The Chairman invited any comments and suggestions concerning the review of the present GCOS Plan for Space-based Observations. Participants agreed that a thorough review of Version 1.0 was desirable, and should be a priority of the group. After considerable discussion, an outline of the future plan was developed (see Annex VI).
A general comment on the plan was that one should be aware of the limitations in the document since, due to the time constraints under which it was prepared, it was based on limited input from scientists. In a similar fashion, the input from space agencies had not been updated recently, and thus the document was fated to have limited 'shelf life'. Prof. Wingham suggested that in order to convey adequate impact, the panel should define a new category - a “goldstar” category - that would designate data of fundamental importance to climate issues. The maintenance of such data should be a primary goal of GCOS. Relating to a similar concept, Dr Halpern proposed that the plan be developed around principal themes which would find resonance with current research activities. The panel agreed that recommendations arising from important theme-related issues addressing not only climate relevant parameters, but also parameters of socio-economic benefit, could be important and generate more support for the space programmes of the G3OS.
The panel suggested that the validation of the space systems with in situ data should be emphasised in the revised Space Plan. The panel urged the JSTC to build links between in situ data, models, and space systems. Additionally, the panel recommended that the calibration sections in the Space Plan address overall system calibration rather than instrument calibration.
The panel also reviewed the recommendations in the current plan. One major point of concern of the panel is that there is no assured data continuity in the morning-polar orbit and no assured data coverage over the Indian Ocean. The panel agreed that, as stated in the first recommendation of the Space Plan, data continuity from the operational meteorological satellites is still vital.
The panel did agree that it was not the best forum in which to discuss data charging policies, but decided that the present variations among space agencies make utilisation of the space data much more difficult than it need be. Also the policy differences among space agencies are certainly impediments to the establishment of an effective and efficient global observing system. The panel therefore recommended that the steering groups of the G3OS make a strong case to the space agencies on this subject.
