The Client
Resources for the Future (RFF) is a Washington, D.C.,-based nonprofit organization focused on conducting independent research into environmental, energy and natural resource issues, primarily via economics. Founded in 1952, the organization performs research around the globe.

The Situation
NASA, in partnership with Resources for the Future, wanted to create a place on the web to explain the benefits of satellites and show the value of satellites by measuring non-market outcomes. Additionally, the organization wanted to promote further studies and applied uses of satellite data, and inform design of future NASA missions with info and analysis of its value.

The Challenge
In some situations, deriving a market-based valuation is not possible – and this scenario was one of those situations. NASA needed to show the value of satellites, and turned to RFF for assistance with proving the value of satellites using other methods, including evaluating economic and social value.

The Solution
Having previously collaborated with Palantir, RFF turned to them again for assistance with the NASA project. On their previous project, Palantir built a D7 codebase that could extend and adapt to changing business needs. On the NASA project, Palantir was able to leverage the platform to quickly create a new set of templates, aligning the entire web presence while addressing new needs.

The Results
RFF takes an economic lens toward environmental and energy based issues, highlighting how decisions affect both our climate and our economy. With a turbulent political climate, funding for science- and research-based projects has become uncertain. The partnership between NASA and RFF showed how satellites are more than just fun experiments; they provide real, tangible and positive effects on decision-making and the economy. Together, RFF and NASA are showing how valuable these satellites truly are.