In the scope of the annual CGMS Plenary meeting, there are currently four Working Groups which meet:

Working Group I)  Telecommunications

Introduction

The CGMS Working Group I on Telecommunications was originally set off, together with the Working Group on Meteorological products, as part of the decisions taken in the CGMS-18 plenary meeting in Geneva (CH) in 1989. The rational of the decision was based on the need to provide an adequate forum for the different CGMS experts to focus the discussions on technical topics, as well as allowing the plenary meeting to reduce the increasing number of agenda items to cover during the plenary meetings.

WG I met for the first time during CGMS-19 in Tashkent (UZ) in 1989 and the original WG meeting agenda covered topics as diverse as satellite radio frequency interference issues, World Administrative Radio Conference preparation on topics relevant to CGMS members, Electronic Bulletin Boards, etc. As technology has progressed and telecommunications techniques have evolved, the topics under discussion and therefore the agenda of WG I, also adapted to this continuous evolution. For example at CGMS-34 in Shanghai (CN) in 2006, the agenda focused on key telecommunication topics relevant to all CGMS members as coordination of frequencies, telecommunication techniques, coordination of International Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) or Search and Rescue (S&R) topics.

Objectives

As mentioned in the scope of the decision taken by CGMS-18, WG I was set up to address items requiring detailed discussions by the relevant CGMS telecommunications experts. Working by consensus, WG I makes recommendations and proposes actions which are reported to the plenary session. It is the prerogative of the CGMS plenary to review the WG I report and to endorse, or decide differently, on the actions and recommendations made by the WG I members.

Outcomes and future

During the 16 years of existence of WG I, telecommunications techniques have evolved rapidly. The main focus of WG I has always been to keep CGMS in line with the latest technological solutions that will operationally support the meteorological user community. In doing so, WG I has provided a forum of discussion for the definition and consolidation of the digital transmission formats already in use by the meteorological community (LRIT and HRIT both global and mission specific details). WG I has also provided a discussion forum for the different WMO programmes using the International (or even regional) Data Collection System (IDCS), like Tsunami Early Warning System, Aircraft to Satellite Data Relay (ASDAR) or Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme (ASAP). Similarly, WG I has allowed direct discussions between different CGMS members on the newer generation of Data Collection Platform (DCP) transmitters and receivers. Finally, as another example of the contributions of WG I to CGMS success, it has allowed a coordinated effort in the utilisation and sharing, by the different CGMS members, of the frequency bands allocated to the Meteorological Satellite Service and, where relevant, to the Earth Observation Service.

Considering the future, CGMS WG I on telecommunications is expected to continue its efforts in the areas already identified above, but also to support CGMS in preparing for the future generation of meteorological satellite systems and to contribute on the consolidation of interoperability and standardisation that the evolution of technology imposes.

Working Group II)  Satellite products including satellite derived winds

Working Group II, on 'Satellite Products including Satellite Derived Winds' meets at the annual CGMS meetings usually before the plenary session. The WG II meeting has a membership consisting of delegations from participating CGMS members; in practice there is a high degree of continuity with regard to participating delegations in the meetings of WG II.

WG II is the forum where aspects of technical and scientific nature related to calibration and products from satellites are discussed. The agenda is determined by a) actions and recommendations from previous meetings and the pertinent responses and b) by additional submissions of papers from delegates.

New proposals for actions and recommendations emerging from the discussions at WG II are presented to the subsequent plenary session and, once adopted, are placed as action or recommendation on CGMS members.

WG II in its current format is the result of a merger of two working groups on 'products' and another one on 'satellite winds'.

WG II also serves as important link between the CGMS members and four International Working Groups providing regular reports and feedback to CGMS:

The last three groups were created upon the initiative of CGMS. Each of the four working groups is led by two Co-Chairs and organises regular international meetings between science, operational and user communities.

Exchange and coordination between CGMS and the four Working Groups (i.e. their Co-Chairs) is realised through three rapporteurs that regularly participate in CGMS meetings as members of a delegation to CGMS.

Working Group III)  Contingency planning

Introduction

Discussions on contingency dates back to 1992. Following these initial discussions and at previous CGMS meetings and other fora, a dedicated Working Group at CGMS was established in 2004 to deal with issues related to contingency issues and planning related to:

1. Geostationary (geo) and low Earth orbit (leo) missions
2. New missions (e.g. radio-occultation sounding; ocean surface monitoring; geostationary hyperspectral infrared sounding, …)

It is a concept of “helping your neighbour”.

Objectives

The objective of the working group is to ensure and secure continuity of critical missions of the nominal operational configuration on a global, world-wide basis.

Working by consensus, WG III proposes actions and recommendations which are reported to the plenary session. It is the prerogative of the CGMS plenary to review the WG III report and to endorse, or decide differently, on the actions and recommendations made.

Outcomes and future

Both geo and leo missions have now been well established to provide adequate coverage of most sectors. E.g. EUMETSAT moved Meteosat-3 to support NOAA’s GOES-7 mission; Meteosat-5 to -7 are now covering the Indian Ocean since the failure of Russia’s GOMS-Electro N1; NOAA’s GOES-9 provided back-up support to JMA during a period when problems had occurred with GMS-5.

However contingency planning will also need to take into account missions related to ocean surface measurements such as altimetry, scatterometry and ocean colour. It is planned to hold a dedicated workshop to address the critical missions and corresponding re-launch or contingency measures to be considered for each mission.

Furthermore, the South America and Indian Ocean regions do not yet have secured long-term provision of meteorological missions, which will be treated in future CGMS meetings.

Working Group IV)  Integrated strategy for data dissemination from meteorological satellites

Introduction

The CGMS Working Group IV on integrated strategy for data dissemination from meteorological satellites started in 2001. It provides a means to discuss and inform on satellite data dissemination on current and future missions, data exchange and retransmission via partners if any. Furthermore, standardisation of tools and equipment to enable any user to receive data from any operator.

In recent years the topics addressed in the working group strongly relate to GEONETCast, a low cost global environment information delivery system which transmits satellite and in-situ data, products and services from GEOSS to users. It offers a near global coverage. It currently consists of Asia, Europe, America, i.e. FENGYUNCast – CMA, EUMETCast - EUMETSAT and GEONETCast Americas – NOAA.

Objectives

To ensure long-term and on a worldwide basis:

• continuity of data dissemination by meteorological satellites;
• low cost data and product exchange service for users.

Working by consensus, WG IV proposes actions and recommendations which are reported to the plenary session. It is the prerogative of the CGMS plenary to review the WG IV report and to endorse, or decide differently, on the actions and recommendations made.

Outcomes and future

Creation of a project and working group on Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service (IGDDS).

Implementation of the Digital Video Broadcast by Satellite (DVB-S) South America.

A Task Force on Satellite Data Codes has been created, starting in 2009.