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A new quality assessment report from NASA\u2019s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA<\/a>) program approves the use of precipitation radar data from Tomorrow.io<\/a> for NASA scientific use.<\/p>\n Issued March 9, 2026, the Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program Tomorrow.io Radar Quality Assessment Report<\/em> documents the evaluation process of the NASA subject matter experts (SMEs) enlisted to analyze the data quality of the Ka-band Precipitation Radars aboard the company\u2019s R1 and R2 spacecraft.<\/p>\n The SMEs assessed the company\u2019s Level 2 Precipitation products and geolocation accuracy and their results were generally in agreement with the analysis provided by Tomorrow.io in its algorithm theoretical basis document. The geolocation assessment showed \u201cexcellent correlation\u201d of 0.98 with a digital elevation model (DEM) reference. In addition, comparisons to ground radar were in good agreement for both radars, with correlations to ground radar of 0.73 and 0.93. (R2 showed slightly higher accuracy than R1, with biases of \u201322% (R1) and \u20136% (R2)). Based on these results, the SMEs concluded that Tomorrow.io precipitation radar data be considered for NASA scientific use, contingent upon alignment with science objectives and application needs.<\/p>\n To Tomorrow.io, the CSDA program\u2019s independent evaluation process provides the confidence the scientific community needs to rely on commercial Earth observation data.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen NASA’s own subject matter experts validate that a commercially built space-based radar system can contribute meaningfully alongside programs like NASA\u2019s Global Precipitation Measurement missions, that opens a new chapter for Earth observation,\u201d said Rei Goffer, Chief Strategy Officer and Founder of Tomorrow.io. \u201cWe built these instruments to demonstrate that the commercial sector can deliver science-quality data from space, and we’re proud that NASA’s assessment supports that vision.\u201d<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Earth Science Division (ESD) established the CSDA program to identify, evaluate, and acquire commercial remote sensing data that enhances NASA\u2019s Earth science research and applications. CSDA provides structured on-ramping opportunities for emerging commercial satellite data vendors, enabling NASA to continuously integrate innovative data sources as the private sector evolves. By leveraging these partnerships, NASA\u2019s ESD aims to accelerate scientific discovery and expand applications of Earth observation data for the NASA Earth science research and applications community and societal benefit.<\/p>\n Since its initial pilot, the CSDA Program has conducted three on-ramp activities, resulting in the addition of several vendors into sustainment. Since then, the program has streamlined its evaluation process by introducing high-quality, SME-led data assessments, accelerating reviews and strengthening NASA\u2019s engagement with the rapidly growing commercial data ecosystem. The CSDA\u2019s evaluation criteria include:<\/p>\n This approach ensures NASA gains timely access to high-quality, mission-relevant commercial data, and provides valuable feedback to private-sector providers, fostering innovation, improved data products, and alignment of industry capabilities with NASA\u2019s evolving scientific needs.<\/p>\n To read the Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program Tomorrow.io Radar Quality Assessment Report<\/em><\/a>, visit the CSDA website.<\/p>\n For more information about the CSDA program\u2019s process for identifying commercial satellite vendors for on-ramp and evaluation<\/a>, visit the CSDA website.<\/p>\n Learn more about Tomorrow.io commercial data available through the CSDA program\u2019s recent Vendor Focus webinar<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n