The primary goal of ASAP is to collect baseline upper-air data from the oceans that can be used to support many applications, including forecasts and warnings, and global climate studies.
Currently, there are around 21 ships that provide regular upper air soundings worldwide. Occasional campaigns of additional research vessels contribute to the total amount of soundings.
The European E-ASAP programme is the only programme worldwide which is based on a fleet of 14 commercial vessels and 4 governmental ships. The main target area of the E-ASAP fleet of 18 ships is the North Atlantic.
ASAP activities are coordinated by the ASAP Panel as part of the broader Ship Observations Team.
