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APPLICATIONS TO FIELDS OTHER THAN METEOROLOGY The close and effective cooperation between NASA and NOAA has been largely responsible for the development during the past several years of an extremely successful environmental satellite system. Nevertheless, the Panel recognizes that this cooperation has resulted in an almost exclusive focus of attention on defining sensors and using satellite data for operational synoptic forecasting. NOAA is in the unique position of being the collector, the disseminator, the archivist, and the principal user of satellite meteorological data. NOAA also defines meteorological requirements for operational satellite systems. This situation has resulted in the efficient use of satellite weather data for fore- cast purposes, but in minimal use of these data by other users for other purposes. Disciplines in which meteorology is an extremely important component (such as environmental quality, agricultural meteorology, hydrology, and oceanography) could benefit from available satellite meteorological data in their research and operational programs. In addition, these data could be used effectively by industry and commerce. Indeed, the potential economic benefit of the use of meteorological data for such purposes may equal or exceed their use for forecast purposes. There is a substantial need for the development of sensors to measure para- meters important to other users; for example, the amount, nature, and intensity of precipitation; soil and snow moisture content; and sea-surface temperatures and winds. None of these data can be obtained with the required accuracy from existing sensors. Scientists and engineers in fields in which meteorological and climatological factors are important should also have greater voice in the formulation of requirements for meteorological data and sensors as well as in the management of operational systems. Some appropriate mechanism must be found to focus needed attention on such requirements without losing the benefits of the present close cooperation between NASA and NOAA. RECOMMENDATION - The Panel recommends that formal mechanisms be established to broaden the utility of the meteorological satellite program. The broadening should provide for participation in program planning by users of meteorological data in such fields as agriculture, transportation, hydrology, and oceanography. The operational meteorological system should also be responsive to the needs of auch disciplines for real-time data.
