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At least 181 records · Page 10

A Preliminary Comparison of GEOS-GSI with GEOS-JEDI Using the Complete GEOS Observing System

Transitioning the NASA GMAO GEOS data assimilation capabilities to JEDI involves replacing the GEOS Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) with a JEDI-based analysis. Performing fair comparisons between the corresponding GEOS-JEDI system and the present GEOS-GSI has involved downgrading the latter's capabilities to compensate for missing capabilities in the former. As the capabilities in JEDI mature and start matching those of GSI’s, experimentation has evolved from simple 3DVAR using only radiosondes, to adding satellite observations without VarBC, to now having GEOS-JEDI use hybrid 4DEnVar and full observing system, VarBC and most of the knobs typically used in the present operational (and experimental) version of GEOS-GSI. This presentation provides a discussion of the process and pathway taken to replace GSI with JEDI in GEOS at GMAO. The presentation also shows latest results of testing in the still relatively simply context of 3D-FGAT, but now having JEDI use the whole of the typical observing system used in GEOS. Results are encouraging but preliminary, with various caveats having been identified during the attempt to cycle JEDI analyses. Solutions to most of the identified problems have been worked out, but a few pending issues are still being worked out.

Ricardo Todling↗

Development of an OSSE Framework for a Global Atmospheric Data Assimilation System

Observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) are powerful tools for estimating the usefulness of various configurations of envisioned observing systems and data assimilation techniques. Their utility stems from their being conducted in an entirely simulated context, utilizing simulated observations having simulated errors and drawn from a simulation of the earth's environment. Observations are generated by applying physically based algorithms to the simulated state, such as performed during data assimilation or using other appropriate algorithms. Adding realistic instrument plus representativeness errors, including their biases and correlations, can be critical for obtaining realistic assessments of the impact of a proposed observing system or analysis technique. If estimates of the expected accuracy of proposed observations are realistic, then the OSSE can be also used to learn how best to utilize the new information, accelerating its transition to operations once the real data are available. As with any inferences from simulations, however, it is first imperative that some baseline OSSEs are performed and well validated against corresponding results obtained with a real observing system. This talk provides an overview of, and highlights critical issues related to, the development of an OSSE framework for the tropospheric weather prediction component of the NASA GEOS-5 global atmospheric data assimilation system. The framework includes all existing observations having significant impact on short-term forecast skill. Its validity has been carefully assessed using a range of metrics that can be evaluated in both the OSSE and real contexts, including adjoint-based estimates of observation impact. A preliminary application to the Aeolus Doppler wind lidar mission, scheduled for launch by the European Space Agency in 2014, has also been investigated.

Gelaro, Ronald↗

An Overview of the Earth Observing System MODIS Instrument and Associated Data Systems Performance

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra Mission began to produce data in February 2000. Now a little over 2 years from that time, the instrument continues to produce good data and products for land, oceans, and atmospheres studies are reaching or achieved maturity for science and applications studies. All subsystems of the instrument are performing as expected: the signal-to-noise (S/N) performance meets or exceeds specifications, band-to-band registration meets specifications, geodetic registration of observations is nearing 50 meters (one sigma) and the spectral bands are located where they were intended to be pre-launch and attendant gains and offsets are stable to date. Some problems with electronic noise, optical leaks, etc. have been identified and solutions to compensate or eliminate these effects have been successful. The data systems have produced a complete year or more for all data products extending from November 2000. Efforts are underway to provide data sets for the greater Earth science community and to improve access to these products at the various Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAAC's). The MODIS instrument on the EOS Aqua mission should also be expected to be in orbit and functioning in the Spring of 2002.

Salomonson, Vincent V.↗

The NOAA Satellite Observing System Architecture Study

NOAA is beginning a study, the NOAA Satellite Observing System Architecture (NSOSA) study, to plan for the future operational environmental satellite system that will follow GOES and JPSS, beginning about 2030. This is an opportunity to design a modern architecture with no pre-conceived notions regarding instruments, platforms, orbits, etc. The NSOSA study will develop and evaluate architecture alternatives to include partner and commercial alternatives that are likely to become available. The objectives will include both functional needs and strategic characteristics (e.g., flexibility, responsiveness, sustainability). Part of this study is the Space Platform Requirements Working Group (SPRWG), which is being commissioned by NESDIS. The SPRWG is charged to assess new or existing user needs and to provide relative priorities for observational needs in the context of the future architecture. SPRWG results will serve as input to the process for new foundational (Level 0 and Level 1) requirements for the next generation of NOAA satellites that follow the GOES-R, JPSS, DSCOVR, Jason-3, and COSMIC-2 missions.

Value Model↗

The Effect of Satellite Observing System Changes on MERRA Water and Energy Fluxes

Because reanalysis data sets offer state variables and fluxes at regular space / time intervals, atmospheric reanalyses have become a mainstay of the climate community for diagnostic purposes and for driving offline ocean and land models. Although one weakness of these data sets is the susceptibility of the flux products to uncertainties because of shortcomings in parameterized model physics, another issue, perhaps less appreciated, is the fact that continual but discreet changes in the evolving observational system, particularly from satellite sensors, may also introduce artifacts in the time series of quantities. In this paper we examine the ability of the NASA MERRA (Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications) and other recent reanalyses to determine variability in the climate system over the satellite record (approximately the last 30 years). In particular we highlight the effect on the reanalysis of discontinuities at the junctures of the onset of passive microwave imaging (Special Sensor Microwave Imager) in late 1987 as well as improved sounding and imaging with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit, AMSU-A, in 1998. We first examine MERRA fluxes from the perspective of how physical modes of variability (e.g. ENSO events, Pacific Decadal Variability) are contaminated by artificial step-like trends induced by the onset of new moisture data these two satellite observing systems. Secondly, we show how Redundancy Analysis, a statistical regression methodology, is effective in relating these artifact signals in the moisture and temperature analysis increments to their presence in the physical flux terms (e.g. precipitation, radiation). This procedure is shown to be effective greatly reducing the artificial trends in the flux quantities.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗

The Effect of Satellite Observing System Changes on MERRA Water and Energy Fluxes

Because reanalysis data sets offer state variables and fluxes at regular space / time intervals, atmospheric reanalyses have become a mainstay of the climate community for diagnostic purposes and for driving offline ocean and land models. Although one weakness of these data sets is the susceptibility of the flux products to uncertainties because of shortcomings in parameterized model physics, another issue, perhaps less appreciated, is the fact that continual but discreet changes in the evolving observational system, particularly from satellite sensors, may also introduce artifacts in the time series of quantities. In this paper we examine the ability of the NASA MERRA (Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications) and other recent reanalyses to determine variability in the climate system over the satellite record (approx. the last 30 years). In particular we highlight the effect on the reanalysis of discontinuities at the junctures of the onset of passive microwave imaging (Special Sensor Microwave Imager) in late 1987 and, more prominently, with improved sounding and imaging with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit, AMSU-A, in 1998. We first examine MERRA fluxes from the perspective of how physical modes of variability (e.g. ENSO events, Pacific Decadal Variability) are contained by artificial step-like trends induced by the onset of new moisture data these two satellite observing systems. Secondly, we show how Redundancy Analysis, a statistical regression methodology, is effective in relating these artifact signals in the moisture and temperature analysis increments to their presence in the physical flux terms (e.g. precipitation, radiation). This procedure is shown to be effective greatly reducing the artificial trends in the flux quantities.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗

HMMR (High-Resolution Multifrequency Microwave Radiometer) Earth observing system, volume 2e. Instrument panel report

Recommendations and background are provided for a passive microwave remote sensing system of the future designed to meet the observational needs of Earth scientist in the next decade. This system, called the High Resolution Multifrequency Microwave Radiometer (HMMR), is to be part of a complement of instruments in polar orbit. Working together, these instruments will form an Earth Observing System (EOS) to provide the information needed to better understand the fundamental, global scale processes which govern the Earth's environment. Measurements are identified in detail which passive observations in the microwave portion of the spectrum could contribute to an Earth Observing System in polar orbit. Requirements are established, e.g., spatial and temporal resolution, for these measurements so that, when combined with the other instruments in the Earth Observing System, they would yield a data set suitable for understanding the fundamental processes governing the Earth's environment. Existing and/or planned sensor systems are assessed in the light of these requirements, and additional sensor hardware needed to meet these observational requirements are defined.

Source record↗

Jupiter System Observer

This slide presentation reviews the proposed mission for the Jupiter System Observer. The presentation also includes overviews of the mission timeline, science goals, and spacecraftspecifications for the satellite.

Io↗

Introduction to Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs)

This presentation gives a brief overview of Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs), including what OSSEs are, and how and why they are performed. The intent is to educate the audience in light of the OSSE-related sections of the Forecast Improvement Act (H.R. 2413).

GMAO↗

NASA's mission to planet Earth: Earth observing system

The topics covered include the following: global climate change; radiation, clouds, and atmospheric water; the ocean; the troposphere - greenhouse gases; land cover and the water cycle; polar ice sheets and sea level; the stratosphere - ozone chemistry; volcanoes; the Earth Observing System (EOS) - how NASA will support studies of global climate change?; research and assessment - EOS Science Investigations; EOS Data and Information System (EOSDIS); EOS observations - instruments and spacecraft; a national international effort; and understanding the Earth System.

Source record↗

GEOS observation systems intercomparison investigation results

The results of an investigation designed to determine the relative accuracy and precision of the different types of geodetic observation systems used by NASA is presented. A collocation technique was used to minimize the effects of uncertainties in the relative station locations and in the earth's gravity field model by installing accurate reference tracking systems close to the systems to be compared, and by precisely determining their relative survey. The Goddard laser and camera systems were shipped to selected sites, where they tracked the GEOS satellite simultaneously with other systems for an intercomparison observation.

Berbert, J. H.↗

Observing System Variations Effect on Reanalyses

Reanalyses integrate multitudes of satellite and conventional observations data assimilation and numerical weather prediction. The result is that many disparate observation platforms, discontinuous in space and time, lead to complete and consistent representations the state of the weather. The component also provides physical fields rarely or never observed. However, the numerical model bias is continuously being corrected by the observational analysis, and this bias changes as variations in the observations occur. NASA's Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) sensitivity to variations in the observing systems are explored. Specifically, we will evaluate the water budget and transport processes as they relate to the advent of SSM/I and AMSU-A radiance assimilation, and an additional case of radiosonde station that exhibits a dramatic shift in mean water states. The MERRA input observation data, now available online, is used to explore these variations.

Bosilovich, Michael G.↗

The Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder (EOS MLS) on the Aura Satellite

The Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder measures several atmospheric chemical species (OH, HO2, H2O, O3, HCl, ClO, HOCl, BrO, HNO3, N2O, CO, HCN, CH3CN, volcanic SO2), cloud ice, temperature, and geopotential height to improve our understanding of stratospheric ozone chemistry, the interaction of composition and climate, and pollution in the upper troposphere. All measurements are made simultaneously and continuously, during both day and night. The instrument uses heterodyne radiometers that observe thermal emission from the atmospheric limb in broad spectral regions centered near 118, 190, 240, and 640 GHz, and 2.5 THz. It was launched July 15, 2004 on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Aura satellite and started full-up science operations on August 13, 2004. An atmospheric limb scan and radiometric calibration for all bands are performed routinely every 25 s. Vertical profiles are retrieved every 165 km along the suborbital track, covering 82 S to 82 N latitudes on each orbit. Instrument performance to date has been excellent; data have been made publicly available; and initial science results have been obtained.

submillimeter wave↗

Earth Observing System (EOS) Aqua Launch and Early Mission Attitude Support Experiences

The Earth Observing System (EOS) Aqua satellite was successfully launched on May 4,2002. Aqua is the second in the series of EOS satellites. EOS is part of NASA s Earth Science Enterprise Program, whose goals are to advance the scientific understanding of the Earth system. Aqua is a three-axis stabilized, Earth-pointing spacecraft in a nearly circular, sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 705 km. The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Flight Dynamics attitude team supported all phases of the launch and early mission. This paper presents the main results and lessons learned during this period, including: real-time attitude mode transition support, sensor calibration, onboard computer attitude validation, response to spacecraft emergencies, postlaunch attitude analyses, and anomaly resolution. In particular, Flight Dynamics support proved to be invaluable for successful Earth acquisition, fine-point mode transition, and recognition and correction of several anomalies, including support for the resolution of problems observed with the MODIS instrument.

Tracewell, D.↗

A review of the US Global Change Research Program and NASA's Mission to Planet Earth/Earth Observing System

This report reflects the results of a ten-day workshop convened at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography July 19-28, 1995. The workshop was convened as the first phase of a two part review of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). The workshop was organized to provide a review of the scientific foundations and progress to date in the USGCRP and an assessment of the implications of new scientific insights for future USGCRP and Mission to Planet Earth/Earth Observing System (MTPE/EOS) activities; a review of the role of NASA's MTPE/EOS program in the USGCRP observational strategy; a review of the EOS Data and Information System (EOSDIS) as a component of USGCRP data management activities; and an assessment of whether recent developments in the following areas lead to a need to readjust MTPE/EOS plans. Specific consideration was given to: proposed convergence of U.S. environmental satellite systems and programs, evolving international plans for Earth observation systems, advances in technology, and potential expansion of the role of the private sector. The present report summarizes the findings and recommendations developed by the Committee on Global Change Research on the basis of the presentations, background materials, working group deliberations, and plenary discussions of the workshop. In addition, the appendices include summaries prepared by the six working groups convened in the course of the workshop.

Moore, Berrien, III↗

Attitude and articulation control concepts for the Earth Observing System

A study of pointing requirements and control approaches for the Earth Observing System, EOS, is presented. The proposed instrument set includes several massive instruments with varied articulation requirements, and pointing control requirements in several cases tighter than 0.01 degrees. Approaches to multipayload control and stability are explored, including: (a) the use of interconnected but dynamically isolated payload modules on a large platform, each with independent inertial control, and (b) precision basebody control of smaller platforms, with momentum compensated articulation and on-orbit dynamic balancing of spin-scan instruments. Results from multibody spacecraft models highlight potential payload dynamic interaction problems and suggest the need for dynamic isolation and disturbance rejection control techniques.

Bell, C. E.↗

The earth observing system - A mission for lidar remote sensing technology

NASA plans an earth observing system (EOS) to address low earth orbit remote sensing satellite requirements. EOS will incorporate three active remote-sensing instruments employing some form of lidar: (1) the Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter (LASA), the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS), and the Geodynamics Laser Ranging System (GLRS). LASA will deepen understanding of atmospheric composition and structure; LAWS will measure winds using Doppler lidar technology; GLRS will be used to ascertain the position of strategically placed retroreflectors to an accuracy of several cm.

Sokoloski, Martin M.↗

Precise orbit determination for NASA's Earth Observing System using GPS

A precision orbit determination technique for NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) is discussed. The technique exploits the redundant geometric information from GPS carrier phase and P-code pseudorange measurements and minimizes the requirements for precision dynamical modeling. Performance estimates for the application of the technique to the orbit geometry planned for the EOS platforms show that decimeter accuracies of orbit position may be obtained. The sensitivity of the predicted orbit uncertainties to model errors for station locations, nongravitational platform accelerations, and earth gravity are presented.

Williams, Bobby G.↗