PlanetiQ Secures $2.73 Million Contract with NOAA for GNSS-RO and TEC Data Provisioning

PlanetiQ's Strategic NOAA Contract

In a significant development for atmospheric data services, PlanetiQ has announced the award of a $2.73 million contract by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This contract, part of NOAA’s Commercial Data Program, aims to enhance weather forecasting and space weather analysis through the provision of essential GNSS Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) and Total Electron Content (TEC) data.

The performance of this contract is outlined for a short period spanning 74 days, starting from September 18 to December 1, 2026. During this time, PlanetiQ is expected to contribute a remarkable 4,200 GNSS-RO profiles and 500 TEC tracks daily. Such data is critical for a variety of U.S. government agencies, including NOAA, NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy, all of which rely heavily on accurate atmospheric data for their diverse operations.

Ira Scharf, the CEO of PlanetiQ, expressed optimism about this partnership, stating, “With our next-generation GNOMES satellites launching later this year, we will significantly expand our capacity to provide GNSS-RO data as NOAA moves into the next phase of its Commercial Data Program.” This statement highlights PlanetiQ’s commitment to innovating within the atmospheric science sector, which is pivotal for existing civil and defense applications.

The awarded contract serves as a bridge between NOAA’s ongoing Radio Occultation Data Buy 2 (RODB-2) program and the anticipated Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which is expected to be awarded in the near future. This transition indicates NOAA's ongoing efforts to leverage commercial data in tandem with its operational requirements.

Advancements in Satellite Technology

As part of its future expansion plans, PlanetiQ is making significant advancements with its GNOMES satellite constellation. More next-generation satellites are slated to launch, thus enhancing PlanetiQ’s ability to deliver extensive GNSS-RO data. These satellites utilize the proprietary Pyxis sensor technology, which enables high-quality atmospheric observation from low Earth orbit, a key requirement for accurate weather predictions worldwide.

Currently, the GNOMES satellites are known for supplying leading operational weather agencies, including NOAA and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), with sophisticated numerical weather prediction models. Besides weather forecasting, the satellites' data also provide vital thermospheric and ionospheric observations, expanding their applications for government, defense, and research purposes.

Even before this noteworthy deal, PlanetiQ had established a robust presence in the market. In 2025, the company was awarded NOAA's largest contract ever for satellite weather data, valued at an impressive $24.3 million. This reflects PlanetiQ’s essential role as a provider of high-quality GNSS radio occultation data from its commercial satellite network.

Supporting Diverse Applications

The GNSS-RO data delivered by PlanetiQ transcend mere forecasting; they serve a multitude of applications crucial for the sustainability of both society and environment. By driving the development of enhanced predictive models for severe weather, these data increase resilience against climate and weather-induced challenges, ultimately protecting lives and property.

In summary, PlanetiQ’s recent NOAA contract marks a vital step in advancing the quality and availability of atmospheric data for weather forecasting and related sectors. With the anticipated launch of the next-generation GNOMES satellites, there is substantial potential for further innovation and improvement in weather prediction accuracy, reaffirming the importance of continued investment in commercial data solutions to meet governmental and societal needs effectively.