Session
Weekday Session 3: Science/Mission Payloads
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Space weather observations is a strategic priority for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services (NESDIS). In 2023, NOAA NESDIS established the Office of Space Weather Observations (SWO) to manage NESDIS' space weather satellite portfolio. SWO is formulating a new Space Weather Next (SW Next) program under the joint NOAA/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Weather Observations Programs Division. The SW Next program will provide critical space weather data products, making observations from a variety of orbits and utilizing diverse platforms and sensors. The SW Next program reference architecture is expected to include a mix of NOAA-operated observatories, NOAA-provided instruments on partners' missions, and commercial data sources. The feasibility of this architecture is facilitated by SmallSat technologies and business models. As previously bespoke science observatories evolve towards more manufacturable and commercially available solutions, SW Next will be ready to capitalize on the opportunity.
Leveraging SmallSat Technology at NOAA for Space Weather Observations
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Space weather observations is a strategic priority for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services (NESDIS). In 2023, NOAA NESDIS established the Office of Space Weather Observations (SWO) to manage NESDIS' space weather satellite portfolio. SWO is formulating a new Space Weather Next (SW Next) program under the joint NOAA/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Weather Observations Programs Division. The SW Next program will provide critical space weather data products, making observations from a variety of orbits and utilizing diverse platforms and sensors. The SW Next program reference architecture is expected to include a mix of NOAA-operated observatories, NOAA-provided instruments on partners' missions, and commercial data sources. The feasibility of this architecture is facilitated by SmallSat technologies and business models. As previously bespoke science observatories evolve towards more manufacturable and commercially available solutions, SW Next will be ready to capitalize on the opportunity.
