Lessons Learned in Transitioning CrIS VIIRS Radiance Cluster Analysis from Research into Operations

The Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) sensor data records (SDRs) on the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) satellites are key data for improving weather forecast and directly assimilated into the operational forecast models at the NOAA/National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) centers. To enhance the uses of CrIS data, the NCEP and NWP centers requested to add the VIIRS Cluster Radiances (VCR) information to the CrIS Field of Views (FOVs).

To respond to the requests, we quickly developed scientific software to compute the VCR information and added it into the operational CrIS BUFR files used by the NWP centers. The test data generated from the scientific software were also distributed to the NWP centers to collect users’ feedback on data format and contents. Furthermore, we incorporated the feedback and further improved the software. Finally, we completed the enterprise software with an engineer standard and delivered the packages to the NOAA Process Lifecycle and Algorithm Integration Team (ASSISTT) team for transition from research to operations (R2O).

As the second stage, we worked closely with the NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) and ASSISTT Teams to ensure the science codes implemented correctly into the NESDIS Common Cloud Framework (NCCF) operational systems. The NESDIS enterprise VCR algorithm is not only very robust, fast, but also agile to allow switch between different sets of geolocation inputs, to accommodate the coming Interface Data Processing Segment (IDPS) changes regarding to VIIRS geolocation products. It is truly an enterprise VCR algorithm that works for both NOAA-20 and NOAA-21, as well as the non-NOAA LEO missions. Using the quality flag within the product, the monitoring system is also easily established to ensure the performance of the operational VCR algorithms. The algorithms have been successfully operated in NESDIS operation since February 2024 and provided critical information to the NOAA and worldwide users for the important weather forecasts applications.

In the presentation, we will review the whole process of transitioning CrIS VIIRS Radiance Cluster Analysis from Research into Operations as well as lessons learned in the process. These lessons will provide valuable information for future satellite operational products.