24/7 Space News
EARTH OBSERVATION
Spire using ever more satellite data to enhance global weather forecasts
Spire stock image.
Spire using ever more satellite data to enhance global weather forecasts
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 14, 2023

The upcoming Electron mission of Rocket Lab, dubbed 'Baby Come Back', will be carrying two 3U satellites from Spire Global to space. These satellites are armed with the latest Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) payloads. They will contribute significantly to Spire's fully deployed satellite constellation, consisting of over 100 multipurpose units, and play an instrumental role in gathering information that enhances global weather intelligence and fine-tunes the precision of weather forecasts. The launch window for the mission is slated to open on July 16th, 2023 at 23:30 UTC.

In the face of extreme and erratic weather patterns that are becoming more prevalent, the demand for accurate and precise weather forecasting is becoming more urgent. A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that emissions of greenhouse gases caused by humans have resulted in an uptick in the frequency and intensity of weather and climate extremes since the pre-industrial era.

If these phenomena are not mitigated, they could become commonplace. Adapting to such rapid changes in our climate necessitates cutting-edge advancements in weather forecasts, including accurate weather readings through RO and trustworthy forecast models further powered by AI. This could provide individuals, communities, and businesses with the resources they need to anticipate and adequately prepare for a wide array of weather conditions.

Weather forecasting is a multidimensional process that includes global monitoring through ground sensors, satellites, and aircraft. However, obtaining weather data for every point on the globe, particularly remote regions and oceans, is not always feasible. To produce the most accurate and precise weather forecasts, Spire's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation employs radio occultation (RO). This technique measures and generates a detailed profile of conditions from the Earth's surface into the upper atmosphere.

Mike Eilts, general manager of weather and earth intelligence at Spire, explained, "Spire's radio occultation data, coupled with our expertise in running models and AI/ML, is vital to providing precise and accurate weather forecasting across multiple industries. The launch of two more 3U satellites armed with our radio occultation technology is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the power of space-based data collection. This allows us to equip individuals, communities, and businesses to proactively prepare for diverse weather conditions and adapt to a rapidly evolving climate."

The benefits of RO measurements are manifold, including global coverage, superior vertical resolution, accuracy, and precision. Precise weather forecasting during extreme events can bring about significant advantages for individuals, businesses, and the environment.

For instance, communities can benefit from improved predictability and awareness, allowing them to take measures to protect lives and property. Industries like maritime and aviation can optimize their routes to save energy and minimize fuel consumption. Agricultural practitioners can make knowledgeable decisions about planting, irrigation, and crop protection, leading to efficient resource distribution, waste reduction, and increased productivity.

Related Links
Spire Global
Earth Observation News - Suppiliers, Technology and Application

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
EARTH OBSERVATION
Arctic Weather Satellite progressing towards launch
Edinburgh UK (SPX) Jul 12, 2023
The European Space Agency's (ESA) Arctic Weather Satellite has passed its Critical Design Review, a key step to start the manufacturing of the satellite ahead of planned launch in 2024. AAC Clyde Space supplies the mission's main instrument, as well as core avionics, under contracts valued at a total of 13.5 MEUR (approx. 160 MSEK). AAC Clyde Space has developed a passive microwave radiometer specifically for the mission, which will provide data for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), Nowcasting ( ... read more

EARTH OBSERVATION
On space, poll shows most Americans support NASA's role, U.S. presence

Rensselaer researchers using drop module for advanced protein studies on ISS

Virgin Galactic's next spaceflight will include sweepstakes winners

Euclid's large halo around indefinitely small point

EARTH OBSERVATION
AROBS Engineering Takes Lead Role in Space Rider Project Software Verification and Validation

Protecting Space Assets through Innovation: Hyperspace Challenge 2023

Rocket Lab delivers seven satellites to orbit with Electron Rocket

SpaceX aborts launch of Starlink satellites

EARTH OBSERVATION
Senate expresses 'significant concerns' over NASA's Mars sample-retrieval plan

The Lion's Mane: Sols 3892-3893

The clays of Mawrth Vallis

It's all still Rock and Roll to Us: Sols 3889-3891

EARTH OBSERVATION
Shenzhou XVI crew set to conduct their first EVA

Commercial space projects expected to provide more services in China

Timeline unveiled for China's advanced manned spacecraft's inaugural flight

China's Shenzhou XVI astronauts conduct fluid physics experiments

EARTH OBSERVATION
Future of Satellite Internet: OneWeb vs Starlink

SpaceX launches 54 Starlink satellites, ties record for first-stage returns

ESA moves ahead with In-Orbit Servicing missions

CASIC plans new satellite network by 2030

EARTH OBSERVATION
Simulating Aeolus's return: mission control feels the heat

Boeing's Millennium Space Systems amplifies small satellite production

Flat sapphire windows for hypersonic aircraft and weapons

Wind River VxWorks software chosen for Astroscale's Space Debris Solution ELSA-M

EARTH OBSERVATION
PSI's David Grinspoon Appointed to New NASA Post

New study reveals Roman Telescope could find 400 Earth-mass rogue planets

Life on Earth didn't arise as described in textbooks

MSU studies nutrients that may have fertilized ancient photosynthesis in Earth's oceans

EARTH OBSERVATION
SwRI team identifies giant swirling waves at the edge of Jupiter's magnetosphere

First ultraviolet data collected by ESA's JUICE mission

Unveiling Jupiter's upper atmosphere

ASU study: Jupiter's moon Europa may have had a slow evolution

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.