Program
Goals
Derived
from
Stakeholder
Analysis


The results from the value network analysis were used to derive high-level goals and requirements for the Earth observations program. The most important NASA/NOAA outputs and the highest-scoring value loops can be translated into specific program goals. Each program goal addresses a specific output from NASA/NOAA as well as the subsequent value flows created by the output, which represent the intent of the output. Figure 100 below shows the template for translating value loops into program requirements.

Figure 100. Template for translating value flows into program requirements

This template produces specific program goals that address the ways in which NASA/NOAA’s outputs deliver the highest value to the stakeholder network, and ultimately the biggest returns back to NASA/NOAA. Using the top value loops shown previously in Section 4.3 and the important NASA/NOAA outputs determined in Section 4.5, the following is a list of program requirements that were derived from this value loop analysis. The program goals are prioritized based on the sum of value loop scores associated with each output, with the most important goals at the top of the list. The goal statements have also been separated into goals that influence what NASA/NOAA does and how NASA/NOAA does business:

“What” goals:

• NASA shall provide space-acquired data of interest to the Scientific Community, as well as funding and access to its space systems with the intent of:

o Generating Earth science knowledge consistent with NASA’s science program objectives

o Fulfilling the recommendations of relevant Science & Technology Advisory Bodies o Providing the Government with policy-relevant science knowledge

o Providing Educators with inspirational science content to promote student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

• NASA shall provide space-acquired Earth observation data to Commercial Data Users with the intent of:

o Providing innovative products and services derived from Earth observations data to the Public

• NASA shall develop products and services derived from satellite Earth observations for the Public with the intent of:

o Generating public support of NASA’s Earth Observations Program

o Inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

o Generating political support for Earth Observations Programs

• NASA shall develop Earth science-related educational material for Educators with the intent of:

o Inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

o Creating a skilled and educated workforce for the future

“How” goals:

• NASA shall provide information regarding its future program plans and priorities to Science & Technology Advisory Bodies with the intent of:

o Obtaining useful science policy advice

o Influencing the science policy advice given to the Government

o Providing direction for Scientists to produce sensors, other science systems, and Earth science knowledge

• NASA shall provide information about its future program plans to the Scientific community with the intent of:

o Procuring sensors and other science systems

o Generating Earth science knowledge consistent with NASA’s science program objectives

o Fulfilling the recommendations of relevant Science & Technology Advisory Bodies o Providing the Government with policy-relevant science knowledge

• NASA shall cooperate with International Partners, including providing future plans information and seeking cost-sharing arrangements for future missions with the intent of:

o Providing additional or complementary sources of space-acquired data to Scientists o Reducing costs or eliminating the need for certain future missions

• NASA shall provide financial resources and information about its future program plans to Commercial Industry with the intent of:

o Supporting the development of launch services for the Earth Observations Program o Supporting the development of science systems for the Earth observations program

• NASA shall comply with policy directives and specific program requirements from the Government with the intent of:

o Guaranteeing future funding levels and priorities o Ensuring favorable policy direction in the future

• NASA shall provide stable and rewarding employment to its workforce with the intent of: o Generating political support for Earth science programs

• NASA shall periodically provide science knowledge, opinions, and information about its future program plans to the Government with the intent of:

o Influencing future Earth science program objectives o Influencing future funding priorities and levels

For this analysis there are more “how” goals than “what” goals. The “what” goals listed above are fairly broad but suggest two things: First, NASA should prioritize the data it produces not only to be consistent with its own science priorities, but also to provide science knowledge needed by Government policy-makers. Second, in addition to Earth science data, NASA/NOAA should develop innovative products and services for public, educational, and commercial use. These requirements reinforce the theme of the decadal survey that both scientific inquiry and societal needs should drive mission requirements and the architecture of the entire program.

The “how” goals recommend things that NASA/NOAA should do to support the Earth Observations Program. These involve recommendations on where to invest funding and resources, which information should be shared with other stakeholders, and how to ensure that it continues to receive adequate resources and support from the Government in the future.

The following section presents a set of recommendations for the Earth Observations Program. The recommendations incorporate many of the ideas contained in the program requirements listed above, as well as insights from other aspects of the value network analysis.