IR Imaging Sounders for Geosynchronous orbit: A key capability for future multi-national observing systems

Infrared imaging sounders operating from geosynchronous orbit will offer greatly improved lead times for near-casts of developing severe storms. This key contribution to operational observing systems derives from the capability to measure the atmospheric state with vastly better four-dimensional resolution than any other currently envisioned system. The resulting combination of pre-storm sensitivity to convective instability, frequent temporal updates, good horizontal resolution, and versatile spatial coverage is unique. The status of developing and implementing these imaging sounders will be discussed. The technical capability is available now. In 15 years, it is expected to be operational for much of the world from a combination of several multi-national geosynchronous platforms.