The panel noted that the Initial Operational System (IOS) defined by the GCOS JSTC extends to 2005 and that for the space agencies, planning for that period and even beyond is already in progress. It is essential that the requirements of the global observing systems be clearly articulated and understood. This has two aspects. First, the Space Plan must be reviewed and up-dated, partly because of the expanded terms of reference of the panel, but also because requirements can now be better described. This update should then be used as baseline requirements document for the post-2005 planning. Second, careful thought must be given to the process by which the requirements and Space Plan document are updated. The panel agreed that for now, the definition of the process is more important than trying to decide in detail what the requirements might be in 5, 10 or 15 years from now. This was seen as a general problem relevant to nearly all components of the G3OS programmes. The panel proposed that there should be a top-level strategy to systematically review requirements from the science panels through to the cross-cutting panels, on a cycle of a few years.
The panel proposed that instead of specifying individual recommendations, a paradigm should be accepted whereby the end-to-end procedure from observation to product should guide the panel in its evaluation. Recommendations should be allowed to change and evolve with time due to the fact that scientific interest and technical standards change, and new public issues arise. The Chairman agreed that medium-term activities should be embedded in long-term perspectives.
