Is It Time for Commercial Weather Satellites? Analyzing the Case of Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation

Abstract

This article argues that while the creation of a commercial weather satellite sector is neither easy nor assured, the future prospects for commercial weather satellites are good. Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) satellite commercial data buys are poised to be the vanguard in the opening of this new sector. The article discusses the current state of the U.S. weather satellite system and the trends providing the impetus for commercial activity in this area. It identifies the most likely government and commercial actors for GNSS-RO data provision and analyzes the legal, technical, economic, and international relations issues facing these entities. Based on this analysis, the article concludes that the commercial weather satellite sector is poised to begin, with government purchases of commercial GNSS-RO data leading the way. It concludes by discussing critical policy decisions that will affect the success of GNSS-RO companies as well as the implications of success for other areas of the commercial weather satellite sector.