An Update on the COSMIC-2 Mission

With the launch of the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC satellites in April 2006, the availability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Radio Occultation (RO) observations for operational Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) applications began. GNSS RO profiles started being assimilated operationally in the major worldwide weather centers soon after. The incorporation of COSMIC into the operational assimilation systems was shown to improve global model forecast skill. After COSMIC, other missions carrying GNSS RO receivers became available for operational uses. Since its launch in 2006, the COSMIC constellation has been the mainstay of the global RO system. However, COSMIC is already past the end of its formal lifetime, and only three satellites are still operating. The COSMIC-2 mission, a 12-satellite constellation, will replace COSMIC. The first launch, in equatorial orbit, is planned for March 2017. In addition to the RO capabilities, the first six COSMIC-2 satellites will carry ionospheric payloads. During the talk, an update on COSMIC-2 will be discussed.