The invisible data layer shaping global agriculture and climate policy

Space · Published 14 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: NASA's Earth-observing satellites do more than just take pictures; they provide the foundational data for global food security. From tracking atmospheric aerosols to monitoring soil moisture, this massive system-of-systems informs the decisions of farmers and policymakers worldwide, navigating a landscape of deep technological uncertainty.

NASA's Earth Science Division (ESD) manages a vast portfolio of satellite observations that track critical environmental shifts. These include the movement of aerosols through the atmosphere, the descent of moisture into the soil, and land-cover changes spanning several decades. This data is considered some of the most consequential information NASA produces, serving as a primary resource for science, policy, agriculture, and climate research on a global scale. These observations provide a long-term view of how the land surface changes over many years. They also monitor how moisture moves through the earth. This information is vital for understanding the planet's evolving dynamics.

The complexity of this work lies in managing a "system-of-systems" that is in constant flux. As new capabilities are launched and older missions are retired, the ESD must navigate shifting international partnerships and uncertainties regarding technology readiness, launch windows, and resource availability. To help leaders see present conditions and future developments relative to scientific goals, Betsy Ford—who serves as Deputy Team Lead and decision analyst for NASA's NESSIE team—coordinates the merging of these data points. The team must balance mission requirements as they develop over time. They also manage the transition of new capabilities coming online. This process requires navigating a complicated landscape of shifting international partnerships.

The practical application of this research is immense. For example, the data directly supports the farmers who grow the world's food supply. This mission-critical work is supported by a diverse range of expertise, including risk analysis and strategic decision-making. While some of NASA's work involves human spaceflight—such as Flight Engineer Kevin Ford's current five-month mission to the International Space Station—the Earth Science Division ensures that the orbital perspective translates into tangible terrestrial benefits. Betsy Ford's professional background includes a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech. She also spent time as a vehicle occupant safety engineer at General Motors. Her career path eventually led her to the NASA Langley Research Center.

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