The nine-month deal, awarded under NOAA’s Commercial Weather Data Pilot program, will test how commercial satellite observations can improve the measurement of ocean surface winds – a critical element in predicting hurricanes, winter storms and other extreme weather events.
Spire will provide near real-time global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) data focused on ocean surface wind speeds. NOAA will assess the data’s potential to enhance forecasting models and deepen scientific understanding of the global water cycle.
“Ocean wind data is essential for improving forecasts, tracking severe storms and advancing climate research,” Spire Global chief executive Theresa Condor said. “We’re proud to partner with NOAA to utilise our satellite and GNSS-R data to advance the measurement of ocean winds, strengthen forecasts and support efforts to protect lives and property.”
The contract begins on 10 September 2025 and will be delivered in two phases: data provision and evaluation. The study will include testing GNSS-R’s ability to measure stronger tropical cyclone winds, with results expected to guide future NOAA programs incorporating commercial satellite data into operational weather and climate applications.
Spire is a global provider of space-based data, analytics and services, delivering unique datasets and insights to help organisations make confident decisions in a rapidly changing world.
The company designs, owns and operates a fully deployed satellite constellation that monitors Earth in real time using radio frequency technology. Spire’s satellites collect data on global weather patterns, ship and aircraft movements, and spoofing and jamming activity information that supports economic forecasting, global security, business operations and environmental monitoring.