NESDIS Reflects on FY 2024

NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) has had a busy fiscal year! We’re taking a moment to reflect on our successes in delivering secure, timely global environmental data for the nation, both now and into the future. Our commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that we remain ready to support emerging needs and challenges for years to come.
 

New Milestones for Geostationary Earth Observations

• GOES-U Launched and Began Data Collection
  NOAA successfully launched GOES-U on June 25 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. GOES-U is the final satellite in the GOES-R Series, which provides advanced weather and environmental monitoring for the Western Hemisphere. 
  
  Renamed GOES-19 after reaching geostationary orbit in July, the satellite began collecting data soon after. NOAA shared imagery from each of its instruments, including the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), Goddard Magnetometer (GMAG), Space Environment In Situ Suite (SEISS), Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS), Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI), and NOAA’s first coronagraph, Compact Coronagraph-1 (CCOR-1). The satellite continues on-orbit testing, validation and calibration of its instruments, systems, and data to prepare it to enter service as NOAA’s GOES East satellite. GOES-19 is scheduled to replace GOES-16 over the Atlantic ocean in April 2025 and will extend NOAA’s geostationary satellite observations into the early 2030s. 
   
• GeoXO Program Development Moving Forward
  NOAA's GeoXO Program has made significant progress. The remaining development contracts were awarded, including the spacecraft and the Ocean Color, Atmospheric Composition and Lightning Mapper instruments. The GeoXO Sounder instrument passed its System Requirements and System Definition Reviews, positioning it to proceed into the preliminary design phase.

Advancements in Low Earth Orbit Satellite Systems 

NOAA made significant strides in its Low Earth Orbit satellite initiatives, enhancing its weather forecasting capabilities and supporting critical Earth observation missions. 

• NOAA-21 Became the Primary Satellite in the JPSS Fleet
  The JPSS-2 satellite, which was renamed NOAA-21 once in orbit, began operating as the primary satellite in NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) on March 13, 2024. Launched on Nov. 10, 2022, NOAA-21 became operational in Nov. 2023 and joined the Suomi NPP and NOAA-20 satellites in the JPSS fleet, providing NOAA with the most sophisticated technology the agency has ever flown in a polar orbit. Together, these satellites circle the Earth 14 times daily, capturing essential data for 3-7 day weather forecasts, including observations for extreme weather events and monitoring climate change.
   
• NASA Awarded SpaceX Contract to Launch the Next JPSS Satellite
  NASA, on behalf of NOAA, awarded SpaceX a $112.7 million contract to launch the JPSS-4 satellite in 2027. Once in orbit, JPSS-4 will be renamed NOAA-22 and become part of the JPSS fleet. The satellite will also carry Libera, a NASA research and development instrument designed to improve our understanding of trends in Earth’s energy imbalance and our changing climate.
  
  Libera, originally intended for the JPSS-3 satellite, will now launch with JPSS-4. This change comes as NOAA adjusted the launch sequence to prioritize JPSS-4, pushing JPSS-3’s target launch date to 2032. By including Libera on JPSS-4, NOAA eliminates the need to remove JPSS-3 from storage for retrofitting and retesting, thus avoiding unnecessary handling and additional testing of a nearly completed satellite. JPSS-3 will remain in extended storage, undergoing annual testing to ensure readiness for its rescheduled launch in December 2032.
   
• Thermal Vacuum Testing for JPSS-3 Completed
  Thermal vacuum testing for the JPSS-3 satellite was completed on August 26. During this process, the spacecraft is placed in a vacuum-sealed chamber that replicates the extreme conditions of space. These tests are crucial for identifying any deficiencies or flaws in the hardware, as the simulated environment closely mimics the actual conditions the spacecraft will face in orbit.
   
• NOAA Initiated Quicksounder Project 
  NOAA initiated the QuickSounder project as part of its Near Earth Orbit Network, awarding a $54.9 million contract to the Southwest Research Institute to support this pathfinder mission. 
  
  QuickSounder will advance NOAA’s future satellite architecture, delivering critical data to the National Weather Service and the U.S. weather industry while demonstrating NOAA's capability to deploy a small satellite in under three years. The mission will fly a refurbished Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), the same instrument used in the Joint Polar Satellite System. Although most environmental satellites take over a decade to develop and launch, QuickSounder is on track to launch in 2026—less than 27 months after contract award. Lessons learned from the QuickSounder mission will inform business and technical approaches for the NEON Program to better leverage technological and market innovations in the aerospace industry.

These efforts underscore NOAA’s ongoing commitment to improving weather forecasting, protecting lives, and supporting economic resilience.

Significant Achievements for Space Weather Observations

NOAA's Office of Space Weather Observations (SWO) has made significant strides in advancing space weather research, operations, and collaboration. 
 

• New Quad Agency MOA Developed to Boost Federal Coordination on Space Weather
  To enhance collaboration across federal agencies, SWO co-led the development of the Quad Agency Space Weather Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This agreement, involving NOAA, NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Air Force, enables better coordination between research and operational efforts. The MOA helps transition space weather models and technologies from research to operational use. Improving our ability to predict and respond to space weather events.
   
• New Strategy Introduced to Unite NOAA for Improved Space Weather Preparedness
  To further strengthen these efforts, SWO developed the One-NOAA Space Weather High-level Strategy. This document is a NOAA-wide appeal to prioritize space weather as a collective effort with a unified vision, strategic approach, and dedicated resources, drawing on expertise across NESDIS, the National Weather Service (NWS), and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).
   

• Progress Milestones Reached in Space Weather Projects
  SWO reached key milestones in several projects. In 2024, the Space Weather Next (SW Next) L5 and L1 Series projects achieved significant progress, allowing them to move forward with contracting and program development. 
  
  Additionally, SWO passed a key decision point for the Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO) mission, clearing the way for the integration, testing, and launch of the SWFO-L1 observatory in 2025.
   
• SWO Hosted Inaugural Space Weather Observations Summit
  Furthering its leadership in space weather, SWO hosted the inaugural Space Weather Observations Summit in Boulder, Colorado. This event gathered experts from across the space weather community to discuss NOAA’s role in meeting space weather operational needs. Attendees also explored opportunities for new collaborations with domestic and international partners, as well as the commercial and academic sectors.

NESDIS Impacts Briefings Highlight the Value of NOAA Satellite Data 

NESDIS showcased the critical role of satellite data and environmental information in everyday life through its Impacts Briefings. These briefings highlight how NOAA satellites support diverse sectors such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, disaster response, and more. 

These briefings also shared stories of the dedicated scientists analyzing this data and the real-world applications it supports, from helping commuters and business owners to aiding communities in building resilience and protecting vulnerable populations. The briefings emphasized the value of NOAA's science and service, underscoring the far-reaching impacts of NESDIS’ work.

New Work Continues from Recent Federal Investments

• NOAA Launched $85 Million Initiative to Boost Climate Resilience and Industry Innovation
  NOAA kicked off the $85 million Industry Proving Grounds (IPG) program, to develop climate information that helps industries better prepare for climate change. Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, this program aims to create more user-friendly and relevant data for sectors like insurance, retail, and engineering. Through partnerships with industry leaders, NOAA will modernize its data portfolio to provide enhanced information about extreme weather and climate risks. Ultimately, the goal is to boost economic growth while supporting resilience in vulnerable communities.
   
• NOAA Tested Next Generation Wildfire Detection and Warning Tools
  NOAA recently tested two experimental tools designed to improve wildfire detection and warnings during a week-long simulation in the new Fire Weather Testbed. The first tool, the Next Generation Fire System (NGFS), uses artificial intelligence to detect fires from satellite data, helping reduce response times for fire managers. The second tool applies the Integrated Warning Team concept to wildfires, enhancing communication between meteorologists and fire agencies to issue faster warnings for dangerous fires. These tools, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to help forecasters and emergency responders better manage wildfire threats and protect lives and property.
   
• New Satellite Partnership Announced To Boost Wildfire Detection and Response
  A new partnership between NOAA, the Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service will enhance wildfire detection using satellite technology. Supported by $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this initiative uses data from NOAA's GOES-R satellites to detect wildfires early and track their progression in real time. This will improve response times, protect firefighters, and help safeguard communities from increasingly dangerous wildfires. The satellites also provide valuable smoke monitoring data to guide firefighting efforts and improve air quality forecasts, advancing climate resilience efforts.
   
• NOAA Invested in AI to Improve Lightning Prediction and Wildfire Safety
  NOAA created  an advanced AI model to improve fire weather forecasts by predicting lightning strikes more accurately. The customized version of LightningCast, developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin, will help forecast lightning near wildfires, aiding first responders in making faster, safer decisions. This effort is part of a broader initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to enhance fire weather research and protect communities from wildland fires. The tool is expected to become fully operational by 2025.
   
• NOAA Announced $1.1 Million for Enhanced Satellite Monitoring of Alaska Floods
  NOAA announced a $1.1 million funding opportunity to improve flood and ice-jam monitoring in Alaska using satellite data. Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, this project aims to enhance flood forecasting by utilizing high-resolution satellite data from private sources. Alaska faces unique challenges, such as remote locations and variable weather conditions, making better monitoring crucial for protecting communities. The initiative will help improve predictions and safeguard residents from the severe flooding that has increasingly impacted the state in recent years.
   
• Upgrading Tools to Monitor and Forecast Flooding and Extreme Precipitation
  Ongoing NOAA projects are transforming satellite observations and other data into information communities can use to prepare for and recover from floods and heavy precipitation. NESDIS has awarded $7.6 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to cooperative institutes for these efforts, which include improvements to street-level maps of flood and inundation, models of how water cycles through the nation’s rivers and streams, and hourly-precipitation information to help businesses and communities better understand the effects of extreme rainfall.
   

Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) Released

The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) was released on November 14. This report, produced every four years under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, highlights how the climate is changing in the U.S. It explores the effects on various sectors, such as agriculture, human health, and cities, and includes chapters on how different regions in the U.S. are being impacted. NCA5 also addresses ways to adapt to and reduce the effects of climate change.

With 37 chapters and appendices, the report covers new topics like global impacts, social systems and justice, and the economic effects of climate change. It's a highly influential scientific report, requiring detailed review and documentation. The full report, including downloadable chapters, was put together by over 400 experts, supported by the NCA Technical Support Unit (TSU) at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). NCEI’s TSU provides the backbone support for compilation, editing, figure production, and laying out the report to ensure accessibility and that all data and information complies with Information Quality Act standards. 

NESDIS Monitors Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event

NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch (CRW) is a program within NESDIS’s Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) and is at the forefront of monitoring and predicting the impact of global coral bleaching events, and helping to safeguard the world’s vital coral ecosystems. Using satellite data from NOAA and its partners, NOAA CRW has tracked bleaching-level heat stress across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans from 1985 to the present. It has recently been monitoring a fourth global coral bleaching event that began in early 2023 and is now officially the largest bleaching event on record. 

From Jan. 1, 2023 to Oct. 20, 2024, roughly 77.2% of the world’s reef area has experienced bleaching-level heat stress, and mass coral bleaching has been confirmed from 74 countries and territories spanning the northern and southern hemisphere of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. This includes all U.S. jurisdictions in the Atlantic, as well as American Samoa and Guam in the Pacific.  

NOAA CRW's efforts, along with NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), play a crucial role in coral reef restoration and resilience. Through initiatives like Mission: Iconic Reefs, NOAA has taken innovative actions to protect Florida’s reefs, such as moving corals from nurseries to cooler waters and using sunshades to shield corals from extreme heat. Globally, NOAA is working with the International Coral Reef Initiative to share knowledge and implement strategies for coral restoration in the face of climate change.

As ocean temperatures rise, NOAA continues to apply science-based interventions to help corals recover and ensure that these ecosystems continue to support communities worldwide.

NESDIS Hosted Solar Eclipse Viewing Events Across the Country

The Office of Space Weather Observations (SWO) organized nationwide celebrations for the Annular Solar Eclipse on October 14, 2023 and the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. These events engaged approximately 200,000 participants in person and reached millions more through digital platforms. In collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and various organizations and international partners, these efforts successfully raised public awareness and enhanced NOAA's profile as a leader in space weather observations. 

NESDIS Drives Cloud Innovation

• NESDIS Cloud Migration Continues for Improved Service and Performance
  In 2024, NESDIS completed the first phase of migrating the NOAA Environmental Visualization Lab (VizLab) services to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud, well ahead of schedule. By July 30, all assets—including six virtual computers and two physical computers in College Park, MD; five virtual computers in Boulder, CO; and ten virtual computers in Silver Spring/Suitland, MD; along with substantial storage—were transferred and operational, two months before the Sept. 30 deadline. This transition to a modern, Cloud-based system enhances performance, scalability, and allows for easier updates. 
  
  Completing the migration early allowed for additional testing time, ensuring a smooth switch from on-premises servers to the Cloud during the active hurricane season with minimal downtime.
  
  The VizLab transforms NOAA's vast amount of satellite, climate and observational data into visual tools, such as animations, real-time maps, and 2D and 3D visualizations to help us better understand Earth’s climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. Working with NOAA scientists, the VizLab processes complex datasets into imagery that is widely used by television, print media, museums, educators, and other communication outlets including NOAA.gov, Climate.gov, and especially nesdis.noaa.gov. 
  
  The VizLab also maintains open layers and map services featuring NOAA data, supporting several projects where GIS/geospatial technologies are being used, including, but not limited to StoryMaps, web map applications, Data in the Classroom modules, the Hurricane tracker, Science On a Sphere, NOAA Satellite Maps services, and more.
   
• Successful Migration of IDPS to FedRAMP Commercial Cloud Advances NOAA’s FISMA Compliance
  The Interface Data Processing Segment (IDPS) in the LEO Common Cloud Service (LCCS) successfully completed transitioning from Amazon Web Services (AWS) GovCloud to the AWS FedRamp Commercial Cloud, tailored for Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) high controls, in the NESDIS Cloud Service (NCS) on Sept. 30, 2024. This migration supports NOAA’s broader goal to streamline FISMA under the LEO office.
  
  The transition was a joint initiative between LEO, NASA, and NESDIS offices—including the Office of Common Services, the Office of Satellite and Product Operations, Systems Architecture and Engineering, and the Office of the Assistant Chief Information Officer-Satellites. It was implemented by the LEO Ground Project teams.
   
• NESDIS and NWS Pilot Project Paves Way for Direct Cloud-Based Data Access
  The National Weather Service (NWS) and teams led by the NESDIS Assistant Chief Information Officer recently completed a pilot project to foster cloud alignment across NOAA line offices. This project had three key objectives: to demonstrate NESDIS cloud-based operational satellite data availability for NWS services, inform future cloud architectures with optimized data transfers, and capture cost data to aid operational planning. As a result, NESDIS successfully provided cloud-based data directly to the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) via the NESDIS Cloud-sandbox Infrastructure Service (NCIS), ensuring AWIPS access to real-time data while meeting Service Level Agreement (SLA) requirements.
  
  The pilot demonstrated that NESDIS data can be efficiently transferred to AWIPS without preliminary transfers to NWS systems, allowing NWS AWIPS to operate directly on NESDIS-hosted data. Moving forward, NESDIS and NWS will build on these insights, working toward further integration to support additional data sources, processes, and functions. As the partnership progresses, formal agreements, governance frameworks, security protocols, and SLAs will be established to solidify this strategic cloud alignment.
   
• OCS Science Sandbox Supporting Cloud Innovation
  The Office of Common Services (OCS) is helping to advance NESDIS's cloud computing capabilities through its Science Sandbox Service, which now supports 10 different science applications. These applications come from NESDIS divisions like the Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR), the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO), and the GOES-R satellite program. OCS provides the technical support and guidance needed to help these teams move their work to the cloud, with the ultimate goal of running their operations there.
  
  The Science Sandbox is a virtual environment where developers, scientists, and collaborators can test algorithms, explore data, and carry out research.
   
• New Framework Developed to Safeguard NESDIS Security Systems
  The NESDIS Cyber Security Branch (CSB) released the Subsystems and Enclaves Framework, developed by the Security Architecture Team. This framework outlines how to set up and protect specialized systems, called subsystems and enclaves, which have additional security measures to control access, safeguard sensitive data, and defend against cyber attacks. By offering guidance for documenting and managing these systems, the framework supports a smooth and secure transition to the cloud, ensuring that everything meets NOAA and NESDIS standards.   
   

U.S. Announced New Outer Limits of the Extended Continental Shelf 

On December 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of State announced that the United States has officially determined about one million square kilometers (roughly 288,000 square nautical miles) of ocean seafloor—an area more than twice the size of California—to be part of the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). This announcement marks the end of nearly 20 years of work collecting and analyzing data to define these limits, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The ECS spans seven different regions, housing important resources such as coral and crabs as well as providing essential habitats for marine life. Since 2003, U.S. government agencies, including NOAA, have been working together to map and define the outer edges of this extended continental shelf. This declaration is the result of the sustained efforts of the ECS Task Force—a coalition of 14 agencies that includes the Department of State, NOAA, and the U.S. Geological Survey. 

NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) in Boulder, Colorado, serves as the headquarters for the U.S. ECS Project Office and also holds the official data and records related to the ECS.