Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space

Consensus

Download PDF

Request an exam or desk copy

Space-based Earth observations enable global observations of the land surface, biosphere, solid Earth, atmosphere, cryosphere, and oceans. Earth observations from space, combined with data acquired from in situ and ground-based instruments, help scientists understand the components of the Earth system and their interactions and enable wide-ranging applications, including forecasts of weather and air quality, projections of future climate, management of natural resources, ecological forecasting, disaster management, drought and wildfire prediction, and the mapping and prediction of vector borne/animal diseases.

At the request of NASA Earth Science Division, this report assesses the potential use of a proposed multi-user, robot-tended, uncrewed commercial space platform as a potential host for a large number of Earth remote sensing instruments. Assessment of Commercial Space Platforms for Earth Science Instruments evaluates the utility and practicality of a platform in a Sun-synchronous orbit, capable of hosting 20 or more instruments.

Publication information

66 pages · 8.5 x 11 ·
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-70295-X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/27019

Suggested citation

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2023. Assessment of Commercial Space Platforms for Earth Science Instruments: Report Series—Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Import this citation to:

The Space Studies Board’s Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space (CESAS) provides continuous advice to sponsoring agencies on the implementation of the current Earth science decadal survey and offers strategic input for planning the next survey. To inform this work, CESAS invites your perspectives on potential topics concerning the process and structure of the forthcoming decadal survey. Please submit your input by October 20, 2025. Responses received after this date will still be posted to the online repository associated with this questionnaire.

Log In

Sign in to access your saved publications, downloads, and email preferences.

Former MyNAP users: You'll need to reset your password on your first login to MyAcademies. Click "Forgot password" below to receive a reset link via email. Having trouble? Visit our FAQ page to contact support.

Members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, or National Academy of Medicine should log in through their respective Academy portals.

Email (required)
Password (required)

Don't have an account?

Register

Email (required)
New password (required)
Retype password (required) Password must be at least 8 characters
I accept the terms of use
terms of use

Thank You

Thank you for creating a MyAcademies account!

Enjoy free access to thousands of National Academies' publications, a 10% discount off every purchase, and build your personal library.

Forgot Password

Enter the email address for your MyAcademies (formerly MyNAP) account to receive password reset instructions.

Reset Requested

We sent password reset instructions to your email . Follow the link in that email to create a new password. Didn't receive it? Check your spam folder or contact us for assistance.

Reset Password

New password (required)
Retype password (required) Password must be at least 8 characters

Reset Password

Your password has been reset.

Log In

Verify email

Verify Your Email Address

We sent a verification link to your email. Please check your inbox (and spam folder) and follow the link to verify your email address. If you did not receive the email, you can request a new verification link below

Characteristics Table for ESAS Decadal Survey Community Input

This is supplemental information for the Request for Community Input: Planning for the Next Decadal Survey for Earth Science and Applications from Space – form for input is available here.

Subscribe

First Name
Last Name
Email (required)
I agree to receive emails from the National Academies (required)

We respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space

Featured publication

Dataset

Publication information

Suggested citation

My Academies

Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space

Dropdown items

Featured publication

Assessment of Commercial Space Platforms for Earth Science Instruments: Report Series—Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space

Dataset