Established: OCR-VC Implementation Plan accepted by CEOS September 2009 CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) developed the concept of virtual, space-based Constellations in support of GEO (Group on Earth Observations) objectives, and as a space component of GEOSS (Global Earth Observation System of Systems). A CEOS Virtual Constellation is a set of space and ground segment capabilities operating together in a coordinated manner, in effect a virtual system that overlaps in coverage in order to meet a combined and common set of Earth Observation requirements. The individual satellites and ground segments can belong to a single or to multiple owners. The Constellation concept builds upon or serves to refocus already existing projects and activities. The Constellations effort provides a unique forum to achieve political visibility and increase mutual benefit among space and other environmental agencies in support of cross-cutting GEO Tasks and Targets. The Ocean Colour Radiometry (OCR) constellation was approved by CEOS after the SIT-24 meeting in Darmstadt, Germany (Sept 2009). The Ocean Colour Radiometry - Virtual Constellation (OCR-VC) will provide long time series of calibrated ocean colour radiance (OCR) at key wavelength bands from measurements obtained from multiple satellites. OCR-VC activities will include calibration, validation, merging of satellite and in situ data, product generation, as well as development and demonstrations of new and improved applications. Examples and prototypes of programs the OCR-VC will require to meet its objectives include the SIMBIOS (NASA), GlobColour (ESA), ChloroGIN (POGO-GEO-GOOS) and SAFARI (CSA/GEO) projects. Co-Chairs: Mark Dowell JRC, European Commission Hiroshi Murakami JAXA, Japan Paula Bontempi NASA, USA Members: Paul DiGiacomo NOAA, USA Peter Regner ESA, Europe Eric Thouvenot CNES, France Hans Bonekamp EUMETSAT Yves Crevier CSA Canada Hu-Hwan Ahn KORDI, Korea Prakash Chauhan ISRO, India Milton Kampel INPE, Brazil Ad hoc members: David Antoine LOV, France Venetia Stuart IOCCG Project Office, Canada Working Groups | Home

OCR-VC Documents     - Presentation, SIT-22 Meeting, Sept. 2008     - Minutes Full Steering Group, April 2009     - Presentation, SIT-24 Meeting, Sept. 2009     - OCR-VC Implementation Plan, Sept. 2009     - OCR-VC White Paper, OceanObs'09     - Timeline for OCR-VC Implementation, Oct.2009