Space missions for Earth science are typically sponsored by one or a few large government agencies that face many competing demands on their resources. Procedures for gaining funding can be cumbersome and uncertain. Many worthy ideas go begging for want of needed public sponsors.

Publicly funded missions may be curtailed or cancelled for reasons unrelated to their merit as political priorities change. These factors can work to the detriment of both science and, in view of current climate trends, the health and habitability of our planet.