NASA, USDA Sign Agreement for Agricultural Development, Earth Science Research

NASA, USDA Sign Agreement for Agricultural Development, Earth Science Research

Press release from: NASA headquarters
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2020

NASA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their long-term partnership on space-based assets that benefit life on Earth.

The agreement combines NASA’s knowledge with technology development and the measurement of space-driven space science and science and USDA’s knowledge of agricultural production, resource conservation, food security and safety, and forests and working land.

NASA and USDA will explore research gaps important to the agricultural community that could be addressed through innovative Earth observation systems and technologies developed over the next decade. The collaboration will also address recommendations made in the 2017 National Academies Global Science Decadal Study.

“When we combine exploration of the International Space Station with the incredible capabilities that Earth observation provides, I believe that NASA, in partnership with the USDA, could transform farming and strengthening agricultural production in ways we can’t even imagine today, ”said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “Microgravity research can solve secrets in a wide range of fields, and I am delighted with the potential impact our organization can have on next-generation agricultural practices. ”

The agreement will also accelerate USDA’s links with the global agricultural and market community.

“As we have seen over the last 100 years, more innovation in agriculture is endless,” said US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “This partnership between USDA and NASA will bring together the best research, science and technology we have to offer to help make more food to feed the growing world. We continue a concerted effort to use place-based technologies across sectors and into agriculture. ”

The partnership outlined in the agreement will benefit a number of Earth-based and space-based goals, including actions that support NASA Artemis Program, which lands the first and next female on the Moon and establishes a sustainable study with our commercial and international partners. Plant-related research on the International Space Station, and other space or terrestrial platforms, could lead to new creative ways to improve American and global agriculture, protect the environment, and contribute to the health of more people. better.

In addition, the organizations collaborate to encourage young people in America to pursue careers in STEM and agriculture through various educational and communication activities, such as the National Science and Technology Advisory Committee on STEM Education.

For more information on NASA’s earth science activity, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/earth

// end //

More press releases and status reports or top stories.

Please follow SpaceRef Twitter and So on Facebook.

submit to reddit

Source