Background

NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program provided NASA-affiliated scientists and funded research partners with access to imagery from several commercial observation platforms. These constellations of imagers have often provided higher spatial resolution imaging, and greater temporal resolution when clear sky conditions prevail. Improved access to data products from commercial systems through upgraded agreement(s), reduced latency acquisitions, and improved derivation of new research and operational products will enable new opportunities for research and applications. In 2021, CSDA licensing agreements expanded to broaden the applicability for scientific applications across the United States (U.S.) Government. The status of the Commercial Data and End User License Agreements and how to access the data can be found on the Earthdata CSDA Commercial Datasets page.

Status

NASA CSDA continues to provide U.S. federal civil agencies, including National Science Foundation (NSF)-affiliated scientists and funded research partners access to Planet imagery through the current Expanded Planet End User License Agreement (EULA). This provides access for scientific, non-commercial use with a 30-day delay for PlanetScope and RapidEye. NASA does not intend to include SkySat. Planet will provide low-latency imagery with justifications, i.e., disaster response.

Solution Characteristics

Societal Impact

Improved access to data products from commercial systems, reduced latency acquisitions, and improved derivation of new research and operational products would enable new opportunities for research across thematic areas. Planet high-resolution and stereo imagery have many applications including mapping trees and canopy elevation, monitoring land cover characteristics and change, infrastructure, and shoreline change.

Solution Resources

Need help using this solution? The Satellite Needs Working Group's (SNWG) Stakeholder Engagement Program (SEP) curates relevant training resources focused on how to access and use SNWG solutions. For each solution, resources are aggregated into the following categories: Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Missions and Instruments, Data Products and Descriptions, Data Access and Code Examples, and Use Case and Application Examples. Information on workshops and open meetings are also included. The resources below are for the Broader Access to Planet Data solution. For more information about accessing commercial data, visit the CSDA Program and the CSDA Smallsat Data Explorer.

Training Resources

Workshops and Open Meetings

For additional meetings and workshops not found here, refer to Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program Activities.