Webinar 9/23: NASA CSDA Program Update 2026

NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program facilitates access to commercial Earth observation data for scientific and applied research. The program licenses high-quality datasets, collaborates with partners to improve data accuracy through calibration and validation, and supports the development of practical applications. These efforts complement NASA’s existing fleet of freely available Earth observation data, offering higher resolution, frequency, and tasking capabilities. The initiative bridges gaps between commercial innovation and scientific utility.

During the September 23 webinar, speakers will outline the CSDA program’s recent activities and advancements. Presentations will cover the types of commercial data modalities available, updates to the evaluation process, and the launch of a new calibration and validation initiative. The session will also address the status of ongoing task orders with data providers, ensuring transparency about current and future data access.

Attendees will learn about the licensing agreements required to access CSDA data, including end-user terms and conditions. The webinar will highlight data availability timelines, access procedures, and new capabilities through the Satellite Data Explorer. This tool enhances user ability to discover, analyze, and task commercial datasets for research and applications. Practical guidance on navigating these resources will be provided.

The webinar will introduce new learning resources designed to assist researchers and users in leveraging CSDA data effectively. Presenters will discuss user engagement opportunities, including feedback mechanisms and community-driven initiatives. These efforts aim to foster collaboration and ensure the program meets the evolving needs of the scientific and applied research communities. Registration details for the event will be shared during the session.