Space Weather Observational Priorities in the NSOSA Satellite Architecture Planning Study

The National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS) has conducted the NOAA Satellite Observing System Architecture (NSOSA) study in order to determine the most cost effective space architectures for NOAA’s weather, space weather, and environmental remote sensing missions for 2030 and beyond. As a part of this study, the Space Platform Requirements Working Group (SPRWG) was created to determine the future needs and relative priorities for NOAA’s operational space-based observations. The SPRWG was responsible for developing the Environmental Data Record (EDR) Value Model (EVM), which details the most important objectives of NOAA’s observations from space. The EVM plays a central role in assessing the value of different space architecture alternatives. This talk will summarize the SPRWG process and the 19 space-based space weather observations identified to have the highest value for future space weather services. Whereas all observations have an important role for forecasts, warnings, and specifications of space weather conditions, priority was given to observations that will enable increased predictive capabilities. This includes solar and solar wind measurements obtained from coronagraphs, magnetographs, and heliospheric imagers, both on and off the Earth-Sun line. In-situ and remote sensing instruments throughout the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere are also included to support future data assimilation models and comprehensive services to address the growing need for space weather information.