Current best estimates of performance for NPOESS environmental data records with oceanographic applications

Data records based on remotely sensed, operational measurements of the ocean comprise 10 of the 38 user-validated data requirements levied on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and are drivers of the design and implementation strategy for two of its principal sensors: the Visible-Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the Microwave Imager/Sounder (MIS). The NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) will deliver the VIIRS subset of these NPOESS ocean observations for demonstration and risk reduction after its planned launch in early 2011. This paper focuses on current best estimates of the performance of the system in delivering these ocean products. Test data and associated performance assessments from ongoing NPP VERS environmental testing and design definition activities associated with the MIS sensor provide additional insight into expected performance of the system. This insight translates to performance estimates that continue to meet or exceed comparable heritage operational systems and satisfy key operational threshold requirements for ocean observations.