Air Transportation is Essential to America's Economy and Our Way of Life
National Security: Keeping America Safe
America's Future Depends on Maintaining Space Leadership
	Space Technology: An Investment in Our Economy
	Space Exploration Keeps America on the Cutting Edge
	Observing Earth’s Environment Takes a Global Perspective
	Protecting Our Nation and Our Citizens through Space Assets
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Observing Earth's Environment Takes a Global Perspective

Space-based technology enables scientists to gather data continuously and provide information on the status of the environment as well as aid in the prediction of disasters. Continued awareness and preparedness demand national leadership.

There is an iconic photo that shows Earth rising in the far distance above the lunar surface, a small speck in the vast expanse of space. An important perspective gained from the picture is that the planet is a global environment in itself, not to be divided by mountain ranges, oceans, or politically drawn geographic boundaries.

Space technology plays a vital role in monitoring the health of the planet. Just as a doctor needs a complete picture to assess the health of a patient so, too, must Earth's climate be monitored from a global perspective.

What America Needs:

• Continued investment in and replenishment of Earth-monitoring satellite and support systems.
  
  
• Continued U.S. participation in the international Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) to share data and improve our understanding of the changing environment.
  
  
• Robust investment in reconnaissance systems to warn against natural disasters such as forest fires and hurricanes.