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Data Science

How Data Science Powers Space Exploration & Earth Science

October 2022

Your Presenter(s)

Dr. Makhan L. Virdi (Ph.D.)

Senior Research Scientist @ NASA Langley Research Center

Dr. Makhan L. Virdi is a Senior Research Scientist at NASA, working at NASA’s Atmospheric Science Data Center (ASDC) to provide scientific direction and programmatic support for future satellite missions for collecting earth science data.

Dr. Virdi graduated with a B.Tech. from IIT Roorkee in 2004 and earned a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida in 2013. In the past, he worked for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Dr. Virdi’s expertise includes creating geospatial tools and services for science-based analysis, visualization, discovery, and distribution of earth science data generated by field/laboratory measurements, remote sensing, and model simulation. He is passionate about learning new techniques and teaching by making concepts simpler to understand.

Katie Baynes

Deputy Chief Science Data Officer @ NASA HQ

Katie Baynes is the Deputy Chief Science Data Officer for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at HQ and was formerly a Systems Architect for NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS).

She has spent much of the past decade working on large-scale Earth Science data systems. In addition to this work, Katie has been active in the Earth science metadata curation and cloud computing communities and is passionate about community development models and open-source science, working to bring software, data, and science to the people.

She lives with her husband and two children outside Washington, DC.

Summary

In the field of space exploration, data science has become a vital tool, revealing insights previously hidden within vast amounts of data collected from satellites, ground stations, and more. As discussed by experts from NASA's Science Mission Directorate, this integration is important for both understanding our universe and addressing the various challenges our planet faces. The discussion explores how data science is applied to various data types, including atmospheric and earth science data, and the shift towards open-source and cloud-based frameworks. NASA's dedication to open data policies has made this wealth of information accessible to researchers, students, and citizen scientists alike. The shift to cloud computing is highlighted as a significant change, allowing for more efficient analysis of large datasets. Furthermore, the role of metadata standards and the challenge of managing diverse datasets are emphasized. Additionally, the webinar touches on career opportunities within NASA, highlighting the mix of technical expertise and domain knowledge required to succeed in data science roles within the organization.

Key Takeaways:

Data science is vital in revealing insights from NASA's extensive data repositories.
NASA promotes open data policies, ensuring data accessibility to a global audience.
The shift to cloud computing improves the efficiency of data analysis.
Managing diverse datasets requires interoperability and metadata standards.
Career opportunities in NASA's data science roles require a mix of technical skills and domain knowledge.

Deep Dives

Data Science in Space Research

Data science is changing the way we understand space and our planet. With NASA leading the way, data collected from various sources such as satellites, balloons, and ground stations is being analyzed to extract meaningful insights. Makan Verdi from NASA's Atmospheric Science Data Center stated, "Hidden in this data are the stories to be told about the relationship between our planet and its people." This wealth of information aids in understanding global phenomena impacting planetary health. The application of data science extends to various domains, including atmospheric and earth sciences, where it assists in studying air quality, deforestation, and climate dynamics. The integration of AI and machine learning is vital, with tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch being used for advanced data analysis, thus transforming raw data into actionable intelligence.

Open Source and Open Data at NASA

NASA's dedication to open data policies highlights the importance of data accessibility. Historically, certain Earth observation missions charged for access, but this model shifted to a free and open approach, significantly increasing data usage and value. Katie Baines, Deputy Chief Science Data Officer, noted, "It's very important to us...to make all of this data free and open." This broad access to data allows not only researchers but also students and citizen scientists to engage in meaningful scientific inquiry. Programs like NASA GLOBE encourage community participation, where students can contribute by identifying cloud types, thus promoting a culture of collaborative science and learning.

Transition to Cloud Computing

The shift of data to cloud platforms represents a significant change in how NASA conducts data analysis. Using services like Amazon's S3 and Glacier, NASA is moving towards cloud-native solutions that facilitate the efficient processing of large datasets. The adoption of cloud computing allows for scalable analysis, where data is processed in the cloud rather than being downloaded to local machines. This shift not only optimizes resource use but also aligns with modern data science practices, making it easier for scientists to collaborate and innovate. "In future, in an ideal world, we would have all the data in the cloud...and you only download the results," remarked Makan Verdi, highlighting the transformative potential of cloud-based workflows.

Learning and Career Paths in Space Data Science

Working in data science at NASA requires a unique mix of skills, combining technical expertise with domain-specific knowledge. The organization's diverse data centers cater to different scientific disciplines, offering varied career opportunities. "We have computer scientists doing atmospheric science because they develop this domain knowledge," explained Makan Verdi. Prospective candidates are encouraged to engage with existing data communities and forums to build their understanding and skill set. Whether through direct employment at NASA's data centers or participation in related projects, there are numerous paths for those interested in contributing to NASA's mission of scientific discovery and innovation.