Poll of the Week: Earth Tech

By Jim Gerard, NASA INSPIRE Education Specialist, KSC, FL

NASA has had a long history of Earth observation and investigation, starting with the development of weather satellites, to the Landsat remote sensing satellites to the climate orbiters of today.  The INSPIRE Online Learning Community was asked what was the greatest contribution by NASA to the new 'green' industry, that aims to place less stress on our planet by reducing our impact to it.

While good percentages selected thermal insulation, Earth images from space, and closed loop water purification as the greatest contribution, the majority chose the production of more efficient solar cells.  Here is some of the dialog found in the Discussion Board:

Earth images from space really leave an impact on people. It shows the vulnerability of our planet as well as the signs of damage that have already been done. A picture is worth a thousand words. It is a source of inspiration for people that leads to support of the "green" industry.

However, the solar cells on the rovers and ISS form an excellent renewable energy source and can reduce the carbon emissions.

I think the closed loop water purification is the best. Not only does it dramatically reduce water pollution in the lakes and rivers, and thus ultimately the ocean, but it also provides us with clean, healthy water, which we need to live.

 What do you think?  While it may be too late to take the poll, you are still welcome to add to the conversation on the Discussion Board.   A new poll will be available later today.  Leave your opinion, and then support it on the Board!