Systematic Integration of Applications into the Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) Earth Mission Architecture Study. Issue 4 (27th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Christine M.; Glenn, Nancy F.; Stavros, E. Natasha; Luvall, Jeff; Yuen, Karen; Hain, Chris; Schollaert Uz, Stephanie
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 127:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-04-27
• Subjects: mission applications -- SBG -- user needs -- latency -- architecture study -- early adopters; Geobiology -- Periodicals; Biogeochemistry -- Periodicals; Biotic communities -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 577.14
• DOI: 10.1029/2021JG006720
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-8953

Abstract

Abstract: The Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) concept is the first National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth mission to develop and implement systematic integration of science application needs at the architecture study stage. Prior NASA mission concept and planning activities presumed that science measurement needs would encompasss application measurement needs and so did not explicitly evaluate and include applications at this stage. However, the effort presented here identified, documented and integrated application needs that would not have been included by considering research science needs only. First, a low latency of no greater than 24 hr was identified as the optimal target to enable the maximum number of applications and was then carried through into all SBG candidate architectures. Second, many applications expressed needs around improved spatial and temporal resolution. While increased spatial resolution would not be possible under current cost and technology considerations, the need for improved resolution for temporal sampling helped drive and bolster discussions with international partners such as the European Space Agency, Italian Space Agency, and Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales. Lastly, we found that the applications and science were synergistic with one another; for example, mission concept decisions to consider additional measurement features were driven by both high relevance application and science priorities, and in particular, evapotranspiration for agriculture and high temperature features for fires and geologic hazards. This paper discusses the process and key contributions originating from the SBG Applications Working Group and how they shaped SBG at the architecture study stage. This stage in the mission planning considers the trade space of spacecraft instruments and architectures, and evaluates which formulations are suitable candidates for SBG. The approach described here may be utilized as a framework for applications and science to inform future NASA satellite mission studies. Plain Language Summary: This is the first instance of integration from the perspective of science applications into mission design, and at the architecture study phase. Mission architectures have traditionally been underpinned by science needs only. This effort demonstrates that not only does the applications community confer unique technical and measurement needs that are feasible to integrate into architecture considerations, but also that the overall process for defining mission requirements is enhanced through science and applications synergy and cohesion. Furthermore, applications feed into other aspects of the mission design process at early stages, such as bolstering discussions with international partners and reinforcing the benefits and need of harmonized data products and mission coordination. Key Points: The Surface Biology and Geology study has shown that science and applications can be considered synergistically, at the start of the satellite mission life cycle Applications and science integration produced a more representative and tailored set of measurement needs driving mission architecture Applications conferred unique technical needs, particularly around latency, that were carried through the architecture study