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Completed TRL 5 (started at 5, targeting 5)
Rising greenhouse gas concentrations are accelerating climate warming and associated changes carbon, water, and energy cycling in the Earth system. The 2017-2027 Decadal Survey for Earth Science and Applications from Space recognized the essential role of measurements of ice topography and vegetation structure to understand our changing planet. The Canopy Height and Glacier Elevation (CHANGE) Mission concept development study will explore avenues to sustain measurements of Earth's ice and vegetation cover and directly observe changes in ice sheet elevation, sea ice thickness, and vegetation cover over time.
Earth's ice and vegetation cover provide essential benefits. Rapid loss of land and sea ice in response to climate warming will raise sea levels worldwide, risking life and property for the billions of people who live in coastal cities. Similarly, natural and planted vegetation provides a range of ecosystem services, including runoff and landslide protection, carbon storage, food and fiber resources, and wildlife habitat. Satellite-based observations of rapid changes in ice and vegetation cover therefore contribute to our long-term understanding of the Earth system response to climate change and support forecasting and response efforts for specific disaster events and long-term planning for climate-driven changes in land cover and land use. NASA satellite data contribute to global data needs on our changing planet. In the US, key partner agencies for sustained measurements of ice and vegetation cover change include the USDA, USGS, NOAA, and DHS.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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