Introduction to STAR: the Center for Satellite Applications and Research

STAR Product Example: VIIRS Image

VIIRS "natural color" composite of channels I-01, I-02 and I-03, taken 12:29 UTC 14 November 2012

The Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) is the science arm of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), which acquires and manages the nation's environmental satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). STAR research activities, integral to the implementation of NOAA's research priorities, are aligned with and carried out in direct support of NOAA and NESDIS programs, strategic goals, and performance objectives.

• About STAR - Introductory Handout, (PDF, 105 KB)

STAR's Mission

To accelerate the transfer of satellite observations of the land, atmosphere, ocean, and climate from scientific research and development into routine operations, and offer state-of-the-art data, products, and services to decision-makers.

STAR's Vision:

To advance remote sensing science and technology to better inform the American public and safeguard the environment .

The United States invests billions of dollars in environmental satellites annually in order to monitor the Earth's environment, including:

• Assessing current conditions;
• Predicting future changes on the earth; and
• Understanding long-term changes in the environment.

STAR supports these activities by advancing satellite technology, producing data products, and performing research / outreach.

Satellite, Data, and Research Efforts at STAR: Interrelated Work

Throughout all four phases, STAR shares its findings with partners and stakeholders to promote creative thinking about methods that would use satellite data to obtain better information about the Earth and its environment.

STAR scientists lead efforts to develop, test, validate, and refine the science algorithms needed to drive user-defined products. STAR also investigates both enhanced and new sensor technology for future NOAA satellite missions. STAR research examines which products users will need- including ocean, ecosystem, climate, and weather products-to carry out NOAA's mission goals. STAR supports the calibration and validation of all data in NOAA's satellite operations. In addition to maintaining existing calibration sites, STAR develops new methods for intercalibrating data from NOAA polar and geostationary satellites with other satellites in the evolving international system. In addition, STAR collaboratively develops efficient methods and technology to transfer new products from research to operations.