Product Quality Overview

Product Quality determination across all science products on GOES-R series satellites is overseen by a cross-collaborative group as part of the calibration/validation (cal/val) coordination team (CVCT). Instrument cal/val as well as Level-1b (L1b) and Level 2+ (L2+) product validations are essential to GOES-R series mission success. Pre-launch verification determines that an instrument system, subsystem or component is functioning within requirements. Calibration and characterization continue after launch as a means to maintain quality of the GOES-R L1b and L2+ data products. Validation is the process of determining that the deliverable item satisfies its intended use in its intended environment. Most all GOES-R instrument, L1b, and L2+ product validation is fully realized after launch with actual earth observations.

There are many entities involved in calibration and product validation. Overall, the Ground Segment Project (GSP) is responsible for executing L1b and L2+ product science validation. Within the GSP, the Product Readiness and Operations (PRO) team coordinates the CVCT. The CVCT is comprised of groups responsible for validation testing post-launch of the science products, including:

• The Calibration Working Group (CWG)
  • Scientists from Satellite Applications and Research (NOAA/NESDIS/STAR) and the National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI)


• The Algorithm Working Group (AWG)
  • Scientists from Satellite Applications and Research (NOAA/NESDIS/STAR)

Milestones of science product maturity are marked by holding a Peer/Stakeholder Product Validation Review (PS-PVR). This review appraises the status of product quality with respect to Program definitions. The panel chair is the GOES-R Program Scientist. The panel chair declares products have achieved a maturity level and provides guidance on the path forward to the next maturity level through the chair disposition form. Other members of the panel include GOES-R Program, Office of Satellite Products and Operations (OSPO), Geostationary Satellite Operational Requirements Working Group (GORWG), Office of Satellite Ground Services (OSGS), the Calibration Working Group (CWG), and the Algorithm Working Group (AWG).

The GOES-R Program definitions of the three levels of product maturity are:

• Beta: Data are preliminary and non-operational; undergoing testing and initial calibration and validation. Products are made available to users to gain familiarity with data formats and parameters in accordance with the GOES-R Product User Guide (PUG). Beta products have been minimally validated and may still contain significant errors. They are not optimized for operational use.
• Provisional: Data are ready for operations and use in cal/val activities. Performance has been tested and documented over a subset of conditions, locations, and periods. Validation is still ongoing, not all anomalies are known but all known are documented and available to the user community.
• Full: Product is operational. All known anomalies are documented and shared with the user community. Performance has been tested and documented over a wide range of conditions. Users are engaged and feedback is assessed.