Digital Twin Prototype for NOAA's NESDIS: A Comprehensive Study

Science and Technology Corp. developed and analyzed a Digital Twin prototype for the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) ground system (STC). As NESDIS's data holdings grow, the report looks into the potential of cloud computing to meet the increasing demands for data processing, storage, and dissemination. The Digital Twin, a virtual representation of the physical ground system, is cited as a means of improving operational efficiency, user experience, and decision-making processes.

The prototype aims to simulate the core processes of the NESDIS ground system, such as downlinking, ingesting, archiving, processing, and disseminating Earth observation data. It uses real-time data, machine learning (ML) for anomaly detection, and deep learning for data fusion to provide insights into improving the ground system's performance. The report describes three technology demonstrations that focus on modeling current capabilities, improving user experience with ML, and supporting decision-making for NESDIS data processing optimization.

The report also discusses the Digital Twin framework, including its architecture and the use of serverless resources for cataloging, geolocation, and data processing. Machine learning enhancements, such as anomaly detection in satellite datasets and deep learning methods for data fusion, have been thoroughly examined. The report also looks at optimizing data for interoperability, transitioning from prototype to operational system, and making recommendations for future development.

The study concludes by discussing the potential benefits of a fully operational Digital Twin, such as improved data access for end users, cost estimation for development, and the investigation of commercial and open-source tools for implementation. The prototype acts as a sandbox for testing new technologies and methodologies that could improve the efficiency and scalability of the NESDIS ground system, ultimately supporting NOAA's mission to monitor and understand environmental conditions.