Policy Innovation Needed to Enable NOAA's Future Architecture

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s recently-completed NOAA Satellite Observing System Architecture (NSOSA) Study provides a cost-benefit analysis of architecture options with no preconceived notions regarding instruments, platforms, orbits, etc. The study analysis shows opportunities for new capabilities in numerous constellation options.

The NSOSA study valued constellation options that allowed for flexibility through shorter program durations and technology/capability on-ramps and off-ramps. While technical flexibility was quantified in the study, program management and policy flexibility may also be needed to realize the benefits of these technology/capability insertion opportunities.

NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS) is examining options for new policies and procedures that would enable maximum benefit from a future satellite architecture. This paper will outline these options, which may include leveraging NASA and/or DoD other transaction authorities, managing mission delivery risk at the portfolio rather than program level, budget lines for ongoing operational maturation of new technologies, a framework for working with NASA on technology development as recommended by the National Academies 2017 Earth Science and Applications from Space Decadal Survey, and decision authority on timescales needed to leverage commercial capabilities.