--Michael King, EOS Senior Project Scientist
All EOS AM-1, PM-1, ACRIM, Data Assimilation, LIS, SAGE III, and SeaWinds science teams developed Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents (ATBDs) that were recently reviewed by peer review panels in November and December 1996, and March 1997. These documents, developed for each data product, consist of a detailed physical and mathematical description of the algorithm, variance or uncertainty estimates, and practical considerations, such as calibration and validation, exception handling, quality assessments, and diagnostics. In addition, seven of these teams have also developed validation plans that describe in considerable detail their pre-launch and post-launch validation activities. Once updates resulting from the written reviews and panel report recommendations are integrated, revised versions of these documents (80 ATBDs and 10 validation plans) will replace the older versions currently residing on the EOS Project Science Office Web site.
This peer review process is extraordinarily valuable to the science teams and engages the larger scientific community, both nationally and internationally, in the process of providing feedback on approaches to routine data reduction from EOS sensors. At present, 12 of the 19 algorithm teams of EOS have gone through at least one of these peer review processes, with the other teams (Jason-1, Chemistry-1, EOSP, and GLAS) to follow at an appropriate point in the future. The Landsat-7 ETM+ does not have any standard data products and hence is unlikely to have any ATBDs developed in the future.
The first biennial review of MTPE is now scheduled to present findings and recommendations to an external review committee chaired by Prof. Pamela Matson on June 2-3, 1997. The purpose of this review is to assess whether the MTPE approach for planning and implementing programs to address its science themes are sound, and to comment on such questions as (i) does MTPE have effective processes for incorporating new scientific and technological advances?, and (ii) how well is MTPE positioning itself to engage in fruitful partnerships with commercial, interagency, and international partners?
In addition, this review will consider (i) implementation strategies and scientific priorities for EOS Chemistry-1, in the broader context of the entire MTPE chemistry program (space-based, in situ, validation, and modeling), (ii) ground system architectures for operation of future MTPE/EOS missions after the early release of software needed to support TRMM and EOS AM-1, (iii) justification and appropriate level of support for the MTPE research and analysis program, and (iv) strategies for defining and implementing post-Chemistry-1 missions, such as just-in-time procurements, international partners, interagency priorities, appropriate technologies, etc.
Finally, I am happy to report that MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), and MISR (Multi-angle Imaging Spectroadiometer) have been delivered to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, for integration on the AM-1 spacecraft. Those instruments join ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection radiometer) and CERES (Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System), bringing the first four of five instruments that will fly on AM-1, scheduled for launch in June 1998.