilities by using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer 

(MODIS) data from Terra and Aqua, and more recently, the Visible Infrared Imaging 

Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument launched aboard the Suomi National Polar Orbiting 

Partnership (NPP) in October 2011. Furthermore, SPoRT’s collaborations with NOAA have 

integrated NASA observations into the next generation decision support system AWIPS II 

used by NWS forecasters in analysis and emergency response applications.

Using 12 years of Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) rainfall data, NASA

scientists find that a warmer tropical ocean favors a large increase in occurrence of extreme 

heavy rain events in a warmer climate (near doubling for every degree increase in tropical 

sea surface temperature). The increase is coupled to a modest reduction in light to moderate 

rain, and a slight increase in very light rain over the tropic. This shift in tropical rainfall 

distribution is similar to that found in previous studies for multi-decadal rainfall trend. The 

paper demonstrates that TRMM data, when used appropriately, can shed new light on how 

the tropical rainfall systems may respond in a warmer climate.

Tropical cyclone are a form of extreme weather event with highly destructive power. Using 

TRMM and Global Precipitation Climatology project rainfall data, NASA scientists find 

that storms are becoming more energetic (wetter) in the North Atlantic, but less energetic 

(drier) in the North Pacific in the last two decades. These shifts are consistent with longterm changes in sea surface temperature and wind shear over the two ocean basins. This 

work also provides an alternative to the conventional way of classifying tropical cyclones 

based on instantaneous winds (i.e., the Saffir-Simpson scale) using rainfall in terms of latent 

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-55

energy per storm (EPS). The EPS classification has the advantage of being universal for all 

ocean basins, not subject to sampling errors involved in measurement of instantaneous 

winds. As the length of the satellite rainfall dataset increases, the EPS classification will 

become more important.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-4: Demonstrate planned progress in enabling improved predictive capability for weather 

and extreme weather events. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will 

be evaluated by external expert review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Multiple Programs

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS2 8ES02 9ES7 10ES04 ES-11-5 ES-12-4 

Green Green Green Green Green Green

Planned Annual Performance

ES-13-3: Demonstrate planned progress in enabling improved predictive capability for 

FY13 Update weather and extreme weather events. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 

Science Plan will be evaluated by external expert review.

ES-14-3: Demonstrate planned progress in enabling improved predictive capability for 

FY14 weather and extreme weather events. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 

Science Plan will be evaluated by external expert review.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.2.2: By 2015, launch at least two missions in support of objective 

2.1.2.

FY11 The purpose of this performance goal is to launch satellites in support of objective 2.1.2, as 

outlined in the NASA Science Mission Directorate's 2010 Science Plan. NASA’s Earth 

Science program includes the design, development, and launch of a portfolio of new 

missions, along with the operation and provision of data from the existing fleet of Earth 

observing spacecraft. Launching missions in a timely way increases scientific capabilities 

and helps maintain data continuity. Once the satellites are operating on orbit, NASA uses 

these assets for scientific research and a range of Earth observing capabilities. 

NASA launched the first mission satisfying this performance goal, the NPOESS Preparatory 

Project (NPP), in October 2011. Once the satellite was on orbit and checked out, NASA 

renamed the mission Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership, in honor of the late Verner 

E. Suomi, a meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin who is recognized widely as “the 

father of satellite meteorology.” Suomi NPP, a bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing 

System satellites and the next-generation Joint Polar Satellite System, is collecting critical 

data to improve short-term weather forecasts and increase understanding of long-term 

climate change. 

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-56

The second mission, Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM), is planned for launch in 

February 2014, within the performance goal timeframe. NASA anticipated completing the 

Pre-Environmental Review (PER) in FY 2012, but a preceding review, the Comprehensive 

Performance Test, was delayed from September to October 2012 due to various integration 

and test issues. NASA successfully completed the PER on October 23, 2012. The GPM 

mission will advance the measurement of global precipitation, making possible high spatial 

resolution precipitation measurements. A joint mission with the Japanese Aerospace 

Exploration Agency (JAXA), GPM will provide the first opportunity to calibrate 

measurements of global precipitation (including the distribution, amount, rate, and 

associated heat released) across tropical, mid-latitude, and polar regions.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

No annual performance goal in FY12 or trended performance.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth System Science Pathfinder

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None None None None None None

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-2: Complete the Earth Venture-2 (EV-2) Mission Definition Review (MDR).

FY14 ES-14-5: Complete Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS/EV-2) 

Preliminary Design Review.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-5: Complete the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Pre-Environmental Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None 8ES06

Yellow

9ES8

Yellow

10ES06

Green

ES-11-6 

Yellow

ES-12-5 

Yellow

Why this APG was not achieved: 

The GPM Pre-Environmental Review (PER) was delayed from September to October 2012 due to multiple 

integration and test issues. NASA allowed the extra time so the project could investigate High Gain Antenna 

System mechanical interference and GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) Radio Frequency interference. The delay 

also allowed the project to closeout several subsystem test Problem Reports and complete installation of the 

remaining Thermal Control System components. All of these activities were necessary prior to NASA conducting 

the Comprehensive Performance Test, which is required prior to conducting the PER.

Throughout the GPM project, NASA has had to adjust the schedules as a result of challenges in component 

deliveries, delivery of the partner-provided instruments, and system integration and test, which are often 

encountered during the development of space flight hardware. However, subsequent to a replan, the project has 

maintained its budget and launch date commitments, despite additional delays to interim milestones.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-57

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-4: Complete the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission observatory 

environmental testing.

FY14 ES-14-4: Launch the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.3.1: Provide national scientific capabilities through necessary 

skilled researchers and supporting knowledge base. (In support of objective 2.1.3: "Quantify, 

understand, and predict changes in Earth's ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, including the 

global carbon cycle, land cover, and biodiversity.")

FY11 The discovery of massive phytoplankton (free-floating single-celled photosynthetic 

organisms at the base of the marine food web) blooms under Arctic sea ice is a major 

advance in understanding that resulted directly from the Impacts of Climate change on the 

Eco-Systems and Chemistry of the Arctic Pacific Environment (ICESCAPE) Program. Prior 

to this field program, estimates of pan-Arctic primary productivity assumed that the growth 

and biomass of phytoplankton were negligible in waters beneath ice because of insufficient 

light. However, the 2011 ICESCAPE cruise observed a bloom beneath the 0.8- to 1.3-meterthick first-year sea ice on the Chukchi Sea continental shelf. The finding reveals a new 

consequence of the Arctic's warming climate and provides an important clue to 

understanding the impacts of a changing climate and environment on the Arctic Ocean and 

its ecology. 

The dynamics of Arctic and sub-Arctic vegetation was the topic of several individual 

research papers and a special issue of Environmental Research Letters published in late 

2011. Arctic vegetation has been changing in response to changes in climate, and these 

changes are widespread through the circumpolar North. Understanding the details of these 

vegetation dynamics spatially and temporally, as well as the mechanisms of change, is 

crucial to projecting the future of this extensive, heterogeneous, and important biome. While 

the Arctic tundra has shown indications of ubiquitous increases in vegetation (“greening”), 

there are clearly areas that are not greening, and the boreal forest appears to be changing in 

many places in the opposite direction (i.e., “browning”).

 

In 2012, the first remote sensing-based products from Carbon Monitoring System (CMS)

pilot studies were released for review and further quality assessment. The biomass pilot 

study’s products included a U.S. forest biomass map, state biomass maps for California and 

Maryland, and local biomass maps for four sites in the eastern United States. The flux pilot 

study’s products included modeled carbon dioxide exchanges between terrestrial ecosystems 

and the atmosphere, and between the ocean and the atmosphere. The pilot products will 

guide the development of the CMS, which will estimate carbon budgets and monitor carbon 

sources and sinks.

The first results from analysis of NASA’s remote sensing data collected over the 2010 

Deepwater Horizon oil spill were published during the past year. An overview paper 

reported that spill and impact monitoring was aided by extensive airborne and spaceborne 

passive and active remote sensing. Oil slick thickness and oil-to-water emulsion ratios, key 

spill response parameters for containment or cleanup, were derived quantitatively for thick 

(more than 0.1 millimeter) slicks from NASA’s Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging 

Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data. MODIS observations were used to extrapolate the AVIRISbased estimates to the total slick. MODIS data proved to be critical for oil spill response 

decision making due to their frequent temporal coverage, broad spatial coverage, and timely 

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-58

availability. The significantly greater signal-to-noise ratio and finer spatial resolution of the 

NASA Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) allowed 

successful pattern discrimination of oil slick characteristics and was useful in identifying 

shoreline marsh damage. In situ burning and smoke plumes were studied with AVIRIS and 

corroborated with spaceborne Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite 

Observation (CALIPSO) observations of combustion aerosols. NASA researchers were also 

able to address concerns about the impacts of the oil spill on the western stock of the 

Atlantic bluefin tuna. Initial results showed that on a weekly basis, up to five percent of 

spawning habitat was likely to have been affected by surface oil, with up to 11 percent 

potentially affected by oil-contaminated waters.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-6: Demonstrate planned progress in quantifying, understanding, and predicting changes in 

Earth's ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, including the global carbon cycle, land cover, and 

biodiversity. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will be evaluated by 

external expert review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Multiple Programs

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS3

Green

8ES03

Green

9ES10

Green

10ES07

Green

ES-11-7 

Green

ES-12-6 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update

ES-13-5: Demonstrate planned progress in quantifying, understanding and predicting changes 

in Earth's ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, including the global carbon cycle, land 

cover, and biodiversity. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will 

be evaluated by external expert review.

FY14

ES-14-6: Demonstrate planned progress in quantifying, understanding and predicting changes 

in Earth's ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, including the global carbon cycle, land

cover, and biodiversity. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will 

be evaluated by external expert review.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.3.2: By 2015, launch at least two missions in support of objective 

2.1.3.

FY11 The purpose of this performance goal is to launch satellites in support of objective 2.1.3, as 

Green outlined in the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s 2010 Science Plan. NASA’s Earth 

FY12 Science program includes the design, development, and launch of a portfolio of new 

missions, along with the operation and provision of data from the existing fleet of Earth 

observing spacecraft. Launching missions in a timely way increases scientific capabilities 

and helps maintain data continuity. Once the satellites are operating on orbit, NASA uses 

Green

these assets for scientific research and a range of Earth observing capabilities. 
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-59

The first mission, the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), is planned for launch in 

2013. NASA completed the Systems Integration Review on September 9, 2011, giving the 

project the go-ahead to integrate the systems into the spacecraft bus for testing. LDCM will 

extend the record of multispectral, moderate resolution Landsat-quality data and will meet 

government operational and scientific requirements for observing land use and land change. 

New changes in land cover and use are having profound consequences for weather and 

climate change, ecosystem function and services, carbon cycling and sequestration, resource 

management, the national and global economy, human health, and society. 

The second mission, OCO-2, is planned for launch no earlier than 2014, but within the 

completion timeframe for the performance goal.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-2: Complete the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) Systems Integration Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth System Science Pathfinder

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS6

Yellow

8ES04

Yellow

9ES2

Green

10ES22

Green

ES-11-3 

Yellow

ES-12-2 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update No annual performance goal in FY13.

FY14 ES-14-2: Complete the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) observatory testing.

Comments

NASA did not assign a measure to OCO-2 in FY 2013 due to the schedule uncertainty 

associated with the project’s launch vehicle. Following the failure of the Glory mission’s 

Taurus X/L launch vehicle, NASA revised the plan to launch OCO-2 on this same vehicle. A 

delay in the project was required to allow the procurement of a new launch vehicle. The 

project is now on track for a 2014 launch.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-3: Complete the Earth Venture-1 (EV-1) Investigation Readiness Reviews (IRR) and begin 

initial field campaigns.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth System Science Pathfinder

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None None None None ES-11-4 

Green

ES-12-3 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update No annual performance goal in FY13.

FY14 No annual performance goal in FY14.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-60

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-7: Complete the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) Systems Integration Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None None 9ES11

Yellow

10ES08

Green

ES-11-8 

Green

ES-12-7 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-6: Launch the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM).

FY14 No annual performance goal in FY14.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.4.1: Provide national scientific capabilities through necessary

skilled researchers and supporting knowledge base. (In support of objective 2.1.4: "Quantify the 

key reservoirs and fluxes in the global water cycle and assess water cycle change and water 

quality.")

FY11 Over the past year, NASA has continued progress toward improving description of the 

water cycle, including the size of and movement between, the water cycle’s stores. Two 

newly provided variables from space, groundwater, and total storage, have been enabled 

from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) observations of the changing 

geoid of the Earth, which, at monthly time scales, is strongly coupled with the movement of 

water.

GRACE data’s contribution of large area assessment of water movement has been 

transformed via data assimilation into Land Surface Models (LSMs), which are responsible 

for tracking the vertical movement of water and energy between the atmosphere and land, as 

well as contribution to river runoff. This coupling of capabilities led to improvement in data 

for 17 out of 18 global river basins, some of which are at finer spatial scales than the 

GRACE observation footprint (for total water storage). This coupling has also led to 

improved assessment of changes in groundwater stores in the United States. This 

information has been blended easily into the work of the National Drought Mitigation 

Center as some of their data inputs also come via LSMs. Overall, these developments have 

been helpful during a period of increasing spread and severity of drought in the United 

States, especially since there has been no accompanying increase in ground-based measures 

of root-zone soil moisture or groundwater.

When looking at climate projections, it is important to assess the sensitivity of the system 

components to climate extremes and to understand the impact that these extremes might 

have. River basins provide the natural boundaries over which to index water resources 

renewal relevant to most human and natural systems. NASA investigators studied 194 major 

river basins across the globe, as captured with models, to determine their sensitivity to 

global mean temperature, as a proxy for other potential changes. Results show that the 

runoff sensitivity implied by the IPCC experiments is relatively stable across emission 

scenarios and global mean temperature increments, but varies substantially across models 

with the exception of the high-latitudes and currently arid or semi-arid areas. 

The unprecedented snowfall in the Baltimore–Washington region and greater East coast 

during the 2009–2010 winter unveiled important aspects of water cycle dynamics and the 

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-61

value of snowpack remote sensing. Specifically, concerted effort was made to link the 

remotely sensed falling snow observations to remotely sensed snow cover and snow pack 

observations during those storms. Detailed study revealed the strong influence of the Arctic 

Oscillation, a see-sawing pressure difference between the Arctic and lower latitudes, on 

creating conditions favorable for record snowfall and showing the impacts of snow intensity 

and liquid water clouds on the ability to detect snow water equivalent and other snowpack 

properties as they evolve in time.

Multiple NASA endeavors continue to pursue generation and refinement of long-term 

records of water cycle variables. Researchers used long-term records of precipitation found 

in the climate prediction CPC [Climate Prediction Center] Merged Analysis of Precipitation 

(CMAP) and the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) to investigate the climate 

system at decadal scales. The decadal variability in the Northern hemisphere cool season 

(October through March) Arctic precipitation was detected in both aforementioned 

precipitation data sets. Furthermore, this variability is shown to be partly connected to the 

variations in the tropical central Pacific sea surface temperatures that are primarily 

associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), or transitions between periods 

favoring typical eastern Pacific warming events and periods favoring central Pacific 

warming events.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-8: Demonstrate planned progress in quantifying the key reservoirs and fluxes in the global 

water cycle and assessing water cycle change and water quality. Progress relative to the 

objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will be evaluated by external expert review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Multiple Programs

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS5 8ES05 9ES13 10ES09 ES-11-9 ES-12-8 

Green Green Green Green Green Green

Planned Annual Performance

ES-13-7: Demonstrate planned progress in quantifying the key reservoirs and fluxes in the 

FY13 Update global water cycle and assessing water cycle change and water quality. Progress relative to the 

objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will be evaluated by external expert review.

ES-14-7: Demonstrate planned progress in quantifying the key reservoirs and fluxes in the 

FY14 global water cycle and assessing water cycle change and water quality. Progress relative to the 

objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will be evaluated by external expert review.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-62

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.4.2: By 2015, launch at least two missions in support of objective 

2.1.4.

FY11 The purpose of this performance goal is to launch satellites in support of objective 2.1.4, as 

outlined in the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s 2010 Science Plan. NASA’s Earth 

Science program includes the design, development, and launch of a portfolio of new 

missions, along with the operation and provision of data from the existing fleet of Earth 

observing spacecraft. Launching missions in a timely way increases scientific capabilities 

and helps maintain data continuity. Once the satellites are operating on orbit, NASA uses 

these assets for scientific research and a range of Earth observing capabilities. NASA 

launched Aquarius in June 2011 and plans to launch GPM in February 2014. 

NASA also is developing another mission, Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP), for 

launch in late 2014, that would serve this performance goal. NASA completed the SMAP 

Critical Design Review on July 19, 2012, enabling the project to begin final design and 

fabrication. The accuracy, resolution, and global coverage of SMAP soil moisture and

freeze/thaw measurements will be unprecedented. The SMAP data, when assimilated into 

existing and updated Earth system science models, will lead to improved weather forecasts, 

flood and drought forecasts, and predictions of agricultural productivity and climate change, 

as well as improved understanding of the sources and sinks of carbon.

Green

FY12

Green

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-5: Complete the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Pre-Environmental Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None 8ES06

Yellow

9ES8

Yellow

10ES06

Green

ES-11-6 

Yellow

ES-12-5 

Yellow

Why this APG was not achieved: 

The GPM Pre-Environmental Review (PER) was delayed from September to October 2012 due to multiple 

integration and test issues. NASA allowed the extra time so the project could investigate High Gain Antenna 

System mechanical interference and GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) Radio Frequency interference. The delay 

also allowed the project to closeout several subsystem test Problem Reports and complete installation of the 

remaining Thermal Control System components. All of these activities were necessary prior to NASA conducting 

the Comprehensive Performance Test, which is required prior to conducting the PER.

Throughout the GPM project, NASA has had to adjust the schedules as a result of challenges in component 

deliveries, delivery of the partner-provided instruments, and system integration and test, which are often 

encountered during the development of space flight hardware. However, subsequent to a replan, the project has 

maintained its budget and launch date commitments, despite additional delays to interim milestones.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-63

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-4: Complete the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission observatory 

environmental testing.

FY14 ES-14-4: Launch the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-9: Successfully complete the Soil Moisture Active-Passive (SMAP) Critical Design Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None None 9ES14

Green

10ES10

Yellow

ES-11-10

Yellow

ES-12-9 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-8: Complete the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Systems Integration

(SIR).

Review 

FY14 ES-14-8: Complete Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Instrument Thermal Vacuum Test.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.5.1: Provide national scientific capabilities through necessary 

skilled researchers and supporting knowledge base. (In support of objective 2.1.5: "Improve 

understanding of the roles of the ocean, atmosphere, land and ice in the climate system and 

improve predictive capability for its future evolution.")

FY11 Studies of sea level rise between 1961 and 2008, performed with a combination of radar 

altimetry, tide gage and other data, reveal a rate of +2.1 millimeter per year (+3.4 millimeter 

per year from 1993 through 2008). ENSO, which is associated with precipitation falling 

over the continents rather than the oceans, caused a two-year dip in the curve beginning in 

2011. Over the past year, the first results from the Aquarius/SAC-D mission, launched in 

June 2011, began appearing in the scientific literature. Its global sea-surface salinity data 

provided the first observation of the salinity structure and propagation properties of tropical 

instability waves in the equatorial Pacific.

Satellite data during the past year continued to show a decline in Arctic sea ice cover, both 

in extent and thickness. The Arctic sea-ice extent dropped to 3.41 million square kilometers, 

which is well below the previous record of 4.17 million square kilometers observed in 2007. 

Also, the drastic reduction of older perennial sea ice in the Arctic Ocean has resulted in a 

substantial increase of younger and saltier sea ice with the subsequent release of bromine 

monoxide and the reduction of atmospheric ozone and mercury. The thinning Arctic ice also 

appears to allow sunlight to reach the underlying water, catalyzing previously unobserved 

phytoplankton blooms; this yielded blooms with growth rates up to 10 times higher than 

those in adjacent open water. 

A large-scale survey of snow depth on sea ice was conducted using laser altimeter and ultrawideband microwave radar data collected by Operation IceBridge. The results were 

consistent with historical climatology over multi-year ice, but showed larger differences 

over first-year ice, suggesting that the increasingly seasonal sea ice cover of the Arctic 

Ocean has led to an overall loss of snow. Researchers also used the collected snow depths to 

derive sea ice thicknesses, and both measurements were compared to in situ data, with mean 

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-64

differences of one centimeter for the former and five centimeters for the latter. In addition, 

satellite radar data, collected through a broad international collaboration with other space 

agencies, were processed to provide comprehensive views of glacier velocities in both 

Greenland and Antarctica. Decade-long time series were generated for nearly all of 

Greenland’s outlet glaciers, revealing complex, inter-regional, and intra-regional variability 

and suggesting that the ice sheet’s contribution to sea-level rise may be on the lower end of 

current predictions. In Antarctica, researchers found that ice flow is driven by a complex set 

of meandering, size-varying, speed varying, intertwined tributaries. This discovery 

challenged the traditional view that ice flow is constrained by internal deformation and 

disconnected from coastal regions. Furthermore, similar radar data, collected over the ice 

shelves that extend from Antarctica into the ocean, were used to establish a 30-year time 

series of elevation change. This will further efforts to understand the relative roles of surface 

mass balance and subsurface melting in driving the future evolution of both the ice shelves 

and the glaciers that feed them. 

Several modeling activities have contributed to better understanding the climate system and 

improving predictive capabilities. The Ice-Sheet System Model, a major new ice-sheet 

model that was recently completed and released, provides a high-resolution, physically 

based representation of the cryosphere for climate studies. Researchers completed a model 

of sub ice-shelf circulation and used it to demonstrate the importance of Pine Island iceshelf melt rates to ocean circulation under the shelf. Modeling of atmospheric processes was 

pushed to a very high resolution on a global scale, which resulted in a global model with 

sufficient resolution to resolve cloud systems at the 3.5-kilometer scale.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-10: Demonstrate planned progress in understanding the roles of ocean, atmosphere, land, 

and ice in the climate system and improving predictive capability for future evolution. Progress 

relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will be evaluated by external expert 

review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Multiple Programs

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS7

Green

8ES07

Green

9ES15

Green

10ES11

Green

ES-11-11

Green

ES-12-10

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update

ES-13-9: Demonstrate planned progress in understanding the roles of ocean, atmosphere, land, 

and ice in the climate system and improving predictive capability for future evolution. 

Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will be evaluated by external 

expert review.

FY14

ES-14-9: Demonstrate planned progress in understanding the roles of ocean, atmosphere, land, 

and ice in the climate system and improving predictive capability for future evolution. 

Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science Plan will be evaluated by external 

expert review.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-65

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-11: Achieve mission success criteria for the Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM).

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS9

Green

8ES08

Green None None None ES-12-11Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update No annual performance goal in FY13.

FY14 No annual performance goal in FY14.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.5.2: HPPG: Study Earth from space to understand climate 

change, weather, and human impact on our planet by launching at least two missions by 2015.

FY11 To achieve this goal, NASA planned to launch and successfully place in orbit two satellites: 

Glory and NPP. NASA launched NPP on October 28, 2011, and shortly after it began 

operations, renamed it Suomi NPP. Despite this success, NASA was unable to achieve this 

performance goal because Glory was lost during launch on March 4, 2011, due to the failure 

of the Taurus XL launch vehicle. 

Suomi NPP has orbited the Earth more than 5,000 times and begun returning images and 

data that provide critical weather and climate measurements of the complex Earth system. 

The data captured from Suomi NPP monitored this year's Antarctic Ozone Hole and is 

improving daily weather forecasts. Suomi NPP data is being connected to EOS data to help 

to monitor long-term environmental change.

NASA has redirected the efforts of the Glory science team to use data from the Research 

Scanning Polarimeter (RSP), a version of the Glory Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS)

instrument, which was designed to be flown on an aircraft. RPS will allow the team to 

pursue some of the aerosol climate science that APS was meant to address. The team will 

use data from future flights of the RPS, as well as data that was previously collected and 

archived, to study some of the processes by which aerosols influence atmospheric 

conditions. 

In the absence of the Glory Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM) instrument, NASA continues to 

provide measurements of total solar irradiance measurements from two spacecraft that are in 

extended missions. These are the Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (AcrimSat), 

which was launched in 1999, and the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE)

mission, which was launched in 2003. NOAA is considering options for launching the next 

instrument, called the Total Solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS), which will continue this longterm record.

Red

FY12

Red

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update No performance goal in FY13.

FY14 No performance goal in FY14.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-66

This was one of NASA’s original Priority Goals created in FY 2010. NASA reviewed the 

Comments goal and associated milestones with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during 

FY 2012 and, with the OMB’s approval, has closed out this Priority Goal.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-12: Launch the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System 

(NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP).

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None None None None ES-11-12

Green

ES-12-12

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update No annual performance goal in FY13.

FY14 No annual performance goal in FY14.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.5.3: By 2015, launch at least three missions in support of 

objective 2.1.5.

FY11 The purpose of this performance goal is to design, develop, and launch satellites in support 

Green of objective 2.1.5, as outlined in the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s 2010 Science 

FY12 Plan. NASA’s Earth Science program includes the design, development, and launch of a 

portfolio of new missions, along with the operation and provision of data from the existing 

fleet of Earth observing spacecraft. Launching missions in a timely way increases scientific 

capabilities and helps maintain data continuity. Once the satellites are operating on orbit, 

Green

NASA uses these assets for scientific research and a range of Earth observing capabilities. 

NASA launched Aquarius in June 2011 and NPP in October 2011, placing the Agency on 

track to complete the performance goal. The third mission, OCO-2, is planned for launch no 

earlier than 2014, but within the completion timeframe for the goal.

NASA also has been working on the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat)-2, 

which will study ice-sheet thickness and changes. The project is nearing the end of its 

formulation phase, and individual instruments are already in development.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-67

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-2: Complete the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) Systems Integration Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth System Science Pathfinder

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS6

Yellow

8ES04

Yellow

9ES2

Green

10ES22

Green

ES-11-3 

Yellow

ES-12-2 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update No annual performance goal in FY13.

FY14 ES-14-2: Complete the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) observatory testing.

Comments

NASA did not assign a measure to OCO-2 in FY 2013 due to the schedule uncertainty 

associated with the project’s launch vehicle. Following the failure of the Glory mission’s 

Taurus X/L launch vehicle, NASA revised the plan to launch OCO-2 on this same vehicle. A 

delay in the project was required to allow the procurement of a new launch vehicle. The 

project is now on track for a 2014 launch.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-13: Complete the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) Preliminary 

Design Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None None 9ES16

Yellow

10ES12

Green

ES-11-14

Yellow

ES-12-13

Yellow

Why this APG was not achieved: 

NASA delayed the date for the ICESat-2 Preliminary Design Review from July 2012 to October 2012 so the 

project could revisit the mission design and requirements in order to align with the estimated available budget, 

moving forward in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

The ICESat-2 project has received three Yellow ratings during the four years it has been in performance review. 

The project has received all of these during its formulation phase. The first Yellow rating occurred early in the 

project’s formulation, when the Earth Systematic Missions Program was conducting the advanced concepts study. 

The other two Yellows have been the result of NASA’s difficulty in acquiring a launch vehicle. This challenge 

has resulted in changes to the project budget and schedule delays. NASA remains dedicated to the ICESat-2 

project because the spacecraft will be an integral part of NASA’s Earth-observation fleet of satellites. It will 

provide estimates of ice sheet thickness and help scientists determine ice sheet contributions to recent sea level 

change. The first mission, ICESat, successfully completed operations in 2009, and NASA has been conducting 

observations from aircraft, through the IceBridge project, in the interim between ICESat missions.

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-10: Complete the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) Critical Design 

Review.

FY14 ES-14-10: Deliver the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) flight lasers.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-68

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.6.1: Provide national scientific capabilities through necessary 

skilled researchers and supporting knowledge base. (In support of objective 2.1.6: "Characterize 

the dynamics of Earth's surface and interior and form the scientific basis for the assessment and 

mitigation of natural hazards and response to rare and extreme events.")

FY11 NASA’s Earth Surface and Interior focus area has prioritized strengthening of the global 

geodetic network infrastructure in response to the recommendations of National Research 

Council’s report Precise Geodetic Infrastructure: National Requirements for a Shared 

Resource (2010). Space-geodetic observations provide the basis for the reference frame that 

is needed in order to assign coordinates to points and objects and thereby determine how 

those points and objects move over time. NASA’s Space Geodesy Project (SGP) initiated 

development of the prototype core geodetic observatory to replace an aging global network. 

The prototype geodetic observatory will be completed by August 2013, while work will 

continue on the development of analysis software. Progress to date includes the day and 

night tracking of the Global Navigation and Satellite Systems (GNSS) satellites by the

automated Satellite Laser Ranging instrument.

NASA achieved significant success in demonstrating the capability and potential of real 

time GNSS ground networks in 2012, in particular the Great Alert program for the real time 

estimation of earthquake fault motions and tsunami prediction. NASA-funded grants 

advanced the calculation of real time fault motions such as the demonstration that if the 

Japanese GEONET GPS data were available in real time, an accurate estimate of the 

magnitude of the March 2011 Japan earthquake would have been available within two 

minutes of the rupture, nearly 12 minutes prior to the first inundation of the tsunami and 

about 18 minutes prior to the fastest available seismic techniques. Furthermore, these real 

time data could have provided both predictions and observations of the devastating Tohoku 

tsunamis using GPS-based crustal motion estimates followed by confirmation and tracking 

via the induced ionospheric gravity waves. NASA, the National Science Foundation, and 

several universities have joined in support of the Real-time Earthquake Analysis for 

Disaster Mitigation (READI) Network of about 500 GNSS receivers in the U.S. West. 

Last year NASA-funded researchers identified ultra-low-frequency signals of Earth's 

magnetic field associated with surface stress changes and earthquakes. They led an 

earthquake probability analysis that utilizes seismicity patterns, which was evaluated as a 

top performer in the Regional Earthquake Likelihood Models (RELM) analysis conducted 

by the Southern California Earthquake Center. Finally, QuakeSim, a software development 

effort, has been awarded NASA’s Software of the Year Award for 2012. QuakeSim includes 

software such as Virtual California, a model of the California fault system, and GeoFest, a 

finite element stress-strain modeling routine.

The UAVSAR 2011 through 2012 deployments and objectives included: volcanic 

deformation studies of Cascades, Aleutian Islands, Hawaii and Central America, 

deformation associated with plate boundaries in California along the San Andreas, 

Hayward, and associated faults and fault systems in Hispaniola, surface deformation 

associated with Gulf Coast subsidence, surface deformation associated with levee conditions 

in the Sacramento and Mississippi deltas and environmental impacts of the Gulf oil spill. 

UAVSAR data revealed the unexpected complexity of faulting during the El Mayor–

Cucapah earthquake and identified previously unknown faults. UAVSAR demonstrated the 

utility of a high-resolution, polarimetric, L-band SAR to provide information on oil 

containment booms both in and out of water that is relevant to disaster response and 

management, as well as the detection of a levee break in the Sacramento Delta.

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-69

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-14: Demonstrate planned progress in characterizing the dynamics of Earth's surface and 

interior and forming the scientific basis for the assessment and mitigation of natural hazards and 

response to rare and extreme events. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 Science 

Plan will be evaluated by external expert review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Multiple Programs

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS10

Green

8ES11

Green

9ES17

Green

10ES13

Green

ES-11-15

Green

ES-12-14

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update

ES-13-11: Demonstrate planned progress in characterizing the dynamics of Earth's surface and 

interior and forming the scientific basis for the assessment and mitigation of natural hazards 

and response to rare and extreme events. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 

Science Plan will be evaluated by external expert review.

FY14

ES-14-11: Demonstrate planned progress in characterizing the dynamics of Earth's surface and

interior and forming the scientific basis for the assessment and mitigation of natural hazards 

and response to rare and extreme events. Progress relative to the objectives in NASA's 2010 

Science Plan will be evaluated by external expert review.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.6.2: By 2015, launch at least one mission in support of objective 

2.1.6.

FY11 The purpose of this performance goal is to design, develop, and launch a satellite in support 

Green of objective 2.1.6, as outlined in the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s 2010 Science 

FY12 Plan. NASA’s Earth Science program includes the design, development, and launch of a 

portfolio of new missions, along with the operation and provision of data from the existing 

fleet of Earth observing spacecraft. Launching missions in a timely way increases scientific 

capabilities and helps maintain data continuity. Once the satellite is operating on orbit, 

Green

NASA uses this asset for scientific research and a range of Earth observing capabilities. In 

2013, NASA plans to launch LDCM, which will provide science capabilities in support of 

this objective.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 No performance goal in FY14.

The mission supporting objective 2.1.6, LDCM, is scheduled for launch in FY 2013. Once 

Comments this is completed, NASA will have completed all the milestones for this performance goal. 

Therefore, NASA is retiring this performance goal in FY 2014.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-70

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-7: Complete the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) Systems Integration Review.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None None 9ES11

Yellow

10ES08

Green

ES-11-8 

Green

ES-12-7 

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-6: Launch the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM).

FY14 No annual performance goal in FY14.

Reported Multi-Year Performance 

Multi-Year Performance Goal 2.1.7.1: Provide national scientific capabilities through necessary 

skilled researchers and supporting knowledge base. (In support of objective 2.1.7: "Enable the 

broad use of Earth system science observations and results in decision-making activities for societal 

benefits.")

FY11 The Applied Sciences Program enables innovative uses of NASA’s Earth science data in 

organizations’ policy, business, and management decisions to improve quality of life and to 

help strengthen the economy.

Throughout FY 2012, NASA funded awards in four applications areas (Disasters, 

Ecological Forecasting, Health and Air Quality, and Water Resources), supported 

interdisciplinary collaboration and enabled organizations to use NASA Earth science data in 

innovative ways to improve decision-making activities. The program initiated a new phased 

approach to conducting applications projects—initially supporting a set of feasibility studies 

and then selecting a subset to pursue as in-depth projects. The program issued 58 new 

awards under this approach in the areas of Disasters, Water Resources, and Wildland Fires. 

The joint NASA/USAID SERVIR Program granted 11 awards to initiate a new SERVIR 

Applied Sciences Team, broadening the scientific base for the program. SERVIR helps 

developing countries use Earth observations.

The Applied Sciences Program also supported development of the Nation’s scientific 

capabilities. In an Ecological Forecasting project, NASA teamed with the U.S. Forest 

Service to apply Landsat, Terra, and Aqua satellite data in carbon assessments across the 

National Forest System (NFS). An Executive Order and changes to the Code of Federal 

Regulations mandated increased carbon monitoring for NFS lands. The project team 

developed the Forest Carbon Management Framework tool providing information about the 

effects of forest management and natural disturbances on landscape-level carbon storage. In 

FY 2012, the Forest Service formally included the tool in its carbon assessment approach.

A Health and Air Quality project applied NASA Earth science data in the production of 

building climate zone maps. The project collaborated with ASHRAE, the building 

technology society that produces climate zone maps used by counties and states to set 

building codes. The project produced maps using outputs from NASA’s Modern-Era 

Retrospective Analysis For Research And Applications (MERRA), a long-term synthesis of 

meteorological variables used for investigating climate variability. Another project in this 

Green

FY12

Green
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-71

focus area involved using NASA satellite remote sensing data to extend the coverage of 

aerosols in the southeastern United States by the CDC Environmental Public Health 

Tracking Network. This network provides data on environmental factors affecting health to 

the public, policy makers, and public health professionals.

The Natural Disasters applications area works seamlessly with other agencies to aid the 

government in meeting the challenges associated with natural disaster response and to 

transfer technologies to other agencies as they become operational. With support from 

Applied Sciences, NASA contributed to the national response on numerous disasters in 

2012, including the provision of satellite data on wildfires, drought, and Hurricanes Isaac 

and Sandy.

The program also manages DEVELOP, a training and development internship program for 

young professionals. DEVELOP interns gain hands-on experience with satellite remote 

sensing and apply Earth observations to real-world issues facing state and local 

governments. The program fosters a corps of early-career professionals, cultivating 

advanced skills in Earth science applications and an understanding of science in decisionmaking. DEVELOP set new records during the year, with over 300 interns participating in 

64 projects. DEVELOP opened new centers in Missouri and Colorado to expand its national 

scope.

Update to Multi-Year Performance Goal

FY13 Update This performance goal remains the same in FY13.

FY14 This performance goal remains the same in FY14.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-15: Advance at least 25 percent of decision-support projects at least one Applications 

Readiness Level. The Applications Readiness Level is a nine-stage index for tracking the 

advancement of an Earth science applications project along a continuum from initial concept 

through development and transition to operational use.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Applied Sciences

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

7ESS11

Green

8ES12

Green

9ES18

Green

10ES14

Green

ES-11-16

Green

ES-12-15

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update

ES-13-12: Advance at least 25 percent of decision-support projects one Applications 

Readiness Level. The Applications Readiness Level is a nine-stage index for tracking the 

advancement of an Earth science applications project along a continuum from initial concept 

through development and transition to operational use.

FY14

ES-14-12: Advance at least 25 percent of decision-support projects one Applications 

Readiness Level. The Applications Readiness Level is a nine-stage index for tracking the 

advancement of an Earth science applications project along a continuum from initial concept 

through development and transition to operational use.
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-72

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-16: Increase the number of science data products delivered to Earth Observing System 

Data and Information System (EOSDIS) users.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None 8ES13

Green

9ES19

Green

10ES15

Green

ES-11-17

Green

ES-12-16

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-13: Increase the number of science data products delivered to Earth Observing System 

Data and Information System (EOSDIS) users.

FY14 No annual performance goal in FY14.

Comments

NASA is retiring this APG as of FY 2014 because the program has increased significantly the 

number of science data products it delivers to users over the past several years. Based on this 

continued excellent performance, NASA has retired this measure.

NASA is revisiting the performance measurement strategy and will add a measure for FY 

2014 for the Big Earth Data Initiative during the development of FY 2015 Performance Plan.

Reported Annual Performance

ES-12-17: Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, as measured by exceeding the most 

recently available federal government average rating of the Customer Satisfaction Index.

Contributing Theme: Earth Science

Contributing Program(s): Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations

FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12

None 8ES14

Green

9ES20

Green

10ES16

Green

ES-11-18

Green

ES-12-17

Green

Planned Annual Performance

FY13 Update ES-13-14: Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, as measured by exceeding the most 

recently available federal government average rating of the Customer Satisfaction Index.

FY14 ES-14-14: Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, as measured by exceeding the most 

recently available federal government average rating of the Customer Satisfaction Index.

Earth Science Delivers 

NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) works to maintain high 

customer satisfaction in its ability to deliver data products to its customers. In FY 2012, the EOSDIS 

American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score was 77 out of a possible 100, the same result 

received each year since FY 2008. This continues to be a strong score and significantly exceeds the 

Federal government average of 67 (dated January 2012). EOSDIS improved in all three areas (Product

Search, Selection and Order, and Documentation) recommended in the 2011 report by the ClaesFornell International (CFI) Group. 
Management and Performance 

PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND PLANNING

M&P-73

ACSI is a leading national indicator of customer satisfaction for more than 225 companies and over 

200 customer programs, services, and Web sites at 130 Federal agencies. CFI Group conducts this 

survey under contract with the Department of Interior’s Federal Consulting Group. Based on these 

consistent scores, the Federal Consulting Group recognized EOSDIS in January 2012 for its 

“committed and comprehensive approach to assessing and improving the satisfaction of world-wide 

customers obtaining science data, products, tools and services to advance the study of Earth from 

space.” The 2012 final report from CFI Group was released in November.