NASA recently initiated a research effort to study the influence of biology on global processes important to life. The program objective is to achieve an understanding of planetary biological processes as revealed by the interaction of biota and the environment, with primary focus on global biogeochemical cycling.
The study of these complex interrelated processes requires an extensive measurement program, advanced data processing systems, and sophisticated model development. Aircraft and satellite remote sensing play an important role along with field and laboratory measurements. Advanced manned and man-tended multisensor satellite systems and multistage sampling techniques will make comprehensive study and understanding possible.
