Global Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSE) for CubeSat MicroMas-2

The analysis and forecast impacts of CubeSat Micro-sized Microwave Atmospheric Satellite (MicroMas-2) constellation on NOAA NWP models are studied by the Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs). These microwave sounders provide temperature profiles using channels near the 118 GHz oxygen absorption line, water vapor profiles using channels near the 183 GHz water vapor absorption line, and imagery channels for precipitation measurements. The MicroMas-2 observations were simulated with the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) using Nature Run on different low Earth-orbiting platforms and assimilated with the NCEP Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS). Addition of these new observations on top of the current operational satellite system, and a data-gap scenario (with no afternoon orbiting satellites) shows a positive impact on the analysis quality and forecast performance.