NASA has recently introduced its latest advancements in Earth observation technology, aimed at more accurately tracking changes on our planet. Led by Lindsey Jacobson, the team at NASA's Langley Research Center is working to predict potential data gaps and offer solutions to maintain the portfolio of Earth-observing satellites. As a member of the NASA Earth Science Strategic Integration Environment (NESSIE) team, Jacobson supports NASA's Earth Science Division.
NASA's Earth-observing satellite missions monitor dozens of characteristics such as aerosols, sea levels, land cover, and cloud cover. These data are crucial for scientific and operational communities that rely on them. Jacobson and her team are developing analytical tools to forecast potential issues and devise strategies to manage disruptions.
Through NASA's Pathways program, Jacobson has returned to Langley every summer since 2022 while pursuing her mechanical engineering dissertation at North Carolina State University. The program aims to connect undergraduate and graduate students with NASA centers, providing opportunities for them to secure full-time public service positions.
In her work, Jacobson emphasizes that Earth science research methods are constantly evolving. The emergence of new technologies and architectures, along with the growing role of commercial companies and new space agencies, contribute to this dynamic environment. AI tools are increasingly integral to the team's workflow, enabling more efficient data processing and forecasting.
According to Langley Director Trina Dyal, the center has always been at the forefront of innovation and aims to remain a leader. Jacobson's work is part of this effort, focusing on enhancing and expanding existing systems rather than seeking entirely new solutions.
The work conducted by NASA and Jacobson's team not only addresses technical challenges but also considers how best to serve the communities that rely on this data. This approach ensures that the information provided by Earth-observing satellites remains accessible, even in the face of unexpected events.
Sources:
Building Foresight for Earth Science, featuring Lindsey Jacobson
The electronics ‘under the hood’ of space networking
Spirit Electronics Adds Texas Instruments and Microchip Technology Space Grade Components to Online Store Ahead of SmallSat 2026
RSS feed
Comments