A system of systems architectural analysis methodology for Earth observations applied to ocean surface vector wind measurement

We have developed a robust and sophisticated methodology for evaluating system of system performance metrics and lifecycle cost against mission requirements. This methodology, called an architectural Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), has been applied to many missions including Space Situational Awareness, Missile Defense, and NASA's Jupiter Icy Moon mission, with much success. Recently the architectural analysis methodology was modified for application to general Earth observation missions, under the broad definitions of the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS) framework. Global Earth observations are measured in-situ and remotely using ground, airborne, and satellite platforms, making the observation of a single environmental data record a "System of Systems" problem. We applied the AoA methodology to the Ocean Surface Vector Winds (OSVW) mission and identified the best value (highest performance for the lowest cost) system of systems to meet community requirements. Despite the failure of the QuikSCAT satellite, the analysis still remains relevant as a guide to future sensor/platform solutions for OSVW observations. The analysis also provides additional, valuable guidance for how requirements, established by the user communities, can drive system designs and performance resulting in a series of consistent, accurate data records. We present the AoA methodology and results of the analysis.