Algorithm science to operations for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) visible/infrared imager/radiometer suite (VIIRS)
The VIIRS sensor provides measurements for 22 environmental data records (EDRs) addressing the atmosphere, ocean surface temperature, ocean color, land parameters, aerosols, imaging for clouds and ice, and more. That is, the VIIRS collects visible and infrared radiometric data of the Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and land surfaces. Data types include atmospheric, clouds, Earth radiation budget, land/water and sea surface temperature, ocean color, and low light imagery. This wide scope of measurements calls for the preparation of a multiplicity of algorithm theoretical basis documents (ATBDs), and, additionally, for intermediate products such as cloud mask, et al. Furthermore, the VIIRS interacts with three or more other sensors. This paper addresses selected and crucial elements of the process being used to convert and test an immense volume of a maturing and changing science code to the initial operational source code in preparation for launch of NPP. The integrity of the original science code is maintained and enhanced via baseline comparisons when re-hosted, in addition to multiple planned code performance reviews.
Algorithm science to operations for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) ozone mapping and profiler suite (OMPS)
The NPOESS Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) will collect data to permit the retrieval of the vertical and horizontal distribution of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere. Algorithm development efforts in connection with these measurements include the preparation of Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents (ATBDs), Operational Algorithm Documents (OADs), and science grade code with associated test sets and documentation. These items are provided to the Interface Data Processing Segment (IDPS) for conversion and integration into the operational system. This paper addresses elements of the process being used to convert, test, and maintain the maturing and changing science grade code to the initial operational source code for the OMPS. The operational OMPS SDRs and EDRs will be generated by the IDPS, that is, ozone output items will include the sensor and environmental data records, associated metadata and product validation; e.g. ancillary data, calibration information and quality flags.
Capabilities of SafetyNet/spl trade/ (SN) ground systems architecture for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS)
The "SafetyNet/spl trade/" ground system architecture for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) will provide low data latency and high data availability to its customers. The NPOESS will cut the time between observation and delivery by a factor of four when compared with today's space-based weather systems, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and NOAA's Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES). SafetyNet/spl trade/ will be a key element of the NPOESS architecture, delivering near real-time data over commercial telecommunications networks. Scattered around the globe, the 15 unmanned ground receivers are linked by fiber-optic systems to four central data processing centers in the US known as Weather Centrals. The Centrals are operated by the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service; Air Force Weather Agency; Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, and the Naval Oceanographic Office. In addition, this ground system architecture will have unused capacity attendant with an infrastructure that can accommodate additional users.