The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is changing its approach to acquiring satellite data. In addition to purchasing global datasets, NOAA plans to invest more in event-specific observations, particularly for incidents like oil spills. This will involve paying a premium for timely and relevant data.
According to Steve Volz, assistant administrator for NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service, a spot-market approach for oil spills “is inevitable, but not yet practical.” He made this statement at the American Meteorological Society annual meeting.
Historically, NOAA has primarily used contracts providing free and open access to radio occultation soundings. This allows for easy integration with government data and broad sharing of results. However, Volz emphasized, “Introducing restricted data into that trade space would complicate things immensely. So we are sticking with our full, open approach.”
NOAA acknowledges this approach may limit commercial operators' ability to sell data to other clients. Volz noted the cost, asking, “Observation satellites are expensive. How do you monetize that information?”
The new strategy will involve continued acquisition of global datasets, complemented by spot market purchases for specific events. Volz explained, “When we look at these niche market observations, whether it’s fire detection, greenhouse gas measuring or oil spill detection, I don’t need the global perspective. I want observations over the oil spill.”
This also includes geographically focused data. Volz gave the example, “We may buy imagery or microwave data that is applicable for Florida. I’ll pay premium dollars for it, and you can sell your other data to other people.”
This approach allows NOAA to validate and characterize commercial data, boosting its value. Volz highlighted the added value of demonstrating that commercial data works well with government observations.
NOAA’s Systems Architecture Engineering Group and the Commercial Data Program are working to determine how to purchase these limited datasets. The 2024 budget allocated $27.5 million for NOAA's commercial weather data purchases. This funding has supported the purchase of radio occultation data for weather prediction models and microwave soundings for quality assessment.
Commercial data will also be integrated with the Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON), NOAA’s next-generation polar-orbiting weather satellites. Irene Parker, NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service deputy assistant administrator for systems, stated on January 13th that, “We will be looking at buying hyperspectral microwave sounding capability because we see that as very complimentary to being able to meet our mission.”
Additionally, approximately $5 million was appropriated for purchasing commercial radio occultation data for space weather models. Parker noted, “Even though we are working with industry to design instruments for Space weather Observations at L1, we are also going to be working with companies to procure radio occultation data to help us in space weather. We see it as very much a complimentary relationship.”