Precision from propellers: How NOAA aircraft collect data above, around and in a hurricane
Hunting for hurricane data above, around and in the storm requires the right equipment–and NOAA has it.
Hunting for hurricane data above, around and in the storm requires the right equipment–and NOAA has it.
In 2025, NOAA’s Uncrewed Systems Operations Center funded six projects totaling roughly $10.1 million to increase the reliability, capacity, efficiency and safety of NOAA missions through the use of uncrewed systems.
Specialized scientific tools, whether aboard or deployed from an aircraft, or on the water, collected important data and set new records.
Holiday travel comes with delays, heavy traffic, overbooked flights and other complications — but for 12 cold-stunned sea turtles, the timing was just right to fly south after an upgrade from standby status.
NOAA leadership was joined by partners today to celebrate the keel-laying for Navigator, a new charting and mapping vessel being constructed for NOAA. The vessel is being built by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC., in Houma, Louisiana.
NOAA Hurricane Hunters flew over 100 hours for Hurricane Melissa, deploying more than 250 dropsondes and 12 uncrewed aircraft systems. Afterward, NOAA’s King Air supported Jamaica’s recovery with high-res aerial imagery.
NOAA Corps officers and professional mariners must maintain high levels of readiness when operating NOAA vessels at sea. Their preparation for underway missions is met through Operational Readiness Training where they gain familiarity with general ship operations and emergency response procedures.
NOAA leadership was joined by partners today to celebrate the keel-laying for Surveyor, a new charting and mapping vessel being constructed for NOAA. The vessel is being built by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC., in Houma, Louisiana.