Michael R. Luther
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Oral Histories
The interviews in this collection were selected from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Oral History Program, which contains interviews with aerospace legends, analyses of key events, aerospace chronologies, and more. The interviews included here are those that relate specifically to NOAA's mission.
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Michael Luther is a prominent figure in the field of Earth System Science, with a rich history of involvement in NASA's space program. As the Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Luther has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of Earth's complex systems through his work on various satellite missions. His early contributions to the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite have been instrumental in shaping the field. Luther's career is marked by his dedication to the development of the Earth System Science concept, which has set the expectations for the program and its approach to studying our planet's interconnected systems.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Michael Luther provides a comprehensive overview of his extensive career and the evolution of Earth System Science over the past decades. Luther delves into the establishment of the Office of Earth Science at NASA, detailing the challenges and triumphs of managing a diverse array of Earth science missions. He reflects on his experiences with satellite missions, the intricacies of international collaborations, and the hurdles faced when launching missions on various types of vehicles. The interview also covers his involvement in space shuttle missions, including the aftermath of the Challenger and Columbia tragedies, and his partnerships with other agencies like NOAA, USGS, and the Department of Defense. Luther emphasizes the critical need for consistent and continuous data for climate research and the difficulties in ensuring measurement continuity. He discusses the impact of technology on Earth System Science, citing the James Webb Space Telescope as an example, and acknowledges key events and satellite missions that have significantly influenced the field. Additionally, the interview touches on the unintended consequences of the Earth System Science program, the integration challenges within the NPOESS system, and the necessity for a national strategy on climate monitoring. Luther's reflections on the past 20 years of Earth System Science highlight the dedication of the community and the resilience of the field while also expressing gratitude to mentors and colleagues who have supported his journey.
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