NASA's Earth System Observatory: Atmosphere Observing System

The 2017 "Decadal Survey for Earth Science and Applications from Space" recommended that NASA implement five high priority Designated Observables, including Aerosols (A) and Clouds, Convection and Precipitation (CCP). The A and CCP DOs are being implemented as two joint projects within the NASA Earth System Observatory, known collectively as the Atmosphere Observing System (AOS), for which the overarching goal is to provide advanced coincident measurements of aerosols, clouds, precipitation, and in-cloud vertical air motion that will greatly enhance understanding of their interactions and roles in extreme weather and climate. The mission completed its Key Decision Point A review in January 2023 and is now in the concept and technology development phase (Phase A). Key activities during this phase include trade studies for the backscatter lidar and cloud-profiling Doppler radar. In this Town Hall, the AOS team presents the latest information on the mission architecture.