UltiSat has received a contract from the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center to support Global Hawk communications for NASA’s Airborne Science programme, the company announced on 16 October.
The contract will see the company provide commercial Ku-band satellite capacity with coverage of the continental US, Atlantic and Pacific areas of operation.
During atmospheric research operations, the ability to transfer real-time data off the aircraft helps scientists on the ground assess and monitor tropical storms as they develop. This data can enhance the ability to forecast storm tracks and potential landfall points. The enhanced fidelity of these projections improves the accuracy and timeliness of the advanced notifications issued to those most likely to be affected.
Steve Roth, program director, UltiSat, said: ‘UltiSat is proud to support this scientific application of our satellite communication services.
‘We are extremely pleased that our modest contribution to the Airborne Science programme will help to enhance the ability to forecast storm strength and path, provide more accurate warnings to the most likely affected populations and in the end save lives.’