Spire Awarded Commercial Data Contract by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
(PRWEB) September 19, 2016 -- San Francisco, Calif - [September 16, 2016] - Spire was awarded a contract by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as part of the government's Commercial Weather Data Pilot. Under this pilot program, Spire will provide GPS Radio Occultation (GPS-RO), a critical weather data type, to NOAA for evaluation. The data evaluation process is a necessary first step before any future procurement of commercially-provided weather data for operational use in NOAA's weather forecast.
"By initiating and evolving a constructive dialogue, and launching real satellites that collect real weather data, we have helped NOAA establish the foundation of a vibrant public-private partnership," explained Antoine de Chassy, VP of Business Development. "We applaud NOAA's efforts in running an efficient and transparent process, and we look forward to proving ourselves as a trusted provider of environmental information to the US Government."
Spire operates a growing constellation of multi-sensor nanosatellites that collect global GPS-RO weather data. That data, collected using signals from global positioning satellites, is widely used in global weather forecasts. It provides critical measurements of atmospheric temperature, pressure, and moisture that reduces forecast error and bias in weather models.
“Weather and climate are truly global issues. Today’s weather in Southeast Asia can affect weather in the US within a week. Having reliable, global, and accurate weather data has an incredible impact on our economies and lives” said Spire CEO, Peter Platzer. “GPS-RO is a proven technology, and this contract allows Spire to show NOAA its commitment to an efficient and productive public-private partnership.”
Studies from the leading weather research centers in the US and Europe have shown the value that greater volumes of GPS-RO will have a significant positive impact on weather model accuracy. Spire intends for its data to complement the data provided by existing government-owned satellites, to realize a common goal of more accurate weather forecasts for the benefit and safety of businesses and society.
About Spire
Spire Global, Inc. is a leading player in the nanosatellite sector, building the world’s most advanced, constantly refreshed constellation. In an industry that is used to measuring development periods in years, Spire has accelerated timelines to a period of just weeks. Spire’s solutions offer organizations insights into weather & climate, shipping & supply chain and maritime domain awareness. This network of nanosatellites senses the ¾ of the planet inaccessible to most current systems which rely largely on land-based remote sensing. To learn more, visit: http://www.spire.com
Nicholas Allain, Spire Global, Inc., http://spire.com, +1 (628) 221-5333, [email protected]
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