McMurdo Ground Station Science Workshop; March 9-11, 2004; Columbus, OH

该研讨会将研究围绕下一代极地轨道卫星数据收集的一般问题，并为美国南极计划提供信息和选择，以最佳地回应这些问题。 麦克默多的气象研究计划和天气预报计划都严重依赖卫星图像和卫星数据进行研究和业务活动。 目前，从现有卫星到地面的数据链路是通过L波段传输系统。 不过，最早将于2006年发射第一批在X波段传输数据的业务卫星，预计到2010年，所有L波段卫星传输系统将逐步淘汰。 下一代卫星群将携带新的传感器和仪器，它们将产生比现有卫星群高得多的数据流量，并将能够为比现有卫星群更大的科学界服务。讲习班将审议卫星群和数据传输系统即将发生的变化，讨论X波段系统传输数据的更多应用，并就可用的备选方案提出建议，重点是科学上最有价值和最具成本效益的应对措施，包括评估在麦克默多地面站（MGS）捕获的数据和图像流-一个10米长的天线，配有相关的硬件和软件系统，其主要目的是获取反卫星合成孔径雷达数据。 讲习班引起的讨论将产生广泛的影响。 将寻求气象学、海洋学、冰川学、生物学和作业等领域的跨学科参与。 研讨会的目标是了解在不久的将来即将发生的变化，探讨其影响，并提出适应即将到来的变化的选择，以造福美国南极计划。 讲习班的成果将是一份书面报告-下一代卫星群和麦克默多地面站的未来-该报告将讨论地面设施的使用、应用、操作和自动化，以使研究和操作界受益。 该报告将以硬拷贝和网上版本广泛传播。

This workshop will examine general questions surrounding the collection of data from the next generation of polar orbiting satellites, and to provide information and options to the U.S. Antarctic Program for an optimum response to these questions. Both the meteorology research program, and the synoptic weather forecasting program at McMurdo rely heavily on satellite imagery and satellite-based data for research and operational activities. Currently the data link from the existing satellites to the surface is through an L-band transmission system. As soon as 2006 however the first operational satellites that transmit data in the X-band will be launched, and by 2010 it is expected that all L-band satellite transmission systems will have been phased out. The next generation satellite fleet will carry new sensors and instruments that will produce a significantly higher data flow rate than the present one, and will be able to serve a greater scientific community than the current satellite array does.The workshop will consider the forthcoming changes in the satellite fleet and in the data transmission systems, discuss the increased applications for data transmitted in the X-band system, and make recommendations on available options, focusing on the scientifically most rewarding and cost-effective responses, including an assessment of the data and imagery stream captured at the McMurdo ground station (MGS) - a ten-meter antenna with associated hardware and software systems whose primary purpose has been to acquire antarctic synthetic aperture radar data. The discussions engendered by the workshop will have broad implications. Interdisciplinary participation will be sought from the fields of meteorology, oceanography, glaciology, biology and operations. The workshop goal is to understand the changes coming in the near future, explore the implications for, and present options for adapting the upcoming changes for the benefit of the U.S. Antarctic Program. The outcome of the workshop will be a written report - The Future of the Next Generation Satellite Fleet and the McMurdo Ground Station - which will address uses, applications, operation and automation of the ground facility for the benefit of the research and operational community. The report will be broadly disseminated both in hardcopy and on-line versions.