Assessing the Early Adopters Programs: Getting Decision-Makers Ready for New NASA Earth Science Mission Data

Abstract:

Over the past decade, the Applied Sciences Program within NASA’s Earth Science Division has led numerous activities referred to as Early Adopters Programs. The goal of these programs is to increase the value of NASA data by accelerating the use of Earth observations in decision-making contexts. The “Early Adopters” are either decision-makers or individuals working in close coordination with (or on the behalf of) decision-makers. These Early Adopters are partnered with experts developing data products for new missions. By allowing Early Adopters access to proxy or simulated data prior to the actual data products becoming available, these Early Adopters are able to prepare for using mission data in their applications and eventual decisions. NASA benefits from this program by getting feedback from the user community on data products as they are being developed, and ultimately, by accelerating the development of applications, increasing the value of the information from its missions. This presentation will give an overview of how various missions have implemented Early Adopters Programs, as well as the challenges they have encountered and the factors that have led to success.