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The contract, which includes three optional one-year extensions, builds upon a fruitful pilot program that underscored the efficacy of Spire's radio occultation (RO) data in enhancing weather prediction accuracy. Spire's innovative RO data offers crucial insights into the vertical profiles of atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature globally, covering even the most remote areas and open oceans.
Spire Global will be responsible for providing this data in near-real time. The data will then be distributed globally to EUMETSAT's user community, playing a pivotal role in weather forecast modeling. This collaboration is set against the backdrop of an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the growing importance of accurate weather data.
Theresa Condor, Chief Operating Officer at Spire, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: "As extreme weather events become more frequent, our work with EUMETSAT shows a shared commitment to using space-based data to confront the impacts of climate change. We're proud to work with the agency to improve weather forecasting and protect human life and property."
EUMETSAT, renowned for its operation of meteorological satellites in Europe, has placed a strong emphasis on the global distribution of this data. This approach aligns with the World Meteorological Organization's principle of free and open data exchange. EUMETSAT Director-General Phil Evans highlighted the broader implications of this partnership: "It was important to EUMETSAT that the terms of this contract allow us to redistribute the data globally, in line with the World Meteorological Organization's principle of free and open data exchange. In this way, EUMETSAT is reinforcing the value of this type of commercial arrangement, with the benefits felt by the citizens of our member states, and other communities globally, through more data for weather forecasting models."
The use of RO in weather forecasting is not new, but Spire Global's application of this technology represents a novel approach in the commercial sector. Radio Occultation is a method that has been critical in meteorology for understanding atmospheric conditions. By measuring how satellite signals bend as they pass through the atmosphere, RO provides precise data on temperature, pressure, and humidity levels. This data is essential for creating accurate weather models, especially in regions where traditional data collection is challenging.
The partnership between EUMETSAT and Spire Global demonstrates a growing trend in the meteorological and space industries, where collaborations between public agencies and private companies are increasingly contributing to advancements in weather forecasting and climate research.
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