Risk reduction for NPOESS using heritage sensors: AIRS, HIRS, MSU, SSM/I, AMSU, and MODIS

The NASA, NOAA and DoD Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) is currently assimilating data from the Heritage Instruments, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), High-resolution InfraRed Sounder (HIRS), Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU), Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I), Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) as part of its preparation for NPOESS and NPP. The AIRS, HIRS, MSU, SSM/I, AMSU and MODIS data have been assimilated with the Global Forecast System (GFS) as part of the groundwork for the use of the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), the Visible/Infrared Imager and Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), and the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS). Improved methods of extracting information from these data and their efficient use in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) have been studied. The benefits to Global NWP of observations from these instruments have been quantified. In addition, radiative transfer models have been developed for CrIS and ATMS and have been used to generate synthetic CrIS and ATMS data. These data will be used in a series of studies to determine effective methods of extracting information from instrument observations for global NWP. These risk reduction activities will allow the JCSDA partner organizations to make early use of the data from NPP and NPOESS soon after they are launched.