Developing an Approach to Socioeconomic Value of LEO Data

Low earth polar observations play a pivotal role in both the U.S. and global economy, providing unique insights via data that inform product and weather and climate prediction model development that are critical in decision-making. NOAA’s polar satellite provides high resolution observations of key parameters such as temperature, humidity, cloud cover, sea ice, surface winds to name a few. The comprehensive coverage of the Earth’s surface and atmospheric profiles are key for weather forecasting, long-term trends in climate change, predicting ocean behavior and help assess and monitor environmental changes such as air quality and vegetation health.

NOAA is in the process of formulating the next generation of low-earth observation sensors after the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) and developing benefit and value case studies on the use and application of data from the polar orbiting sensor suites such as visible infrared imaginers and microwave and infrared sounders. This presentation describes the contributions of LEO sensors to select societal applications, as well as the method for quantifying net economic benefits from use of the data. The presentation invites discussion on the variety of benefit cases derived from the indispensable role of polar orbiting satellite data and its far-reaching implications for society.