Precise Data to Power National Security
ERT delivers support for precise satellite calibration and validation (Cal/Val) that ensures U.S. weather data are accurate, reliable, and mission-ready. These trusted data enables federal stakeholders like FEMA, DHS, and DOD to respond swiftly to disasters and make security decisions.
Case Study
Precise Data to Power National Security
ERT provides expert support for satellite sensor calibration and validation (Cal/Val), ensuring the Nation’s investments in weather satellites return intelligence that U.S. stakeholders, including FEMA, DHS, and DOD, can immediately use, from aviation to agriculture and energy.
American Interests,
By the Numbers
$3 –10 B
per year in value across sectors from improved forecasting, agriculture, and disaster response
$700 M+
per year in avoided disaster-related losses, enabled by earlier hazard detection and evacuations
20:1
Between 10:1 and 20:1 ROI in mission outcomes per dollar invested in satellite Cal/Val
The Mission
The satellite sensor calibration and validation (Cal/Val) activities conducted by the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR), are foundational to NOAA’s mission and directly support the protection of life, property, and the economy of the United States.
These activities ensure the accuracy, reliability, and traceability of satellite data products used in weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and long-term assessments.
Our Solution
ERT’s calibration and validation (Cal/Val) services ensure that satellite radiometers, sounders, and imagers provide precise measurements of Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land surface. These measurements feed into numerical weather prediction (NWP) models used by NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS).
We ensure satellite observations are trustworthy for rapid detection and monitoring of wildfires, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts, hurricanes, and oil spills.
We support accurate satellite-derived data for solar radiation, cloud cover, precipitation estimates, and snowpack monitoring—critical to:
- Flight route planning (aviation)
- Crop yield estimation (agriculture)
- Hydropower and solar production forecasts (energy)
Results
Improved Weather Forecast Accuracy
Data from the JPSS (Joint Polar Satellite System) and GOES-R series satellites—calibrated and validated by STAR—improve 0–7 day forecasts for extreme weather, including hurricanes, blizzards, and severe convective storms. NOAA modeling centers estimate that satellite radiance data accounts for over 75% of the forecast model skill in the medium range (Day 3–7).
Timely Hazard Detection and Disaster Response
The calibrated Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) on GOES-R supports near-real-time detection of wildfires and smoke plumes, enabling first responders and air quality managers to act promptly. During hurricanes, data from microwave sensors (e.g., ATMS) provides real-time insights into storm structure and intensity.
Support for Aviation, Agriculture, and Energy Sectors
Calibrated satellite snow cover maps from VIIRS improve streamflow forecasts used by western U.S. water managers and dam operators.
Emergency Response and National Security
VIIRS night-time light observations, calibrated by STAR, are used during power outages and humanitarian missions to detect population centers and infrastructure disruption.
