NGOESS and the Future of Earth Science Observation Systems

A team at JPL has been investigating and designing a medium Earth orbit (MEO) system architecture for NOAA; National Global Operational Environmental Satellite System (NGOESS). Constellation design and the resulting capabilities have been explored. The scope of likely Earth observational needs of the global community that are likely to be met by this architecture was also explored. Curent and projected observational needs (e.g. weather, and climate records and models) have been matched to projected instrument capabilities. Concurrently, several concepts for microwave and visual/infrared instruments are being developed and quantified in terms of observational requirements that are expected to be met. A review of the major results of these efforts, and conclusions are presented here.