Update on WE Space-based GOS for Weather Status May 2008

Objective Achieve a stable and improved space-based Global Observing System (GOS) including operational geostationary and polar components. Support WMO efforts related to increased spatial and temporal resolution for geostationary imagers and sounders and a broader availability of polar Doppler wind profiles for initial operational testing.

Status of Work Approach relevant bodies (e.g. CGMS, WMO Consultative Meeting, CEOS SIT) to review plans and needs of satellite operators in the following areas: –GEO imagers and sounders resolution and –availability of LEO Doppler wind profiles. Based on this review, draft a comprehensive plan of action (to be reviewed, agreed upon, and implemented by, satellite operators) Seek adoption of this plan of action at GEO Plenary

Points to be highlighted CGMS and CEOS have been involved in a review of plans and needs through a discussion on the Gap Analysis presented by WMO at the Second Workshop on Optimization and Re-design of the GOS (Geneva, June 2007). Based on the outcome of this discussion, a “New Vision for the GOS to 2025” has been developed and submitted for discussion at CGMS-35 (November 2007), at the Consultative Meetings (January 2008) and at CEOS-SIT 21 (April 2008). The final version of the Vision paper will be endorsed by WMO’s Commission on Basic Systems in March 2009.

Highlights The following actions have been agreed by CEOS SIT 21 (Woods Hole, USA, April 2008): CEOS SIT and CEOS Agencies to review the WMO Vision for the Space- based GOS and identify how CEOS constellations and individual CEOS agencies’ plans will contribute to the realization of this Vision. (31/07/2008) Confirmation of plans for geostationary hyperspectral sounders on MTG and FY-4 (end 2008), GOES-S and MTSAT –FO (at a later stage). [WMO] to propose a plan for operational IR and MW sounding from the early morning orbit (31/12/2008) Complete assessment of requirements needed to perform an Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) to compare the operational benefits of the various Radio Occultation Sounding constellation options. (30/09/2008); [subsequently to perform such an OSSE]. ESA ADM-Aeolus Doppler Lidar demonstration mission planned for The outcome of these actions will be discussed at the CEOS-CGMS-WMO annual meeting to be organized in advance of CGMS and CEOS plenary meetings, and will be reported at GEO plenary.

POC Jerome LAFEUILLE Chief, Space-based Observing Division WMO Space Programme Observing &Information Systems Dept. World Meteorological Organization