The state of California is integrating Iceye satellite data into statewide emergency operations as part of a new agreement. California opened a modernized state operations center (SOC) for emergency response on Tuesday, announcing investments in emergency response capabilities, including satellite technology.
The SOC in Mather, California is the state’s central command and control facility for emergency and disaster management. As part of upgrades to the facility, workforce, and technology, the government said it signed an agreement with Iceye to expand its ability to receive near-real-time information on floods, wildfires, and other disasters.
The agreement includes a data and services subscription that gives California Office of Emergency Services (OES) and all California state agencies access to disaster intelligence solutions from Iceye’s satellite constellation, an Iceye spokesperson confirmed to Via Satellite.
Cal OES was onboarded to Iceye’s Flood Solutions and Wildfire Insights in February of this year and has since used the capabilities to support multiple incidents in California, Iceye stated.
Iceye, a satellite data company based in Finland with operations in the U.S., has a constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, which are able to collect data through cloud cover and at night. The California agreement gives the state access to Iceye’s flood monitoring and wildfire solutions, along with 24/7 monitoring.
The government said the information will be integrated into statewide emergency operations and shared with state agencies and local emergency managers. The goal is to have a common operating picture during storms, rapidly identify impacted communities, prioritize response, and assess damage.
California Governor Gavin Newsom visited the new center on Tuesday, saying that satellite technology is one part of the state’s preparations for the upcoming storm season.
“The Golden State is connecting cutting-edge satellite intelligence with a modern command center on the ground so we can see danger sooner, move life-saving resources faster, and protect more people,” Newsom said in a statement. “As Trump walks away from disaster preparedness and climate science, California is stepping up to take action now. With a potentially historic El Niño taking shape, we are not waiting for storms to reach our doorstep.”
