Overview of the JPSS Proving Ground Initiatives

The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) is a collaborative program between NOAA and NASA that represents the Nation's most advanced fleet of operational polar-orbiting meteorological satellites. NOAA-20, the first of the JPSS constellation was launched into space on November 18, 2017. NOAA-20 capitalizes on the success of, and features similar instruments as, its predecessor the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) satellite. The sequential launches of JPSS-2,-3, and 4 will provide NOAA and other users with a continuous source of critical data for decision making out to 2040. JPSS satellites provide sophisticated global observations of atmospheric, oceanic and land parameters for short-term, seasonal and long-term monitoring and forecasting.

This abstract is being submitted to the AGU Session on the JPSS Proving Ground and Risk Reduction (PGRR) Program and will provide an overview of eight initiatives: Sounding, Fire and Smoke, Arctic, River Ice and Flooding, Hydrology, Oceans and Coastal, Severe Weather, and Aviation. The JPSS PGRR Program was created in 2011 to facilitate the transition of operationally generated satellite products from JPSS to critical services within NOAA and other agencies. The Program focuses on maximizing the benefits and performance of data, algorithms, and products derived from JPSS satellites for downstream operational and research users. In late 2017, there was a new call for proposals to support the JPSS PGRR activities. A total of 45 continuing and new projects were selected and were mapped to these initiatives. Significantly improved services have already been realized including: 1) delivery of flood maps to the NWS river forecast centers and FEMA - proven to be extremely important for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria recovery efforts, 2) smoke forecasts from wild fires to providing warnings related to air quality and visibility, 3) variety of sea ice products for Alaska region to support safe navigation, 4) ocean color products for marine stock assessments and coastal water quality assessments, 5) multi-satellite blended layered atmospheric water vapor for improving rainfall estimates from atmospheric rivers, and 6), the use of soundings severe weather applications.

The objectives and the most critical outcomes from these initiatives will be presented