As a result, many experts say, climate research has suffered.
As part of a policy portfolio, climate research can help when making future decisions.
The machine will also perform a smaller amount of climate research.
To its credit the Bush administration has begun to increase funding on climate research but much more needs to be done.
There is no simple way to battle public hostility to climate research.
Another excuse is that the administration's new climate research plan will grapple with the issue.
On the other hand, monitoring the earth with satellites results in a second huge data stream for climate research.
This has implications for climate research, especially with regards to global warming.
Needless to say, this would overturn decades of climate research.
The instrument is designed to support climate research and improve weather forecasting.