Mission of the Satellite WG

Two of the major objectives of the NDACC are related directly to the satellites measuring atmospheric composition from space:

• to provide independent validation of atmospheric composition missions;
• to provide critical data sets to help fill gaps in satellite observations.

To achieve these goals, and to foster synergies with the NDACC Working Groups dedicated to measurements and analyses, the NDACC has incepted a Satellite Working Group gathering representatives of satellite science and validation teams. This WG also serves as the NDACC point of contact to the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Working Group on Calibration and Validation (WGCV) and Atmospheric Composition Virtual Constellation (AC-VC).

Practically, the NDACC Satellite WG promotes transnational coordination and technical exchange in the following fields:

• formulation of satellite validation needs with a view to future NDACC measurement strategies and instrumental developments;
• advisory support to the development of satellite validation plans and programmes;
• advances in validation methods, tools, metrics and reporting;
• advances in the integrated use of remote sensing data from complementary platforms;
• linkage with coordinating bodies like CEOS WGCV, CEOS AC-VC and WMO Space Programme.