An OSSE experiment for a CubeSat Humidity Sounders Concept

An array of Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) has been performed to assess the potential impact of a constellation of CubeSat Humidity Sounders concept on extreme weather forecasts. Radiances from the proposed CubeSat sounders are simulated using the NASA Earth Observing Systems Simulator Suite (NEOS3). The potential impact of CubeSat sounders on the precipitation forecasts associated with atmospheric river events over Northern California is investigated using the WRF/GSI data assimilation system. In this study, we specifically evaluate trade-offs in observing system design with respect to the number of constellation sensors, potential operational orbital scenarios and other CubeSat parameters. This work will explore pathways to a comprehensive OSSE system for future space mission design.