As part of the post launch check out plan, the GOES 10 Science test is currently set for March 16-31 1998. The NWS plans to take advantage of these test days to receive 5 minute imagery through several distribution systems. The RAMSDIS server (http://www.cira.colostate.edu/RAMM/Rmsdsol/main.html) and AWIPS/NOAAPORT will carry imagery on the 5 minute update cycle. GOES-TAP will offer 15 minute updated imagery. During this test, there will be little change in the operation of GOES-8 or GOES-9. However, the overall test calls for three full disk images in a row, four times a day.
The goal of the test is to demonstrate improvements to the forecast process. The results of the test will help determine scanning requirements for future geostationary satellites. Also, this test might lead to the justification for a future three satellite operation.
Presentation material for the COMET SATMET Course on radiative transfer and GOES Sounder applications as well as an overview of atmospheric radiation and specifics on the GOES 8/9 Sounders can be found on the COMET Satellite homepage at:
On February 4, the eighth session of the NAOS Council took place at NWS Headquarters in Silver Spring. Attendees from FAA, DOD, WMO and Canada's Atmospheric Environmental Service (AES) discussed Canada's recent experience with downsizing the AES while maintaining and improving their observing networks. A summary and action items will be available shortly on the NAOS home page (http://isl715.nws.noaa.gov/naos).
A new GRIB .5 degree sea ice file is available off the server in the following directory: /dcom/us007003/yymmdd/wggrbul/engice.grb where yymmdd= year, month and day. The file is also available in the /com and /scom directories for the AVN and FNL networks. On Wednesday February 11 1998, the old 2 degree file, /com/fnl/prod/yymmdd/gdas1.T00Z.icegrb will be deleted from operations.
