WMO SPACE PROGRAMME ACTIVITY REPORT. (Submitted by the WMO Secretariat) Summary and Purpose of Document

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1 WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS ON HIGH LEVEL POLICY ON SATELLITE MATTERS WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3 (12.V.2011) ITEM: 3 ELEVENTH SESSION GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, 19 MAY 2011 Original: ENGLISH WMO SPACE PROGRAMME ACTIVITY REPORT (Submitted by the WMO Secretariat) Summary and Purpose of Document The present document summarizes the activities carried out within the Space Programme since CM 10, including accomplishments and challenges when relevant, with respect to the following areas: Expansion and coordination of the space based Global Observing System (GOS) including implementation of the WMO Vision of the GOS in 2025, support to the Rolling Review of Requirements, and Global Space based Intercalibration System (GSICS); Support to data accessibility including the Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service (IGDDS) and the Regional ATOVS Retransmission Service (RARS); User information and training activities; and Space Weather. The document also briefly reports on organizational and resource aspects. The Appendix includes an updated description of the objective and scope of the space programme. Activities related to SCOPE CM and to the architecture for climate monitoring being addressed under specific CM 11 agenda items are not recalled in the present paper. ACTION PROPOSED The eleventh session is invited to take note and comment as appropriate. Appendix: WMO Space Programme Description (Extracted from Cg.16/Doc.3.7)

2 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 2 REPORT INTRODUCTION 1. The document summarizes activities carried out within the Space Programme since CM 10, with respect to the following areas: Space based Global Observing System (GOS); Support to data and product accessibility; User information and training activities; and Space Weather. The document also briefly reports on organizational and resource aspects. An updated description of the objective and scope of the Space Programme is provided in the Appendix. SPACE BASED GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM Current status and short term continuity of core meteorological missions 2. The status of the operational geostationary constellation is summarized in Table 1. (A regularly updated status is provided on: The geostationary configuration is expected to fulfil the continuity requirements in the foreseeable future. The following should be noted: GOES 12 was moved to 60 W in May 2010 in order to provide frequent coverage of South America independently of the GOES E scanning pattern; The first geostationary satellite of the Republic of Korea, COMS 1, launched on 26 June 2010, is operational since early April 2011; The new Russian Federation satellite Electro L1 was launched on 20 January AREA CGMS BASELINE ACTUAL CONSTELLATION Nominal Operators Actual Operators Spacecraft Location Location Americas 135 W USA 135 W USA GOES 11 & East 75 W USA 75 W USA GOES 13 Pacific 60 W USA GOES 12 Europe, Africa 0 EUMETSAT 0 EUMETSAT Meteosat 9 & Atlantic 9.5 E EUMETSAT Meteosat 8 (rapid scan) 57.5 EUMETSAT Meteosat 7 Indian Ocean 74 India Kalpana 76 E Russian Fed. 76 Russian Fed. Electro L1 (Commissioning) Asia & 86.5 E China FY 2D 105 E China 105 E China FY 2E West Pacific E Rep. of Korea COMS E Japan 145 E Japan MTSAT 2 Table 1: Operational geostationary constellation on 1 May Several operational geostationary programmes will undergo a transition to a new generation in the timeframe (Japan and China in 2015, USA in 2016, EUMETSAT in 2017). The new generation will feature significantly improved imaging capabilities, as well as other new or improved missions. Specific information and support will be required from the relevant satellite operators in order to ensure user preparedness.

3 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p The status of operational meteorological satellites in polar orbit is summarized in Table 2. (A regularly updated status is provided on: Although the table displays a number of spacecraft, it must be pointed out that several of them are old and provide useful complementary data as secondary satellites but are no longer 100% functional. Orbit type PM Early Morning AM Equatorial Crossing Time (ECT) Satellite Operator Status 13:33 NOAA 19 NOAA Operational 14:00 FY 3B CMA Pre operational 14:13 NOAA 18 NOAA Secondary 16:18 FY 1D CMA Secondary 16:36 NOAA 15 NOAA Secondary 17:06/ 05:06 DMSP F15 NOAA/DOD Limited data access 17:32/05:32 DMSP F17 NOAA/DOD Limited data access 18:51/06:51 DMSP F16 NOAA/DOD Limited data access 07:26 NOAA 16 NOAA Secondary 08:06 DMSP F18 NOAA/DOD Limited data access 08:22 FY 3A CMA Pre operational 08:58 NOAA 17 NOAA Back up 09:30 METOP A EUMETSAT Operational 09:30 Meteor M 1 Roshydromet In commissioning Table 2: Core meteorological constellation on sun synchronous orbits. 5. Continuity of the core imaging and sounding (infrared and microwave) missions on morning and afternoon orbits is currently provided, however the situation must continue to be monitored carefully for the afternoon orbit since after NOAA 19 it will rely on two new generation satellites: the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) to be launched by the end of 2011, and FY 3B, which is operating satisfactorily but still officially qualified as pre operational by CMA. 6. As concerns future missions on the early morning orbit, the question was raised of the impact of the redefinition of the NPOESS programme, i.e. whether the future Defense Weather Satellite System (DWSS) of the USA, successor of DMSP, would be a contribution to the GOS. Implementation of the Vision of the GOS in 2025: Development of a new CGMS Baseline 7. In response to a CGMS request, the Expert Team on Satellite Systems (ET SAT) has elaborated the proposed update of the baseline for CGMS Members contributions to the space based GOS in the coming years. The proposal will be submitted to CGMS for adoption at its next meeting (St Petersburg, 3 7 October 2011). This update is meant to be an intermediate step towards full implementation of the Vision for the GOS in 2025, taking into account the capabilities that are either available now or firmly planned with a perspective of continuity. Table 3 shows that if this updated baseline is confirmed, CGMS Members would fulfil in the near future a large part of the missions expected for 2025, which is a very positive outcome. It also highlights areas where further steps need to be taken to fully implement the Vision by 2025: consolidating IR hyperspectral and MW sounding, precipitation radar, atmospheric composition, access to SAR imagery. 8. It is underlined that Table 3 focuses on operational or sustained missions. While not included in Table 3, consideration is also given to demonstration and operational pathfinder missions. In this

4 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 4 respect, current plans in Highly Elliptical Orbits such as Canada s PCW and Russian Federation s Arctica missions, are viewed with great interest. Operational missions in the Vision for 2025 Operational missions in the proposed CGMS baseline Compliance Geostationary orbit GEO HR multispectral imagers GEO Advanced multispectral imagery Yes GEO Hyperspectral sounders GEO IR sounding (some hyperspectral) Partly GEO Lightning imagers GEO Lightning detection Yes (Atmospheric composition constellation GEO High spectral res. UV (some) Yes including) GEO High spectral res. UV sounder GEO Data collection GEO Earth Radiation Budget (some) Low Earth Orbit LEO 3SS Multispectral VIS/IR imagers LEO 3SS Multispectral VIS/IR imagery Yes LEO 3SS IR Hyperspectral sounders LEO 3SS IR Hyperspectral sounding (am, pm) Partly LEO 3SS MW sounders LEO 3SS MW sounding (TBC on early morning) Partly MW imagers (at least 3, some polarimetric) LEO 3SS MW imagery Partly Scatterometers (at least 2, well separated) LEO SS Wind scatterometry (at least 2 orbits) Yes Altimeter constellation (1 reference plus SS) LEO SS Ocean surface topography (am, pm) Yes LEO NSS Ocean surface topography Radio occultation constellation (at least 8) LEO SS Radio occultation sounding (am, pm) Yes LEO NSS Radio occultation sounding constellation IR dual angle view imager LEO SS IR dual angle view imagery (am) Yes Narrow band, high spectral, hyperspectral LEO SS Narrow band Vis/NIR imagery (am) Yes resolution Vis/NIR imagers High resolution multispectral Vis/IR imagers LEO SS High resolution multispectral Vis/IR imagers Yes constellation constellation (am) Precipitation radars operated with passive MW No imagers Broadband Vis/IR radiometer and Total Solar Irradiance sensor (at least one) LEO SS Broadband Vis/IR radiometer (am, pm) LEO SS Total Solar Irradiance sensor (at least one) Yes Atmospheric composition instruments LEO SS Contribution to atmospheric composition (am, Partly constellation including UV sounder (am, pm) pm) Synthetic Aperture Radar No LEO SS Data collection Space Weather Solar imagery Particle detection Electron density Cross cutting aspects Improved calibration and inter calibration Improved availability and timeliness GEO Solar activity monitoring LEO SS Solar activity (at least 2) GEO Space environment monitoring LEO SS Particle detection and/or electron density (am, pm) LEO SS Magnetic field (am, pm) Routine Intercalibration against reference instruments and/or calibration sites along GSICS agreed standards Contingency planning Data availability with suitable timeliness Direct broadcast for core meteorological LEO missions Table 3: Space based missions of the new CGMS baseline developed by ET SAT, compared with the identified in the Vision of the GOS in (SS= sun synchronous mission, NSS= non sunsynchronous mission, 3SS= mission distributed over three sun synchronous orbital planes) Global Space based Inter calibration System (GSICS) 9. The goal of the Global Space based Inter calibration System (GSICS) is to ensure comparability of satellite measurements taken at different times and locations, by different instruments, and to tie the Yes Yes Yes Yes

5 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 5 measurements to SI units. Twelve operational or R&D space agencies are contributing to GSICS: CMA (China), CNES (France), EUMETSAT (Europe), ISRO and IMD (India), JAXA and JMA (Japan), KMA (Republic of Korea), NASA, NOAA and USGS (USA), ROSHYDROMET (Russian Federation). The initial focus was on inter calibration of geostationary infrared imagers against IASI and AIRS used as references. Activities are now extended to polar orbiting satellites and to Visible and Microwave channels, as well as on recalibration of older datasets. GSICS is a Pilot Project of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS). Results are available online ( A user workshop is held every year and a quarterly newsletter widely distributed. Inter calibration of GEO IR channels with AIRS/IASI Inter comparison of AIRS with IASI Inter calibration of GEO visible channels with MODIS GSICS Procedure for Product Acceptance (GPPA) GSICS Data Servers The objective of this activity is to achieve relative consistency among IR channels on geostationary satellites (GEO) by quantifying and removing the biases between GEO IR channel and AIRS and IASI. This allows NWP centers to correct inter satellite biases in near real time, provides climate researchers with a baseline for recalibration, and assists satellite agencies to evaluate their instrument performance. The GEO IR channel calibration will be SI traceable once the AIRS and/or IASI calibration are SI traceable. Outcomes include: The baseline algorithm and its Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document. Adaptation of the baseline algorithm to the five operational meteorological satellite agencies (CMA, EUMETSAT, KMA, JMA, & NOAA). GSICS correction routinely produced by 4 satellite agencies since Jan Back processing well underway for all GEO to Jan 2003 with AIRS The objective of this activity is to establish consistency between AIRS and IASI, with stated bias and uncertainty, and spectral and temporal dependence (or the lack thereof). This justifies either instrument to be used as reference for GEO LEO IR inter calibration, which in turn doubles the calibration opportunities, provides unique calibration opportunities (for example to resolve diurnal variations). Outcomes include: Comparison during Simultaneous Nadir Over passing (SNO) Comparison with double differencing, using a GEO as transfer radiometer Using both methods to demonstrate that the bias and uncertainty are independent of time and climate regimes. The objective of this activity is to achieve relative consistency among visible channels on geostationary satellites (GEO) by quantifying and removing the biases between GEO VIS channel and MODIS. This allows near real time users to correct inter satellite biases and provides climate researchers with a baseline for recalibration. The GEO visible channel calibration will be SI traceable once the MODIS calibration is SI traceable. Outcomes include: Review of seven existing methods for vicarious calibration of GEO visible channel, each with a GSICS member designated as lead investigator Discussion of a strategy applicable to all GEOs, traceable to MODIS, and flexible to incorporate all vicarious calibration methods Demonstration with a prototype. The objective of this activity is to establish a protocol that is A developers pathway to obtain a Stamp of Approval for a potential product A data users' window to GSICS product quality and fitness for purpose The GSICS governing body reference for judging GSICS product fitness The GPPA contains four product phases Submission, Demonstration, Pre operational, and Operational that define and document the scope of product within the GSICS product portfolio, its theoretical basis, its implementation and distribution strategy, and the product quality (uncertainty, quality indicators, etc). The objective of this activity is to develop a framework to support effective organization, storage, discovery, and distribution of GSICS data for the affiliate agencies and the user community. This work exclusively relies on international standards adopted by the WMO, ISO and OGC, or widely adopted user community best practices. The purpose is to make a comprehensive, distributed, and flexible data management system that fulfills all the stated GSICS activities and goals. Outcomes include: Development of conventions for GSICS data production and distribution, Establishment of data server nodes at NESDIS and EUMETSAT. Table 4: GSICS activities and outcomes

6 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 6 Support to the Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) 10. The 2011 update of the Dossier on the Space based Global Observing System is available online for download: ftp://ftp.wmo.int/documents/publicweb/sat/dossiergos/. Its Volumes 1 and 2 contain information on 238 satellites and 274 instruments. Developments are ongoing to migrate part of the information of the Dossier to a database in order to support the updating process. A new structure of the Dossier is envisaged for future editions.the maintenance of the Dossier is ensured in coordination with CGMS and with the CEOS and ESA effort to maintain the Earth Observation Handbook. 11. An action has been undertaken to systematically review the definition of observing requirements of all application areas involved in the RRR (including NWP, Climate monitoring, atmospheric chemistry, ocean applications, terrestrial applications, etc.) with a view to adopt a harmonized typology of variables with community agreed definitions and measuring units. The requirements are being migrated to a relational database that will support online consultation and editing. DATA AND PRODUCT ACCESSIBILITY Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service (IGDDS) 12. The Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service (IGDDS) Implementation Group suggested the following priorities in a strategy for improving access to satellite data and products, which were approved by the CBS in November 2010: To organize the formulation of data requirements and the dialogue between data users and providers; To implement sustainable regional DVB S dissemination systems offering cost efficient access to satellite data in every region; To integrate all relevant data types in such broadcast services, including inter regionally exchanged data; and To support harmonization of future Direct Broadcast systems as well as the implementation of complementary data access and distribution services via the Internet, recognizing the different user needs. 13. The formulation of data access requirements was pursued for Regions III and IV, through the Task Team on Satellite Data Requirements (TTSDR) established in 2009 for South America, Central America and the Caribbean. A prioritized list of data requirements was formulated in terms of product, area, format, data volume, daily frequency, and timeliness, and articulated with an indication of the final application. These requirements were reviewed at a Satellite Data Requirements Workshop held in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil on 1 3 February 2010, with the support of NOAA and the participation of EUMETSAT, the Space Programme Office, and the President of CBS. Some of the requirements and recommendations have already been taken on board by NOAA in including new products in the GEONETCast America dissemination stream. A progress meeting was held on the occasion of the NOAA Direct Readout Conference (Miami, 2 6 April 2011) to review the status of implementation of the requirements and to refine the process. Representatives of Region V were associated to this discussion with a view to initiate a similar action for Pacific island countries. 14. For Region I, EUMETSAT and WMO established a EUMETCast Product and Dissemination Expert Group, which held its first meeting on the occasion of the EUMETSAT African User Forum (Ouagadougou, 30 September 2010). At its second meeting to be held in Darmstadt on June 2011, it will review the EUMETCast product catalogue and examine suggestions for additional products meeting the needs of the region. 15. In Region II, the RA II Pilot Project To Develop Support for NMHSs in Satellite Data, Products and Training has been implemented with co leadership from Japan and the Republic of Korea. The Pilot Project Coordinating Group had a meeting in Tokyo on February 2011 with participation of five satellite operators, eight satellite data user NMHSs, and the WMO Secretariat. Pilot actions were agreed towards improved and harmonized information of the users on the availability and characteristics

7 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 7 of satellite products. 16. Satellite data exchange requirements for NWP centres are discussed in the context of the North America Europe Data Exchange (NAEDEX) and the Asia Pacific Satellite Data Exchange and Utilization (APSDEU) meetings, where the WMO Space Programme is involved as an observer. These two groups are now unifying their approaches and have held a joint meeting (APSDEU 11/NAEDEX 23, Boulder, 2 6 May 2011). 17. The distribution of satellite data and products is supported by several regional dissemination services using the Digital Video Broadcast by Satellite standard (DVB S or DVB S2) coordinated in the framework of GEONETCast: EUMETCast, CMACast (replacing Feng YunCast), MITRA and GEONETCast Americas. Table 5 below summarizes a few characteristics of these systems, as discussed by the IGDDS Implementation Group at its fourth meeting. Service Name Eumetcast (1) Eumetcast (2) Eumetcast (3) CMAcast MITRA Geonetcast America Operator EUMETSAT CMA Roshydromet NOAA Satellite HotBird 6 Atlantic Bird 3 NSS 806 Asiasat 4 ExpressAM1 ExpressAM33 ExpressAM3 Intelsat 9 Frequency Band Standard Footprint 10.8 GHz Ku Band DVB S Europe+ middle East RA VI 3.7 GHz C Band DVB S Africa, Caribbean Western Asia 3.8GHz C Band DVB S Americas C Band DVB S2 Asia and West Pacific 3.7 GHz C Band DVB S Asia (except South) C Band DVB S Americas Max data rate 16 Mbps 3 Mbps 2 Mbps 72 Mbps 1 Mbps 2 Mbps Users 2828 users for the 3 services 17 NMHS outside China Issues or plans Prepares DVB S2 within 2 years Migration from FYCast completed by end of 2011 Receiving software Data and User managemen t standard Meteorologic al satellite data Surf. Obs. and forecast Specific services Interference with local wireless systems Avoids disseminating Level 1 data Tellicast CMA made Kencast EO Portal ISO ISO ISO19139 CSW 2.02 All GEOs NOAA Metop L1 data and derived products Meteosat L1 data and products, environmenttal products Meteosat L1 data and derived products, FY 2 FY 1 FY 3 Aqua/Modis Terra/Modis Other (MDD) Other (MDD) Contents from NMIC Training Training Alert Alert Meteosat 9, 7 NOAA GOES MTSAT 1R GTS data EO Portal ISO ISO ISO19139 CSW 2.02 GOES and POES derived products, other environmental products N/A Training Alert Table 5: Summary characteristics of DVB S services (from IGDDS IG 4, March 2010)

8 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 8 Regional ATOVS Retransmission Service (RARS) 18. The primary objective of the RARS project is to deliver satellite sounding data from the ATOVS instrument package from at least 90% of the globe in less than 30 minutes. A further objective is to implement such a service for advanced sounder data. Since 2009, data from the RARS global network are shared over the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) in standardized formats and code forms, thus facilitating access worldwide. Progress in the RARS network implementation is summarized in Table 4. RARS Network EARS Asia Pacific South America Overall network Stations in September 2009 (% coverage) 12 stations 30% 15 stations 28% 5 stations 10% 32 stations 68% Stations in January 2011 (% coverage) 15 stations 35% 15 stations 28% 7 stations 12% 37 stations 74% Stations planned at end of 2011 (% coverage) 19 stations 44% 17 stations 33% 14 stations 16 % 50 stations 85% Table 6: Global RARS network implementation indicators. The percentages indicate the ratio of the composite acquisition area of the networks to the whole Earth s surface. The Direct Readout data streams from polar orbiting spacecraft ensure timely access to sounding data, but limited to the acquisition area of a receiving station (i.e. ca km) which is not sufficient for regional and global NWP use. In gathering data received from a number of individual Direct Readout stations implemented throughout the world, the acquisition area is virtually extended to a quasi global coverage. 19. In March 2010, the RARS Implementation Group reviewed the progress of the RARS network and of the project of expanding RARS to advanced sounders. A progress meeting was held on the occasion of the APSDEU 11/NAEDEX 23 meeting on 4 May Participants from NWP centres emphasized the importance of the RARS project to maximize the availability of satellite sounding data before model cut off time. They strongly encouraged the expansion of RARS to hyperspectral sounders: CrIS (with the expected launch of NPP by the end of 2011) and IASI (since Metop A HRPT service has resumed and Metop B will be launched next year). Meanwhile, it recommended the inclusion of microwave sounding data from the FY 3A and FY 3B missions (MWTS and MWHS), since the evaluation of these instrument data has shown positive impact on NWP, but few users are currently prepared to receive this data. The RARS project could expand the use of this data in NWP worldwide. Dissemination frequency issues 20. It is recalled that the RARS network uses Direct Readout services as its data source. For RARS users as well as for all the Direct Readout user community worldwide, it is essential that Direct Readout frequencies remain available and coordinated. In this respect, WMO and the CGMS both have expressed high concern about the plan of the United States telecommunication authorities to authorize mobile broadband services over the US territory in the MHz band which is part of the L Band allocated to Meteorological Satellites and Meteorological Aids (radiosondes) on a co primary basis. This would generate harmful interferences preventing operational reception unless a large protection zone is enforced around each receiving site. There is a risk that such a measure would propagate to other countries. Table 6 below indicates the frequencies used by meteorological satellites worldwide for Direct Broadcast and other services. It shows that the portion of the band currently targeted by mobile broadband services is used or planned to be used by all polar orbiting systems, which are particularly dependent on direct broadcast for real time applications.

9 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 9 Direct Broadcast services in the MHz band Direct Broadcast services in the MHz band GOES 11,12,13,14,15 WEFAX GOES 11,12,13,14,15 GVAR NOAA 16, 17, 18, GOES 11,12,13,14,15 EMWIN / GOES R,S GRB Metop A, B, C FY 2C,2D,2E,2F,2G,2H LRIT FY 2C,2D,2E,2F,2G,2H SVISSR Meteor M1, M Meteosat 7 HRI FY 1D Meteosat 8,9,10,11 LRIT 1691 FY 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F MTSAT 1R, 2 LRIT 1691 JPSS 1, MTSAT 1R, 2 HRIT DWSS LRD (TBC) GOMS Elektro L 1,2 LRIT 1691 GOES R, S EMWIN/HRIT 1697 (*) GOMS Elektro L 1,2 HRIT 1691 COMS 1 HRIT COMS 1 LRIT INSAT 3D LRIT/HRIT TBD Other meteorological satellite services in the MHz band Other meteorological satellite services in the MHz band DCP DCP , Downlink 1676, 1677, 1681, 1686 Table 7: L Band frequencies used for Direct Broadcast services and other services from meteorological satellites currently on orbit or planned for the coming decade. Note: (*) the future GOES R,S EMWIN/HRIT service might be moved to a frequency below 1695 MHz to avoid interference. USER INFORMATION AND TRAINING 21. Interaction with regional user communities often reveals the lack of information on what products are available and how to access them. This reinforces the importance of : (i) describing data and products through metadata and recording them in searchable catalogues in accordance with WIS standards; (ii) involving regional users in reviewing the catalogue of data and products from satellite operators; and (iii) encouraging regional users conferences such as the NOAA Direct Readout Conference or GOES Users Conference, the EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference and the African User Forum, and the newly established Asia Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users Conference. 22. The Expert Team on Satellite Utilization and Products (ET SUP) has the primary role to advise CBS towards increased use of satellite data, products and services among WMO Members. An ET SUP meeting was held on March 2010 ( SUP 5_FinalReport.pdf). The biennial questionnaire on availability and use of satellite data by WMO Members issued in January 2010 in four languages generated 100 responses. The outcome was analyzed by ET SUP and summarized in a WMO Technical Document (SP 8/TD No. 1567) ( ftp://ftp.wmo.int/documents/publicweb/sat/sp 8_TD 1567_Questionnaire pdf).

10 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p The Space Programme maintains a main web site ( and additional web sites related to particular projects, which have been recently redesigned: The GSICS portal ( The Virtual Laboratory web site: ( The WMO CGMS satellite status pages: ( Collaboration with the CGMS Secretariat on a new CGMS website: info.org. 24. The Secretariat has undertaken the development of a new Part of the Guide on Instruments and Methods of Observations (CIMO Guide) that would be entirely dedicated to satellite observations. A first draft of this contribution, which amounts to around 200 pages, is under review by ET SAT members. 25. The National Meteorological Satellite Centre of the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) in Jincheon, Republic of Korea, was recognized by CGMS and by CBS in November 2010 as a new Centre of Excellence (CoE) of the Virtual Laboratory (VLab), which includes now twelve CoEs supported by eight satellite operators, as indicated in the figure below. Figure: The Virtual Laboratory network of Centres of Excellence in The activities of the VLab have continued to expand thanks to the availability of a VLab Technical Support Officer, funded in 2009 by INPE and in 2010 and 2011 by NOAA. Other satellite operators are invited to volunteer to fund the continuation of this valuable activity. The Environmental Satellite Resource Centre (ESRC) of the COMET Programme is now used as the main Virtual Library for the VLab. Online meetings of the Regional Focus Group are held on a monthly basis by Caribbean and Southern African CoEs. In 2009/2010, VLab partners have organized a total of 89 courses involving 1300 participants, either remotely or face to face, plus two courses organized by CMA which involved more than 3000 participants through distance learning. VLab training events have been held in all six WMO Regions and seven languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic and Chinese. A shared calendar of training events is provided on the new website (

11 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 11 SPACE WEATHER 27. The Inter programme Coordination Team on Space Weather (ICTSW) was established in consultation with CBS and CAeM. The ICTSW includes members nominated by 13 countries (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Finland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States of America) and by six international organizations: European Space Agency (ESA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Space Environment Service (ISES), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), and WMO. It is co chaired by Dr Zhang Xiaoxin (China) and Dr Terrance Onsager (United States of America). In the absence of any WMO budget for this activity, the ICTSW works mainly by correspondence teleconferences. A first face to face meeting was held on 29 April 2011 in Boulder, Colorado, United States of America on the occasion of the Space Weather Workshop organized by NOAA in the same venue. 28. In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the team has developed a work plan and has started to address the following topics: Observing requirements: Following the approach defined in the WMO Rolling Review of Requirements, the ICTSW has determined the list of physical variables to be measured, with associated definitions and units. Quantitative requirements have been formulated and will be submitted to ET EGOS at its next meeting in June This represents an important step whereby Space Weather becomes an integral part of the applications embraced by WIGOS and the RRR process. A typology of Space Weather instruments and a first inventory of space based observing capabilities have been initiated. This will provide the basis for a gap analysis and the subsequent provision of guidance for the evolution of Space Weather observing systems. Data management: The ICTSW was introduced to the WMO Information System (WIS), its concept, standards and practices. The team will investigate the implications and benefits of using the WIS to enhance Space Weather data exchange and support the harmonization of data management practices. In particular, consideration will be given to the possible registration of the ISES Regional Warning Centres as a DCPC. Service delivery: A representative of ICAO has informed the ICTSW on the ongoing development by ICAO of a Concept of Operations for International Space Weather Information in Support of Global Aviation. ICAO is currently working towards the specification of Space Weather warnings that would be included in an amendment to Annex III of the ICAO Convention. In this context, WMO would be invited to consider coordinating the provision of such Space Weather warnings. Generally speaking, whether for ICAO or other application areas, the experience of WMO will be considered to enhance the regional coordination of advisories, bulletins, and forecast products in accordance with WMO practices for delivery of services to the users. In particular, a service centre concept will be discussed for operational Space Weather prediction and services using the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres, Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres and World Area Forecast Centres as possible models. Initial contacts have been made with the NWP community with a view to exchange experience in particular in the area of model assessment and validation for operational applications. 29. Realizing the tremendous impact of Space Weather events on a number of activities, in particular those relying on space borne capabilities, a number of Organizations and experts have started to join their efforts under the auspices of WMO to progress the international coordination of Space Weather activities, building upon and expanding the work done by ISES. The further development of this promising activity will heavily depend on the availability of resources to be provided by the participating Organizations to support effective coordination of the work. WMO Members and satellite operators are encouraged to participate in this activity and to provide resources to support its central coordination.

12 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, p. 12 SPACE PROGRAMME OFFICE Partnerships 30. The primary partners of the Space Programme, beyond WMO Members and their space agencies, continue to be the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). This is facilitated by the increasing collaboration between these two groups. Four scientific user groups are sponsored by WMO: the International TOVS Working Group (ITWG), the International Winds Working Group (IWWG), the International Precipitation Working Group (IPWG), and the International Radio Occultation Working Group (IROWG). These groups are effective forums to foster the development of satellite data use and provide valuable recommendations to WMO and satellite operators. Liaison is maintained with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Activities and the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Resources and organization 31. As can be seen from this report, many Organizations make substantial contributions to the overall goals, objectives and activities of the WMO Space Programme. A few Organizations have also contributed directly to the operations of the WMO Space Programme Office. In this regard, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuing contributions of EUMETSAT to the Space Programme Trust Fund. In addition to the annual updates of the WMO Dossier, this past year, and to the production of a draft contribution to the CIMO Guide, EUMETSAT contributions have facilitated the hiring (effective September 2011) of a Scientific Officer for Satellite Data Utilization a position that has been envisioned since the beginning of the Programme. 32. The Space Programme Office has also benefited from in kind contributions from JAXA with a one year secondment (January 2010 to January 2011) of Ms. Azusa Sakamoto, and from Germany with a Junior Professional Officer, Nils Hettich, effective October Ms Sakamoto led the development of a report of UN Agencies use of space based technologies for climate, and Mr Hettich is leading the development efforts on databases and web sites including collaboration with CGMS Secretariat and Virtual Laboratory on these topics. Appreciation is extended to both Japan and Germany for this support. 33. Lastly, given the substantial increase in work associated with climate related tasks, we would welcome additional contributions to either the Trust Fund, or with in kind resources as described above. Working in the WMO Space Programme Office has proven to be good developmental opportunities for young scientists, and we would welcome additional secondments to the Programme. CONCLUSIONS 34. The CM is invited to note the activities conducted within the Space Programme and provide guidance as appropriate.

13 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, APPENDIX WMO SPACE PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION (Extracted from Cg.16 /Doc. 3.7) 1. Overall objective and scope The overall objective of the WMO Space Programme (WMO SP) is to promote wide availability and utilization of satellite data and products for weather, climate, water and related applications of WMO Members. Its scope is to coordinate environmental satellite matters and activities throughout all WMO Programmes; to give guidance to these programmes on the potential of remote sensing techniques in meteorology, hydrology and related disciplines and applications; and to ensure effective cooperation with and among international partners and organizations dealing with satellite systems. 2. Programme structure The WMO SP has four main components: (a) (b) (c) (d) Integrated space based observing system; Availability and use of satellite data and products; Information and training; Space Weather coordination. 3. Programme governance The lead technical responsibility for the WMO SP is assigned to CBS. The WMO Consultative Meetings on High level Policy on Satellite Matters (CM) maintain a broad policy overview of the Programme. Space Weather activities are jointly overseen by CBS and CAeM. 4. Programme activities 4.1 Integrated Space based Observing System Long term objective The long term objective is to develop an integrated space based observing system involving operational and R&D environmental satellites and their associated ground segments. This observing system should support the WWW, as the space based component of its GOS; and ultimately all the other WMO Programmes and WMO supported programmes, as the space based component of WMO Integrated Global Observing Systems (WIGOS). Activities The space components of the various observing systems are reviewed, and the gaps with respect to requirements are analyzed, in order to optimize the effectiveness of each component while striving for cross cutting integration in the context of WIGOS. WMO SP leads the revision of the baseline for the space based observing system to achieve Yes implementation of the Vision for the GOS in It promotes intercalibration of satellite instruments and harmonization of their specifications. It encourages operational and R&D space agencies to contribute to the GOS and pursue system harmonization with best practices.

14 WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, APPENDIX, p. 2 The transition of mature research systems to operational status is encouraged when appropriate, with a view to improve operational capabilities in line with evolving requirements, while ensuring the long term sustainability required for operational applications and climate monitoring. 4.2 Availability and use of satellite data and products Long term objective In view of the exponential increase in satellite data which is anticipated from upcoming satellite systems, a major challenge for the WMO SP in the next decade is to make these improved data and derived products available while increasing the number and geographical spread of users. The objective is to enhance timely accessibility of satellite data and products as required by users in all WMO Regions, in particular in developing countries, to promote data interoperability through WMO Information System (WIS) standards and practices, and to stimulate coordinated processing of observations to derived products with traceable quality. Activities The WMO SP serves as a catalyst for improving dissemination and exchange of satellite observation data and products, and for standardizing data and metadata management consistent with WIS practices. The Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service (IGDDS) project focuses on: (i) establishing regional requirements for access to data and products; (ii) implementing sustainable regional Digital Video Broadcast by Satellite (DVB S) dissemination systems offering cost efficient access to satellite data in every region; (iii) integrating all relevant data types in such broadcast services, including inter regionally exchanged data; and (iv) supporting harmonization of future Direct Broadcast systems as well as complementary data access and distribution services via the Internet, recognizing different user needs. Building on international science groups and projects, the WMO SP stimulates the coordinated processing of satellite data to products, and the traceable quality of these data and products. Particular attention is given to climate applications, e.g. through the Sustained Coordinated Processing of Environmental Satellite Data for Climate Monitoring (SCOPE CM) and to Disaster Risk Reduction. Cooperation is encouraged to develop common basic tools for utilization of remote sensing data, and on the assimilation of R&D and new operational data streams in NWP systems and climate models. 4.3 Information and Training Long term objective The long term objective is to raise awareness on satellite capabilities and promote satellite related education to keep Members operational and scientific staff up to date with the latest technological innovations, with a focus on developing countries. Activities The WMO SP implements the Five year Strategy for the Virtual Laboratory for Training and Education in Satellite Meteorology and Environmental Applications (VLab), relying on the network of Centres of Excellence sponsored by satellite operators. Close links are maintained with relevant national and international education and training initiatives. WMO SP ensures that appropriate websites and portals provide guidance on the availability and usability of satellite data, products and services. Information material is to be provided, and translated into the official WMO languages as resources allow. Participation of WMO Members from developing countries in satellite users conferences is encouraged.

15 4.4 Space Weather coordination Long term objective WMO (CM 11)/Doc. 3, APPENDIX, p. 3 The long term objective is to support international operational coordination for Space Weather, which has a severe impact on space assets and relies to a large extent on space borne observations, and improve Space Weather warnings to major application areas including aviation. Activities Within available resources, through the Inter Programme Coordination Team on Space Weather (ICTSW), the WMO SP supports coordination activities focussing on: (a) (b) (c) (d) Standardization and enhancement of Space Weather data exchange and delivery through the WIS; Harmonized definition of end products and services, including e.g. quality assurance guidelines and emergency warning procedures, in interaction with aviation and other major application sectors; Integration of Space Weather observations, through review of space and surface based observation requirements, harmonization of sensor specifications, monitoring plans for Space Weather observation; Encouraging the dialogue between the research and operational Space Weather communities. 5. Coordination and partnership WMO SP is conducted in partnership with space agencies of WMO Members and their coordination bodies: the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). Participation in the WMO Consultative Meetings on High level Policy on Satellite Matters (CM) provides space agencies with visibility on the WMO SP and related WMO strategy and expectations. Through the WMO SP, WMO actively participates in CGMS, the main technical coordination body of space agencies for operational missions for weather or climate on such matters as orbit coordination, contingency planning, data dissemination formats, or data collection services. WMO and CGMS have jointly initiated and are supporting a number of projects (related, for example, to satellite calibration, data dissemination, product generation, or training). The WMO SP represents WMO as an Associate of CEOS, and interacts with its relevant entities such as the Working Group on Calibration and Validation, and the CEOS Working Group on Climate. Some WMO SP activities, such as maintaining the Dossier on the Space based GOS, are conducted in collaboration with CEOS. WMO SP supports expert groups that play a key role in providing expert advice and feedback, and stimulating developments within the user community. These groups include the International Winds Working Group, the International TOVS Working Group, the International Precipitation Working Group, the International Radio occultation Working Group, and the Space Frequency Coordination Group. Through its participation in international bodies, WMO SP promotes an integrated, global, space based observing system, encourages cooperation whilst discouraging unnecessary duplication.