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Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) competitive programs provide a constant source of innovation to improve data products, advance systems, nurture interdisciplinary tools, and increase public participation with NASA Earth observations in order to advance our understanding of the Earth system. The ESDS Competitive Award Program includes:

Advancing Collaborative Connections for Earth System Science

The Advancing Collaborative Connections for Earth System Science (ACCESS) Program develops and implements technologies to effectively manage, discover, and utilize NASA’s archive of Earth observations for scientific research and applications.

Citizen Science for Earth Systems Program

The Citizen Science for Earth Systems Program (CSESP) is focused on developing and implementing projects that harness contributions from members of the general public to advance the understanding of Earth as an integrated system.

Making Earth Science Data Records for Use in Research Environments 

Through the Making Earth Science Data Records for Use in Research Environments (MEaSUREs) Program, NASA is continuing its commitment to expand understanding the Earth system using consistent records. MEaSUREs projects are focused on data product generation, availability, and utility.

Overview and Goals

The purpose of ESDS’ competitive programs is to develop and implement technology—they are not intended to be an ongoing funding source for the operations and maintenance of existing tools. Competitive programs help NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) address data management, discoverability, and utilization challenges faced by users and curators of NASA’s Earth science data. They address existing and anticipated future needs of the research and applied science communities.

ESDS competitive programs are solicited through annual Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES). In keeping with NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) open science policies, all competitive programs must include a Open Science and Data Management Plan (OSDMP) stating how data, products, and tools created through SMD-funded programs will be managed and shared openly. Learn more about ESDS Community Data System Capabilities.