Analysis of the Value of Future Satellite Environmental Remote Sensing Measurements

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducted a study, titled the NOAA Satellite Observing System Architecture (NSOSA) study, to plan for the next generation of weather satellites. The primary goal of this study was to assess and develop a portfolio of satellite measurements for the 2030-2040 era, and determine the most cost effective approach to implementing those measurements. The value model, referred to as the Environmental Data Record Value Model (EVM), specified performance ranges for 19 measurements related to terrestrial weather forecasting, 19 measurements related to space weather, and 6 strategic objectives [BAMS Article]. Additionally, the EVM prioritized performance improvements over the specified ranges. The model was structured to facilitate engineering level analysis of constellation concepts rather than mission understanding, but a wealth of information on mission value is embedded in the model. This paper elaborates on the mission value implied by the EVM’s structure and quantification. The paper will describe:

1. How performance thresholding and “swing weighting” combine to provide relative priority among measurements as well as a form of absolute prioritization.
2. The implications for priority of improving existing measurement performance versus acquiring new measurements.
3. The highest priority measurement improvements by major mission area.
4. Some implications for the cost effectiveness of different improvement (or dis-investment) directions.