Systematic Integration of Applications into the Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) Earth Mission Architecture Study

The Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) concept is the first National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) Earth mission to develop implement systematic integration of science application needs at architecture study stage. Prior NASA planning activities presumed that measurement would encompasss so did not explicitly evaluate include applications this However, effort presented here identified, documented integrated have been included by considering research only. First, a low latency no greater than 24 hr was identified as optimal target enable maximum number then carried through into all SBG candidate architectures. Second, many expressed around improved spatial temporal resolution. While increased resolution be possible under current cost technology considerations, need for sampling helped drive bolster discussions with international partners such European Agency, Italian Centre D’Etudes Spatiales. Lastly, we found were synergistic one another; example, decisions consider additional features driven both high relevance priorities, in particular, evapotranspiration agriculture temperature fires geologic hazards. This paper discusses process key contributions originating from Applications Working Group how they shaped stage considers trade space spacecraft instruments architectures, evaluates which formulations are suitable candidates SBG. approach described may utilized framework inform future satellite studies.