Applications and implications of the next generation meteorological satellite imagers and sounders (Invited Presentation)

The operational meteorological satellite era of today is undergoing a rapid metamorphosis in the strictest sense of the word. Over the next two decades it will undergo a marked alteration in its appearance, character and function. New instruments on research satellites have provided insights into future satellite systems and a variety of environmental applications are growing vigorously. As the remote sensing capabilities of operational and research space agencies evolve, instruments with enhanced capabilities (higher spatial, spectral and temporal resolution) will be demonstrated and their data will be utilized for operational purposes. To take advantage of the future’s promise, marked changes will occur in the ways we approach satellite operation, data handling, science, product development, training and utilization. As we look to the next decade: operational polar and low earth orbiting satellites will fly fixed orbits with sensors that operate in routine modes; low earth orbiting commercial and research satellites will operate in much the same manner as the operational polar satellites although some will have more flexibility in where their instruments point along ground track; and, as is the case today, geostationary satellite instruments will operate in adaptive observing modes where scan area and frequency are determined by operational need. The environmental satellite observing system of the future will be exceptionally powerful, how data from the various satellites that make up that system are treated to achieve full utilization is a point that must be addressed. This overview addresses the future space based observing system in the context of assuring full utilization by taking full advantage of various satellites systems observing capabilities.