1 Earth Science Technology Office The Earth Science (ES) Vision: An intelligent Web of Sensors IGARSS 2002 Paper 02_06_08:20 Eduardo Torres-Martinez – ES Technology Office Gran Paules – NASA HQ ES Enterprise Mark Schoeberl – Goddard Space Fight Center Michael W. Kalb – Global Science and Technology Inc. EARTH SCIENCE ENTERPRISE

2 Earth Science Technology Office Sensorwebs for Earth Science A sensorweb is a virtual organization of multiple sensors combined into an intelligent ‘macro instrument’ such that information collected by any one sensor can be used by other sensors in the web, as necessary to accomplish a coordinated observing task. Real-time Collaborative Behaviors Sensor Platforms On-board Processing “Network” Communications Common Interface Languages

3 Earth Science Technology Office Sensorwebs are the Observing Component of an End-to-end Architecture Surface Airborne Near- Space LEO/MEO Commercial Satellites and Manned Spacecraft Far- Space Ln/Geo/HEO TDRSS & Commercial Satellites Temporary Permanent Forecasts & Predictions Aircraft/UAVs Balloons Sondes User Community

4 Earth Science Technology Office ES Development of the Sensorweb Concept Precursor applications: Landsat-7 and EO-1 are formation-flying platforms that perform coordinated research and applications observations. The Aqua (05/02), Aura (01/04), Parasol (04/04), Cloudsat (04/04), and Calipso (04/04) platforms will become a formation- flying “train” that performs correlative research measurements.

5 Earth Science Technology Office Far-term Sensorweb Applications ES Vision concepts include sensorwebs as enabling elements for systems that: Automatically implement optimized observation strategies for weather and climate predictive systems such that the useful range of forecasts would be extended. Automatically optimize the allocation of diverse assets for observations needed to predict; detect; and monitor the development certain natural hazards such that we can better mitigate the effects of such hazards.

6 Earth Science Technology Office By introducing a feedback path between a forecast model and a sensorweb-based observing system, future observations could be tailored to the specific data acquisition needs identified by the forecast model. This approach applies the flexibility of the sensorweb to enable observing strategies that produce special data sets when and where it makes sense to have the highest impact on the forecast model run. Advanced Weather Predictive System Improved Forecasts Tailored Observations Optimumized Model Runs

7 Earth Science Technology Office Weather Predictive System ‘Control Loop’ Meteorological Context Operational Directives Focused Observations Processed Information Event Guidance M/DA System Data Analysis & Assimilation Numerical Integration Model Performance Assesment SensorWeb Terrestial-based Network Space-based Network

8 Earth Science Technology Office Advanced Hazard Management System Sensorweb-enabled observations linked with predictive models would provide reliable hazard warnings and monitor events to provide real-time data sets needed to drive decision-support systems. This approach applies the flexibility of the sensorweb to enable observing strategies that produce special data sets when and where it makes sense to guide actions—such as evacuations or deployment of relief efforts—that mitigate losses. Improved Hazard Response Reliable Warnings Loss / Damage Forecasts Real-time Monitoring

9 Earth Science Technology Office Hazard Management System ‘Control Loop’ Observation Strategy Operational Directives Focused Observations Processed Information Event Guidance SensorWeb Terrestial-based Network Space-based Network Hazard Mon/Mit System Data Fusion and Analysis Hazard Prediction /Assessment Scenario Development

10 Earth Science Technology Office Technical Challenges of Sensorweb Development Implementation will require research and development of technologies such as: Smart software ‘agents’, data fusion algorithms, and other software capabilities needed for automatic decision-making. Interface languages, operational policies, and protocols that enable transparent communications across systems-of-systems. Scalability that supports incremental addition and retirement of assets while providing commensurate performance. Visualizations that provide human operators with a consistent picture across all layers and components of the architecture.

11 Earth Science Technology Office Programmatic Challenges of Sensorweb Deployment Deployment will require new ways of thinking and doing business for both NASA and the international ES community: Understanding of how to apply the concept for maximum benefit to ES constituents must develop. New business models for mission planning, selection, and procurement must be adopted. Collaboration from partners and commitment to a long-term strategy will be needed to design sensorweb-capabilities across mission sets.

12 Earth Science Technology Office The Earth Science (ES) Vision: An intelligent Web of Sensors IGARSS Paper 02_06_08:20 Eduardo Torres-Martinez – ES Technology Office Gran Paules – NASA HQ ES Enterprise Mark Schoeberl – Goddard Space Fight Center Michael W. Kalb – Global Science and Technology Inc. EARTH SCIENCE ENTERPRISE