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<\/a><\/figure>A new quality assessment report from NASA\u2019s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) program approves the use of data from Satellogic\u2019s NewSat constellation, which includes the Mark IV and Mark V sensor generations, for scientific use.<\/p>\n
Issued March 9, 2026, the Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program Satellogic NewSat Radiometric & Geometric Quality Assessment Report <\/em>documents the evaluation process of the NASA subject matter experts (SMEs) enlisted to analyze the quality of the constellation\u2019s radiometric and geometric data products.<\/p>\n The SMEs analyzed 60 top-of-atmosphere reflectance images collected between 2021 and 2025, focusing on radiometric and geometric performance across multiple sites. Results showed generally strong radiometric accuracy, with the majority of spectral bands performing within 10% of Aqua MODIS reference values and signal-to-noise ratios meeting \u201cGood\u201d rating criteria for more than half of the bands. Geometric performance exceeded their specified sensor spatial response specifications, with some variability noted between sensor generations. (The Mark IV received an \u201cExcellent\u201d grade for sensor spatial response while the Mark V received a \u201cBasic\u201d grade.)<\/p>\n Since the release of the report, Satellogic has changed aspects of their data processing, in part to address findings and recommendations in the report. CSDA is engaged in a quality assessment of their revised products and will report on the results in the near future.<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Earth Science Division (ESD) established the CSDA program to identify, evaluate, and acquire commercial remote sensing data that enhances NASA\u2019s Earth science research and applications. CSDA provides structured on-ramping opportunities for emerging commercial satellite data vendors, enabling NASA to continuously integrate innovative data sources as the private sector evolves. By leveraging these partnerships, NASA\u2019s ESD aims to accelerate scientific discovery and expand applications of Earth observation data for the NASA Earth science research and applications community and societal benefit.<\/p>\n Since its initial pilot, the CSDA Program has conducted three on-ramp activities, resulting in the addition of several vendors into sustainment. Since then, the program has streamlined its evaluation process by introducing high-quality, SME-led data assessments, accelerating reviews and strengthening NASA\u2019s engagement with the rapidly growing commercial data ecosystem. The CSDA\u2019s evaluation criteria include:<\/p>\n This approach ensures NASA gains timely access to high-quality, mission-relevant commercial data, and provides valuable feedback to private-sector providers, fostering innovation, improved data products, and alignment of industry capabilities with NASA\u2019s evolving scientific needs.<\/p>\n To read the CSDA\u2019s Satellogic NewSat Radiometric & Geometric Quality Assessment Report<\/em><\/a>, visit the CSDA website.<\/p>\n View the recent CSDA Vendor Focus Webinar on Satellogic<\/a> on the CSDA program\u2019s YouTube channel.<\/p>\n For more information about the CSDA program\u2019s process for identifying commercial satellite vendors for on-ramp and evaluation<\/a>, visit the CSDA website.<\/p>\n Powered by WPeMatico<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n Get The Details…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The report adds to the growing documentation on commercial data\u2019s contributions to Earth science research and applications. Continue reading About the CSDA Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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