The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is working to empower disaster risk reduction by employing technology that detects potential weather disasters, analyzes them, and informs communities and governments. The advancement made by the NASA Disasters Program will allow for more informed decision-making for disaster preparedness while illustrating patterns in disasters and how communities prepare for them. The NASA Disasters Program aims to support governments and policymakers, ensuring the safety of individuals during times of vulnerability.
Hurricane Ida, a category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Louisiana on August 21st, 2021. During one of the most deadly, destructive, and impactful natural disasters in American history, NASA Disasters Program technology was able to support policymakers and first responders. This included soil moisture detection, precipitation levels, flooding detection, and power outage identification. In addition, the use of satellite technology provided increased imaging for relief teams to support individuals on the ground. Such measures supported the response efforts of the hurricane, allowing for increased support and care.
NASA has made use of Damage Proxy Maps to provide clear imaging before, present, and future conditions amid a disaster. This will allow policymakers to understand the impacts of their preparedness and relief efforts, allowing them to prepare for the future. AI, along with NASA’s Interagency Implementation and Advanced Concepts Team at their Marshall Space Flight Center, will be used in the aftermath of future crises. Following Hurricane Ida, such technologies were used to assess the severity and damages within local communities where imaging would otherwise not be possible.
NASA is partnering with IBM to enhance its satellite imaging and models alongside the use of AI. The agency has stated that this technology will allow them to make more informed, practical, and efficient decisions in times of crisis. Kevin Murphy, NASA’s Chief Science Data Officer, stated, “NASA is dedicated to ensuring that our scientific data are accessible and beneficial to all. Our AI foundation models are scientifically validated and adaptable to new data, designed to maximize efficiency and lower technical barriers. This ensures that even in the face of challenging disasters, response teams can be swift and effective.”
The new technology that NASA and its partners have developed will not only increase disaster preparedness but also further support those on the front lines and inform policymaking decisions for the future.
By Justin Goldberg