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At least 271 records · Page 15

The GLAS Polar Orbiting Lidar Experiment: First Year Results and Available Data

The first polar orbiting satellite lidar instrument, the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS), was launched in 2003 and is approaching six months of data operations. As part of the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) project, the GLAS instrument is intended as a laser sensor fulfilling complementary requirements for several earth science disciplines including atmospheric and surface applications on the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite. In this paper we present examples of atmospheric measurement results and explain access to data for the international science community.

Spinhirne, James D.↗

An Agent-Based Interface to Terrestrial Ecological Forecasting

The latest generation of NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites has brought a new dimension to continuous monitoring of the living part of the Earth System, the biosphere. EOS data can now provide weekly global measures of vegetation productivity and ocean chlorophyll, and many related biophysical factors such as land cover changes or snowmelt rates. However, the highest economic value would come from forecasting impending conditions of the biosphere, to allow decision makers to mitigate dangers or exploit positive trends. NASA's strategic plan for the Earth Science Enterprise i d e n a s ecological forecasting as a focus for research. Ecological forecasting predicts the effects of changes in the physical, chemical and biological environment on ecosystem activity. Possible applications of such a system include predicting shortfalls or bumper crops of agricultural production, populations of threatened or invasive species or wildfire danger in time to allow improves preparation and logistical efficiency. Petabytes of remote sensing data are now available to help measure, understand and forecast changes in the Earth system, but using these data effectively can be surprisingly hard. The volume and variety of data files and formats are daunting. Simple data management activities, such as locating and transferring files, changing file formats, gridding point data, and scaling and reprojecting gridded data, can consume far more personnel time and resources than the actual data analysis. Some scientists commit to a particular data source or resolution just because using anything different would be more effort that it's worth. Better tools can help, but most of the tools developed to date are little more than shell scripts; they lack the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of users and are difficult to extend to handle changes in available data sources.

Golden, Keith↗

Data compression for Eos on-board SAR processor

A lightweight, low-power, real-time data compressor design for the Earth Observing System (Eos) onboard synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processor is presented. The implementation is based on VLSI design of a pipelined binary tree-searched vector quantizer (VQ), utilizing space-qualifiable 1.25-micron CMOS technology. The implementation exploits VLSI system design principles such as the modularity, regular data flow, simple interconnection, localized communication, simple global control, and parallel/pipelined processing. The overall system requires 30 chips with only one VLSI processing element design. The total weight is about 1.2 lbs, with an estimated power dissipation of approximately 4 watts operating at the maximum input data rate. The projected throughput rate exceeds 5 MHz.

Chang, C. Y.↗

EOS instrument jitter assessment and mitigation

Instrument-induced pointing stability and jitter are significant design drivers for the Earth Observing System (EOS) AM spacecraft. Techniques for determining the rigid and flexible body pointing jitter contributions have been developed and applied to the EOS AM spacecraft. The contribution of each instrument on itself, on the spacecraft and on other instruments is addressed. Rigid body effects are separated from flexible body effects to allow focus on the localized vibrational jitter.

Ram, M.↗

Intercalibration of the reflective solar bands of MODIS and MISR instruments on the Terra platform

As a part of NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS), the Terra spacecraft was launched on December 18, 1999, with the goal of understanding the changes of the Earth, by examining the Earth’s hydrological, geophysical, and climatic processes. The MODIS and MISR instruments on the Terra platform, combined with their continuous operation, broad spectral coverage, and different spatial resolutions, have played an important role to achieve the goals of the EOS. Over two decades of successful operations, these multispectral imaging instruments have benefited a variety of scientific applications. Being on the same platform, the two sensors complement each other in terms of spatial coverage (and target viewing geometry) and facilitate synergistic applications using multispectral data. A consistent radiometric calibration between these sensors is a prerequisite for creating high quality science products from their observations. Both instruments underwent intensive prelaunch characterization and their on-orbit calibrations are monitored using their onboard calibrators. In this paper, we perform a calibration inter-comparison of the spectrally matching bands of the two instruments using vicarious techniques. These techniques include multiyear simultaneous views of the North African desert, North Atlantic Ocean, and Dome Concordia, therefore covering different reflectance regimes. Also included in this work are the near-simultaneous top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance measurements from Railroad Valley, USA, as provided by the RadCalNet (converted to TOA), that are used as a calibration reference to compare the on-orbit observations between MODIS and MISR. Simultaneous overpasses from desert, ocean, Dome C, and RadCalNet over Railroad Valley reveal that the agreement between the four spectrally matching bands is within 3% for the time-period between 2014 and 2020. Also, observed are some long-term drifts in the TOA reflectance time-series from MISR for the red and NIR band that are expected to be corrected in a future calibration reprocess.

MODIS↗

HIRIS - EOS instrument with high spectral and spatial resolution

The High-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (HIRIS) is designed for NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS). It will have 10-nm wide spectral bands from 0.4-2.5 microns at 30 m spatial resolution over a 30 km swath. The spectral resolution allows identification of many minerals in rocks and soils, important algal pigments in oceans and inland waters, spectral changes associated with plant canopy biochemistry, composition of atmospheric aerosols, and grain size of snow and contamination by absorbing impurities. The bands will have 12-bit quantization over a dynamic range suitable for bright targets, such as snow. For targets of low brightness, such as water bodies, image-motion compensation will allow gains up to a factor of 8 to increase signal-to-noise ratios. The sensor will be able to point + or - 24 deg crosstrack and +60/-30 deg downtrack. In the 824-km orbit altitude proposed for EOS, the crosstrack pointing capability will allow 4-5 views during a 16-day revisit cycle.

Dozier, Jeff↗

The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III instrument proposed for EOS - A conceptual design

This paper describes the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III (SAGE III) instrument proposed for the Earth Observing System (EOS), which is designed to monitor the vertical distribution of stratospheric aerosols, ozone, water vapor, nitrogen dioxide, and temperature by measuring the extinction and scattering of solar radiation in the 03 to 1.6 micron range through the atmosphere. The SAGE III employs proven concepts which have evolved from the SAM II, SAGE, and SAGE II programs. The launch is scheduled for the summer of 1996. The SAGE II block diagram is included.

Mauldin, L. E.↗

Earth radiation budget measurements - Pre-ERBE, ERBE, and CERES

The paper reviews experiments dealing with the earth's radiation budget for the last two decades. Attention is focused on the major areas of concern in the satellite measurements: instrument calibration, angular dependence of the radiation leaving the atmosphere, and space and time dependence of the flux fields. It is pointed out that the current radiation-budget measurements come from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) with improved calibration, estimates of the instantaneous flux, and algorithms for time interpolation. A new set of measurements will be produced from an investigation of the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES), a part of the Earth Observing System (EOS). CERES is expected to produce the radiation field from the top of the atmosphere to the earth's surface.

Barkstrom, Bruce R.↗

TERRA Spacecraft

The Earth Observing System (EOS), managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, Maryland, is the centerpiece of the Earth Science Enterprise (formerly called "Mission to Planet Earth"), a long-term coordinated research effort to study the Earth as a global system. Terra was launched on December 18, 1999 aboard an ATLAS-IIAS launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Terra is a near-polar orbiting spacecraft that will cross the equator at 10:30 AM local time. Terra will collect data simultaneously from a complement of five instruments: CERES (Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System), MISR (Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer) and MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) are provided by the United States; MOPITT (Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere) by Canada; and ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection radiometer) by Japan. Researchers around the world will use data from these instruments to study how the atmosphere, land, ocean, and life interact with each other on a global scale. This interactive CD introduces Terra's overall objectives and its instruments, the new technologies developed for Terra, the launch of Terra, and its flight dynamics.

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Collecting and Processing Earth Science Data Metrics at NASA ESDIS

Since the launch of Terra satellite in 1999, the number of Earth Science remote sensing data products created and distributed by NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Data and Information System (EOSDIS) has increased from a few hundred to nearly ten thousand. NASA's Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Metrics System (EMS) collects metrics on data ingest, archive, and distribution by its Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) and the Science Investigator-led Systems (SIPS), known as Data Providers. These metrics are critical in helping NASA management as well as data producers in resource planning and gaining a wide range of knowledge of data users and data usage.EMS receives flat files, or log files of data archive, ingest, and distribution either in their raw format, such as Apache web logs, or text files of log records formatted by the Data Providers. Tens of millions of records are processed each day to extract metrics on data products, user information, distribution protocols and services, and so on. The metrics are then made available to designated parties.This presentation provides an overview of the EMS processing workflow and improvement efforts made in recent years to handle ever-increasing number of data records and new metrics requirements, discusses several key steps including mapping log records to data products and identifying user communities along with geo-distribution, and demonstrates typical metrics capabilities produced by the EMS system. Challenges and potential approaches to improve the system are also discussed.

Pan, Jianfu↗

Earth Observing System overview

The paper discusses major objectives and the primary components of the Earth Observing System (EOS), an integrated scientific observing system which will carry out remote sensing measurements for at least 15 years, providing comprehensive data andinformation in support of NASA's Mission to Planet Earth and the international Global Change Research Program. Particular attention is given to the functions of 18 instruments selected for EOS for the definition-phase investigations and to the mission profile.

Walton, Barbara A.↗

Atmospheric Measurements by the 2002 Geoscience Laser Altimeter System Mission

The NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) program is a multiple platform NASA initiative for the study of global change. As part of the EOS project, the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) was selected as a laser sensor filling complementary requirements for several earth science disciplines including atmospheric and surface applications. Late in 2002, the GaAs instrument is to be launched for a three to five year observational mission. For the atmosphere, the instrument is designed to full fill comprehensive requirements for profiling of radiatively significant cloud and aerosol. Algorithms have been developed to process the cloud and aerosol data and provide standard data products. After launch there will be a three-month project to analyze and understand the system performance and accuracy of the data products. As an EOS mission, the GaAs measurements and data products will be openly available to all investigators. An overview of the instrument, data products and evaluation plan is given.

Spinhirne, James D.↗

The Payload Advisory Panel and the Data and Information System Advisory Panel of the Investigators Working Group of the Earth Observing System: A joint report

The Payload Advisory Panel of the Investigators Working Group (IWG) for the Earth Observing System (EOS) met 4 to 6 October 1993 in Herndon, Virginia. The Panel, originally composed of the Interdisciplinary Science Principal Investigators, was expanded to include all Principal Investigators and as such is now the IWG itself. The meeting also addressed directly a report from the EOS Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Advisory Panel. The meeting focused on payload issues in the years 2000 to 2005; however, some subjects in the nearer-term, most significantly EOSDIS, were considered. The overarching theme of convergence in Earth observations set a backdrop for the entire meeting. Other themes included: atmospheric chemistry; remote sensing of the global cycles of energy, water, and carbon in EOS; ocean and land-ice altimetry; and the EOSDIS. The Totol Solar Irradiance Monitoring Report and results from the Accelerated Canopy Chemistry Program are included as appendices.

Moore, Berrien, III↗

TERRA Spacecraft

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD, is the centerpiece of the Earth Science Enterprise (formerly called 'Mission to Planet Earth'), a long-term coordinated research effort to study the Earth as a global system. Terra was launched on December 18, 1999 aboard an ATLAS-IIAS launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. Terra is a near-polar orbiting spacecraft that will cross the equator at 10:30 am local time. Terra will collect data simultaneously from a complement of five instruments: CERES, MISR, and MODIS are proved by the US; MOPITT by Canada; and ASTER by Japan. Researchers around the world will use data from these instruments to study how the atmosphere, land, ocean, and life interact with each other on a global scale.

Source record↗

Future NASA Earth Science Missions

With the launch of the last Earth Observation System (EOS) Missions, Aura, NASA now has a new fleet of 13+ highly capable remote sensing spacecraft orbiting the earth. Results from these missions are showing us the earth system as never seen before. But, what are the new challenges in understanding the Earth in an era of rapid change? In this talk I will outline some of the exciting results from the EOS missions and pull back the curtain on NASA's future earth science missions.

Schoeberl, Mark R.↗

EOS Operations Systems: EDOS Implemented Changes to Reduce Operations Costs

The authors describe in this paper the progress achieved to-date with the reengineering of the Earth Observing System (EOS) Data and Operations System (EDOS), the experience gained in the process and the ensuing reduction of ground systems operations costs. The reengineering effort included a major methodology change, applying to an existing schedule driven system, a data-driven system approach.

Cordier, Guy R.↗

EOS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer - Phase C/D status and comments on calibration and georeferencing approaches

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer-Nadir (MODIS-N) is a key observing instrument to be flown on the Earth Observing System (EOS). The MODIS-N is being built under contract to NASA by the Santa Barbara Research Center. MODIS-N is a 36-band instrument with bands chosen in the visible through the emitted thermal IR part of the electromagnetic spectrum to observe key features of the Earth's land and ocean surfaces plus the properties of clouds and other constituents in the troposphere. To provide improved radiometric accuracy, several on-board approaches are used to monitor the calibration of the instrument. The calibration accuracy requirements are 5 percent absolute in the reflected solar radiation observations, 2 percent relative to the sun, and 1 percent absolute in the emitted thermal IR. Requirements for georeferencing of observations are still under study. At the present time, it appears that MODIS-N pixels can be georeferenced to better than 500 meters based on the EOS pointing knowledge capabilities.

Salomonson, Vincent V.↗

LASA (Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter) Earth Observing System. Volume 2D: Instrument Panel Report

The Earth Observing System (Eos) will provide an ideal forum in which the stronly synergistic characteristics of the lidar systems can be used in concert with the characteristics of a number of other sensors to better understand the Earth as a system. Progress in the development of more efficient and long-lasting laser systems will insure their availability in the Eos time frame. The necessary remote-sensing techniques are being developed to convert the Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter (LASA) observations into the proper scientific parameters. Each of these activities reinforces the promise that LASA and GLRS will be a reality in the Eos era.

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