Pathways Towards Data Exploitation and New Product Development from GOES-R

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite System series R (GOES-R) of satellites will be the main work horses of US operational satellite meteorology when launched in 2016. In addition to producing baseline products, the GOES-R program office initiated Risk Reduction and Proving Ground (PG) activities with the goals of getting end users ready for data exploitation at launch and prototyping new applications. These activities are promoting applied research based on the use of GOES-R-like data. The program strongly encourages projects that make use of data from multiple platforms including satellite, radar, numerical weather prediction output, and surface observations. The overall goal is to create products that directly benefit operational forecasters. Projects and products are guided by the National Weather Service (NWS) Operational Advisory Council (NOAT) and funding is awarded after a competitive review. The NOAT guidance ensures that the risk reduction activities are aligned with NWS priorities. These efforts are expected to contribute towards NOAA's goal of a “Weather Ready Nation”. The Cooperative Research Programs at NOAA's Satellite Application and Research Office have been leading these efforts. This presentation will highlight the accomplishments and status of the GOES-R risk reduction activities.