Top Highlights
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NASA’s CSDA program approves Satellogic’s NewSat constellation data for scientific use, highlighting strong radiometric accuracy with most spectral bands within 10% of Aqua MODIS values.
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A quality assessment report issued on March 9, 2026, evaluated 60 images taken between 2021 and 2025, revealing that the Mark IV sensors received an “Excellent” grade for spatial response, while the Mark V sensors earned a “Basic” rating.
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Satellogic has revised its data processing based on the assessment findings, with ongoing evaluations by CSDA to confirm improvements in data quality.
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The CSDA program streamlines the evaluation of commercial satellite data, ensuring timely access to high-quality information that supports NASA’s Earth science research and applications.
NASA’s CSDA Approves Satellogic NewSat Data for Scientific Use
A recent quality assessment report from NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) program highlights the positive evaluation of Satellogic’s NewSat constellation data. This approval marks a significant milestone for scientific research and applications.
Released on March 9, 2026, the report details an extensive review conducted by NASA subject matter experts (SMEs). They evaluated 60 top-of-atmosphere reflectance images gathered between 2021 and 2025. Their analysis focused on both radiometric and geometric performance across various sites.
The results show strong radiometric accuracy. The majority of spectral bands performed within 10% of Aqua MODIS reference values. Additionally, more than half of the bands met “Good” rating criteria for signal-to-noise ratios. Geometric performance exceeded expectations, with the Mark IV sensors earning an “Excellent” grade while the Mark V received a “Basic” grade.
In response to the report, Satellogic has already made adjustments to its data processing. This proactive approach aims to align with the findings and recommendations presented. The CSDA program plans to assess these revised products and share the results shortly.
NASA’s Earth Science Division established the CSDA to enhance Earth science research through commercial satellite data. The program allows NASA to integrate innovative data as the industry evolves, fostering discoveries that benefit society.
Since its inception, the CSDA has successfully onboarded several new vendors, streamlining its evaluation process through high-quality, SME-led assessments. This ensures timely access to high-quality data and provides critical feedback to vendors.
The CSDA focuses on multiple evaluation criteria, ensuring that data is accessible, accurate, complete, and supported by user services. This structured approach promotes the development of improved data products and aligns commercial capabilities with NASA’s scientific needs.
For those interested in the detailed CSDA report, it is accessible via the CSDA website. Additionally, a recent webinar on Satellogic is available on the CSDA program’s YouTube channel. More information about the CSDA’s vendor identification and evaluation process can also be found on their website.
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