The first paper "The Modular Modeling System (MMS): A Toolbox for Enviormental-Resource Management" describes the system that the USGS created to integrate it various models. The system is a sort of development environment where a complex model is made by linking the input and output of many smaller models. 
 
The second paper "Streamflow Forecasting Using the Modular Modeling System and an Object-User Interface" describes the creation of a watershed model using the MMS system.  
 
Nasa probably want a system similar to the MMS designed and implemented for their various models. Which would be software development and not research at all.