Please rewrite this according to the new proposal etc.
Mitigating Gaps in weather Satellite Data
Abstract
The paper evaluates the problem likely to face the United States meteorological department due to the predicted gap in weather satellite data relay in a period that could begin as early as next year, and might extend for over a year. During this time, the country would not be able to get reliable weather reports, early warnings about adverse weather conditions and effective data to rely on for the aviation industry and agriculture. The United States relies on two types of satellites to collect data on weather patterns, cloud cover, humidity, the environment, and ocean conditions. These two weather satellites are the polar orbiting and the geostationary satellites operated by the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Agency (NOAA). The only polar satellite operated by NOAA is nearing its expiry period in 2016, and the replacement will not be operational until 2017. There exists a period when the country will experience a gap in satellite data.
NOAA has come up an initiative to encourage citizens to participate in providing solutions to this problem. The agency came up with a 144-item list of possible measures to mitigate the gap. Some of the items were evaluated in this article.
The research settled on three items that are viable as the solution to this problem: buying data from China, developing a gap-filling satellite, and buying data from local small scale satellite owners right here in the country. The option of using data from China was the least favorable and should only be used should the other two options fail. The recommendations call for immediate action in implementing these contingency measures.
Introduction
Background
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA3
Information
According to NOAA (2013), the United States relies on two complementary satellites to collect data concerning the weather patterns, the oceans, and other conditions from space. They are the polar-orbiting satellites and the geostationary satellites. The orbiting satellite moves around collecting data while the geostationary satellite is at a strategic place in space and maintains a constant gaze over the country. Both the satellites relay this data back to the ground stations where it is evaluated, analyzed and reports compiled (Norris, 2010). The data is then used to determine or predict the weather, study the ocean, climate, and the environment. The afternoon data from NOAA’s polar-orbiting satellites is usually pooled together with that from the morning Air Force’s Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, and mid morning European satellites to create a complete picture of the weather, environment, and ocean conditions.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a risk of a gap in the weather satellite data in the afternoon orbit, from the time the current satellite reaches the end of its lifespan, to the period when the next satellite will be in orbit. The gap could be substantial, spanning a period of up to 53 months or four years, depending on the lifespan of the current satellite. This could happen as soon as 2014 if no action is taken. There is also a risk that the launch of the next satellite might be delayed due to schedule and operational problems. The two remaining satellites have been stored for nearly ten years and would face challenges due to the long storage period. Civilian and military satellite experts concur that this delay could be
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA4
catastrophic to the weather forecasting.
If this scenario were to happen, a gap in the satellite data collected in space would happen. The gap would make it impossible to collect timely and accurate data that can inform necessary interventions in cases such as the occurrence of typhoons, hurricanes, and floods. The possible gap in geostationary satellite imagery has forced NOAA to seek measures to mitigate any gaps in weather satellite data by exploring different possibilities. The absence in a forewarning would place the lives, health, and property of the citizens in danger. Based on these findings of NOAA, GAO has placed the occurrence of such a gap under the high-risk list of 3013.
The development of complete integrated master schedule for the JPSS-1 is integral in the formulation of a response to the possible delay. The pace of this development has partly contributed to the delay of its launch. The program should provide a framework of a logically linked sequence of activities the paper evaluates the possible course of action that NOAA should adopt to help mitigate the said gaps.
Research Question
GAO has termed the contingency measures by NOAA to mitigate this problem as ineffective. This is because the pressing issues with information system of the new JPSS-1 has not been tested and installed (Powner, 2010). United States of America cannot afford to go even a single day without timely forecasts of weather. As much as NOAA has sought to establish mechanisms of dealing with this problem, they have failed to provide clear guidelines on the conditions that would trigger their varied list of contingency plans. There is no consensus on the experts’ choice of using Chinese satellite
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA5
due to political and security reasons. The establishment of the contingency plan is something that has to be done early enough before the expected period of failure. Is the government, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency doing enough to prepare for this gap in weather satellite? Is the government prepared for such an eventuality? Are there possible alternatives that are available to the country and what implications are there to be borne? Finally, the paper evaluates if it is possible to avoid the occurrence of such a scenario in the future.
Aims and objectives
To evaluate the possible mitigating measures proposed by NOAA to curb the imminent gap in weather satellite data.
To select the best possible set of alternatives to be implemented as a contingency plan
To recommend the modalities of implementing this alternative chosen
Statement of purpose
Based on the failure of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to prepare effective mitigating plans to curb the possible gap in the weather satellite data, the country could be faced with a period when it does not have access to satellite data at particular periods of the day for a period spanning to 53 months. The result would be unreliable weather reports that would be determined by means that are not accurate. In response to one of Powner’s GAO reports, NOAA created website citizens have been requested to provide mitigation strategies for consideration. This research will also be submitted as a strategy that they can adopt.
The consequences of such a gap are astronomical. It is necessary that scholars undertake research to help the agency obtain relevant material to undertake the choice of the contingency plan to cover the gap
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA6
in data. I am interested in providing support information to this cause because I have witnessed the positive impacts timely data can have on ordinary citizens. I have a friend who works with UNICEF to respond to disasters in Latin America, some of them being weather catastrophes such as storms and typhoons. The country boasts of an early warning and evacuation framework that other countries do not enjoy. It is important that we protect it from jeopardy and loss of consistency. The research evaluates the possibility of narrowing down the options available to the country and settling on two or three contingency measures to be undertaken in case such a scenario occurs. It also predicts the results of the delay of the launch of the new satellite and activities that would trigger the different contingency plans. Finally, the research recommends the course of action to be undertaken by NOAA to ensure no future occurrences of such scenarios.
Methodology
It is essential to embrace caution while choosing the methods to use in a study because it increases credibility and validity (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011)). Research methodology section forms the basis of developing a research. Hence, it the methods must be chosen carefully. The methods in this study have been chosen to enhance the researcher’s ability to collect all the relevant information from the stakeholders and the parties affected. Furthermore, these methods will ensure that the researcher can gain insight into the operations of the satellites and telemetry in order to provide valuable arguments for the paper.
Research Methods and design
This study will adopt a qualitative design because it aims at gathering perceptions and opinions. Denzin and Lincoln (2011) suggested
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA7
that qualitative research design builds the understanding of the reader progressively in the course of the analysis. The reason behind the choice of this design is to ensure that the researcher can capture all the relevant data regarding opinion of scholars and reports of government agencies and stakeholders in the field of satellite weather data acquisition and usage. The opinion of government agencies and political leadership formed the basis of the argument postulated in this paper.
Data Collection
Data will be collected from secondary sources. Secondary data will be from books, journals, magazines, dissertations, theses, and articles. Two sources of secondary data will be used: physical libraries and online libraries. The university’s library, public satellite records from DoD, NOAA and GAO will be the main sources of data. From the university’s and public library theses, books, and articles on satellite performance, commissioning and operations will be collected. Information from the GAO and NOAA public reports such as the action plans to mitigate the gap in satellite data will be used to determine the status of the situation. On the other hand, primary data will be collected from willing participants. The general research process is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.
Instruments
Two sources of secondary data will be used: physical libraries and online libraries. The NOAA public documents such as the history of the satellites, the operational schedule, and lifespan will be from their website this will form the basis of the primary data that will be used in this research. Critical articles from peer-reviewed articles in respected journals and magazines will form the basis for the consideration of available alternatives outside those provided by NOAA. The
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA8
source of primary data will be an interview with a government agency official who is conversant with the looming gap and forms part of the team seeking solutions to the problem.
Validity And Reliability
Validity has been described as the aspect of research that the scope, measurement, and objectives correspond with the topic of research (Desai, 2006). On the other hand, reliability is the aspect of the paper that adds credibility to the paper. Often, validity and reliability are enhanced by taking measures to ensure that the research does not stray from its objectives or yield redundant data. In this study, validity will be attained by basing on the reports given by NOAA concerning the situation before giving supporting or contrary opinion. On the other hand, reliability will be improved by using relevant literature such as peer-reviewed journals, books, and articles from respectable authors to compile and provide arguments for the paper.
Results
An Artist Impression of the New JPSS-1 Satellite, Source: NASA
The new satellite faces both operational and technological challenges in its launch. Apart from failing to meet the user requirements specified in the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program, the system lags behind in the delivery of key components required for its launch. The next satellite to be launched called JPSS-1 has experienced technical, and technological hiccups that need to be addressed before the system can be operational. The new system does not track whether users are using its products, or if the products are relevant to the users.
The rush to meet the deadline has resulted in different programs being implemented simultaneously. An example is the block system upgrades, termed as block 1.5 and 2.0 that were
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA9
scheduled to be delivered in January and December 2015 respectively. NOAA has rescheduled the delivery of block 1.5 to coincide with that of 2.0.
The program risks associated with such a merger could result in the compressing of various activities that need to be implemented over a long duration of time into a short period. This could result in mistakes and challenges that could further jeopardize the launch of JPSS-1.
NOAA has come up with multiple ways to curb the gaps in weather satellite data. To begin NOAA contracted a technical assessment team to come up with an action plan that would help them come up with additional alternatives to the problem. The key alternatives available to NOAA are listed below:
1. Utilizing data satellites as data sources and improving data assimilation in models.
2. DOD’s DMSP satellite, or NOAA and NASA satellites to provide data
3. Rely on European satellites to continue providing data for the early and mid-morning session.
4. Rely on other sources of data, including radio occultation data
5. Rely on foreign non-ally countries such as China (Feng Yun-3 satellite) or Russia.
6. Use atmospheric motion vectors (observed wind data)
7. Use non-satellite sources such as aircraft observations.
8. Utilize future geostationary advanced imagery data.
9. Improve data assimilation of cloud impacted radiances
10. Implement blends of global models such as the Canadian and European models.
11. Sustain the use of high latitude direct readout imagery.
12. Use commercial solutions
Some of these alternatives are viable while others are not. The problem being addressed is, however, similar, that of an imminent gap in the country’s weather satellite data. It is clear that the country cannot lie and wait for this to happen but have to prepare
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA10
a plan to respond to the situation early enough before it occurs.
The challenges encountered in these alternative mitigation measures include:
NOAA is required to conduct data denial experiments eliminating afternoon polar orbiting sounder data from forecast models. In this way, the models can be used with efficient results. The other technical challenge lies in the calculation, obtaining, and distribution of the end of life data for all sound and imagery satellite assets to ensure they will be operational during the gap.
The other challenge that has faced the adoption of two of the best alternative solutions to the problem is the program to run the JPSS-1 system. The acquisition of the software has dragged on for too long, and NOAA will have to design an integrated information system to handle the new methods used to collect satellite imagery.
Monitor and report on the health of the existing polar satellites. Any business should also prepare a mitigation plan to prepare for any failures of the original plan. The plan should define failure scenarios and impacts, formulate contingency plans and prepare to implement the contingency plan.
Satellite activities are tied to national security. Any action has to be approved by the Security Council if the case requires the transfer of functions to foreign satellites. This limits the decisional autonomy that NOAA enjoys in its activities. The proposed solutions should not jeopardize national security.
The list of the possible mitigating measures ran into a 144-item list that NOAA wanted narrowed down to five items, and then two alternatives selected to support the European and DOD satellites that provide morning and mid morning data
According to the findings of NOAA NESDIS Independent Review Team (IRT),
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA11
the partnership between NOAA and DoD is dysfunctional. There exists administrative and logistics challenges occasioned by the varied priority of goals. The satellite program is dysfunctional and does not concentrate on value addition (IRT, 2013).
A graphical representation of the potential gap in information gathering from polar satellites from the period when S-NPP goes out of orbit to the expected time when JPSS-1 goes to orbit. The period could be made longer or shorter based on the resilience of the current satellite. Image retrieved from the IRT report (2013).
Discussion
The origin of the problem
When president Bill Clinton came to power, signed a raft of directives to trim budgets and reduce government spending. The Soviet Union had collapsed, and with that the end of the cold war. The government wanted to cut back on costs channeled to the military, surveillance, spying and as a show of might. Unfortunately, with it came the cut down on satellite spending. Clinton ordered the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), NASA, and the Air Force to merge their satellite systems with those of the department of defense. The departments were placed under financial caps and requested to provide mechanisms of cutting back on their budgetary allocations. The joint taskforce of the various government agencies resulted in the creation of the National Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellite System, or NPOESS.
The joint venture ran into challenges almost immediately. The operation was “was flawed from day one,” according to Tom Young who is the former director of Goddard Space Flight Center operated by NASA and the chair of an independent review of NPOESS (De Chant, 2013). The result was the occasioned delays in the launch of
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA12
the major satellite operations. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in their annual report, expressed frustration on the slow progress of activities concerning major satellite launch schedules (Powner, 2010).
The delays
Most of the delays can be attributed to the contracting process and the logistical challenge associated with such technical parts. Satellites have suffered delays in their launch schedules ever since. Most of the technical delays are attributed to the delay in the development of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite, the satellite’s most important sensor. This is a complex piece of equipment that takes years to make. It is currently being built by the Santa Barbara Research Center, a subcontractor far removed from the top. In essence, the contractor could not participate in the decision-making and scheduling of programs. Accountability and efficiency are reduced.
To make matters worse, The JPSS program manager was at that time an air force officer with no working experience on satellite projects. According to a letter report commissioned by NOAA and confirmed by NASA, this made matters of priority and decision making to be misplaced resulting in delays. The program also had a delayed start date due to the FY10 and FY11 budget constraints provided in the policy document that was formulated by the Clinton administration. Consequently, the JPSS program slipped behind the planned commissioning dates of different stages of the project.
Each delay on a single component sent the project back to the drawing board as the system of sensors caused a domino effect. Sensors are needed to be integrated into different components to form one coherent system. A single missing piece could send the entire project back several steps . Other sensors experienced
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA13
problems and were eventually cut out from the manifest.
The marriage between NASA, NOAA, and the Air Force was a marriage of expertise but not of priority (De Chant, 2013). It is hard to establish an institution that serves civilian and military requirements at the same time. An example is the priority of weather data and its relevance. While the Air Force is interested mainly in the early morning weather forecasts as this is the time wars begin, the civilians are more interested in the afternoon data. The Air Force is also not interested in some aspects of the weather forecast such as the temperature while this is very important in civilian weather forecasts.
This uncomfortable union was brought to an end in 2010, when the air force was mooted from the union and required to develop their own system. The restructuring saw the name of the program change from NPOESS to JPSS, with the first satellite, the Suomi NPP being launched in October 2011. It was designed to operate for three years only, yet the satellite that was meant to replace it; the JPSS-1 is not expected to be ready until 2017. The Suomi NPP was designed to operate until next year, and can only carry on until 2016 if it outlives its lifespan.
Possible alternatives presented
The Chinese Solution (Rely On the Chinese Feng Yun-3 Satellite)
Arguments for this option
This was one of the economical choices presented in a report presented by Riverside Technologies and Integrity Solutions in their “JPSS Gap Mitigation Analysis of Alternatives” report. These two firms were contracted to conduct a study on the best possible alternative in the mitigation choices. One of the reasons
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA14
that make this choice the best alternative is that the Feng Yun-3 satellite resides in nearly the same orbit as that intended for the JPSS-1 and would in effect provide the same data to those to be relayed by JPSS-1. China also plans to launch their next generation polar-orbiting satellites in 2014, three years ahead of the U.S. new polar-orbiting satellite launch. The capabilities of these Chinese satellites are comparable to those of the yet to be launched U.S. satellite. The technology required to interpret this information is readily available, thereby making its implementation a cheaper alternative (Konkel, 2013).
It is important to note that the European centre for medium range weather forecasts already receives weather updates from the Chinese FY-3A and -3B satellites. This was after developing algorithms assimilate this data into research models
Arguments against
The biggest challenge in the adoption of the recommendations of this report lies in the political framework. This was an item that NOAA realized and stated that such a choice would be made by other government agencies and the political leadership (Konkel, 2013). At a House committee hearing on the weather and satellite program that happened on September 19, lawmakers from both sides of the political divide sharply criticized NOAA for even imagining the possibility of buying data from China in light of the recent cyber security (Freedman, 2013). In 2007, China destroyed one of its polar satellites in a military show of might
The relationship between China and the United States has not been a rosy one, and the political implications of depending on china for weather forecasts cast a dependence tag on the country (Freedman, 2013). It remains the best
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA15
alternative technically.
The other challenge lays in convincing the political leadership that such an action will not be threatening national security. The Chinese have moved their spying activities from separate satellite and synchronized them with the weather satellites data acquisition. What would the requisition of an air force weather report of cities of china imply to the provider of the same data? Considering that weather reports have been used to improve the accuracy of air raids and air force activities implies that the country will feel threatened to obtain such information from a non ally such as China..
The local solution
The combination of local DOD owned-and-operated replacement systems and the re-evaluation of the manner satellites are used could help overcome this problem. Since 1960s, the government has operated two separate polar satellite programs; the Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) operated by NOAA and the DoD’s Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). The POES program is meant to collect data to be interpreted for civilian and aerospace usage while DMSP has often been reserved for military requirements.
The first step could be the moving of all non-weather satellite functions from the NOAA and reassigning to other departments such as the air force as suggested in the report by the G.P.O. report (2010). The next step is reassigning functions of collecting data back to the DoD for the period that NOAA will not have an operational polar satellite. Resources must be focused at this driving priority even at the expense of other activities. This would help focus the available polar satellites serving as military and surveillance satellites being utilized purely as weather satellites. Apart from freeing up of satellites for weather
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA16
observation, NOAA can also hasten the launch of the JPSS-1 satellite to reduce the gap (Powner, 2010). The satellite schedule can be shortened by requesting for additional funds to contract different companies to develop different components simultaneously.
The other local solution could be the construction of a gap-feeling satellite such as the S-NPP satellite that was meant to operate for three years. This gap-feeling satellite will act as a band-aid and ensure that crucial weather data is kept flowing. The IRT (2013) recommends that NOAA should equip this satellite by procuring atmospheric sounding instruments from contractors, which are considered critical to weather forecasting, and mount two of these on the new gap-filling satellite.
The “gap-filler” satellite would be smaller and far less costly compared to the other satellite that is yet to be launched. It could be placed in Low Earth Orbit and operate for a period of up to 3 years or fewer if the project begins immediately. The IRT report further says that such a gap feeling satellite will place the country “two failures away” from a polar satellite gap. Subsequently, NOAA shoud ensure that atmospheric sounding sensors are purchased and developement work started immediately, to be made ready for installation on this gap-filling and future satellites, such as JPSS-2(Powner, 2010).
Arguments for This Option
This is the most favored alternative among the political class. After all, we are the United States and we design solutions to our problems. The approach will require the hastening of a solution already designed without requiring the design of new software and support infrastructure. The local solution would also expand the countries’ satellite capabilities in the wake of competition with China.
This
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA17
option is also safe and can be used for multiple purposes. The military relies on weather satellite data to plan and launch military activities. The raid in Osama’s compound had to be pushed forward due to an unfavorable weather condition. This information was obtained from satellite data. It would present a challenge in keeping such actions as secret if information is requested from a foreign source.
The Arguments Against
This rush in the launch of JPSS-1 could jeopardize the mission. The system will be hastily completed to meet the deadline. In such a high profile satellite launch, failure could be catastrophic. The satellite could also fail during the launch or in space. Considering that JPSS-2 is not expected until 2013, failure cannot be an option here.
It is also argued that the JPSS-1 program has been excessively expensive for a normal weather satellite. The launch of the jpss-1 require nearly $13 billion as compared to the $200 dollars used to launch the first weather satellite back in 1970 (G.P.O, 2010). These astronomical costs have to be justified before additional funding is requested. A gap-filler satellite would require new appropriations from Congress, where lawmakers would not be happy with the slow progress recorded so far. The lawmakers have been calling for more restraint and would be unwilling to sanction such a move, considering that JPSS-1 was expected to launch sometime back.
Partnership with private companies
A partnership with private satellite companies and individuals on their planned launch of small satellites to space for scientific and weather observations can also give NOAA the opportunity to mitigate the gap. The partnership or purchase of data should be prepared early enough so that the
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA18
relevant infrastructure can be put in place. This could be done by signing an agreement with commercial enterprises to deal with the upcoming gap that could happen as soon as 2014. The commercial satellite providers are developing fleets of small satellite and preparing to launch them into space. These satellites could be used for weather forecasting and scientific research. They provide a safer approach, are based locally in the United States, and would reduce the bureaucracy of dealing with a foreign government.
Considering that the option of collaborating with China would be met by such stiff resistance (Freedman, 2013), it is imperative that NOAA works on their second best alternative that of building local solutions such as developing a stopgap satellite to mitigate the effect of the absence of data due to satellite information gap
The possible local solutions to this problem were highlighted in the list of items to be considered. One of the approaches that NOAA has sought to use local solutions was by through the consideration of the purchase of data from private satellite owners of the United States. In the meantime, NOAA should consider approaching congress for urgent approval of additional funding to build a gap-filler satellite in the mean time. The troubles that JPSS-1 have faced compounds their situation though. However, the lawmakers have to understand that the country could be faced by a crisis if they do not act I time.
Conclusion
The possibility of a gap in the gap in weather forecasting data is an issue that affects the safety and health of the country. The cause of the gap in the weather data has been shown to result from the scenario
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA19
that could have been avoided. It is true that such an eventuality is imminent, and it is only appropriate that a solution to mitigate the impact be prepared. NOAA has failed in their mandate to deliver a new satellite in time because of an overly tactical execution of issues while major issues such as funding and synchronization of solutions are not being explored. The mission and scope of the JPSS NOAA are too critical that it cannot be left to face compromises resulting from data gaps. The operations of NOAA are too broad and distract their attention from weather forecasting. A scenario of the agency failing to prepare a contingency plan well in advance to tackle the impending gap.
The suggested contingency measures have been shown to be effective to fill up the gap. The challenges of adopting each plan have been discussed, and alternatives to overcome these challenges suggested. It is therefore important that the government move with speed to implement the recommendations of this study to help develop a contingency plan.
Recommendations
• The government should move with speed and pass relevant congress resolutions that would require NOAA to develop a stop-gap satellite to act as an alternative to the existing one, when it finally fails.
This would act as a temporary solution as the government explores other available options. In case congress does not approve this in time, the net available alternative should be considered.
• The government should review its financing policy to NOAA and consider possible expansion of the budgetary allocation to improve the quality of research data.
With the end of the cold war, the country began cutting down on expensive ventures that were inessential
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA20
in improving the quality of the American citizen. This resulted in the cutting back of expenditure in government satellite agencies such as NASA and NOAA. The problem of this cutback is that essential programs that are directly beneficial to citizens have also been affected, as demonstrated by the imminent gap in satellite data for daily weather patterns.
• The country should turn to China as the first option incase the local and Canadian solutions fail to arrive in time.
The U.S. and Cuba have exchanged weather information for a long time. This information exchange has happened in the areas of hurricane forecasting and unprecedented floods. This is proof that at some point in political debate, logic prevails for the sake of health and safety. If European countries that share the same political interests with the United States have been using Chinese satellites for some time now, then the United States should accept the gravity of the situation and request the Chinese for help.
• DoD, NOAA, and NASA should develop a work plan to iron out the manner in which information sharing with China will be done in a manner that does not compromise national security.
The concern of using satellite data from China is the concern that this agreement would compromise national security (OPS Admin, 2013). That the Chinese are likely to provide wrongful data to the country is a baseless argument. It is important to note that even though China and the united states do not share the same political stance on matters of international interest, there exists mutual business and economic co-operation between the two countries. It is also important to note that China is the
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA21
biggest individual lender to the federal government of the United States. On matters of technology and information interchange, the United States has even collaborated with Russia, its cold war foe, in matters of space exploration and satellite data exchange. In reality, the U.S. might already be on the path to using Chinese weather data. Alaska Region office of the National Weather Service is “receiving Chinese and Russian data and should continue to do so,” according to the Riverside’s program manager for the study, George Smith. The data comes through the University of Alaska’s Geographic Information Network.
• The country should request for additional funding and speed up the launch of JPSS-1.
If possible, the launch should be moved ahead of schedule. NOAA should request congress to pass a resolution that classifies the possible gap in weather satellite data as a high-risk occurrence that threatens the safety and health of the citizens. This resolution should contain mechanisms that would be employed to trigger the appropriate contingency measure.
• The government should evaluate the department of defense ‘polar orbiters to determine whether
DoD’s polar satellites are old and with no replacement available in the near future. However, they remain operational and can be rescheduled to collect data for weather forecasting. The government should set up an inter agency committee to establish the extent that civilian forecaster.
• Research should focus on the possibility of creating viable contingency measures that are not considered in this paper
This paper serves as a start point upon which researchers should build future evaluations of the possibilities available to the country when the polar orbit reaches its lifespan. The options that have been discussed in this paper
MITIGATING GAPS IN WEATHER SATELLITE DATA22
are not the only ones and more researchers are encouraged to consider other options not mentioned here.
References
AIA. (2013). The Urgent Need for Modern Defense Meteorological and Oceanographic Satellite Capabilities. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from aerospace.org/assets/DOD_Weathersat_Capability_Paper.pdf
Chant, T. D. (2013, February 28). Going Blind: The Coming Satellite Crisis. PBS. Retrieved November 15, 2013, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/space/going-blind-the- coming-satellite-crisis/
Denzin, N K and Lincoln, Y S (2011). The SAGE Handbook of qualitative research ( 4th
ed.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Desai, A (2006). Teaching quantitative and analytical methods. Paper presented at the
APPAM Spring Conference: Charting the Next Twenty Years of Public Policy and
Management Education, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Freedman, A. (2013, September 23). NOAA Criticized for Likely Satellite Gap and China Option | Climate Central. NOAA Criticized for Likely Satellite Gap and China Option | Climate Central. Retrieved November 15, 2013, from http://www.climatecentral.org/news/noaa-criticized-for-likely-satellite-gap-and-china-gap-16514
G.P.O. (2010). Continuing independent assessment of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System hearing before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives, One hundred Elevent. Washington: U.S. G.P.O..
IRT. (2013, July 20). NOAA NESDIS IRT Report. sciencehouse.gov. Retrieved November 15, 2013, from ` RT_Final_Report.pdf
Konkel, F. (2013, September 5). Today’s weather forecast, brought to you by China? — FCW. Today’s weather forecast, brought to you by China? — FCW. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://fcw.com/Articles/2013/09/05/NOAA-satellite-gap-China-solution.aspx?
Norris, P. (2010). Watching earth from space how surveillance helps us — and harms us. New York: Springer.
OPS Admin, (2013, November 15). “Panel Warns of Catastrophic Gap in Weather Satellite Data”. One Penny Sheet RSS. Retrieved November 15, 2013, from http://www.onepennysheet.com/2013/11/panel-warns-of-catastrophic-gap-in-weather-satellite-data/
Powner, D. A. (2010). Polar Orbiting environmental satellites; Agencies must act quickly to address risks that jeopardize weather and climate
data. Washington: GAO.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]
