#Austria #PlanetiQ #GNSS-RO #IROWG 2026 #Seggau

PlanetiQ Advances Radio Occultation Science at IROWG 2026 Symposium

In a significant move, PlanetiQ, a leading provider of Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) observations, announced its pivotal role as the Lead Industry Sponsor of the 11th Workshop of the International Radio Occultation Working Group (IROWG). This highly anticipated event will take place from September 10 to 16, 2026, at the historic Seggau Castle in Austria, bringing together researchers and professionals dedicated to the progress of radio occultation science.

As the Lead Industry Sponsor, PlanetiQ is not just providing financial support but also showcasing its commitment to enhancing the capabilities and applications of radio occultation techniques globally. Established as a permanent working group of the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), IROWG serves as a collaborative platform for operational and research users of radio occultation data from around the world.

Ira Scharf, the CEO of PlanetiQ, emphasized the critical role of radio occultation science in weather forecasting. He stated, "The future of weather forecasting depends on the continued advancement of radio occultation science and the availability of high-quality atmospheric observations." This underscores the importance of innovations in atmospheric measurement technologies and their applications in improving weather prediction accuracy.

PlanetiQ is set to feature numerous esteemed scientists and engineers at the IROWG Symposium, contributing nearly a dozen presentations that elucidate advancements in GNSS-RO and GNSS-Polarized Radio Occultation (GNSS-PRO) methodologies. The planned presentations will cover diverse topics, including:

• - Detection and characterization of atmospheric ducting: Focusing on its applications in predicting tropical cyclones.
• - GNSS-PRO observation techniques: Presenting multiple studies and findings.
• - Lower troposphere GNSS-RO observations: Enhancing our understanding of atmospheric dynamics.
• - Ionospheric data processing: Innovations in analyzing ionospheric effects on GNSS signals.
• - Reflection signal extraction methods: Contributions toward refining GNSS observation techniques.
• - Bending angle climatology: Exploring the implications of bending angles in weather prediction.

The significance of GNSS-RO data extends beyond mere academic interest; it is instrumental for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and atmospheric research. By offering high-resolution atmospheric profiles, GNSS-RO assists forecasters in understanding the three-dimensional structure of the atmosphere and its potential for severe weather events. This is especially critical when assessing atmospheric stability and predicting storm severity.

PlanetiQ's pioneering efforts in providing the most comprehensive GNSS-RO profiles daily enable leading numerical weather prediction models to deliver enhanced accuracy and reliability. Their commitment to expanding the quality and quantity of atmospheric data further positions them at the forefront of meteorological advancements.

In line with its dedication to collaboration and knowledge sharing, PlanetiQ's participation at the IROWG Symposium aims to foster stronger connections within the international radio occultation community. By engaging with researchers, operational users, and industry leaders, they hope to amplify the impact of the radio occultation data they provide.

GNSS-RO: Key to Accurate Weather Forecasting

GNSS-RO technology plays a vital role in modern meteorology by offering precise measurements of atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity. This enables improved weather forecasts, climate assessments, and research regarding atmospheric phenomena and space weather. Notably, GNSS-RO data is assimilated into various operational weather prediction systems globally. These include those maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and the UK Met Office.

Despite its beneficial applications, GNSS-RO data availability remains contingent upon specific satellite alignments, meaning it is not constantly accessible at every location on Earth. However, the rate at which occultation events occur—thousands daily—provides extensive global coverage, including areas typically underrepresented in traditional weather observations.

The rise in predictive accuracy facilitated by GNSS-RO is heralded as a critical advancement in the field. By merging high-precision atmospheric measurements with comprehensive data analysis capabilities, PlanetiQ offers a unique edge in the rapidly evolving realm of weather forecasting.

About PlanetiQ

Founded in 2015, PlanetiQ is established as a pioneer in delivering high-quality GNSS radio occultation (RO) data from its commercial constellation of satellites. The company's commitment to precision and high-impact weather and climate forecast models has positioned it as the unmatched leader in satellite-based atmospheric monitoring. Their achievements include winning NOAA's largest contract for satellite weather data, valued at $24.3 million, attesting to their unmatched service offerings. PlanetiQ continues to facilitate advanced capabilities for government, defense, and industry leaders, ensuring more robust and resilient operational strategies across multiple sectors.