NASA’s rigorous testing of Satellogic’s NewSat constellation data has cleared the way for scientists to unlock new insights from space.
The team at NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) program has just wrapped up a detailed assessment of data collected by Satellogic’s NewSat constellation – specifically the Mark IV and Mark V sensor generations. This wasn’t just a simple “yes” or “no”; NASA subject matter experts spent months meticulously analyzing 60 top-of-atmosphere reflectance images taken between 2021 and 2025. They were laser-focused on how accurately the data represented the Earth’s surface – the ‘radiometric’ aspect – and how precisely the sensors were positioned – the ‘geometric’ aspect.
What emerged was largely positive. The data demonstrated strong radiometric accuracy, with most spectral bands performing within 10% of NASA’s Aqua MODIS reference values. More than half of the bands also achieved a “Good” rating for their signal-to-noise ratios, a crucial factor in reliable scientific measurements. While there was some variation in performance between the Mark IV and Mark V sensors – the Mark IV earned an “Excellent” rating for its spatial response, while the Mark V received a “Basic” – these differences were within acceptable parameters.
Interestingly, Satellogic responded quickly to the initial findings. Recognizing the value of NASA’s feedback, they’ve made adjustments to their data processing techniques, directly addressing the report's recommendations. The CSDA team is now evaluating these revised products, and anticipates sharing their updated assessment in the near future. This iterative process highlights the program’s commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration within the expanding commercial data landscape.
The CSDA program itself is designed to foster precisely this type of dynamic partnership. Created by NASA’s Earth Science Division, it provides a structured pathway for emerging companies like Satellogic to offer their data – in this case, the NewSat constellation – to NASA’s research efforts. The program isn’t just about acquiring data; it’s about ensuring that data is truly useful, reliable, and aligned with NASA's needs, ultimately accelerating scientific discovery and benefiting society.
Official Resource: View Original Statement
Public Information Service - AI Assisted Reporting