Led by Francisco P.J. Valero at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this comprehensive view of the Earth will help test and develop new understanding of the climate system and measure global change.

The rigorous and analytical examination of Triana's scientific merits, conducted by a group of the nation's most distinguished scientists, was requested by members of the U.S. Congress to evaluate the mission's objectives and to review Triana's contributions to the nation's science priorities for climate and environmental studies.

The report concluded that Triana is a strong and scientifically vital and feasible mission that will contribute unique data on Earth's climate systems

"I have welcomed and anticipated the opportunity for my scientific colleagues to carefully evaluate the science objectives of Triana," said Valero, principal investigator of the Triana program.

"Their analysis validates Triana's scientific merits, and I am thrilled that we can now continue with this very important scientific mission," he added.

The NRC panel reported that the financial costs of the Triana mission are reasonable and that the program should move forward quickly.