The objectives of Climate R3 are to determine the ability of APRSAF countries and institutions to benefit from the data and information that will be provided by selected climate-related satellite missions in coming years; and to raise awareness of the benefits of these missions and their expected in-country applications for APRSAF governments and societies. The emphasis is on applications of space-derived information, and not on satellite systems per se; and identifying future measures to enhance regional capacity to exploit the significant investment being planned worldwide in the coming decade.
A Climate R3 pilot phase is being planned for 2011, under the leadership of the Australian and Japanese EO Working Group Co-Chairs from APRSAF-17. Contributions from other enthusiastic parties are also being welcomed, specifically from countries with a strong interest in the selected domains for study. As a part of the pilot phase, the focus will be on one or two high priority measurement classes, for example precipitation and land cover, and if the pilot proves useful the intention would be expand the measurement classes covered in future.
Regional workshops will take place in the 2011 to showcase results of early studies, and to explore opportunities and obstacles, including the potential for data up-take. This will be followed by a progress report on the pilot phase to be delivered to APRSAF-18, as well as a dedicated workshop held to deliver the main conclusions and recommendations on the way forward for the APRSAF Climate R3 effort.
The study of the climate is one the key challenges for humanity in the coming decades, and it is hoped that ARPSAF's Climate R3 initiative will begin to enable greater regional access to, and utilisation of space-derived data and data products. The initiative also represents a good opportunity for members of the Australian and APRSAF space applications community to demonstrate the benefit of space-based information services for society.
About APRSAF: APRSAF was established in 1993 to enhance space activities in the Asia-Pacific region, and provides a forum for space agencies, governmental bodies, and international organisations, such as the United Nations, as well as companies, universities and research institutes from over 30 regional participants take part in space-related dialogue covering issues of relevance in the Asia-Pacific region.
About GEO and GEOSS: The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is coordinating efforts to build a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).
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