NOAA Satellite Technology Roadmap

The rapid pace at which satellite technologies are evolving creates opportunities for developers to infuse lower cost and higher performance capabilities into their satellite systems. An advanced satellite planning and technology team, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) has begun to survey, assess, and document satellite-related technology developments to determine those having the most direct relevance to environmental satellite development. NASA's recent technology innovations, and developments by other government agencies, universities, and industry, have provided a foundation for the creation of a satellite technology roadmap.

This presentation will focus on progress made to date on a satellite technology roadmap for NESDIS. Technology developments most relevant to NOAA will be highlighted; such as the rapid advancement of SmallSat technologies, the miniaturization of satellite sensors, and the improved availability of component technology from the commercial marketplace. Using this roadmap, our aim is to identify potential pathways to a NOAA future of lower cost, yet higher performance and more robust space-based capabilities that will respond more rapidly to meet NOAA's observational requirements.