Old age pensioner 1

NSIDC 30th Anniversary

NSIDC--How We Got Here

Frank Carsey

Old Age PensionerAnd glad of it

Old age pensioner 2

NSIDC 30th Anniversary

Notes to Aid my Addled

Memory

• Stan Wilson at NASA:

– ignores process,

– never backs down;

– gets good advice and takes it

– Annoys everyone

• Me at NASA—part-time, inexperienced, PM for polar oceanography--the bottom of the pile

Old age pensioner 3

NSIDC 30th Anniversary

More Notes

• Stan’s 3 goals: – Physical basis of Remote Sensing, – Data systems; – Flight of useful instruments

• Stan’s areas of Oceanography: – Circulation, – Productivity, – Marine Boundary Layer, – Polar Oceanography (+Ice sheets)

• Stan’s priority—Polar last!--but

we showed ‘em

Old age pensioner 4

NSIDC 30th Anniversary

Still More--hold on

• Stan task for me re archives– Review of successful archives– Analysis of possibilities– Decision on U of Colorado: Roger Barry

• By time NASA conceived DAAC’s as a revolutionary approach, Stan had 3!

• In the end Stan brought in his goals: – TOPEX-Poseidon

– NSIDC/ASF/JPL NODS– Field Work Re physical basis of RS

Old age pensioner 5

NSIDC 30th Anniversary

Closing Thoughts

Why am I here? To Remind you:

• NSIDC is a success story--They aren’t that common, pay attention to history

• Times change, and even if they don’t, Stan’s path to NSIDC is the road to success

• Many of you are young enough that you will determine future scientific priorities (or else be funded to show that Earth is only 4000 years old)

• Remember Stan’s Path: Set Priorities, Focus on Results, Ignore the noise