Dr. Jack Kaye stands as a prominent figure in the field of Earth System Science, particularly within the context of NASA's mission to understand and protect our home planet. His career, marked by a series of leadership roles, reflects a deep commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of Earth's complex environmental systems. As the Associate Director for Research of the Earth Science Division at NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Dr. Kaye has been instrumental in guiding research that spans the gamut from atmospheric chemistry to land-use changes. His foresight and initiative have led to the establishment of key programs that leverage data from satellites such as Landsat, enabling groundbreaking research in areas like land cover and land-use change. Dr. Kaye's passion for providing high-quality, globally relevant information is evident in his advocacy for free and open data sharing, a principle that has positioned NASA as a leader in the field. His tenure has seen the development of programs that address global issues, such as the atmospheric ozone problem, which not only demonstrated humanity's capacity to alter the atmosphere but also highlighted the power of science to inform policy at national and international levels [3]. Dr. Kaye's strategic use of resources to enable field campaigns and other research initiatives has facilitated significant scientific achievements, reflecting his ability to effectively manage and direct scientific endeavors [4]. His contributions to Earth System Science are not only rooted in his scientific acumen but also in his leadership qualities that have fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration within NASA and the broader scientific community

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Dr. Jack Kaye provides a comprehensive overview of his career and the development of Earth System Science over the past two decades. Dr. Kaye discusses the strategic decisions made during his tenure, including the implementation of organized activities in space archaeology and the establishment of programs that utilize data from Earth-observing satellites, such as those from the Landsat program, to advance our understanding of land-cover and land-use change. He emphasizes the importance of NASA's commitment to providing equivalent quality information across the globe and the agency's leadership in promoting free and open data sharing, which has been crucial for scientific research and policy decision-making. Dr. Kaye reflects on the significance of the atmospheric ozone issue as a case study in how science can lead to effective policy, citing the success of the Montreal Protocol in addressing ozone depletion. He also shares insights into his role in enabling scientific fieldwork and research through the strategic allocation of resources, underscoring the importance of maintaining a reserve to support initiatives such as field campaigns that might not have been possible otherwise. The interview also touches on the technological advancements and experiments conducted during the Space Shuttle era, including the Atlas missions and the Shuttle Laser Altimeter, which have contributed to our understanding of atmospheric composition and the three-dimensional structure of vegetation. Dr. Kaye's narrative provides a valuable perspective on the challenges and achievements in Earth System Science, as well as the ongoing efforts to enhance our understanding of the Earth's systems and the impact of human activities on our environment.