# NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services

> government organization in Silver Spring, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q136351960](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136351960)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/noaa-office-of-satellite-ground-services

## Summary

The NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services (OSGS) is a government organization located in Silver Spring, United States, serving as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The office is responsible for managing satellite ground systems infrastructure that supports NOAA's fleet of Earth observation satellites. As a government agency, OSGS plays a critical role in ensuring the reliable reception, processing, and distribution of satellite data that informs weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and environmental management across the United States and globally.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services
- **Aliases**: OSGS, Office of Satellite Ground Services
- **Location**: Silver Spring, United States
- **Type**: Government agency
- **ROR ID**: 03m2f9j08
- **ScienceLit Organization ID**: 117518
- **Website**: https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/our-satellites/related-information/satellite-ground-systems
- **Country**: United States

## FAQs

**What is the NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services responsible for?**

The NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services is responsible for managing the ground-based infrastructure that supports NOAA's satellite operations, including data reception, processing, and distribution systems essential for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and environmental observation.

**Where is the NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services located?**

The organization is headquartered in Silver Spring, United States, a location in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that places it in proximity to other federal science agencies.

**What type of organization is OSGS?**

OSGS is classified as a government agency, specifically an organizational part of the U.S. government responsible for public services related to satellite operations and environmental monitoring.

**How can I find more information about NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services?**

More information is available through their official website at https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/our-satellites/related-information/satellite-ground-systems, which is part of NOAA's NESDIS (National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service) division.

## Why It Matters

The NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services matters because it provides the critical ground infrastructure that enables NOAA satellites to deliver actionable data for public safety, economic productivity, and scientific understanding. Without reliable ground systems, the sophisticated Earth observation satellites operated by NOAA would be unable to transmit the data that powers weather forecasts, hurricane tracking, climate change research, and environmental monitoring. The organization's work directly impacts millions of Americans who rely on accurate weather predictions daily, as well as emergency managers, agricultural producers, aviation operators, and researchers worldwide who depend on NOAA's satellite-derived products. As part of NOAA's broader mission to understand and predict changes in Earth's environment, OSGS ensures the continuity and quality of data flows that support both operational services and long-term climate science.

## Notable For

- Operating ground systems infrastructure for NOAA's satellite constellation
- Supporting the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) mission
- Providing the technical backbone for real-time environmental data delivery
- Serving as a critical link in the satellite data value chain from space-based sensors to end users

## Body

### Organizational Context

The NOAA Office of Satellite Ground Services operates as a government agency within the United States federal structure, specifically as part of NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). The organization is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, positioning it within the broader federal science corridor that includes numerous agencies involved in environmental monitoring, research, and policy implementation. This geographic placement facilitates collaboration with other federal agencies and ensures alignment with national priorities for environmental observation and prediction.

### Technical Infrastructure

OSGS maintains and operates the ground systems that interface with NOAA's fleet of Earth observation satellites. These ground systems include receiving stations, data processing facilities, and distribution networks that ensure satellite observations reach the users who need them—from weather forecasters to climate scientists. The technical infrastructure managed by OSGS represents a substantial national investment in environmental monitoring capability, supporting the continuous flow of data that enables everything from daily weather forecasts to long-term climate trend analysis.

### Identification and References

The organization is uniquely identified in research and administrative databases through several identifiers. Its Research Organization Registry (ROR) ID is 03m2f9j08, which facilitates its identification in scholarly publications and research collaborations. Additionally, the organization carries a ScienceLit organization ID of 117518, further establishing its presence in scientific documentation systems. These identification codes enable accurate tracking of the organization's contributions to scientific literature and research outputs.

### Administrative Structure

As a government agency, OSGS operates under the administrative framework of NOAA, which itself falls under the U.S. Department of Commerce. This placement within the federal government structure ensures that the organization's activities align with national policy objectives and receive appropriate oversight and funding. The organizational classification as a government agency indicates that OSGS is funded through federal appropriations and operates under federal personnel and procurement regulations.

### Public Access and Transparency

The organization maintains a public-facing web presence through its website, which provides information about its role within NOAA's satellite operations. This transparency allows stakeholders, including other government agencies, academic researchers, and the public, to understand OSGS's functions and contributions to NOAA's mission. The website serves as a point of contact for inquiries about satellite ground systems and related technical matters.

### Role in Environmental Monitoring

OSGS contributes to the broader national and global environmental monitoring infrastructure by ensuring the reliable operation of ground receiving and processing systems. These systems support NOAA's commitments to international weather and climate observation programs, including participation in the Global Observing System coordinated through the World Meteorological Organization. The data processed through OSGS-managed systems contributes to international climate databases and supports U.S. commitments to global environmental monitoring efforts.

## References

1. ROR release v1.71