Satellite data and products in the NextGen 4-D data cube

The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) will require the automated sharing of data for air traffic management and operational decisions. Weather will be critical to these decisions. The key element in the NextGen systems is the 4-D Data Cube, a computer compatible, virtual, data archive that will be used to provide users, including automated decision making systems, access to a standard and uniform set of information and observations. A portion of the weather information included in the 4-D Data Cube will be considered the “single authoritative” data source to ensure that air traffic management decisions are internally consistent and mutually compatible.

Satellite data and derived meteorological products will provide essential real-time information for NextGen operational decisions on scales ranging from the immediate terminal area, en route, and even global scales. It is not yet clear, however, exactly what information will be required for the 4-D Data Cube and who will provide it. This presentation will review the expected NextGen requirements for satellite data needed for the program's 2013 Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and the enhanced capabilities expected in the GOES-R and NPOESS era. The presentation will also review the satellite-based aviation products being developed by the NESDIS/STAR Algorithm Working Group Aviation Team and the products being developed by the NASA Applied Sciences Program.