NOAA Needs To Prepare for Near-term Satellite Data Gaps

The recent cost growth of key components of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program—a new generation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) environmental satellites—is likely unsustainable, according to a recent audit by the Government Accountablity Office (GAO). The GAO audit was triggered by concern that this will result in greater potential for near-term satellite data gaps. The inherent risk to the U.S. population and economy such a satellite gap poses caused the GAO to add the JPSS gap issue to its high-risk list in 2013.

The latest GAO report says NOAA is working to mitigate the risks of a gap but that the agency is not tracking actual completion dates for its risk-mitigation activities. The GAO added that while the JPSS program has reduced its estimate for a near-term satellite data gap in the afternoon orbit to only three months, its gap assessment was based on incomplete data and failed to address the threat of space debris. NOAA has not yet updated its assessment to address these limitations. The GAO believes a gap in satellite data may occur earlier and last longer than NOAA anticipates, possibly as long as two years.

While industry experts have identified almost 40 alternatives to help mitigate the gaps, there might not be enough time to develop the needed equipment. Based on its research, the GAO recommended and NOAA agreed to do a better job of tracking, prioritizing and reporting its mitigation strategies to prove it is adequately prepared to deal with a gap in polar satellite coverage. NOAA also specifically identified steps it is taking to implement necessary changes.