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Explore This Section Earth Earth Observer Editor’s Corner Feature Articles Meeting Summaries News Science in the News Calendars In Memoriam Announcements More Archives Conference Schedules Style Guide 12 min read
Summary of the 54th U.S.–Japan ASTER Science Team Meeting
Introduction
The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Science Team (ST) organized a three-day workshop that took place June 9–11, 2025, at the Japan Space System’s (JSS) offices in Tokyo, Japan. About 25 people from Japan and the United States participated during the in-person meeting – see Photo 1.
U.S. participants included representatives of NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL); two universities – University of Arizona (UA) and University of Pittsburgh (UPitt); and Grace Consulting. Japanese participants represented JSS, the Geologic Survey of Japan (GSJ), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC). Participants from Ibaraki University (IU), Nagoya University (NU), University of Tokyo (UT), and University of Tsukuba (Uts) also joined.
Photo 1. Several attendees sit for a photo at the 54th ASTER Science Team meeting at the Japan Space System’s offices in Tokyo, Japan. Photo credit: Osamau Kashimura The main objectives of the 54th ASTER STM were to:
discuss impacts of the proposed NASA budget reductions for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026; respond to plans for future impacts on ASTER from possible power reductions on the Terra platform; receive updates on data acquisition status, data calibration and validation (cal/val) activities, data distribution plans, and applications using ASTER observations; and discuss the end-of-mission plans for Terra and ASTER and archive documentation requirements. The remainder of this article summarizes the highlights from the meeting, which includes an overview of the opening plenary session and summaries of the four working group sessions. A brief review of the closing plenary, which included summary reports from the chairpersons of all working groups, rounds out the report, followed by some overall concluding thoughts.
Opening Plenary Session
Yasushi Yamaguchi [NU—Japan ASTER ST Lead] and Michael “Mike” Abrams [JPL—U.S. ASTER ST Lead] welcomed participants and reviewed the agenda for the opening plenary and the schedule for the working group sessions.
Abrams presented highlights of science results based on ASTER data. He also discussed some issues that Woody Turner [NASA Headquarters—ASTER Program Scientist] had raised, including NASA’s response to the President’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 26 budget and the status of FY25 funding. Abrams reported that Terra passivation is currently scheduled for February 2027 and described Terra’s power status. [UPDATE: If the President’s proposed FY26 budget goes into effect without modification by Congress, the three Flagship missions will enter accelerated Phase F (closeout); Terra passivation would start in November 2025 and be complete by March 2026.]
Abrams reviewed the status of the Terra spacecraft, showing slides provided by Jason Hendrickson [GSFC]. The Flight Operations Team staffing remains constant. Science data capture for ASTER remains above 99%. The impact of the shunt failure on November 28, 2024 required the safe halting of the instrument. Visible-near-infrared (VNIR) observations resumed in mid-January, and thermal infrared (TIR) observations resumed in mid-May. Collision avoidance events continue to be part of normal operations.
Hitomi Inada [JSS] provided a status report on the ASTER instrument. Many of the monitored components (i.e., VNIR pointing motor) are beyond their original useful life in orbit, but the aging hardware shows no signs of wearing out or a decrease in performance. She showed data that indicated that the temperature and current telemetry trends remain stable.
Abrams presented ASTER product distribution statistics provided by Cole Krehbiel [Land Processes Distributed Active Archiver Center (LP DAAC]). The ASTER Digital Elevation Model continues to be the most ordered product among all users of ASTER data. As defined by the ST at the last meeting, most ASTER data products [e.g., Version 4 (V4) products] are being created and placed in a searchable/orderable archive that can be accessed through NASA’s Earthdata tool. Abrams reported that the LP DAAC started producing these files in January 2025 and will be finished before August 2026.
Koki Iwao [GSJ] presented AIST’s product distribution statistics. Over 4.7 million scenes have been acquired and processed to Level 1A (L1A) since June 10, 2025. AIST continues to distribute ASTER’s pseudo-natural color scenes in keyhole mark-up language (KML – a file format used to display geographic data) and scene-based Digital Elevation Models. The largest number of users of Japanese products are from the United States.
Tetsushi Tachikawa [JSS] summarized the status of ASTER observations since the beginning of the mission. He reported that all of the global observation programs are functioning normally, acquiring data as planned. Updates to the observation programs will be considered by this week’s working groups. Tachikawa also added that the change of the orbit repeat – after Terra’s October 2022 exit from the Morning Constellation – has been accommodated in the ASTER scheduler.
Abrams presented a report on behalf of Simon Hook [JPL], who was unable to attend the meeting. Hook’s information provides a status update for the multispectral TIR instrument on NASA’s ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) mission. Abrams also spoke about NASA’s future Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) mission, which is part of the planned Earth System Observatory.
Applications Working Group
The applications session provided a sampling of how ASTER data are used. A few examples are highlighted below. The second half of the session was devoted to a discussion of end-of-mission documentation requirements. This included a review of the NASA guiding document and sharing of existing documents.
Michael Ramsey [UPitt] presented work on forecasting volcanic activity with the ASTER long-term archive. His team developed a statistical detection code to extract accurate temperature anomalies for five test volcanoes over 25 years. They used these results to train a deep learning approach for anomaly detection in future TIR data. The method showed 73% success for Piton del la Fournaise volcano, Réunion island, and near 100% success for Sheveluch volcano, Kamchatka Krai, Russia.
Miyuki Muto [IU] reported on waste volume changes in 15 open landfills in developing countries using more than 20 years of ASTER time-series digital surface models – see Figure 1. The method was found to be consistent with reports using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, which dates to 2016. Thus, ASTER can provide a longer time series for future optical or radar studies.
Figure 1. Time variation in the relative volume of waste for landfills, obtained from ASTER time-series digital surface model data for the four Indian sites – Ghazipur, Bhalswa, Okhla, and Deonar. Figure credit: Figure taken from Muto and Tonooka (2025), Sensors Mike Abrams presented the 25-year history of ASTER data applied to geologic mapping and mineral exploration. He explained how the first published papers appeared a few years after launch and validated the unique mineralogical information contained in the ASTER data. Over the following 20 years, several reports from mineral exploration companies announced the discovery of gold, chromite, and lithium deposits, which were found largely based on analysis of ASTER data.
Calibration/Validation Working Group
The Calibration/Validation (cal/val) working group is responsible for monitoring the radiometric and geometric performance of ASTER’s VNIR and TIR instruments. Three different cal/val techniques are used including: analysis of onboard calibration lamps, comparison with onboard blackbodies, and measurements of pseudo-invariant ground targets during field campaigns. The L2 software algorithms are being updated for the final, archival processing which is anticipated to be completed in May 2026.
Bjorn Eng [JPL] reported that the newest version of the L2 algorithm for ASTER VNIR and TIR cal/val was delivered to the LPDAAC for ingest and testing. Eng explained how the new software includes Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) data, which allows users to create atmospheric profiles for temperature, pressure, water vapor, and ozone. MERRA-2 is an improvement – both spatially and temporally – over the National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s Global Data Assimilation System that is used in the original MERRA. The new L2 production algorithms were validated, and the LP DAAC began incorporating the algorithms into the static archive in January 2025.
Mike Abrams presented on behalf of Cole Krehbiel [LP DAAC] and reported on the assessment of geometric performance of the L1 processing software, which was updated to the new Landsat ground control point library. He also presented an improved global digital elevation model. The ASTER final processing campaign uses the improved control point library.
Satoru Yamamoto [GSJ] presented updates to the calibration trends of the onboard VNIR lamps. Two onboard calibrations were performed on September 20, 2024 and November 8, 2024. Several analyses of the calibration lamps showed no significant change in the data trends – see Figure 2. The signal-to-noise ratios are still greater than the requirement of 140.
Figure 2. Onboard lamp calibration data for Bands 1, 2, and 3. The lamp data show no significant change in the three bands after updating the calibration. Figure credit: Satoru Yamamoto Soushi Kato [RESTEC] presented results from his September 2024 field campaign in Nevada and Utah. The campaign was marked by clear weather during ASTER’s day and night overpasses. Kato compared his in situ TIR measurements with the standard ASTER temperature products from the LP DAAC. The agreement for the five AESTER TIR bands was within ± 1.5 K.
Hideyuki Tonooka [IU] presented the results of his TIR field calibration campaigns at the same time and location as those conducted by Kato (described in previous presentation summary). Additionally, he reported that several calibration campaigns conducted at Lake Kasumigaura, Japan were cancelled due to cloudy weather, which led to the suspension of ASTER data acquisition. Tonooka compared his in situ TIR measurements with the standard ASTER temperature products from the LP DAAC. The agreement for the five ASTER TIR bands was within ± 1.3 K, except for band 10 at the Utah site where the discrepancy was -2.3 K.
Temperature–Emissivity Working Group
This group focuses on ASTER’s kinetic temperature and emissivity products, as well as application of these products and review of the nighttime TIR global mapping program status.
Mike Abrams presented his analyses of the ASTER Level-2 Surface Kinetic Temperature Product (AST_08) for a nighttime scene acquired over Lake Tahoe, CA. He compared the on-demand MERRA-2 product from NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office with the archive-produced product. The comparison showed that the two products were identical, pixel-by-pixel. Abrams conducted a second analysis to compare the archived MERRA_2 AST_08 product with the on-demand Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) AST-08 product to assess the difference in temperature due to improved MERRA-2 atmospheric parameters. The MERRA-2 product had lower temperature values for higher elevations and higher values for lower elevations with more column water vapor – see Figure 3. This result is physically correct and validates the improvement using MERRA-2 atmospheric data.
Figure 3. Colorized difference by temperature, in Kelvin, between the product using MERRA-2 and MODIS atmospheric values: blue -1.0 to -0.6; green -0.5 to -0.1; red 0.0; and yellow 0.1 to 0.5. Figure credit: Michael Abrams Hideyuki Tonooka discussed the status of installation of the JPL radiometer at Lake Kasumigaura. The plan is to mount the radiometer on an existing observation in the middle of the lake. The radiometer will be operated jointly by JPL and IU. The installation is planned to start in the Summer 2025.
Tetsuchi Tachikawa reviewed the status of the current Thermal Global Mapping acquisition program to acquire cloud-free TIR nighttime images over most of the Earth’s land surface. He explained that the program is refreshed every year, with most recent refresh beginning May 2025.
Operations and Mission Planning Working Group
The Operations and Mission Planning Working Group oversees and reviews the acquisition programs executed by the ASTER scheduler. Because ASTER data acquisitions have to be scheduled every day to accommodate ASTER’s average 8% duty cycle, ST members developed an automatic program to select 600–700 daily scenes from the possible 3000 plus images uploaded in the request archive.
Tachikawa reviewed the status of acquisition scheduling. Urgent observations receive the highest priority and can be scheduled close to acquisition time. Approximately 70 scenes are programmed per month – with over 95% acquisition success. By contrast, global mapping data acquisitions receive the lowest priority and are used to fill in the scenes for the daily quota. He explained that the goal of the ASTER is to have the instrument acquire at least one cloud-free image for every place on Earth. Due to persistent cloud cover, success is typically ~85% after several years, at which time the program is restarted. Tachikawa next gave short updates on three other acquisition programs that focus on islands, volcanoes, glaciers, and cloudy areas, respectively. The global volcano image acquisition program will continue with no change to the observation parameters. Acquisition of images of islands and over cloudy areas will also continue in current form. The global glacier acquisition program will be modified to change the VNIR gain settings to optimize images over snow and ice.
Tachikawa also discussed the effect of the ASTER shutdown in November 2024 and cessation of all ASTER data acquisitions. VNIR-only acquisitions were resumed in January 2025, and TIR acquisitions resumed in May 2025, with full operations and acquisitions of data from both VNIR and TIR instruments.
Closing Plenary Session
Each chairperson summarized the presentations, discussions, and recommendations that occurred during their respective working group session. The overall consensus maintained that the ASTER instrument is operating normally again – with no indications of any component failures. The ST is preparing to absorb the impact of the 50% budget reduction on the Flight Operation Team at GSFC. At this time, the main impact has been a small increase in lost data (1–2%) as a result of the absence of operators to attempt immediate recovery. The ST also approved plans for ASTER’s contribution to the Terra power mitigation plan, and the recommendation has been forwarded to the Terra Project Scientist and the Flight Operations Team.
Conclusion
The 54th ASTER ST Meeting successfully covered all critical issues introduced during the Opening Plenary Session. The ST worked on formulating priorities for reduction of ASTER instrument operations in response to possible future Terra power reductions. During working group sessions, participants received updates on a variety of topics (e.g., instrument scheduling, instrument performance, archiving plans, and new applications). Although this may be the last Joint U.S./Japan ASTER ST Meeting, the 55th joint meeting was tentatively scheduled for May 2026.
Acknowledgments
The lead author’s work on this article was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with NASA.
Michael Abrams
NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology
mjabrams@jpl.nasa.gov
Yasushi Yamaguchi
Nagoya University/Japan Science and Technology Agency
yasushi@nagoya-u.jp
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Last Updated Aug 18, 2025 Related Terms
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By NASA
Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, left, NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi are seen inside the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on the company’s recovery ship shortly after splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, on Aug. 9, 2025.Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber After spending almost five months in space, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts will discuss their science mission aboard the International Space Station during a news conference at 4:15 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, Aug. 20, from the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi will answer questions about their mission. The crew returned to Earth on Aug. 9.
Live coverage of the news conference will stream on the agency’s YouTube channel. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of additional platforms, including social media.
This event is open to media to attend in person or virtually. For in-person, media must contact the NASA Johnson newsroom no later than 12 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, at: jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov or 281-483-5111. Media participating by phone must dial into the news conference no later than 10 minutes prior to the start of the event to ask questions. Questions also may be submitted on social media using #AskNASA. A copy of NASA’s media accreditation policy is available on the agency’s website.
The crew spent 146 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, traveling nearly 62,795,205 million miles and completing 2,368 orbits around Earth. While living and working aboard the station, the crew completed hundreds of science experiments and technology demonstrations. The latest NASA space station news, images, and features are available on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program has delivered on its goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station from the United States through a partnership with American private industry. This partnership is opening access to low Earth orbit and the International Space Station to more people, more science, and more commercial opportunities. For almost 25 years, people have continuously lived and worked aboard the space station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies that enable us to prepare for human exploration of the Moon as we prepare for Mars.
Learn more about NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at:
https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew
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Joshua Finch
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov
Courtney Beasley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
courtney.m.beasley@nasa.gov
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Last Updated Aug 14, 2025 EditorJessica TaveauLocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms
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By NASA
7 Min Read NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 Looks Back at Science Mission
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 Looks Back at Science Mission
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission with agency astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov is preparing to return to Earth in early August after a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station. During their stay, McClain, Ayers, and Onishi completed dozens of experiments and technology demonstrations, helping push the boundaries of scientific discovery aboard the orbiting laboratory.
Here’s a look at some scientific milestones accomplished during the Crew-10 mission:
Orbital effects on plants
NASA The canisters floating in the cupola of the International Space Station contain wild-type and genetically-modified thale cress plants for the Rhodium Plant LIFE experiment. The investigation studies how radiation and gravity environments at different orbital altitudes affect plant growth by comparing Crew-10 data with plants flown aboard the Polaris Dawn mission, which flew deeper into space. Studies have shown microgravity affects growth rates, and a better understanding of the mechanisms behind this could improve plant growth techniques in space and on Earth.
Solar spacewalk
NASA NASA astronaut Anne McClain conducts a spacewalk to upgrade the International Space Station’s power generation systems, which include main solar arrays like the one visible behind her. McClain is installing hardware to support an IROSA (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array), a type of array that is more compact and produces more power than the station’s original ones. The IROSAs were first demonstrated aboard the orbiting laboratory in June 2017, and eight have been installed to augment the power available for scientific research and other activities.
Microalgae on the menu
NASA NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers uses the International Space Station’s Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory to process samples for SOPHONSTER, a study of microgravity’s effects on the protein yield of microalgae. These organisms are highly nutritious, producing amino acids, fatty acids, B vitamins, iron, and fiber. The microalgae could provide sustainable meat and dairy alternatives during long-duration space missions. It also could be used to make biofuels and bioactive compounds in medicines in space and on Earth.
Looking down on lightning
NASA The International Space Station orbits more than 250 miles above Earth, giving astronauts a unique view of their home planet, where they can photograph familiar places and interesting phenomena. While passing over a stormy night, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers captured this image of simultaneous lightning at the top of two thunderstorms. Scientists use instruments installed on the space station to study lightning and other weather conditions in Earth’s upper atmosphere. This research helps protect communication systems and aircraft while improving atmospheric models and weather predictions.
Testing the tips of DNA
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NASA In this time-lapse video, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi and NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers harvest samples for the APEX-12 investigation, which examines how space radiation affects telomere activity in thale cress plants. Telomeres, which are repetitive DNA sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes, become shorter each time a cell divides and indicate cell aging. The APEX-12 investigation could clarify the role of telomeres in aging and diseases and help scientists equip plants and other organisms for the stress of long-duration spaceflight.
Microscopic motion
NASA A fluorescent microscope, known as ELVIS, captures the motion of microscopic algae and bacteria in 3D, a new capability aboard the International Space Station. The technology could be helpful in various applications in space and on Earth, such as monitoring water quality and detecting potentially infectious organisms. NASA astronaut Anne McClain prepares bacterial samples for viewing with the microscope.
How cells sense gravity
NASA Individual cells in our bodies can respond to the effects of gravity, but how they do this is largely unknown. The Cell Gravisensing investigation is an effort to observe the mechanism that enables cells to sense gravity and could lead to therapies to treat muscle and bone conditions, like muscle atrophy during long-duration spaceflight and osteoporosis on Earth. JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi processes research samples in the International Space Station’s Kibo laboratory module.
Water works
NASA NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain work on installing hardware for the International Space Station’s Exploration Potable Water Dispenser. Scientists are evaluating the device’s water sanitization and microbial growth reduction technology. The dispenser provides room temperature and hot water for crew consumption and food preparation. This technology could be adopted for future exploration missions.
Free-flying camera
NASA Astronaut Takuya Onishi of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) monitors the JEM Internal Ball Camera 2 as it floats through the International Space Station. The free-flying, rechargeable camera provides a visual field outside the other cameras installed aboard the space station. JAXA is testing the robot’s ability to capture video and imagery of scientific experiments and other activities, which could free up crew time for research and other duties.
Two rings to pin them all
NASA NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers sets up the space station’s Ring Sheared Drop device, which uses surface tension to pin a drop of liquid between two rings. The device makes it possible to study liquid proteins without a solid container, eliminating interactions between the solutions and container walls that can affect results. The Ring Sheared Drop-IBP-2 experiment studies the behavior of protein fluids in microgravity and tests predictive computer models. Better models could help advance manufacturing processes in space and on Earth for next-generation medicines to treat cancers and other diseases.
Crystallization research
NASA NASA astronaut Anne McClain swaps out hardware in the International Space Station’s Advanced Space Experiment Processor-4, which enables physical science and crystallization research. A current investigation uses the processor to demonstrate technology that may be able to produce medications during deep space missions and improve pharmaceutical manufacturing on Earth.
Monitoring astronaut health
NASA NASA astronaut Anne McClain helps JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi collect a sample of his blood. Analysis of blood samples is one tool NASA uses to continuously monitor crew health, including cardiovascular and immune system functions, bone and muscle mass changes, nutritional and metabolic status, and mental well-being. Crew members aboard the International Space Station also participate in various ongoing studies to better understand how different body systems adapt to weightlessness.
Catching a corona
NASA/KASI/INAF/CODEX This animated, color-coded heat map shows temperature changes in the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, over several days, with red indicating hotter regions and purple showing cooler ones. Scientists can observe these changes thanks to the International Space Station’s CODEX, which collected data during the Crew-10 mission. The instrument uses a coronagraph to block out sunlight and reveal details in the Sun’s corona. Data from this investigation could help scientists understand the energy source of the solar wind, a flow of charged particles from the Sun that constantly bombards Earth.
Expanding in-space crystallization
NASA Astronaut Takuya Onishi of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) services the International Space Station’s Advanced Space Experiment Processor-4 in preparation for ADSEP-Industrial Crystallization Cassette. This investigation tests new hardware that scales up research and could enable in-space production of pharmaceuticals and other materials for commercial space applications.
Sowing seeds in space
NASA NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers prepares mixture tubes containing samples for Nanoracks Module-9 Swiss Chard. This student-designed experiment examines whether the size, shape, color, and nutritional content of Swiss chard seeds germinated in space differ from those grown on Earth. The International Space Station hosts ongoing plant research as a source of food and other benefits, including contributing to astronaut well-being, for future long-duration missions.
Protecting astronaut vision
NASA Spaceflight can cause changes to eye structure and vision, so crew members monitor eye health throughout their missions. Astronaut Takuya Onishi of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), assisted by NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, conducts an eye exam aboard the International Space Station using optical coherence tomography. This technology uses reflected light to produce 3D images of the retina, nerve fibers, and other eye structures and layers.
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Explore This Section Science Science Activation NASA Science Activation Teams… Overview Learning Resources Science Activation Teams SME Map Opportunities More Science Activation Stories Citizen Science 3 min read
NASA Science Activation Teams Unite to Support Neurodiverse Learners with Public Libraries
On July 16, 2025, more than 400 public library staff from across the United States joined a powerful webinar, Serving Neurodiverse Library Patrons and Colleagues, hosted by two NASA Science Activation program teams: NASA@ My Library and NASA’s Neurodiversity Network (N3). The event brought together researchers, library professionals, and individuals with lived experience of neurodiversity to share insights and best practices for creating more inclusive and supportive environments in libraries.
Designed to equip library staff with tools and awareness, this interactive webinar explored how libraries can better serve neurodiverse patrons, such as those with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other cognitive variations, while also supporting neurodiverse colleagues. Breakout rooms allowed participants to dive deeper into specific topics, including accessible program facilitation, supporting neurodiverse colleagues, and an “Ask Me Anything” space that encouraged open dialogue and learning.
Library staff everywhere are invited to watch the recorded webinar on YouTube and learn more about serving neurodiverse patrons and colleagues.
The collaboration between NASA@ My Library (led by the Space Science Institute), and NASA’s Neurodiversity Network (N3) (led by Sonoma State University), reflects a shared commitment to broadening participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). NASA@ My Library works with public libraries nationwide to engage diverse communities in NASA science and discoveries. N3 focuses on empowering neurodiverse learners – particularly those in high school – with opportunities to engage with NASA science and explore potential STEM career pathways.
Participants left inspired, and the demand for more is clear: attendees and speakers alike expressed interest in continuing the conversation, requesting additional training, and expressing interest in organizing a future conference centered on neurodiversity and inclusion in libraries.
Youth Services Librarian and webinar panelist Molly Creveling shared, “This was such a great opportunity, and I’m extremely proud to have been able to contribute to it, I wish I was able to attend everyone’s break out room!” And participant Jason Wood expressed in the chat, “Really, really appreciate this webinar. This is one of those days I am extra proud to be a librarian. Thank you all.” Another enthusiast participant said, “This was the best webinar I’ve attended in years…more of this!”
Watch the recorded webinar.
As NASA continues to reach for the stars, it’s equally committed to ensuring that the journey is accessible to all – especially those whose unique ways of thinking and learning bring fresh perspectives to science, exploration, and discovery.
NASA@ My Library and N3, supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award numbers NNX16AE30A and 80NSSC21M0004, are part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn
Presenters included staff from NASA’s Neurodiversity Network, NASA@ My Library, Education Development Center, and the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Share
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