PlanetiQ Selected for NOAA's Space-Based Environmental Monitoring IDIQ

PlanetiQ, a leading provider of commercial satellite-based environmental data, has been selected as an industry partner under NOAA's new Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. This selection builds on the company's long-standing relationship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and expands its data offerings to include thermospheric neutral density data for satellite orbit prediction.

Through the SBEM IDIQ, PlanetiQ will be eligible to compete for task orders to provide NOAA with two types of commercial environmental data: Global Navigation Satellite System-Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) observations for atmospheric profiling and ionospheric monitoring, and thermospheric neutral density data for satellite orbit prediction. The contract, established by NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) through its Commercial Data Program, has a five-year base period followed by a five-year option, effective from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2036.

Under the SBEM contract, PlanetiQ will provide data from its existing satellite constellation as well as additional satellites planned for launch later this year. The company's GNSS-RO observations offer high-resolution atmospheric profiles for numerical weather prediction and measurements of the ionosphere, including Total Electron Content (TEC) and scintillation. The introduction of thermospheric neutral density data as a new commercial data product will support improved satellite orbit prediction and space-weather applications.

"This selection builds on our long-standing partnership with NOAA and expands the ways our data can support the agency, from high-resolution atmospheric and ionospheric observations to thermospheric neutral density for satellite orbit prediction. We look forward to continuing to work with NOAA to advance weather forecasting and space weather applications."

The SBEM IDIQ contract is a key part of NOAA's ongoing effort to boost U.S. weather forecasting capabilities by expanding its procurement and use of new commercial environmental satellite data streams. PlanetiQ currently provides GNSS-RO data to NOAA NESDIS under the agency's previous commercial data contract vehicle. The company's most recent task order, announced in August, provides GNSS-RO and ionospheric data and bridges the transition to the new SBEM contract.

Founded in 2015 and privately owned, PlanetiQ designs, builds, and operates the preeminent commercial constellation of GNSS-RO satellites, setting the standard for precision and reliability in atmospheric monitoring. The company's data drive accurate, high-impact weather and climate forecast models, helping improve Numerical Weather Prediction and AI forecasts, and safeguard lives and property from severe weather. In 2025, PlanetiQ was awarded NOAA's largest-ever contract for satellite weather data, valued at $24.3 million.

This latest selection underscores PlanetiQ's commitment to advancing environmental monitoring and supports the agency's mission to enhance weather and space weather forecasting. The company's expanded data offerings will play a crucial role in improving the accuracy and reliability of weather and climate models, contributing to better decision-making and preparedness across various sectors.