NOAA Updates Space Data Forms with Satellite Swap
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
NOAA is updating its paperwork rules for the space-based data collection system that helps track weather and environmental info. They’re dropping the old Polar-Orbiting system and focusing on the GOES satellites instead. If you use or work with this data, you’ve got until February 20, 2026, to share your thoughts—no cost changes, just smoother info collection!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
NOAA Opens GOES DCS Excess Capacity
NOAA operates the GOES space-based Data Collection System (DCS) and says current loading does not use full capacity, so it can make excess GOES DCS capacity available to other users who meet the criteria. Interested users must apply using a System Use Agreement (SUA) with information such as authorized uses, equipment standards, data formats, reporting times, and user-borne costs; NOAA will not approve an agreement if a commercial service can fulfill the user's requirements.
Application Time Burden and No Reporting Cost
NOAA estimates 75 respondents will apply electronically, at about 30 minutes per response, for an estimated total annual burden of 38 hours and an estimated total annual cost to the public of $0. The information collection is a required step to obtain or retain permission to use the NOAA DCS and public comments on the collection are due by February 20, 2026.
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