# Presentation: 560135

## Moving Towards GEOSS

- Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.)
- Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans & Atmosphere | NOAA
- Earth Science and Applications from Space Executive Committee
- January 10 2006

- Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak with you again regarding the Earth Science and Applications from Space study and to update you on the work the U.S. and NOAA are doing – both on implementation of the Global Earth Observation Systems and Systems (GEOSS) and on part of NOAA’s contribution to GEOSS – its next-generation satellite systems.

We appreciate the work your committee is putting into this study.  The study will play a key role in helping NOAA to implement its role in GEOSS and improve the knowledge and capacity we have for achieving societal benefits through the use of environmental observations.  

This study will be critical to providing credibility to the process and validating the approach being pursued (by the USGEO and GEO) through the committee’s participation as the Nation’s leading experts in a variety of fields all interconnected through a desire to better monitor the pulse of the planet. 

## Menu

- Update on Global Earth Observation System of Systems
- Update on NOAA’s future satellite systems
- NOAA-NASA Research to Operations
- Scientific Stewardship
- Further Impacts of the Interim Report

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

## Update on Global Earth Observations Systems of Systems (GEOSS)

## Global Earth Observation System of SystemsIntegrated Observations & Data Management

- Global Earth Observation System of SystemsIntegrated Observations & Data Management

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
I know you have all seen this slide before, but it is key to helping everyone understand how GEOSS works and that it is a benefits driven effort.  

Societal benefits is the entire rationale for implementing GEOSS.  If we do not demonstrate tangible benefits to society, we will not maintain political support, nor will we maintain the interest of scientists who are mostly concerned about a specific platforms.  
Therefore it is key is implementation – and we have set up near term opportunities both at the national and international level.  NOAA is contributing to meeting those near-term efforts.

## GEO Moves Forward:Working Towards Implementation

- Adopted formal GEO organization and 10-year implementation plan
- Held GEO I in May 2005, and GEO II in December 2005
- Selected new GEO Secretariat Director, Jose Achache
- Accepted 2006 Work Plan, adopted a budget and formally created GEO Committees
- Architecture and Data; Capacity Building; Science and Technology; User Interface; and Working Group on Tsunami Activities

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

## GEO Moves Forward:Working Towards Implementation

- Near-Term Implementation Efforts:
- Working Group on Tsunami Activities continuing to provide integration observation requirements to the Indian Ocean Tsunami Early Warning System effort
- United States announced intention to move GOES satellite to a position to help offset the lack of sounder data over South America
- GEO-Netcast proposed as tangible near term project to implement GEOSS

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

## GEO-Netcast Concept

- A global broadcast system for the delivery of data, products, and services
- Data from both in-situ and space-based systems
- In support of all nine societal benefit areas
- Transmitted to affordable ground receiving stations through network of communication satellites
- Situated to provide global coverage
- Dissemination is full and open in character but will respect existing data policies
- Each GEO partner involved in GEO-Netcast will provide data dissemination functions and cover the costs

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

## USGEO Near-Term Opportunities

- USGEO focusing on 6 Near-Term Opportunities
- Disasters
- Drought / National Integrated Drought Information System
- Land Observation
- Air Quality
- Sea Level
- Data Management
- Currently developing plans for all the Near-Term opportunities
- 	Will be available for public review in the next several months

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
 Plans to be used for agency planning, as well as for inclusion in OSTP/OMB’s annual federal research and development guidance

 Plans look at observation investments in 2005 enacted, as well as 2006 requested budget

 Plans further identify gaps in coverage and potential low-cost / high impact remedies for those gaps

Background
These plans are currently for internal use only and will serve as the basis for future budget planning in these areas.  The plans will identify system requirements and priorities, and determine the appropriate agency for implementing each component.  The plans also look at existing systems and identify opportunities to leverage the those investments.  Where available, the internal plans will include cost and schedule estimates to assist agencies in determining how to best phase these activities into future budget requests. (NOTE: The publicly released versions will not have cost in them)
Beginning to also look at mid- and long-term planning activities

## Update on NOAA future satellite systems

## National Polar Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System(NPOESS)

- Cost overruns due to instrument development
- Independent Review Team provided analysis of options for the program
- Changes to structure of Integrated Program Office
- Program Executive structure under review
- Dedicated to finding appropriate solution

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
We have  been having problems with cost on our NPOESS program.  As this is a joint program, cost overruns in the Air Force have congressionally mandated review processes if costs go to high.
The cost overruns have caused delays in the program.  We are working tirelessly to get this program back on track.  We had an Independent review team provide an analysis of options for the program and the management structure.  We have also asked the Integrated Program Office to look at changing their management structure and we expect to approve that in the near future.  
OSTP recently signed out a memorandum that Operational Land Imager will no longer on NPOESS in the near term.  NOAA remains involved in planning for long-term operational program.
Another change recently agreed to by the Executive Committee was to move the NPOESS Preparatory Program mission to the afternoon orbit.
We are dedicated to getting this program on track and finding a solution that meets the operational needs for polar satellite data from the user community.

BACKGROUND
Under the Nunn-McCurdy legislation, a breach of the 25 percent threshold requires Department of Defense to take the following steps: 

a.  The program manager must submit a Program Deviation Report to the Air Force Acquisition Executive.  (This was done on November 30, 2005)
b.  Within 45 days of the PDR (by January 13, 2006), the Secretary of the Air Force must submit a determination and notification letter to the Congress. 
c.  Within 60 days of the submission of the FY 2007 President's Budget (by April 7, 2006), the Department of Defense must submit a new Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) to the Congress. 
d.  Within 30 days of the SAR (by May 5, 2006), the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics) (USD(AT&L)) must certify to the Congress:  1.  that the program is essential to national security, 2.  that there is no alternative which will provide equal capability at less cost, 3.  that new cost estimates are reasonable, and  4.  that the management structure is adequate to control cost. 

## Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R)

- The Secretary of Commerce approved next phase of program development - System Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR).  Three industry teams awarded – Boeing Space Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman
- FY06 Budget President’s Request—$241M; Enacted—$222M
- GOES-R System Acquisition and Operations phase to begin in 2007
- RFP release currently planned for end of Calendar Year 2006

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
GOES is a key component of our observation platforms – we rely on it heavily for severe weather and tropical storms monitoring.  I mention this because I want to ensure you address geostationary satellites in your prioritization and final report. 

NOAA has awarded three prime contracts for the GOES-R System Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR): Lockheed Martin, Boeing Space Systems, Northrop Grumman. The PDRR Phase focuses on conducting system trade studies and risk reduction activities to define the cost, schedule, and performance baseline of the system. The PDRR base contract consists of three contracts with an estimated value of   $10M each and period of six months 

Background
Two potential $10M follow-on options, with periods of 6 and 10 months respectively, may extend the PDRR contract period of performance to 22 months.  Key Government and contractor efforts include affordability trade studies and requirements review which will help determine what should be done within the financial limitations of the Government.

After the PDRR Phase, NOAA will competitively award one single prime contract for the GOES-R System Acquisition & Operations (A&O) Phase 

## Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R)

- Five instrument acquisitions ongoing
- Advanced Baseline Imager (ITT) is in Acquisition & Operations (A&O) phase
- Other four instruments – In various stages of assessing cost, technical, and schedule baselines in preparation for A&O phase
- Hyperspectral Environment Suite :  3 PDRR contractors – ITT, Ball Aerospace, BAE
- Solar Imaging Suite :  1 PDRR contractor – Lockheed-Martin (Palo Alto)
- Space Environmental In-Situ Suite :  Just released A&O RFP, expect award in Spring 2006
- Geostationary Lightning Mapper : Expect PDRR award in Jan/Feb 2006

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
Instrument development efforts were started earlier than the rest of the GOES-R system to mitigate long lead item developmental risk  

Currently, the instrument efforts are continuing as planned, although results of instrument PDRR contracts and the affordability trade study may result in some changes to cost, schedule, and performance baselines

Background
Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI)– replaces GOES Imager; in the A&O phase; just successfully held Preliminary Design Review in December 2005
Hyperspectral Environment Suite (HES)– replaces GOES Sounder and adds Coastal Waters capability; in the midst of PDRR Space Environmental In-Situ Suite (SEISS) – replace GOES Space Environment Monitor (SEM); just completed PDRR phase; A&O proposals recently received
Solar Imaging Suite (SIS) – replaces GOES SXI and portions of SEM; in the midst of PDRR phase
Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) – new capability for GOES; PDRR award expected in February 2006

## Funding for NOAA Satellite Programs

| (enacted; $ in thousands) | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| POES K-N’ | 121,581 | 113,179 | 104,230 | 101,261 |
| NPOESS | 222,874 | 273,789 | 300,528 | 316,580 |
| GOES I-M, N Series | 195,984 | 172,854 | 143,631 | 116,024 |
| GOES R Series | 15,300 | 101,778 | 157,522 | 219,298 |
|  |  |  |  |  |
| Total, Satellite Systems | 555,739 | 661,600 | 705,911 | 753,163 |
|  |  |  |  |  |
| Operations After Launch | 35,218 | 34,747 | 36,026 | 35,711 |
|  |  |  |  |  |
| Research & Applications | 25,584 | 23,791 | 31,039 | 31,358 |

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

## NOAA-NASA Research to Operations Plans and Status

## Research to Operations

- In FY05 appropriations bill: $4M
- Provide NOAA the capability to transition NASA remote sensed ocean measurements into operational products for the user community”
- NOAA developed implementation plan focused on assessing the impact of the following capabilities to meet NOAA operational needs:
- Sea surface height - Jason-1
- Surface vector winds - QuikSCAT and WindSat
- Ocean color - SeaWiFS and MODIS
- FY06 extension of $4M - developing an extension of the implementation plan

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
The Report accompanying the Senate Appropriation Bill for NOAA in FY05 made $4M available via an earmark to: “Provide NOAA the capability to transition NASA remote sensed ocean measurements into operational products for the user community”

Observations explicitly mentioned were: “ocean winds from scatterometers,...sea level...from altimeters, and...ocean color”

A cross-NOAA Team developed and executed an implementation plan to meet this request; it focused on assessing the impact of the following capabilities to meet NOAA operational needs: NASA’s Jason-1 sea surface height, NASA’s QuikSCAT and Navy’s WindSat surface vector winds, and NASA’s SeaWiFS and MODIS ocean color 

With the $4M extended in FY06, this Team is being reconstituted to assess progress made during the first year, identify issues to be addressed this second year, and proceed in developing an extension of the implementation plan

## NOAA-NASA Joint Working Group

- The latest NASA Reauthorization Bill calls for the creation of Joint Working Group
- To monitor missions of the two agencies to ensure maximum coordination in the design, operation, and transition of missions where appropriate
- Prepare an annual coordination report by February 15 of each year for the preceding fiscal year
- Finalized agreement with NASA
- Led by Chet Koblinsky for NOAA and Dick Fischer for NASA
- First objective to develop a mutually agreed process for transitioning capabilities between the two agencies, with a draft report due Jan 31
- The JWG will then identify an initial set of candidates – to include altimetry, scatterometry and ocean color – to be considered for transitioning

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
A Joint Working Group (JWG) has been established by formal agreement between NASA and NOAA

The latest NASA Reauthorization Bill creates JWG to review and monitor missions of the two agencies, and ensure maximum coordination in the design, operation, and transition of missions where appropriate. The JWG is required to prepare annual report by February 15 of each year for the preceding fiscal year.

The JWG will be led by Chet Koblinsky for NOAA and Dick Fischer for NASA

Also representing NOAA will be Louis Uccellini, Tom Karl, and Stan Wilson

The JWG will be meeting on January 10 and 11 to develop a mutually agreed process for transitioning capabilities between the two agencies, with a draft report due Jan 31.

The JWG will then identify an initial set of candidates – to include altimetry, scatterometry and ocean color – to be considered for transitioning.

## Scientific Stewardship

## NOAA Challenges in Data Management

- Managing exponentially growing data volume
- Appropriately describing metadata to ensure long-term utility
- Providing data in formats that enable integration
- Providing clear and easy discovery of, and access to, data and information products
- Collecting data at risk to extend the environmental data record

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
There are large challenges we face in developing an integrated data management system, both in NOAA’s data management system development and for the U.S. IEOS and for GEOSS, as you have heard. 

As NOAA moves forward in addressing these challenges both within NOAA and in the larger US and international plans, we are developing new initiatives in NOAA as well as forging partnerships with the user community in order to receive appropriate feedback.

## NOAA’s Integrated Global Observation & Data Management Plan—2005 Update

- Refined and updated observing system baseline architecture
- Performing gap analysis between observing requirements and observing capabilities
- Started investment analysis to determine efficient mix of observing systems to achieve requirements
- Established NOAA-wide data standards group
- Implementing Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS) web-based data archive and distribution system for NOAA’s environmental data

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
As you know,  NOAA is using this Integrated Global Environmental Observation and Data Management System report to meet this need for improved access and integration of data.  We have a strategic data management plan and continued to make progress in 2005.

In 2005:
 Our inventory of NOAA systems now includes information on 86 observing systems (smaller number due to consolidation), over 800 environmental parameters, and over 30,000 platforms
 Performing gap analysis between our observing requirements and our observing capabilities
 Started investment analysis to determine the most efficient mix of observing systems to achieve our requirements
Established a NOAA-wide data standards working group

In 2006:
 Plan to complete our data management system baseline architecture
 Move forward with data standards working group

The first step in developing this data management system within NOAA is Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System or CLASS. 

CLASS is the sole NOAA IT infrastructure project in which “all” NOAA’s current and future, scientifically valuable, environmental data sets will reside.  CLASS provides permanent, secure storage, and safe, efficient data discovery and access between the Data Centers and the customers.

## Integrated Climate Data Records and Scientific Data StewardshipPerformance, Cost, and Governance

- NOAA Climate Goal has prioritized into four tiers the essential climate variables that will become operational climate data records (CDRs)
- A sustainable, operational CDR program requires quantifiable performance measures and cost models
- An initial performance measures set has been developed based on maturity and a cost model (based on prior experience in NASA and NOAA)
- A governance structure is used which helps ensure efficient use of NOAA resources, and leveraging of NASA resources

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
 An integral component of NOAA’s emphasis on climate involves creating a stewardship plan to generate, analyze, and archive long-term climate date records (CDRs) from satellite and in situ observations  for assessing the state of the environment with respect to its past.

Both your interim report and another NRC study done in 2004 provided recommendations on climate data records stewardship and we are attempting to address those recommendation.  
NOAA is committed to addressing the approximately 50 essential variables as identified by GCOS, but plans to implement in a phased method

We have both tiers of observations based on type of observation, and a maturity level demonstrating confidence in the observation.

## Priorities for Integrated Climate Data Records

- Highest priority for integrated climate data records (CDRs) that will be measured by NOAA and Joint NOAA Measurements (i.e., METOP)

- TIER 3
- Lower priority, not measured by NOAA, CDR dependent on the measurement provider

- TIER 2
- High priority, measured by NASA with continuity on NOAA missions, research and development shared by measurement provider (e.g., NASA)

- TIER 4
- Lowest priority, future measurements, CDR dependent on measurement provider

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
Tier 1 CDRs – utilize measurements from operational NOAA platforms and platforms that are joint with NOAA partners

Tier 2 CDRs – use measurements by NASA for research that are shared with NOAA in the research to operations transfer

Tier 3 CDRs – require measurements from entities that are not NOAA partners

Tier 4 CDRs – require planning and projection of future measurements that are beyond NOAA’s control

## Draft Schedule for Creating CDRs of the Essential Climate Variables

| FY08 | FY09 | FY10 | FY11&12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sea Surface Temperature** | Upper Air Temperature** | Surface Skin Temperature | Albedo* |
| Upper Air Temperature** | Upper Air Water Vapor* | Air Temperature** | Radiances |
| Upper Air Water Vapor* | Ozone* | Cloud Properties | Methane* |
| Ozone* | Precipitation* | Earth Radiation Budget | Surface Vector Wind* |
| Surface Skin Temperature | Surface Radiation Budget | Precipitation* | Upper Air Vector Wind* |
| Surface Air Temperature** | Surface Vector Wind* | Surface Radiation Budget | Aerosol* |
| Earth Radiation Budget | Surface Water Vapor* | Snow cover* | fAPAR |
| Cloud Properties | Radiances | Ocean color* | LAI* |
|  | Methane* | Sea Ice* | Fire disturbance* |
|  | Albedo | Land cover | Soil Temperature* |
|  | Sea level* | Surface Soil Moisture* | Salinity* |
|  | Upper Air Vector Wind* |  | Carbon Dioxide** |

| Tier 1 |
| --- |
| Tier 2 |
| Tier 3 |
| Tier 4 |

| Level 4 |
| --- |
| Level 3 |

- New variable or new maturity level

- _Complemented by:_** *Local / Regional In-Situ	**Worldwide In-Situ

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
All CDRs are classified by Tier and also by Maturity Level (1-5).

By using the maturity level system which documents our best practices and standardizes the language, we are able to improve coordination with other agencies.  Additionally,  we are better able to identify those observations to transition from research to operations as well as provide a method in which data is identified as reliable for use by decision makers. 

Maturity Level
Level 5 is the “gold standard” and these CDRs are accepted by scientists and the public for addressing climatic issues

Level 4 is the “best” indicated here and is a projection.  These are the CDRs that would be candidates for the “gold standard”

Level 3 includes CDRs that are widely accepted, but with some uncertainty.

BACKGROUND – acronyms 
FaPAR – vegetation variable – incoming solar radiation energy available for plants to develop
LAI – leaf area index

## Further Impacts of Interim Report

## Other Interim Report Recommendations:NOAA Comments

- Global Precipitation Mission
- NOAA is supportive of launching Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) without delay and plans to use the data in concert with complementary observations
- Current BASC study developing recommendations to apply lessons learned from TRMM experience to GPM
- Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS)
- GIFTS instrument would be an important demonstration of capability for future operational satellites and, if GIFTS were completed by NASA, NOAA would welcome any efforts to launch it
- GLORY
- NOAA supports the flight of APS (Advanced Polarimetric Sensor) and TIM (Total Irradiance Monitor) instruments as part of the Glory climate monitoring mission

- Moving Towards GEOSS--Update on NOAA Programs

**Notes:**
NOAA has looked at all of the recommendations of the NRC interim report and supports many of them.

I have discussed many of them already, in this presentation.  We hope that the NOAA-NASA Joint Working Group, as well as ongoing efforts in USGEO will address some of the recommendations you had.

Additionally, on some other recommendations, such as the Global Precipitation Mission, GIFTS, and the NASA GLORY program – we support the recommendations and would use the data from any of the missions.

For GPM - In addition to BASC study, NOAA and NASA scientists are working together to develop a long term plan to transition TRMM and GPM capabilities into operations. 

Acronyms: BASC = Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate TRMM = Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

## Questions?