Addressing O2R with the SSUSI Operational Space Sensor: Lessons Learned

The Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager instrument (SSUSI) was selected to fly on Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's Block 5D-3 satellites as an experimental space weather sensor. An initial set of operational products were defined for this sensor to fulfill general needs for near-Earth space situational awareness (electron density profiles, neutral density profiles, auroral imagery, etc.). Through conversations SSUSI team members had with members of the DoD community, we perceived operational needs that could be addressed with new products tailored to specific operational needs (.e.g., auroral poleward ad equatorial boundaries, scintillation forecasts, particle flux maps, etc.) These products were funded with the understanding that there was interest in the capability of uv sensors to meet operational needs. This paper will present a summary of our experience with O2R and suggestions for how the process can be improved.