1. Precipitation Virtual Constellation (P-VC)
Committee on Earth Observation Satellites
Precipitation Virtual Constellation (P-VC)
Steven Neeck/NASA and Riko Oki/JAXA, P-VC Co-Chairs
CEOS 2018 SIT Technical Workshop
Session 5, Oceans and Water Cycle,
Agenda Item 5.7
EUMETSAT, Darmstadt, Germany
13 – 14 September 2018

2. Precipitation Virtual Constellation (P-VC)
Background: The CEOS Precipitation Virtual Constellation was established in 2007 with the participation of seven CEOS members as one of the four prototype CEOS Constellations.
Purpose: Its primary role is to establish an international framework to guide, facilitate, and coordinate the continued advancement of multi-satellite global precipitation measurement. Its original purposes included:
Facilitating implementation of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission and encouraging more nations to contribute to the GPM constellation
Sustaining and enhancing an accurate and timely global precipitation data record including a Fundamental Climate Data Record fit for the purpose specified by GCOS for the monitoring of Precipitation as an Essential Climate Variable (ECV).

3. Background Information
Tangible Outcomes (1/2)
P-VC CEOS Work Plan Status
CEOS Work Plan Item
Est. Date
Background Information
Status
VC-17: Support to ECV
precipitation parameters
Q4 2018
Precipitation ECV support: Provide the CEOS Response to GCOS Action A-8; ensure continuity of satellite precipitation products through five deliverables. Deliverables for 2018 are: (2018-1) reprocessing of all TRMM data to GPM standard (Version 8) (Q2), (2018-2) expansion of GPM DPR Ka band swath in routine operations (Q2), (2018-3) operational availability of JPSS-1/NOAA-20 MIRS precipitation products (Q2), (2018-4) completion of AMSR2 FO MDR and (2018-5) initiation of pre-project phase (Q3), launch of MetOp-C (Q4).
2018-1: Reprocessing complete except for combined TRMM products. Completion expected end of October.
2018-2: Complete. Extended DPR scan profile implemented. Public release fo expanded wath Ka-band data will occur following validation.
2018-3: Experimental production demonstrated. Operational production planned in Q4.
2018-4: Complete. Pre-project phase was initiated September 1.
2018-5: MetOp-C in launch campaign scheduled for November 6 launch.

4. Background Information
Tangible Outcomes (2/2)
P-VC CEOS Work Plan Status
CEOS Work Plan Item
Est. Date
Background Information
Status
VC-18: Programs for
improvement of global
precipitation products
Q4 2018
Precipitation products (with respect to algorithm development, outputs, and user requirements) and applications using multi-satellite and multi-agency data through coordination between Precipitation Virtual Constellation (P-VC) partners. Deliverables for 2018 are: (2018-1) ICE-POP: International Collaborative Experiment – PyeongChang Olympics-Paralympics 2018 (Q2), (2018-2) GPM Disease Initiative Workshop (Q2), (2018-3) AMSR-E reprocessing to AMSR2 standard algorithms and formats (Q4), (2018-4) expansion of GSMaP_NOW NRT multisatellite product to Meteosat region (Q4).
2018-1: Complete. Provided forecasting and conducted research of light through heavy snowfall events. Results showed good agreement between forecast, satellite, and ICE-POP observations. Data analysis and algorithm refinement continues.
2018-2: Complete. Held on May 17th with ~85 participants from industry, academia, government and NGOs. Working group meetings and training . Sessions EO data utilization for disease monitoring and modeling. See
2018-3: L1B and L1R data products released to public via the JAXA G-Portal. L2 data products planned for release by November.
2018-4: JAXA continued work to expand the GSMaP NOW NRT region, including securing Meteosat NRT data access.

5. Other Status 2018 ECV Gap Inventory Gap Analysis Report
P-VC is planning a response to recommendation #14. An update will be provided by SIT-34.
NASA P-VC Leadership Transition
NASA is in the process of effecting a change in the P-VC Co- Chairmanship through standard CEOS practices.

6. Plenary Decisions Required
No Plenary decisions are requested.

7. Backup Material

8. 2018 CEOS ECV Inventory Gap Analysis Report Recommendation #14
Recommendation #14: The CEOS Precipitation Virtual Constellation (P-VC) to further study the situation on precipitation climate data records taking into account the findings of WGClimate gap analysis report and to identify a way forward to stimulate the production of an improved precipitation CDR based upon the experiences gained with existing datasets. The P-VC should also consult with the CGMS-IPWG and WMO SCOPE-CM activity for the establishment of international collaboration for the development and production of such a CDR.