The Quality Assurance For Earth Observation (also known as QA4EO-2) Project began its operations on 1 November 2024, providing support to the Data Quality and Algorithms Management Office at ESRIN, within the Sensor Performance, Processing and Algorithm (SPPA) section.

The project is conducted by a Leadership Team that consists of eight members who are in charge of the successful delivery of various tasks within its scope. These tasks are broadly divided under the following two main categories:

• Operational and Heritage Data Evolution, Quality Control and Tool Maintenance

  This is the main mission-focused operational activity, concerned with monitoring mission and instrument performance, checking data production and quality, assisting reprocessing campaigns, and providing information and support to users. This activity also contributes to the algorithms, processors and Quality Control (QC) tools activities, supporting the production of required documentation (e.g. Product Specification Documents and Product Handbooks) and the acceptance of deliverables.

  This task is also in charge of liaising with ESA’s SPPA Heritage Space Programme, to allow scientific data improvement, reprocessing and quality control, for both ESA and specific Third-Party Missions (TPMs). The main aim is to enable the alignment and harmonisation of heritage data with current and future missions, to build long-term time series. This is crucial for applications that require the capability to look back in time, like in climate change monitoring.

  In addition, outreach forms an integral part of this activity, in order to ensure that end users are engaged and kept up-to-date with the latest missions and data status.

• R&D Cal/Val and Metrology

  This activity aims to support R&D (in the domains of Algorithms and Products evolution, and Cal/Val) and Metrology, which are two key pillars of the Sensor Performance, Processing and Algorithm domain. It works in close collaboration with SPPA for promoting and supporting R&D and Metrology activities in a wide range of EO domains, which are described below.

  It also supports the longer-term strategic aims of SPPA, in international collaboration in Cal/Val measurements, campaigns and working groups, and the organisation of workshops in line with ESA’s long-term evolution goals. Specific mission management support also falls under this activity. Again, outreach forms an essential part of their operations, in order to keep the end users engaged and interested.

Let’s meet the lead team members