Canada-U.S. Workshop on the Polar Communications and Weather (PCW) Mission: Extending GOES-R to the Arctic

1. Canada-U.S. Workshop on the Polar Communications and Weather (PCW) Mission‘Extending GOES-R to the Arctic’

2. Welcome and Introduction Day 1 Simplified Agenda • Technical description of PCW mission, status, plans, opportunities • U.S. observing requirements that could be addressed by PCW • U.S. capabilities that could be leveraged to: • better meet US requirements • accelerate the PCW mission • Articulate bases for possible cooperation and exchange Day 2 Simplified Agenda • Document and share recommendations with senior agency leadership • Solicit agencies’ thoughts relative to level of US engagement on PCW

3. Format and Logistics • Format: • Open discussion facilitated by co-chairs • Focus Questions • Logistics: • Sign-in • Restrooms • Lunch • NSOF Tour • Dinner Plans

4. Premise • We have common scientific and strategic interests in arctic observing: marine navigation (sea ice) and aviation safety (aerosols, volcanic ash), operational weather forecasting (imaging, derived products, assimilation / NWP), climate monitoring and assessment, space weather, and more. • PCW observations could provide data valuable to US operational monitoring and forecasting capabilities. • How valuable? • cost/benefits will be influenced by scope of US engagement in missione.g, user  coordinator  collaborator  partner • Scope of engagement will require further investigation and assessment.

5. Operational Drivers • NESDIS 1st priority is supporting operational missions of NWS, NMFS, NOS, NCS. • Also recognize requirements of partner/user agencies (USAF, USN, USGS, NASA). • We seek the perspectives of operational and technical managers regarding priority observing interests, opportunities and challenges that pertain to potential US and Canadian cooperation.

6. How US Contributes • U.S. and other international interest & involvement validates PCW mission to Canadian government decision-makers. • Can facilitate rapid build-out of PCW capacity for science product and application development, processing, dissemination, and instrument calibration. How US Gains • Unique observations that support NOAA high-latitude operational forecasting and monitoring, and advance NOAA strategic priorities in Climate, Arctic Science & Applications, and Space Weather. • Extends US Geostationary satellite observing to the pole, fills major gaps. • Complements GOES-R, JPSS and international constellations under GEOSS. Endorsed by WMO.

7. Enabling Agreements • NOAA / Environment Canada MOU for Cooperative Activities • Steering Committee co-chaired by Mary Kicza and David Grimes • Agreed to four themes: Hydrology, Arctic, Climate, Forecast System Design • North American Ice Service • Collaboration among the Canadian Ice Service, U.S. National Ice Center and International Ice Patrol • Canada-US Agreement on Cooperation on Space Activities • NASA-CSA leadership • Current PCW Collaboration (based on hand-shakes) • NESDIS scientists support PCW International Science & Users’ Team • EC scientists serve on GOES-R Algorithm Review, JCSDA science steering committee • Environment Canada and NESDIS STAR /CIMSS Activities: winds, proxy data sets • NESDIS supported JPL trade study showing ABI easily adapted to PCW mission

8. Why U.S should be interested • PCW sensors matching GOES-R ABI channels and resolutions enable scientific collaboration and could effectively extend GOES-R algorithms consistently and seamlessly to 90 N. A significant leveraging opportunity of GOES-R investments. • Addresses gap in high latitude motion vector winds between 60N and 70N (limitation of polar and geostationary orbit geometries), and provides higher quality 15-minute refresh winds from 50N to the pole; impacts on medium range NWP. • Operational value to Alaska Region NWS forecast offices for both quantitative and qualitative analysis (outside reach of GOES); could supply WFOs valuable data that it does not currently receive. • NOAA’s Next-Generation Strategic Plan gives high priority to Arctic Science, Space Weather, and Climate Monitoring. • These are just a few reasons ……. we need to hear from you

9. Backup Slides

10. Session III: Focus QuestionsScience Algorithms & Applications Do you have observational requirements and gaps that PCW could uniquely meet? • What geophysical observation might be obtained through PCW that would be of special operational or research importance to your agency or mission? • To what extent could comparable information be derived using existing and planned polar and geo systems, or derived by other methods, and still meet your needs? • Are there high priority high-latitude measurements that cannot be acquired, or acquired as well except through the vantage of an HEO? • Are there specific scientific applications, improvements to situational awareness, or forecast benefits that PCW would more effectively enable? • Can you conceive of enhanced economic benefits or environmental services that would be enabled by PCW? • Can you conceive of a US payload of opportunity that could benefit your organization and mission?

11. Session IV: Focus QuestionsData Processing and Distribution • Will the proposed Canadian PCW ground architecture and products meet NOAA/US user requirements (from previous session)? If not, where are there gaps? • Is there a requirement/desire for processing by NOAA (or other US agency) of: • Level 0 ; Level 1a-c image products; Level 2+ derived products • How will PCW data and products interface to the NOAA (or other US agency) architecture? • What technical capabilities do NOAA or other US agencies have that could augment or complement the proposed Canadian infrastructure to meet US requirements? e.g., • backup reception; science and processing algorithms; product generation, distribution, archive • What ground segment coordination and development activities are required to maximize the access and utility of PCW data and products to meet US requirements?

12. Session V: Focal IssuesInstrument and Product Calibration / Validation • Calibration requirements for PCW imager vs GOES-R ABI • Radiometric calibration • Geometric calibration ( Image Navigation and Registration) • Spectral calibration • Planned instrument calibration approach • PCW spatial coverage and inter-calibration with GEO and LEO • Participation in GSICS • Product validation • Cloud mask and scene ID - challenges in the Arctic • Cryospheric applications • PCW advantage for angular sampling • Plans for instrument and product QC and performance monitoring during operational phase