NWS preparation for future satellite systems

The National Weather Service's Office of Science and Technology (OS&T) and Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services (OCWWS) are preparing to leverage the next generation of satellite data and products into the NWS operational environment in order to ensure user readiness. Three main elements of user readiness for future satellite systems are (1) IT Infrastructure, (2) Proving Ground (PG), and (3) Planning. NWS IT Infrastructure re-design efforts have been underway preparing for future data and communication needs, the GOES-R Proving Ground activities are currently demonstrating to the forecasters GOES-R like products to ensure “Day 1” Readiness, and the NWS Satellite Product User Readiness (NSPUR) Working Group has been formed to develop a satellite user-readiness plan. In anticipation of future satellite systems coming on line within the next several years, the NWS has begun to evaluate current and future polar-orbiting and geostationary programs to ensure a thorough understanding of current and future capabilities and how they can be applied operationally. Additionally, the NWS is assisting in the definition of user readiness for new satellite capabilities and working with satellite program offices to establish and track user readiness actions. This talk will discuss the activities the NWS is involved in to ensure user readiness for future satellite systems