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Scientific Readiness Levels (SRL) Handbook

Prepared by Mission Science Division (EOP-SM)

Reference EOP-SM/2776
Issue 1
Revision 1
Date of Issue 17/06/2015
Status Issued

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 Table of contents:

1 PURPOSE OF THE DOCUMENT .......................................................................................................3

2 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................3
2.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................................................3
3 SCIENTIFIC READINESS LEVEL DEFINITIONS ............................................................................. 4
3.1 Scientific Readiness Level (SRL) Definitions ....................................................................................................................4
4 SCIENTIFIC READINESS ASSESSMENT (SRA) IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES ......................... 9
4.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................................................9
4.1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................9
4.1.2 The Scientific Readiness Assessment (SRA) Process .......................................................................................9
4.1.3 Independent Review and Validation of SRA Results...................................................................................... 11
4.1.4 Structure of these Guidelines ................................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 SRL 1: Initial Scientific Idea............................................................................................................................................. 12
4.2.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 1 ......................................................................................................... 12
4.3 SRL 2: Consolidation of Scientific Idea ........................................................................................................................... 13
4.3.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 2 ......................................................................................................... 13
4.4 SRL 3: Scientific and Observation Requirements ........................................................................................................... 14
4.4.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 3 ......................................................................................................... 14
4.5 SRL 4: Proof of concept .................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.5.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 4 ......................................................................................................... 15
4.6 SRL 5: End-to-End Performance simulations................................................................................................................. 16
4.6.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 5 ......................................................................................................... 16
4.7 SRL 6: Consolidated Science and Products ..................................................................................................................... 17
4.7.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 6 ......................................................................................................... 17
4.8 SRL 7: Demonstrated Science ..........................................................................................................................................18
4.8.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 7 .........................................................................................................18
4.9 SRL 8: Validated and Matured Science ........................................................................................................................... 19
4.9.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 8......................................................................................................... 19
4.10 SRL 9: Science Impact Quantification............................................................................................................................ 20
4.10.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 9 ........................................................................................................ 20
5 REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 20
6 APPENDIX A ................................................................................................................................. 21

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1 Purpose of the document
This document shall serve as a “Scientific Readiness Level (SRL) Handbook”. Its
purpose is to establish the standard measure of the maturity of evolving science with
respect to a mission concept, satellite mission, or satellite instrument activity (from this
point on referred to as “the mission activity”). This SRL Handbook is intended to provide
definitions of the various SRL levels and of the questions that must be addressed in a
Scientific Readiness Assessment (SRA). In addition, guidance on the required evidence is
provided for the individual SRLs.
The structure of this Handbook and the description of the SRAs follow the
“Technology Readiness Level Handbook” [RD-1].

2 Introduction

2.1 Overview
The ability to make informed, objective decisions concerning the selection of new
mission concepts, implementation decision, and preparatory scientific studies is essential
to respond to growing demands on scientific and technological progress in Earth
Observation (EO) Programmes. Accurate and timely ‘scientific readiness assessments’
(SRAs) are therefore important for the cost-effective and traceable management of
advanced scientific R&D portfolios. Although an approach has been developed to assess the
“Technology Readiness”, no decision support tools exist for the evaluation of the “Scientific
Readiness” through the life cycle of an EO mission, spanning the evolution from pre-Phase
0 to Phase F [RD-2]. A critical step in the process of assessing scientific maturity, however,
is the consistent assessment of the scientific maturity of a mission activity in parallel to its
implementation in, or exploitation of, new mission concepts.

Critical to the success of new mission concepts and/or exploratory scientific

programs is the effective evaluation and continuous assessment of the level of scientific
maturity and associated scientific risk not to achieve the scientific objective. SRLs are
defined here as to provide a common metric by means of which knowledge of scientific
maturity will be communicated among Programme managers, system developers and
scientists, and among individuals from different organisations. The SRLs are not linked to a
specific scientific discipline or Programme. In addition, the use of SRLs support a traceable
maturation of science and provide a foundation for developing and communicating insight
into the scientific risks accompanying the development of an observing system and its
constituent new technologies. It should be noted that SRLs should not be used to judge the
importance or relevance of one particular scientific discipline or its value compared to
another.

Earth Observation missions that address new scientific objectives inevitably face
four major challenges during implementation and operation:

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 1. Developing a theoretical understanding of the relationship between the
measured quantity and the geophysical parameter to be observed;
2. Collecting observational evidence that this relationship between
measurement and geophysical parameter exists;
3. Maturing the readiness of a scientific user community to process and exploit
the measurements obtained from the new observing system;
4. Demonstrating the impact of a new measurement type for science,
applications, and society.

While challenges (1) and (2) should primarily being addressed in the early phases of
an EO satellite mission prior to launch, challenge (3) and (4) can mainly be answered
during and/or after mission implementation, i.e. after launch. However, the readiness of a
user community and the data exploitation shall already be prepared before launch in the
earlier development phases.

The Scientific Readiness Levels (SRLs) defined in this handbook are intended to
provide a metric to support objective evaluation of maturity for a specified Mission Activity
and its specific scientific objectives.

3 Scientific Readiness Level Definitions

3.1 Scientific Readiness Level (SRL) Definitions

SRLs are a set of metrics that enable the assessment of the maturity of a particular
scientific discipline and the consistent comparison of maturity between different types of
disciplines — all in the context of an EO satellite mission. Any combination of the four
challenges described in Section 2.1 shall be addressed for each SRL during an SRA. There
are 9 steps in the SRL and the relative importance of each challenge can be different during
the maturation process captured by SRL-1 to SRL-9.

TRLs can be defined for hardware and / or software components and it is possible to
apply a common metric with “hard” evaluation criteria. SRLs can be related to objective
milestones during mission development and implementation. In addition, peer-reviewed
literature provides a reference for scientific developments directly or indirectly related to
the scientific objectives and disciplines – independent of the mission implementation
process.

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Figure 3.1 provides a high-level illustration of the SRL scale in the context of the progression from basic research to
matured science in (operational) applications in relation to the Phases of an EO mission.

SRL 1: Initial Scientific Idea

An idea combined with a general scientific objective is stated and a scientific hypothesis is
presented. An interest from the (scientific community) users has been expressed and high-level user
requirements are created. The idea can still be decoupled from specific mission activity objective or
a specific measurement concept. The scientific idea can also be based on a problem statement.

SRL 2: Consolidation of Scientific Ideas

Scientific evidence and supporting scientific theories are established addressing one or more
scientific ideas. This could for example be done based on theoretical grounds or through laboratory
experiments. Observations and theories are linked to the consolidated user requirements and / or the
problem statement. The scientific strategy to address the scientific challenge is defined.

SRL 3: Scientific and Observation Requirements

A first iteration of top-level scientific and observation requirements, e.g. product accuracy and
temporal and spatial sampling, is performed and mapped against the user requirements. During this
process a justified selection of the conceptual measurement technique(s) is developed based upon
derived observational requirements.

SRL 4: Proof of Concept

The measurement concept is validated. A model linking geophysical parameters and measurements
is established. Sensitivity of the measurements to the targeted geophysical parameter is

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demonstrated through extensive analyses by means of dedicated experiments but at least through
simulations.

SRL 5: End-to-End Performance Simulations

An end-to-end measurement performance simulator is developed, tested and validated using realistic
and / or actual measurements 1. The performance model used is applicable to a predefined range of
conditions (including realistic uncertainties of natural and observational nature) and can be used to
address the needs originating from the science requirements in an end-to-end manner. Retrieval
algorithms applicable for a realistic range of error sources (both geophysical and technical) are
demonstrated against a pre-defined performance metric reflecting observation and measurement
requirements.

SRL 6: Consolidated Science and Products

Consolidated geophysical retrievals are established and implemented. These are Level 1, Level 2,
and higher order algorithms (if applicable) providing measurements and observations that directly
respond to the Mission Activity measurement and observation requirements.

SRL 7: Demonstrated Science

Retrieval algorithms verified using real mission activity measurements. Retrieval uncertainties are
provided and mapped against the measurement and observation requirements of the Mission
Activity.

SRL 8: Validated and Matured Science

Data products are systematically generated and disseminated. The Mission Activity scientific goals
and objective are tested and evaluated. The scientific aim is tested. Science linked to the Mission
Activity is advancing leading to a growing scientific community, new applications, and new
scientific insights.

SRL 9: Science Impact Quantification

The measurements and observations have been re-processed ensuring high quality data sets. The
scientific aim and objective of the Mission Activity are evaluated. The end-to-end scientific impact
across the Mission Activity with respect to the user requirements is assessed and quantified. The
requirements have been revised and based on the outcome future strategies are being discussed.

1
Measurements could for example be provided through well-defined experiment or as proxy data
from existing measurement systems.

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Table 3.1-1 provides an overview of the Scientific Readiness Levels (SRLs) in a matrix structure, outlining scientific goals related to the Mission Activity.

Targeted
Name Associated
SRL Theory Experiments Users & Requirement Project
(ESA) documents (ESA)
Phase (ESA)
- A scientific challenge is
identified. - The application area is defined.
TBD – not yet - The scientific objective is - Interest of the users is identified.
1 Scientific Idea No observational evidence is required. Pre-Phase 0
available formulated. - Start defining high-level scientific
- A scientific hypothesis is requirements.
established.
- A scientific theory is formulated. - Consolidated scientific requirements
- The physical principle behind the are established.
Consolidation of TBD – not yet hypothesis is outlined (at least - Experimental evidence supporting - A gap analysis with respect to the
2 Pre-Phase 0
Scientific Idea available qualitatively). the scientific hypothesis. uniqueness of measurements and
observations is performed.
- Scientific objective are formulated.
- Initial capability assessment
Scientific / - Quantitative theoretical
Mission proposal performed. - Scientific objective confirmed and
Observation understanding of link between
3 for Phase 0 (Information content analysis) approved. Pre-Phase 0
Requirements measurement and observation (no
- Conceptual measurement technique - Scientific goal formulated.
Definition software required) is established.
is established. - Mission objective(s) formulated.
- First measurement device
- Simulation of measurements
approximating the instrument is
MRD / Report for based on geophysical parameters - Mission objective confirmed and
available in case possible for the
4 Proof of concept Mission (e.g. numerical forward model). translated into mission requirements Phase 0
measurement principle.
Assessment - 1st simulated measurements are and system requirements
- Sensitivity of measurements wrt
available.
observation is demonstrated.
Stable MRD, E2E - Demonstrator (e.g. airborne
End-to-end (End-to-end instruments) provides/simulates
- Consolidated retrieval and draft - First evaluation of observations and
5 performance simulator) / representative measurements with Phase A
ATBDs (+ prototype) are available / or measurements in applications,
simulations Report for error budgets,
- Higher-level products approached.
Mission Selection - Draft calibration strategy available.
6 Consolidated Final ATBD’s, - Operational processor developed - Test data and sampled data - User studies with simulated or pre- Phase B/C/D

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 science and DPMs, Cal/Val and implemented (Level 0, Level 1, processing cursor data;
products Plan and Level 2) - Verification data sets collected - AO call to user community for
(End: launch of sat) - Calibration and validation Plan validation
established
- Cal/Val conducted (L1 and L2)
Demonstrated - Early release of first data /
science Commissioning demonstrational data are provided - User feedback collected,
7 - First uncertainty analysis Phase E1
(Commissioning report - Characterisations of measurements - Feedback from beta-users received.
phase) and observations;
- Performance vs. specification
Validated and - Full uncertainty analysis - Systematic validation and quality - Science impact quantification,
Science feedback,
matured science - Enhancing scientific assurance performed - first performance assessment wrt
8 peer reviewed Phase E2
(Satellite declared understanding - Operational / nominal processing of mission objective
publications
operational) measurements and observations - scientific goal evaluation
- User impact quantification,
- Advancing scientific
- Final performance assessment wrt
Science Impact understanding and addressing its - Generation of long-term data sets
9 TBC mission objective Phase F
quantification impact for scientific and societal - Data fusion
- Final performance assessment wrt
applications
science objective

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4 Scientific Readiness Assessment (SRA) Implementation Guidelines

4.1 Overview

4.1.1 Introduction
The following section provides a standard, internally consistent set of guidelines for
the use of the SRLs when conducting Scientific Readiness Assessments (SRAs). A
description of a typical process for conducting SRAs is provided, which is then followed by
a series of detailed guidelines for SRAs, one for each SRL.

4.1.2 The Scientific Readiness Assessment (SRA) Process

General steps in the process for conducting a SRA include:

• Definition of the terms of reference (ToR) for the assessment (including timing, how
and which inputs for the SRA are provided, the detailed criteria for the SRA,
establish qualification criteria for SRL, etc.).
• Identification of key supporting documents and data.
• Identification of SRA participants (appropriate involvement of scientists).
• Invitation and appointment of SRA Review Board.
• Development and delivery of scientific material for the SRA to the Review Board.
• Implementation of the SRA itself (often involving one or more meetings of a formal
review committee).
• Development of the SRA qualification report by the Board, including SRA
recommendation.

The details of an appropriate scientific readiness assessment process depend on the

scientific readiness level under consideration, specifics of the prospective scientific
applications and requirements, and are, therefore, beyond the scope of this document.

Specific qualification criteria for the SRLs are used when conducting a formal scientific
readiness assessment that conform to the SMART approach:

• Specific (target a specific scientific objective/aspect).

• Measurable (progress towards the specific target is quantifiable - or at least an
indicator of progress can be suggested)
• Assignable (the activity has an assigned owner).
• Realistic (the specific target can be, given available resources, realistically be
achieved).
• Time-bound (the scientific assessment is time bound).

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A given SRL is only achieved (and thus progressing to the next SRL level) after all of the
qualification criteria are addressed for that SRL level - and not before.

Figure 4.1.2 indicates a linear process for a generic scientific readiness assessment, including four elements for the SRA. Throughout
this process, similar types of information should be examined to establish that a given SRL has / has not been achieved.

1) On the “applicant” side:

• Definition of the specific scientific objective/aspect to be addressed.
• Satisfaction of SMART objective.
• Risk assessment (including proposed way forward for reduction or elimination of
risk).
• Preparation and presentation of Evidence.
• Reply to reviewers and revision of documentation.

2) On the “reviewer” side:

• Formal review of qualification criteria closing the process (which may require
several iterations depending on the Yes/No SRL qualification decision of the board).
• Scientific review and verification.
• Issue of review board conclusion and statement of SRL level achievement.

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4.1.3 Independent Review and Validation of SRA Results
As science maturation continues, it becomes increasingly important to implement an
independent review and to validate the results presented for a scientific readiness
assessment. As a general guideline, the demonstrated scientific competence of the a review
board shall allow a thorough scientific review of the inputs for the SRA, namely the
“Description” and the “Problem Understanding”. Depending on the SRL under
consideration, a different level of detailed understanding can be required.

4.1.4 Structure of these Guidelines

The definitions and guidance regarding each of the nine scientific readiness levels
are presented in the next section. Each paragraph provides (1) a general description of the
respective SRL; (2) some high-level questions to be posed during a scientific readiness
assessment that are intended to facilitate determination of whether a given scientific
discipline is or is not at a given SRL; and (3) some notional and/or specific examples of the
type(s) of accomplishments that would characterize each level.

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4.2 SRL 1: Initial Scientific Idea
An idea combined with a general scientific objective is stated and a scientific hypothesis is
presented. An interest from the (scientific community) users has been expressed and high-
level user requirements are created. The idea can still be decoupled from specific mission
activity objective or a specific measurement concept. The scientific idea can also be based
on a problem statement.

Targeted at Pre-Phase 0.

4.2.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 1

4.2.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• Is the idea stated?
• Has a scientific hypothesis been formulated?
• Does the hypothesis make sense?
• Is there an interest from a user community?
• Are user requirements articulated properly?

4.2.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Hypothesis
• Expression of interest from user community
• High-level user requirements articulated
• SRL-1 qualification criteria established

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4.3 SRL 2: Consolidation of Scientific Idea
Scientific evidence and supporting scientific theories are established answering one or
more scientific ideas. This could for example be done based on theoretical grounds or
through laboratory experiments. Observations and theories are linked to the consolidated
user requirements and / or the problem statement. The scientific strategy to address the
scientific challenge is defined

Targeted at Pre-Phase 0.

4.3.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 2

4.3.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• Are the user requirements clear?
• Are scientific objective and goal formulated?
• Is the scientific theory behind the idea articulated?
• Has an appropriate (qualitative) theoretical model been established?
• Has the phenomenon been observed and / or are supporting field/laboratory data
available?
• Is the uniqueness of measurement and observation characteristics (e.g. type, their
accuracy, spatial or temporal resolution, coverage) discussed?

4.3.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Scientific Literature review
• Critical assessment of requirements
• Statement(s) from user community.
• Clear roadmap of activities to be pursued is available
• SRL-2 technical report addressing key questions
• SRL-2 qualification criteria established

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4.4 SRL 3: Scientific and Observation Requirements
A first iteration on top-level scientific and observation requirements, e.g. product accuracy
and temporal and spatial sampling, is performed and mapped against the user
requirements. During this process a justified selection of the conceptual measurement
technique(s) is developed based upon derived observational requirements.

Targeted at Pre-Phase 0 / Phase 0.

4.4.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 3

4.4.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• Are the science requirements complete?
• Can the requirement be validated?
• Are the requirements adequately traced to source?
• Are the (science) user requirements mapped against observational requirements?
• Is the scientific goal traceable, measurable and testable?
• Has a viable measurement concept been established?
• Have alternative solutions been analysed?
• Is the chosen concept justified?
• Has an initial capability assessment been performed?
• Has a quantitative theoretical understanding between measurements and
observations been established?

4.4.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Supporting statement from user community
• Clear roadmap of activities to be pursued is available
• Peer reviewed scientific literature.
• SRL-3 technical report addressing key questions
• Report for mission assessment.
• SRL-3 qualification criteria established

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4.5 SRL 4: Proof of concept
The measurement concept is validated. A model linking geophysical parameters and
measurements is established. Sensitivity of the measurements to the targeted geophysical
parameter is demonstrated through extensive analyses by means of dedicated experiments
but at least through simulations.

Targeted until the end of Phase 0.

4.5.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 4

4.5.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• Is the scientific goal confirmed and translated into mission objectives, mission
requirements and system requirements?
• Are Mission Requirements Document (MRD) and System Requirements Document
(SRD) available with traceable requirements?
• Is a model (software package) available that allows the computation of
measurements based on observation input data?
• Is the model technically and scientifically adequate and has it been independently
reviewed?
• Has the sensitivity of the measurements to the targeted geophysical parameter been
demonstrated based on representative measurement data (e.g. campaign data) or in
any other way?
• Is the validation approach independent and viable?
• Has a risk analysis been performed?
• Has a demonstration data set of measurements been produced?

4.5.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Clear roadmap of activities to be pursued is available.
• MRD and SRD.
• Software code for the model and documentation.
• Peer reviewed scientific literature.
• SRL-4 technical report addressing key questions.
• SRL-4 qualification criteria established.

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4.6 SRL 5: End-to-End Performance simulations
An end-to-end measurement performance simulator is developed, tested and validated
using realistic and / or actual measurements 2. The performance model used is applicable to
a predefined range of conditions (including realistic uncertainties of natural and
observational nature) and can be used to address the needs originating from the science
requirements in an end-to-end manner. Retrieval algorithms applicable for a realistic range
of error sources (both geophysical and technical) are demonstrated against a pre-defined
performance metric reflecting observation and measurement requirements.

Targeted for mission selection at end of Phase A/B1.

4.6.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 5

4.6.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• Is an E2E simulator in place and are the most important processes and input
parameters (including uncertainty estimates) properly represented?
• Is an error propagation model in place allowing the rigorous computation of
uncertainties (e.g. accounting for co-variant error effects) for measurements and
observations?
• Has a set of realistic test scenarios been established and are they scientifically
justified?
• Is the simulator tested and validated and applied for the predefined set of scenarios?
• Are all assumptions of the performance simulator documented and critically
discussed?
• Has the robustness of the simulator been demonstrated against independent
observations (e.g. campaign data)?
• Is a draft instrument calibration strategy available and properly described?
• Is there a demonstrated interest of users?
• Is there a first evaluation of (simulated or measured data) in applications?

4.6.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Clear roadmap of activities to be pursued is available.
• Formal issue of MRD (accepted and signed).
• ATBDs.
• E2E software and documentation.
• Report for mission selection.
• Peer reviewed scientific literature.
• SRL-5 technical report addressing key questions.
• SRL-5 qualification criteria established.

2
Measurements could for example be provided through well-defined experiment or as proxy data
from existing measurement systems.

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4.7 SRL 6: Consolidated Science and Products
Consolidated geophysical retrievals are established and implemented. These are Level 1,
Level 2, and higher order algorithms providing measurements, observations and
uncertainty estimates that directly respond to the Mission Activity measurement and
observation requirements.

Targeted for Critical Design Review (CDR)/ early phase C.

4.7.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 6

4.7.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• Has the E2E simulator been revised and is it fully documented?
• Are final ATBDs available?
• Is a prototype processor available and implemented?
• Are calibration and validation plans established for measurements and observations
and Level 1, Level 2, or higher level products?
• Do ideas exist for secondary objectives and / or new observations?
• Has the operational processor been developed and implemented?
• Is validation evidence provided to demonstrate the performance of the processing /
retrieval algorithms (as outlined in the ATBD)?
• Have the results from the E2E simulator been used to address higher level product
performance?
• Prototype products available?
• Have user studies been performed using simulated or pre-cursor measurements
through, e.g. airborne campaigns?
• Has an AO call been issued engaging an extended user community in the data
validation?

4.7.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Clear roadmap of activities to be pursued is available
• ATBDs
• E2E simulator and documentation.
• TDS
• Validation of Prototype processor and algorithms.
• Peer-reviewed literature.
• Cal / Val Plans.
• AO proposals.
• SRL-6 technical report addressing key questions
• SRL-6 qualification criteria established.

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4.8 SRL 7: Demonstrated Science
Retrieval algorithms verified using real mission activity measurements. Retrieval
uncertainties are provided and mapped against the measurement and observation
requirements of the Mission Activity.

Targeted for end of commissioning after phase E1.

4.8.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 7

4.8.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• Are retrieval algorithms implemented and tested?
• Are retrieval products verified against independent observations?
• Are products validated?
• Has a first mission activity performance analysis been performed and matched
against specifications?
• Are first uncertainty estimates for the measurements available?
• Has user feedback been collected and analysed?

4.8.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Clear roadmap of activities to be pursued is available
• Cal / Val reports for Level 1 and Level 2 (preliminary version)
• Results published in the peer reviewed literature
• SRL-7 technical report addressing key questions
• SRL-7 qualification criteria established.

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4.9 SRL 8: Validated and Matured Science
Data products have been systematically generated and disseminated. The Mission Activity
scientific goals and objective are tested and evaluated. The scientific aim is tested. Science
linked to the Mission Activity is advancing leading to a growing scientific community, new
applications, and new scientific insights.

Targeted for Phase E2.

4.9.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 8

4.9.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• Is a systematic quality control and performance analysis for measurements and
observations in place?
• Is there evidence that the scientific community uses geophysical products?
• Are the scientific goals reached?
• Has a consistent reprocessing been performed to generate one or more stable data
sets (Level 1 or Level 2 or both)?
• Is the mission performance evaluated against the mission objectives?
• Is there an outreach for growing user community and news scientific insights?
• Do ideas exist for quality of emerging opportunities related to new application
areas?
• Is the community approaching the initial intended user requirements?

4.9.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Clear roadmap of activities to be pursued is available.
• Stable and consistent data set available.
• Peer reviewed publications.
• Summary and recommendations from dedicated workshops.
• Skill scores from key applications.
• SRL-8 technical report addressing key questions
• SRL-8 qualification criteria established.

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4.10 SRL 9: Science Impact Quantification
The measurements and observations have been re-processed ensuring high quality data sets. The
scientific aim and objective of the Mission Activity are evaluated. The end-to-end scientific impact
across the Mission Activity with respect to the user requirements is assessed and quantified. The
requirements have been revised and based on the outcome future strategies are being discussed.

Anytime during or after Phase F.

4.10.1 Scientific Readiness Assessment at SRL 9

4.10.1.1 Key Questions to Address

• To what degree was the science community exploiting the products?
• Have long-term data sets been generated?
• Are clearly identified research questions based on the geophysical products
answered (for science missions) / operational targets met (for operational missions).
• Has the impact on (science) user applications been quantified?
• Have the initial intended scientific goals and objectives been met?

4.10.1.2 Appropriate Evidence Required

• Clear roadmap of activities to be pursued is available
• Peer reviewed scientific literature.
• Summary and recommendations from dedicated workshops.
• SRL-9 technical report addressing key questions.
• SRL-9 qualification criteria established.

5 References

RD-1 Technology Readiness Levels Handbook for Space Applications, TEC-SHS, TEC-
SHS/5551/MG/ap, Version 1, revision 6, September 2008
RD-2 ECSS-M-ST-10C, available under https://www.skatelescope.org/public/2011-11-
18_WBS-SOW_Development_Reference_Documents/ECSS-M-ST-
10C_Rev.1%286March2009%29.pdf

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6 Appendix A
Definitions:
Algorithm Theoretical Baseline Documents refer to the Level 0, 1 and 2
ATBDs processors.

Data Measurements and observations.

DPM Detailed Processing Model

End-to-End simulator. As a minimum, the E2E simulator shall comprise

a Scene Generator Module and a Satellite Geometry Module providing
the input parameters for the Instrument Module generating
E2E Simulator measurements at Level 0. A Level 1 Processing Module and a Level 2
Retrieval Model generating the Level 1 and 2 data products for the
performance analysis specified in the Performance Evaluation Module
shall complement the simulator.

Goal A target or a desired result. Two state: achieved / not achieved.

Reconstructed, unprocessed instrument data at full resolution, time-

referenced, and annotated with ancillary information, including
radiometric and geometric calibration coefficients and georeferencing
Level 1 parameters (e.g., platform ephemeris) computed and appended but not
applied to the Level 0 data (or if applied, in a manner that level 0 is fully
recoverable from level 1 data).

Derived geophysical variables (e. g., ocean wave height, soil moisture, ice
Level 2 concentration) at the same resolution and location as Level 1 source data.

Variables mapped on uniform spacetime grid scales, usually with some

Level 3 completeness and consistency (e. g., missing points interpolated,
complete regions mosaicked together from multiple orbits, etc.).

Measurement Data at level 0 and 1, e.g. radiances, temperatures, counts …

Measurement A requirement related to a measurement at Level 0 or 1 needed to fulfil

requirement an observation requirement.
Mission A requirement related to the mission activity and its goals and objectives.
requirement
MRD Mission Requirement Document

What you want to achieve in the long-term. In this document we

distinguish between scientific objectives related to a broad scientific
Objective challenges or questions, e.g. as defined in a strategy document, and a
mission objective as defined in the MRD.

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Observation Data at level 2 and higher, i.e. geophysical parameters.
Observation A requirement related to a geophysical parameter at level 1,2 (or higher)
requirement needed to address a science requirement.
Science A requirement related to a scientific question and a scientific objective.
requirement
System A requirement related to any hardware or software of the Observation or
requirement Processing System.

SRD System Requirement Document

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