JPSS-1 Science Product Algorithms: Pre-launch Performance Characterization and Verification

The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Preparatory project will launch its first JPSS-1 satellite in early 2017. The JPSS-1 and follow-on satellites will host an array of instruments including the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), and the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS). These instruments are similar to the instruments currently operating on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite, a predecessor designed to bridge for the JPSS constellation. Algorithms to process JPSS-1 instrument data into xDR products such as Raw Data Records (RDRs), Sensor Data Records (SDRs), and Environmental Data Records (EDRs) have been developed based on the experience gained through the S-NPP algorithms. Optimizations are also being performed on J1-Uppers, which account for future improvements to the instruments on JPSS-1 to produce additional or improved data products. These algorithms will be in operations through either the Interface Data Processing Segment (IDPS) or through NPOESS Data Exploration (NDE) at the Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO). Once these xDR products are validated to meet the requirements, they will provide continuity of capabilities for operational remote sensing of weather, climate and other environmental applications. To achieve this overarching goal, The JPSS STAR (JSTAR) program management team, in association with STAR cal/val teams, has laid out the necessary plans to oversee J1 science products algorithm development efforts, verification of these algorithms during the pre-launch period, validation of the xDR products during post-launch and long term monitoring (LTM). A variety of J1 test data sets derived using instrument TVAC measurements and S-NPP proxy data were realized for utility towards pre-launch tailoring and verification of the J1 algorithms through coordination with the Test Data Working Group (TDWG) and the Data Formats Working Group (DFWG). The team also has developed schedules for deliverables and infrastructure for routing J1 Uppers xDR algorithm(s), improvements and updates in compliance with the Algorithm Change Management Plan (ACMP). The STAR Algorithm Integration team (AIT) routes these Algorithm Change Packages (ACPs) to the Data Products Engineering Services (DPES) or to the NDE following the protocols for operational implementation in IDPS or NDE/OSPO, respectively. This paper presents an overview of these efforts as part of JSTAR program management. The overview includes a discussion of the S-NPP xDR product validations, lessons learned in adapting xDR algorithms for J1 and upgrades, J1 pre-launch performance characterization and verification plans. Utility of J1 test data sets towards optimizing J1 xDR algorithms during pre-launch are discussed in detail. Leveraging this experience, the STAR JPSS Program teams, in association with STAR-AIT and AMP are ready to assure an unmitigated success through coordinated activities from xDR cal/val and other associated science team members.