NPOESS Program Overview

1. NPOESS Program Overview
HDF Workshop IX, December 2005
Alan M. Goldberg
[email protected]

2. Outline
Program overview
Mission data processing and external
interfaces
Recent changes
Status
This presentation is drawn from published
materials by the program and others.

3. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 3
We’re going a long way …
The Historical Context
First Image from TIROS-1 EOS-Aqua MODIS Image-250 m
Saharan Dust off the Canary Islands
18 February 2004

4. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 4
•Provide a national, operational, Provide a national, operational,
polar-orbiting remote-sensing polar-orbiting remote-sensing
capabilitycapability
•Achieve National Performance Achieve National Performance
Review (NPR) savings by Review (NPR) savings by
converging DoD and NOAA converging DoD and NOAA
satellite programssatellite programs
•Incorporate new technologies Incorporate new technologies
from NASAfrom NASA
•Encourage international Encourage international
cooperationcooperation
METOP
NPOESS
Specialized
Satellites
Local Equatorial Crossing
Time
1730
1330
2130
NPOESS
NPOESS
NPOESS Mission
Tri-agency Effort to Leverage and Combine
Environmental Satellite Activities

5. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 5
DMSP
(Defense Meteorological
Satellite Program)
EOS
(Earth Observing
System)
NPOESS
(National Polar-orbiting
Operational Environmental
Satellite System)
Sensor data rate: 1.5 Mbps
Data latency: 100-150 min.
1.7 Gigabytes per day (DMSP)
6.3 Gigabytes per day (POES)
15 Mbps sensor data rate
Data latency: 100-180 min.
Data availability: 98%
Ground revisit time: 12 hrs.
2.6 Terabytes per day (EOS)
2.4 Terabytes per day (NPP)
20 Mbps sensor data rate
Data latency: 28 min.
Data availability: 99.95%
Autonomy capability: 60 days
Ground revisit time: 4-6 hrs
8.1 Terabytes per day
POES
(Polar Orbiting
Operational
Environmental Satellites)
NPP
(NPOESS
Preparatory
Project)
1960 - 2010 2000 - 2010 2010 – 2020+
NPOESS satisfies evolutionary program needs with enhanced capabilities
The Evolution to NPOESS

6. NPOESS Management and Requirements
Structures
Executive Committee
System Program
Director
Associate Director
for Acquisition
Associate Director
for Technology Transition
Associate Director
for Operations
Joint Agency Requirements
Council (JARC)
• Vice Chairman JCS
• NOAA DUS Commerce For
Oceans and Atmosphere
• NASA Associate Administrator
for Earth Science
Senior Users Advisory
Group (SUAG)
• Chair Rotated Every 2 Years
• Reps: DoD, NOAA, & NASA
Joint Agency Requirements
Group (JARG)
Integrated Program Office
Under Secretary for
Oceans & Atmosphere
Under Secretary of
the Air Force
Deputy
Administrator
User Community and Stakeholders
• Define Requirements
Under Secretary of the Air Force replaced
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology & Logistics

7. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 7
NPOESS Architecture
SD
S
NESDISAFWAFNMOCNAVO
C3
Segment
Field
Terminal Segment
GPS
Svalbard
Primary T&C
NPP SMD
TDRSS
Launch
Support
Segment
MMC at Suitland
Flight Operations Team
• Enterprise Management
• Mission Management
• Satellite Operations
• Data Monitoring
& Recovery
White Sands Complex
LEO&A
Backup T&C
A-DCS
SARSAT
HRD
Field
Terminal
HRD
Field
Terminal
LRD
Field
Terminal
LRD
Field
Terminal
Schriever MMC
Contingency
Operations
Team
Data Handling Nodes reside at each Central
15 Globally Distributed
Receptor Sites Interconnected
by Commercial Fiber
NPOESS Stored Mission Data
Command and Telemetry
Interface Data Processing Segment
One full set resides in each of the 4 Centrals
Data MgtData Mgt
Infra
IngestIngest
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
Data DelData Del
TM
LTA
TDRSS
NPP Stored Mission Data
Data MgtData Mgt
Infra
IngestIngest
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
Data DelData Del
Data MgtData Mgt
Infra
IngestIngest
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
Data DelData Del
Data MgtData Mgt
Infra
IngestIngest
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
Data DelData Del
Offline Support
NPP
2230 2130 1330 1730
NPOESS
Satellites
Residuals
Space
Segment
DQMDQM

8. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 8
4. Process Raw data into EDRs
and Deliver to Centrals
Full IDP Capability at each Central
NESDIS, AFWA, FNMOC, NAVO
Monitor and Control Satellites
and Ground Elements
MMC (Suitland)
Schriever MMC
NPOESS Concept of Operations
1. Sense Phenomena
T
O
B
S
L
A
T
M
L
C
L
FO
G
L
R
N
T
ATM
T
SKY
e
i
j

2. Downlink Raw Data
Field
Terminals
SafetyNet
TM

Receptors
Ka-bandX and L
bands
3. Transport Data to
Centrals for Processing
Global fiber network connects
15 receptors to Centrals

10. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 10
NPOESS Performance
System Requirement Categories
Data Quality (EDR Attributes)
Data Latency
Data Availability
Operational Availability
SMD/HRD
Interoperability
Data Access (and Autonomy)
SARSAT and A-DCS
Endurance/Survivability
LRD
SMD, 95%
HRD/LRD
Performance vs. Specification
ComplyComply
Exceed 10 years lifeExceed 10 years life
95%@90 min 100%@15
28 min
10 min15 min
99.95%
100%99%
94.3%
95%
93%
ComplyComply
36 attributes above, 557 at, 20 below spec
206 attributes above, 799 at, 49 below spec
77%
SMD, 15 min
15 min
21.2 min
87.9%
99.99%
95.6%
Non-EDR System Requirements760 requirements at or above, 10 below spec
TRD Threshold TRD ObjectiveSpec

11. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 11
NPOESS Spacecraft
Spacecraft designed for
earth observation missions
Spacecraft designed for
earth observation missions
•Large nadir platform for maximum payload accommodation in EELV
•Supports AM and PM missions (all LTAN capability)
•Optical bench stability
•Thermally optimized for science payloads
•Highly modular design facilitates rapid launch call-up objective
OverallOverall
•Greater than 7-year life
•Robust propulsion system
accommodates end of life controlled
de-orbit
•Leverages EOS heritage and
experience
Multi-orbit configurable
solar array
Multi-orbit configurable
solar array
•Adjustable cant angle for
multiple nodal crossings
•Array capability: 7.3kW
1330 satellite
shown
Plug and play avionics architecturePlug and play avionics architecture
•Advanced 32-bit architecture
•Accommodates 1553, 1394, and unique
sensor interfaces
•Accommodates CCSDS
•On-board payload data encryption
•Autonomous capability satisfies
NPOESS mission requirements

12. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 12
NPOESS Payload Manifest
Single satellite design with common sensor locations
VIIRSVIIRS
CrISCrIS
ATMSATMS
CMISCMIS
OMPSOMPS
Surv SensorSurv Sensor
SESS/
AURORA
SESS/
AURORA
A-DCSA-DCS
SARR/SARPSARR/SARP
CERES/
ERBS
CERES/
ERBS
APS
(not on
contract)
VIIRSVIIRS
CrISCrIS
ATMSATMS
CMISCMIS
Surv SensorSurv Sensor
ALTALT
A-DCSA-DCS
SARR/SARPSARR/SARP
TSISTSIS
VIIRSVIIRS
CMISCMIS
Surv SensorSurv Sensor
SARR/SARPSARR/SARP
1330 vehicle1730 vehicle2130 vehicle
SESS/
AURORA
SESS/
AURORA
SESS/
AURORA
SESS/
AURORA
OLI
(not on
contract)
NPOESS 1330 Configuration

13. Coincident Advanced Sensors Provide Synergy
Multispectral Imagery
From VIRRS…
…combined with ATMS/CMIS
Microwave EDRs…
…and Altimeter-Derived
Ocean Heat Content…
NPOESS
… Supports Improved Tropical Cyclone Forecast
Accuracy & Reduced Impact on Maritime Resources

15. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 15
Interface Data Processing Segment
(IDPS) & Field Terminal Segment (FTS)
SSSS
LSSLSS C3SC3S
IDPSIDPS
Interface Data Processing Segment
•Ingest pre-processed SMD
•Process RDRs, SDRs, EDRs
•Perform data quality monitoring
•Provide data to Centrals
•Provide data records to LTA
Data
Processing
SoftwareMission Data,
Ancillary Data,
Products
Field Terminal Segment
•Ingest LRD/HRD data streams
•Process RDRs, SDRs, EDRs
•NPOESS-provided software
HRD, LRD
Ancillary
Data
FTSFTS
Key Architecture Features:
•Distributed IDP deployment at centrals
•Symmetric processor architecture
•Granule size optimization
•Load balancing fault management
•Complete ancillary data via HRD link
•DoD 8500 compliant central interface
•Meets interoperability standards (JTA, DII-COE)

16. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 16
IDPS Architecture
Data Delivery
Subsystem
Data
Formatting
Production Scheduling
and Control
Infrastructure Subsystem
Data Management
Subsystem
On-Line
Data Storage
Processing Subsystem
SDR/TDR
Generation
EDR
Generation
Ingest Subsystem
Sensor Data
Ancillary Data
Auxiliary Data
Central
Systems
Long
Term
Archive
Science
Data
Segment
Command,
Control, and
Communications
Segment
Stored
Mission
Data
Raw
Data
Records
Data
Records
Sensor/Temp
Data
Records
Raw
Data
Records
Environmental
Data
Records
Formatted
Data
Products
IDP
Operator
Data Quality Monitoring
Subsystem
GIS Based Visualization
and Analysis Toolkit
Data Quality
Engineer
Formatted
Data Products

17. Source: PolarMax NPOESS System Overview, NGST & Raytheon, 27 Oct 2005 17
FTS Architecture
Field Terminal Segment
External Mission Support
Data Server *
• Ancillary Data
• TLE
• Other support data
* Note: User-defined data source
SPE-DPE
Interface
Streaming APs
• DPE Software (provided by NPOESS)
- ING, PRO, INF, DMS, DDS
Data Processor Element
• DPE Hardware (provided by vendor)
- Processing
- Storage
> Mission Data
> Mission Support Data
> Static Data
FT Operator
Mission Application
Element
• User-defined HDF Product
Display
• Provides user requests for desired
products
FT Operator
or User
FT-MSDS
Interface
(Optional)
DPE-MAE
Interface
Product requests &
HDF files
Satellite Down Link
Field Terminal Data Flow
Optional FT Data Flow
NPOESS Developed
NPOESS Defined
Optional FT Interfaces
FT Interfaces
Satellite - SPE Interface
Legend
Mission and Ancillary Data
(HRD/LRD Downlink)
Satellite-SPE
Interface
Signal Processing Element
• Antenna / RF Processing
• GPS and Timing
• Satellite Scheduler
• CCSDS Processing
- Mission Data
- Mission Support Data
- Satellite Pass Storage
- TLE Extraction
• Decryption
FT Operator
NPOESS / NPP
Satellites

18. © 2005 The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved
NPOESS Products Delivered at Multiple
Levels
A/D Conversion
Detection
Flux
Manipulation
Packetization
Compression
FiltrationAux.
Sensor
Data
CCSDS (mux, code, frame) & Encrypt
Comm
Xmitter
S
E
N
S
O
R
S
O
T
H
E
R
S
U
B
S
Y
S
T
E
M
S
Cal.
Source
Data
Store
ENVIRONMENTAL
SOURCE
COMPONENTS
S
P
A
C
E

S
E
G
M
E
N
T
RDR
Production
EDR
Production
SDR
Production
EDR Level
SDR Level
RDR Level
I
D
P
S
Comm
Receiver
Comm
Processing
Delivered Raw
C
3
S
TDR Level
Source: Goldberg, AGU Fall Meeting 2005

19. © 2005 The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved
Resulting design
Disadvantages
–Inconsistent with heritage
operational formats (GRIB, BUFR)
–Limited tools
Advantages
–Flexible; Extensible;
Allows compression
–Accessed by API, not
format
–Arrays can be
addressed either by
granule or by file
–Potentially self-
documenting
–Handles abstract data
types and large files
–BLOBs (e.g., raw data,
external files) can be
wrapped
File
File Metadata
Arrays
Granule
Granule
Metadata
Arrays
Granule
Granule
Metadata
Arrays
Granule
Granule
Metadata
Source: Goldberg, AGU Fall Meeting 2005

20. Metadata Object Allocation to Product
Documentation
Any xDR Product
File Metadata
File unique metadata
File common metadata
pointers
Granule Metadata
XML Component
File Metadata
Granule Metadata
Granule Details
Data
HDF Component
NPOESS
HANDBOOK
(electronic edition)
reference
copy
copy
Source: Goldberg, HDF Workshop 2003

21. NPOESS e-Handbook Referenced
Components
NPOESS
HANDBOOK
(electronic edition)
Other Descriptions
Ancillary Data
Descriptions
Auxiliary Data
Descriptions
Environmental Model
Descriptions
EDR Processing
Parameters
Algorithm
Description
Sensor Descriptions
T/SDR
Processing
Parameters
Algorithm
Description
Platform Descriptions
RDR Processing
Parameters
Comm Description
Source: Goldberg, HDF Workshop 2003

22. 23Source: Raytheon Supplier Conference, 10 May 2005
IDPS Development Timeline
2Q20061Q20042Q20043Q20044Q20041Q20052Q20053Q20054Q20051Q2006 3Q20064Q2006
1.3 Start
BAR
Prep
2/19/04
Design CUT Qual
1.3
FIRST
CDW
8/25/04
End of
CUT
2/25/05
Qual
RFR
Done
9/1/05
1.3 Last
CDW
12/15/04
SWIC/Seg
Int
End of
SWIC/
Seg Int
Tests
6/13/05
WFM
End of
WFM
CUT
3/22/05
1.4
CUT
1.4
SWIC
1.4
Design
Qual
Done
5/12/06
Integ-
ration
Done
3/17/06
End of
CUT
1/11/06
CDW
9/14/05
BAR
6/22/05
1.4
Qual
FAT
FAT
Done
7/26/06
NESDIS
SAT
Done
9/29/06
AFWA
SAT
Done
11/15/06
N-
SAT
A-
SAT
NPOESS
PDA
4/15/05
NESDIS HW Install 06/20/06 – 08/02/06
AFWA HW Install 07/03/06 – 10/03/06
Time Now

23. •Joint NPOESS/NASA Risk Reduction and Data Continuity
Mission
•VIIRS - Vis/IR Imager Radiometer Suite
•CrIS - Cross-track IR Sounder
•ATMS - Advanced Technology MW Sounder
•OMPS - Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite

•Provides lessons learned
•Ground system risk reduction – uses the NPOESS
ground system
NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)
Source: IPO ADTT NPOESS Program Overview, 13 April 2005

24. NPP Continues Data Time Series
Ozone
Microwave Sounding
Imaging
Spectroradiometer
Thermal Infrared Sounding
201020151975198019851990199520002005
NIMBUS 7 M3 EP
NOAA 7 N9N11N14 N16
NOAA 7 N9 N11 N12 N14 N16
MODIS

TERRA
AQUA
AMSU
AIRS
CrIS
MODIS

OMPS
(Ozone Mapping and
Profiler Suite)
ATMS
(Advanced Technology
Microwave Sounder)
VIIRS
(Visible/Infrared
Imaging Radiometer
Suite)
CrIS
(Cross-track Infrared
Sounder)
NPP
NPP
NPP
NPP
NPOESS
NPOESS
NPOESS
NPOESS
AURA
N15-17, AQUA
AQUA
N17
OMI
Year
M
e
a
s
u
r
e
m
e
n
t

S
y
s
t
e
m
Conventional Operations EOS Technology Jump Research Quality Operations
Source: IPO ADTT NPOESS Program Overview, 13 April 2005

25. Transition of Systematic Measurements
(EOS NPP  NPOESS)
Measurements:
Instruments:
Algorithms:
Processing:
Archive &
Distribution:
Standards:
14/24 EOS Measurements
VIIRS, CrIS, ATMS,
OMPS, CERES
EDRs
IPO funded;
Instrument/SSPR
contractor teams with OAT
oversight
Level 1, selected CDRs
NASA funded (via AO
process)
EDRs CDRs
IDPS (IPO)SDS (NASA)
Mid Term: NOAA
Long Term: NOAA
IPO/NASA/NOAA led
NPOESS Era
14+ EOS Measurements
VIIRS, CrIS, ATMS,
OMPS, ERBS, TSIM,
CMIS, GPSOS, SESS,
Radar Altimeter, DCS,
SARSAT, APS
EDRs
IPO funded;
Instrument/SSPR
contractor teams with OAT
oversight
Level 1, selected CDRs
TBD
EDRs CDRs
IDPS (IPO)TBD
Mid Term: NOAA
Long Term: NOAA
IPO/NOAA led

EOS Era
24/24 EOS Measurements
MODIS , AIRS, AMSU ,
HSB, CERES, TOMS,
OMI, ACRIM, TSIM,
SOLSTICE , HIRDLS,
MLS, AMSR, EOSP,
SeaWiFS, ASTER, ETM+
NASA funded, PI led
teams
EOSDIS / PI Processing
(NASA)
Mid Term: EOSIDS
Long Term: NOAA (TBR)
NASA led
NPP Era
Source: IPO ADTT NPOESS Program Overview, 13 April 2005

26. White House Direction on Landsat

27. OLI/NPOESS Mission Advantages
•Transition of Landsat into a truly operational measurement
•Extension of the Landsat data record past 2020
•Leverage of proposed NPOESS infrastructure
•Benefits derived from combining data from OLI with Visible/Infrared
Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the Aerosol Polarimeter Sensor
(APS):
–Large scale processes of change detected by VIIRS can be more closely
analyzed by OLI
–OLI data can be used to better calibrate VIIRS and validate Environmental
Data Records (EDRs) derived from VIIRS data conversely VIIRS spectral
bands can be used to atmospherically correct OLI data
–Aerosol measurements and corrections can be applied to both sensors
–Terra (MODIS sensor) and Landsat 7 results have already demonstrated
the potential of combining data

28. Operational Land Imaging Plan
•Responsibilities
–NASA -- Procure two OLI sensors, science team
–NOAA -- Integration, operations, data relay
–USGS -- Image planning, data processing, archive and
distribution
•Operations concept
–USGS provides daily target collection plan
–NPOESS
•Builds collection into daily mission plan
•Receives playback data at SafetyNet
TM
sites
•Data returned to US and forwarded to USGS
–USGS
•Processes, archives, distributes data

29. Environmental Satellite Program
Over Budget, Behind Schedule
The U.S. National Polar-orbiting
Operational Environmental Satellite
System (NPOESS) will exceed its $6.9
billion cost estimate by at least 15
percent, and its planners are now
considering cutting instruments and
satellites in addition to long delays.
“[NPOESS] is so badly broken … we could
lose a lot of the climate [components], we could
lose instruments,” NPOESS Preparatory
Project (NPP) project scientist Jim Gleason told
a committee of the National Research Council of
the U.S. National Academies at a 25 October
meeting.
The first NPOESS satellite had been scheduled
to launch in 2009, but the launch date has been
moved tentatively to 2012 and is likely to slip
even further, according to Gleason.
However, NPP has suffered its own setbacks,
with its launch being moved from October 2006
to April 2008 and now possibly to April 2009.
The main problem affecting NPP has been the
difficulty in the engineering and construction of
[VIIRS]... Because of the engineering problems
that still have to be solved, [VIIRS] currently
has no scheduled date for completion, according
to Gleason.
NPOESS chief scientist Stephen A. Mango told the
NRC committee, “other snags ... are going to lead to
significant delays.”
... One cost-cutting option is to … not include
every instrument on every satellite, he said…[O]ne
of the three orbits … could be filled by the [MetOp]
satellites, although this may cause problems with
data continuity, according to Jack Kaye, director of
the research and analysis program at NASA. At the
NRC committee meeting, Kaye called this option “a
giant step backwards.”
Canceling the first NPOESS satellite and using
NPP to fill that slot—while it still serves as the
transition satellite—has also been discussed,
according to Gleason. However, NPP carries only
four of the 10 instruments planned for NPOESS
satellites.
No decisions about any of these options have been
made at this point, and Mango hopes to have a
better understanding about the future of the project
after an NPOESS project planning meeting in
December.
Kaye noted, though, “I think, in the end, we are all
going to be forced to make decisions we don’t want
to make because of the budget issues.”
Excerpts from News article by Sarah Zielinski, Staff
Writer, Eos, Vol. 86, No. 45, 8 November 2005

30. Program Schedule Changes
Milestones As of
Aug
2002
contract
award
As of
Feb
2004
(rebase-
line)
As of
Aug
2005
Net
change
from
contract
award
Minimum
change
from
rebase-
line
Potential
data gap
NPP launch May
2006
Oct
2006
Apr
2008
23-month
delay
18-month
delay
Not
applicable
Final POES launch Mar
2008
Mar
2008
Dec
2007
4-month
advance
Not
applicable
First NPOESS
satellite planned for
launch
Apr
2009
Nov
2009
Sep
2010
17-month
delay
10-month
delay
Not
applicable
First NPOESS
satellite launch if
needed to back up
the final POES
Mar
2008
Feb
2010
Dec
2010
33-month
delay
3-yr data
gap if final
POES fails
on launch
Final DMSP launch Oct
2009
May
2010
Oct
2011
24-month
delay
Not
applicable
Second NPOESS
satellite planned for
launch
Jun
2011
Jun
2011
Dec
2011
6-month
delay
6-month
delay
Not
applicable
Source: GAO-06-249T Source: GAO-06-249T, 16 Nov 2005

31. Program Life Cycle Cost Changes
As of Life cycle cost estimateLife cycle range
July 2002 $6.5 billion 1995-2018
July 2003 $7.0 billion 1995-2018
September 2004 $8.1 billion 1995-2020
November 2005 To be determined To be determined
Source: GAO-06-249T, 16 Nov 2005
“Over the past several years, the NPOESS program has experienced continued
schedule delays, cost increases, and technical challenges. The schedule for
the launch of the first satellite has been delayed by at least 17 months (until
September 2010 at the earliest), and this delay could result in a gap in satellite
coverage of at least 3 years if the last satellite in the prior satellite fails to
launch. Program life cycle cost estimates have grown from $6.5 billion in 2002
to $8.1 billion in 2004 and are still growing. … bringing the life cycle cost
estimate to about $9.7 billion. Technical risks in developing key sensors
continue, and could lead to further cost increases and schedule delays.”