WASHINGTON — NASA will join its international partners in space-based climate change research to discuss their current and future Earth-observation programs at a seminar Friday, April 18, at the Keck Center of the National Academies, 500 5th St. NW, in Washington.

Media are invited to attend the seminar, “Space-based Earth Observations for Climate Change,” which begins at 1:30 p.m. EDT and is followed by an evening reception. The event is sponsored by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Academies of Science are co-organizers of the event.

At the seminar, NASA, JAXA, NOAA, the European Space Agency and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites will discuss their programs related to climate change research and societal needs. Participants also will address coordination of their respective programs.

Michael Freilich, director of the Earth Science Division in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, will present an overview of NASA’s Earth science program. He will discuss NASA’s next generation of Earth science missions and their contributions to climate change monitoring, NASA’s Earth science analysis programs that advance our understanding of the integrated Earth system, and NASA’s applications activities that translate this new knowledge into specific benefits for society.

Reporters interested in attending the seminar and reception must contact Ms. Tomoko Iijima at 202-333-6844 or by e-mail at EOseminar@gmail.com in advance. A complete list of speakers is available by contacting Ms. Iijima.

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov