Next Generation Ground System Architecture for Weather Satellites

Invited panelists will discuss next generation ground systems with an emphasis on cost-efficient, sustainable, enterprise architecture based on innovations and disruptive technological changes. The panelists will open discussion with an examination of the current state of operational ground systems in support of weather satellites operated by NOAA, the U.S. Space Force, NASA, international and commercial systems. The panel will then discuss:

• Performance limitations and bottlenecks facing the current ground segment, especially as the growing Earth observing enterprise expands data streams; and
• Emerging and recent innovations and disruptive technological changes that might transform ground systems into a more efficient, resilient, cost-effective architecture of the future, including the emergence of new business models, promoting smaller space acquisition systems, the realization of cheaper and stronger on-orbit and ground elements, processing resources and enabling new applications.

The panelists will also discuss the role of the commercial sector in supporting Government ground operations, and The Panel will present lessons learned from the US and possibly from Europe, Asia, and the Southern Hemisphere that might provide insight on the economic sustainability of future ground operations. This panel discussion will set the stage for an ongoing discussion revisiting the status of innovations and disruptive technological changes with special emphasis on weather and environmental monitoring.