1. JMA Report on Satellite-based Space Weather Activities in Japan
Presented to CGMS-44 SWTT session, agenda item SWTT/4

2. JMA’s Contribution to Space weather in Japan (1/2)
JMA has monitored the high-energy-particle environment in geostationary orbit at 140 degrees east since 1978 when its geostationary meteorological satellite (GMS) program began.
In 1979, JMA began providing daily summaries of the space environment monitors (SEMs) data to the Communications Research Laboratory (CRL; today known as the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)), which launched its real-time data acquisition system for GMS-4/SEM in

3. JMA’s Contribution to Space weather in Japan (2/2)
NICT has long provided space weather forecasting services in Japan, and space environment monitoring is an essential part of this work. Based on this long-term collaboration between JMA and NICT.
After a hiatus, space environment monitoring was resumed in November 2014 with the launch of Himawari-8.  JMA will continue to support NICT as part of its contribution to space weather monitoring.
NICT will provide real time tracking and data acquisition for the NOAA DSCOVR satellite at L1 as NICT has done for the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) mission, predecessor to DSCOVR.

4. Enhancement of Space-based Observation for Space Weather Monitoring/Prediction
Promotion of space-based observation for space weather using platforms of meteorological satellites or other satellites
Development of the utilization of GPS radio occultation measurements for retrieving vertical electron density profiles in the ionosphere
Acquisition of space-based observation data from satellites and distribution to space weather community on a real-time basis
Standardization of space-based observation data (format, quality control, sensor harmonization and method of calibration)
Making a guideline of using space weather information for satellite operation with sharing satellite anomaly events and “best practice” for mitigating risk of satellite anomaly
Promoting programs of space-based observation for space weather monitoring/prediction through international cooperation

5. A) Promotion of space-based observation for space weather using platforms of meteorological satellites
For enhancing the space-based observation for space weather, promoting observation using platforms of meteorological satellite is highly recommended.
Currently, most of the meteorological satellites have instruments onboard for space weather, mainly monitoring the in-situ space environment for house- keeping purposes
However, there is only a limited number of space weather sensors to provide a representative sampling of energetic particle fluxes and the magnetic field.

6. B) Development of the utilization of GPS radio occultation measurements for retrieving vertical electron density profiles of the ionosphere
GPS radio occultation measurements will be assimilated into the multi-dimensional regional ionospheric model with other observation data from space based electron density measurements and ground based GPS receiver networks for improving global ionospheric model accuracy.
For ionospheric monitoring, radio-occultation sensors should use 2 frequencies and scan through the ionosphere (> 80 km).
It is expected to significantly improve operational space weather predictive capability.

7. B) Development of the utilization of GPS radio occultation measurements for retrieving vertical electron density profiles of the ionosphere (cont.)
Data from COSMIC 2 TGRS GNSS mission payload and Ion Velocity Meter ( IVM) and Radio Frequency Beacon (RF Beacon) space weather payloads will support ionospheric modeling and space weather monitoring.

8. C) Acquisition of space-based observation data from satellites and distribution to space weather communities on a real-time basis
Space-based observations for space weather is still not enough to monitor the detailed current conditions of space weather, and to assimilate into numerical forecast model.
The timeliness constraints are extremely challenging.
For enhancing the number of space-based observation point, we should establish a framework to collect and distribute real-time space weather data obtained from scientific and commercial satellites.

9. D) Standardization of space-based observation data (format, quality control, sensor harmonization and method of calibration)
To monitor the spatial distribution of energetic particle environment from limited number of space-based observations, standardization of space weather observations and data is essential.
Cross-calibration of each satellite’s on-board instrument with quality control information is very important for combining each data.
Development of standardization of cross-calibration and quality control technique.

10. E) Making a guideline of using space weather information for satellite operation with sharing satellite anomaly events and “best practice” for mitigating risk of satellite anomaly
Space weather disturbance is one of the major causes of satellite anomaly.
However, detailed relationship and mechanisms are not well understood, because detailed information on satellite anomaly is quite rare to be disclosed.
Sharing such information on satellite anomaly is quite essential for avoiding/mitigating the risks of satellite anomaly, and for the diagnosis upon occurrence of satellite anomaly
A guideline of using space weather information is valuable for satellite operator, and organization of distributing space weather information should satisfy the requirements of the guideline.

11. F) Promoting programs of space-based observation for space weather monitoring/prediction through international cooperation
Space weather forecast is still heavily rely on scientific satellite program (e.g. solar EUV image, radiation belt particles).
In addition, several gap of space-based observation exists (e.g. Observations at L5&L4 point, Coronagraph, etc.).
A new technique for inter-calibration of on-board particle sensors and a protocol for the exchange of data in a common format are required.

12. Summary
To implement the operational space weather forecast, an operational space-based observation should be prepared.
To realize the operational space-based observation, an international collaboration and cooperation will be essential.
GSICS-like framework (tentatively called GSICS-SW) would be effective for promoting such an international collaboration and cooperation.

13. A Possible GSICS-SW Structure (1/2)
GSICS-SW relies on a GSICS-SW Coordination Centre (GswCC), several GSICS-SW Processing and Research Centres (GswPRC) operated by each satellite operator, and GSICS-SW Calibration Support Segments (GswCSS) such as laboratories.
Activities are overseen by a GSICS-SW Executive Panel (GswEP) assisted by a Research Working Group (GswRWG) and a Data management Working Group (GswDWG).
-SW

14. A Possible GSICS-SW Structure (2/2)
The Gsw Executive Panel, consisting of representatives of the participating agencies, sets strategic priorities and monitors and evaluates GSICS evolution and operations. 
The GswRWG and GswDWG advise the Executive Panel and assist in the planning and implementation of GSICS-SW research and data management activities respectively. The GswRWG consists of scientists, and the GswDWG of data management experts, representing the participating agencies. 
The GswCC, located at one of the SW operational Centers (e.g. NOAA/NWS Space Weather Prediction Center), supports technical coordination among GswPRC and GswCSS entities and is monitoring GSICS-SW progress and milestones. It also maintains an important Internet hub of information and data exchange between GSICS-SW members and data users and is responsible for publishing the GSICS-SW Quarterly newsletter.