NOAA Satellite and Information Service
NESDIS is the U.S. federal agency operating a 15-satellite environmental constellation across geostationary, polar, and deep space orbits, providing free satellite data and imagery to the National Weather Service, emergency managers, aviation, maritime, research, and the public.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1970
- HeadquartersSilver Spring, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What NOAA Satellite and Information Service does
NOAA Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS) is a line office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, and operating since 1970. It is the U.S. government's operational civil environmental satellite agency, managing a 15-satellite constellation that spans three orbital regimes: geostationary (GOES-16, -17, -18, -19) at approximately 22,236 miles, polar-orbiting (Suomi NPP, NOAA-20, NOAA-21), and deep space at Lagrange Point 1 (SOLAR-1, DSCOVR). Supporting missions include COSMIC-2 for radio occultation atmospheric profiling, Jason-3 for ocean altimetry, and Argos-4 for wildlife and environmental data collection.
Core technical capabilities are delivered through proprietary instruments, most notably the GOES-R Series Advanced Baseline Imager (16 spectral bands, 5x faster scanning, 4x resolution improvement) and the first operational geostationary lightning mapper, complemented by SOLAR-1's real-time space weather delivery (under 30 minutes for coronagraph imagery versus up to 8 hours from other sources). Through its National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), NESDIS archives more than 37 petabytes of atmospheric, oceanic, coastal, and geophysical data across 111,164 collections, accessible via the NOAA OneStop portal. The agency operates a network of direct broadcast ground sites that compress polar-orbiting data-to-forecast latency from 100+ minutes to under 20 minutes.
NESDIS does not generate commercial revenue. As a federally funded public-good mission, all satellite data and products are made available at no cost to the National Weather Service, federal/state/local emergency management, the aviation and maritime industries, the scientific research community, and the general public. Funding flows through congressional appropriations to NOAA. Its customer base is institutional rather than transactional; primary users include the National Weather Service and Emergency Management Agencies for severe weather forecasting, hurricane tracking, and disaster response, supplemented by aviation, maritime, research, and public-information channels. Forward programs include GeoXO (2032 first launch), the Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON), and Space Weather Next, alongside international partnerships with NASA, ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, and Taiwan's NSPO.
NOAA Satellite and Information Service firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NOAA Satellite and Information Service
- Legal name
- National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service
- Website
- https://nesdis.noaa.gov
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1970
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- NESDIS is the U.S. federal agency operating a 15-satellite environmental constellation across geostationary, polar, and deep space orbits, providing free satellite data and imagery to the National Weather Service, emergency managers, aviation, maritime, research, and the public.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NOAA Satellite and Information Service industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Satellite Data Services
- NAICS
- Space Research and Technology (927110), Satellite Telecommunications (5174)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB), Satellite/Aerial/Remote Sensing MRV (Methane plumes, land-use change) (EUAHADAL)
Keywords
Where NOAA Satellite and Information Service is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Silver Spring
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
NOAA Satellite and Information Service business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
NOAA Satellite and Information Service product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NESDIS operates the U.S. government's environmental satellite constellation and distributes satellite-based weather, climate, ocean, and space weather data and imagery. It maintains 15 satellites in geostationary, polar, and deep space orbits, archives more than 37 petabytes of environmental data through the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), and delivers products through public websites, direct broadcast sites, and interactive mapping tools such as the Live Hurricane Tracker.
Product overview
NESDIS operates a comprehensive satellite constellation providing environmental data and imagery services. The portfolio includes geostationary satellites (GOES-R Series: GOES-16, -17, -18, -19) for continuous hemisphere monitoring, polar-orbiting satellites (JPSS: Suomi NPP, NOAA-20, NOAA-21) for global weather forecasting, and deep space observatories (SOLAR-1, DSCOVR) for space weather monitoring. Supporting systems include COSMIC-2 for atmospheric data, Jason-3 for ocean measurements, and Argos-4 for wildlife and environmental tracking. NESDIS provides interactive tools including the Live Hurricane Tracker and Earth in Real-Time mapping, while NCEI archives over 37 petabytes of environmental data. Future programs include GeoXO (2032) and NEON for next-generation capabilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- GOES-R Series (GOES-16, -17, -18, -19) Advanced geostationary weather monitoring satellites for the Western Hemisphere, providing 16-band imagery, lightning mapping, and space weather observations for the National Weather Service, emergency managers, and the public.
- Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Polar-orbiting satellite system (Suomi NPP, NOAA-20, NOAA-21) providing global observations twice daily that serve as the backbone of U.S. numerical weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
- SOLAR-1 Space Weather Observatory NOAA's first satellite dedicated to space weather, positioned at Lagrange Point 1 to provide real-time monitoring of solar wind, coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic threats that affect power grids, communications, navigation, and astronaut safety.
- DSCOVR (Deep Space Climate Observatory) Deep space observatory at Lagrange Point 1 providing 15-60 minute advanced warning of coronal mass ejections and continuous real-time solar wind monitoring.
- COSMIC-2 Atmospheric Sounding Constellation Constellation of six small satellites collecting atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity data via radio occultation for weather forecasting, space weather monitoring, and climate research.
- Jason-3 Ocean Altimetry Satellite Satellite altimetry mission measuring global sea surface height to support research on sea level rise, ocean circulation, hurricane intensity, and climate change.
- Argos-4 Data Collection System Worldwide data collection system using satellite receivers to track wildlife, monitor oceans, and gather environmental telemetry from transmitters around the globe.
- National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Public archive providing access to more than 37 petabytes of atmospheric, coastal, oceanic, and geophysical environmental data, with 111,164 collections and 14 million granules discoverable through the OneStop platform.
- Live Hurricane Tracker Interactive hurricane tracking tool combining real-time NOAA satellite imagery with National Hurricane Center data for storm monitoring and public safety use.
- Earth in Real-Time Satellite Map Interactive global mapping tool displaying live satellite imagery from operational weather and environmental satellites for viewing weather systems, storms, and cloud formations in real time.
- NOAA OneStop Data Discovery Platform Enhanced data discovery and access portal providing searchable access to 111,164 collections and 14 million granules archived at NCEI for environmental researchers, developers, and government users.
Quantifiable outcome
- Hurricane track and intensity forecasts improved
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use NOAA Satellite and Information Service
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
NOAA Satellite and Information Service technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability5 records
Feature6 records
NOAA Satellite and Information Service partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NASAcoreNASA serves as NOAA's acquisition agent and launch provider for satellite missions. NASA builds and launches satellites for NOAA, which operates them and distributes data. Collaboration includes GOES-R Series, JPSS, SWFO/SOLAR-1, and GeoXO programs.
- Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES)coreFrench Space Agency partnership for Argos data collection system and Jason-3 satellite mission. CNES co-developed the Argos system since 1978 and partners on ocean altimetry missions.
- European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)coreEUMETSAT partners with NOAA on Jason-3 mission for satellite altimetry observations of global sea surface height and Argos system operations.
- Taiwan's National Space Organization (NSPO)coreNSPO owns and operates COSMIC-2 satellites (FORMOSAT-7) as part of an international cooperation agreement for atmospheric data collection using radio occultation techniques.
- University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)minorUCAR partners on COSMIC-2 mission for weather forecasting, space weather monitoring, and climate research using radio occultation data.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreESA collaboration on L5 Project, where ESA's Vigil mission will carry NOAA's Compact Coronagraph (CCOR) as part of NOAA's Space Weather Next program, providing measurements from Lagrange Point 5.
- U.S. Space ForcecoreSpace Force hosts Argos-4 as a hosted payload on General Atomics' Orbital Test Bed satellite via the Hosted Payload Solutions contract. Also operates EWS-G2 and EWS-G3 satellites for NOAA.
- General AtomicscoreGeneral Atomics built the GAzelle satellite hosting Argos-4 instrument and Orbital Test Bed-3 for Argos-4 hosted payload mission.
- BAE SystemscoreBAE Systems built the SOLAR-1 spacecraft and assembled the observatory at their facility in Boulder, CO for NOAA's space weather mission.
- L3Harris TechnologiescoreL3Harris was selected by NASA on behalf of NOAA to develop the GeoXO Imager instrument for next-generation geostationary satellites.
- Ball AerospacecoreBall Aerospace was selected by NASA on behalf of NOAA to develop the GeoXO Sounder instrument for hyperspectral infrared sounding on next-generation geostationary satellites.
- Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)coreSwRI built the Solar Wind Plasma Sensor (SWiPS) and Magnetometer (MAG) instruments for SOLAR-1 at their facility in San Antonio, TX.
- University of California, BerkeleycoreUC Berkeley built the SupraThermal Ion Sensor (STIS) instrument for SOLAR-1 at their facility in Berkeley, CA.
- University of New HampshirecoreUniversity of New Hampshire built the Magnetometer (MAG) instrument for SOLAR-1 in partnership with SwRI.
- U.S. Naval Research LaboratorycoreNRL built the Compact Coronagraph (CCOR-2) for SOLAR-1 at their facility in Washington, DC. NRL is also the developer of the CCOR instrument series.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
NOAA Satellite and Information Service competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- China Meteorological Administration (CMA):
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA): JAXA operates the Himawari geostationary weather satellites and GOSAT greenhouse-gas observers — comparable geostationary weather satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region with similar mission profile to GOES.
- NASA (Earth Science Division / Science Mission Directorate): NASA's Earth Science Division operates research-grade Earth observation satellites (Terra, Aqua, Aura) and serves as NOAA's primary acquisition and launch agent. Both agencies produce satellite imagery and environmental data, but NASA focuses on scientific research while NESDIS focuses on operational meteorology.
- European Space Agency (ESA): ESA develops and operates Copernicus Sentinel Earth observation satellites and partners with NOAA on the L5/Vigil mission hosting NOAA's CCOR coronagraph. Overlap is in Earth observation data products and space weather monitoring.
Direct peers
- EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites): EUMETSAT operates Meteosat geostationary and MetOp polar-orbiting weather satellites for Europe — the most direct international counterpart to NOAA. The two organizations co-operate Jason-3 ocean altimetry and coordinate global weather satellite coverage.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
NOAA Satellite and Information Service social profiles
Digital presenceNOAA Satellite and Information Service financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NOAA Satellite and Information Service leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
NOAA Satellite and Information Service subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries9 records
NOAA Satellite and Information Service funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NOAA Satellite and Information Service M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about NOAA Satellite and Information Service
What does NOAA Satellite and Information Service do?
NESDIS operates the U.S. government's environmental satellite constellation and distributes satellite-based weather, climate, ocean, and space weather data and imagery. It maintains 15 satellites in geostationary, polar, and deep space orbits, archives more than 37 petabytes of environmental data through the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), and delivers products through public websites, direct broadcast sites, and interactive mapping tools such as the Live Hurricane Tracker.
Is NOAA Satellite and Information Service a public or private company?
NOAA Satellite and Information Service is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was NOAA Satellite and Information Service founded?
NOAA Satellite and Information Service was founded in 1970. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is NOAA Satellite and Information Service based?
NOAA Satellite and Information Service is headquartered in Silver Spring, United States, in the North America region.
Who are NOAA Satellite and Information Service's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are China Meteorological Administration (CMA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), NASA (Earth Science Division / Science Mission Directorate) and European Space Agency (ESA). EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) is listed as a direct peer.
Does NOAA Satellite and Information Service have an API?
No public API is recorded for NOAA Satellite and Information Service.
What industry is NOAA Satellite and Information Service in?
NOAA Satellite and Information Service's product category is Environmental Satellite Data Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMANAM, Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms, with a secondary code of IMABACAB, Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial). Its NAICS code is 927110 and its SIC code is 3812.