The Science Directorate at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) emphasizes an end-to-end approach where technology development, mission development, calibration and validation activities, and data analyses are carried out with the goal of deriving scientific information from space-based observations for decision support. This work includes scientific leadership in space-based missions; technology development; laboratory, surface and sub-orbital (aircraft) measurements; research and analyses projects; atmospheric science data stewardship; applied sciences research in developing decision support tools; and education and outreach activities, all in support of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD). The LaRC Science Directorate strengths include Earth observation, interdisciplinary research, Earth system modeling, data processing systems, and advanced technology development, with an overall focus on atmospheric science and climate. The Directorate also provides significant support to the SMD Applied Sciences program, particularly in areas of air quality management, energy forecasting, and aviation safety. This presentation will provide an introduction to the LaRC Science Directorate vision, goals, organizational structure and ongoing research and present key examples of basic and applied research, as well as data center and education/outreach activities. More information on the LaRC Science Directorate can be found at URL: http://science.larc.nasa.gov/.

Location: Physics Bldg., Room 401