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Spire Global has won a new contract from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for $2.5 million. The 9-month contract is part of NOAA’s Commercial Weather Data Pilot (CWDP) Ocean Surface Winds Pilot Study to evaluate how commercial satellite observations can improve measurements of ocean surface winds — a critical factor in forecasting hurricanes, winter storms, and other severe weather. Spire announced the contract award, Sept. 4.

Spire will deliver Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) data in near real-time, focusing on ocean surface wind speeds. NOAA will use this data to assess how commercial satellite observations can enhance weather forecasting models and advance climate research. The initiative supports NOAA’s mission need for accurate and comprehensive measurements of global ocean surface winds, which are critical for marine forecasts, hurricane prediction, winter storm tracking, understanding the global water cycle and more.

“Ocean wind data is essential for improving forecasts, tracking severe storms, and advancing climate research. We’re proud to partner with NOAA to utilize our satellite and GNSS-R data to advance the measurement of ocean winds, strengthen forecasts, and support efforts to protect lives and property from severe weather,” Theresa Condor, CEO, Spire Global, said in a statement.