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NOAA STAR

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NOAA STAR
NameNOAA Science and Technology Advisory Research (STAR)
Formation2014
HeadquartersSilver Spring, Maryland
JurisdictionUnited States
Parent organizationNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA STAR NOAA Science and Technology Advisory Research (STAR) is a research and development arm within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration focused on atmospheric, oceanic, and climate science. It coordinates applied research, technology transition, and operational support across agencies such as the National Weather Service, National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. STAR works with federal partners including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States Geological Survey, and Department of Defense to deliver advances in weather prediction, satellite remote sensing, and climate modeling.

Overview

STAR serves as a center for scientific innovation, translating research into operational systems used by the National Weather Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, and Environmental Protection Agency. Its work spans satellite data assimilation for the GOES-R Series, numerical weather prediction improvements adopted by the Global Forecast System, and development of observational networks with partners like the Integrated Ocean Observing System and U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System. STAR's outputs inform decision-makers at organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

History and Development

STAR was established to consolidate research capabilities that previously resided in entities linked to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and operational units of the National Weather Service. Early development involved integration of programs from centers related to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service and collaborations with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Historical milestones include contributions to the assimilation of data from the Suomi NPP satellite, involvement in the transition of algorithms from the Climate Modeling Intercomparison Project community, and development efforts tied to the U.S. Weather Research Program.

Mission and Programs

STAR's mission emphasizes advancement of forecast skill, enhancement of observational capabilities, and technology transition to operational partners such as the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center. Major program areas include satellite remote sensing projects aligned with the GOES-R Program, numerical model development related to the Global Forecast System and Weather Research and Forecasting Model, air quality research linked to the Environmental Protection Agency, and coastal resilience initiatives connected to the National Ocean Service. STAR also supports educational pipelines via cooperative programs with institutions like the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences and the NOAA Cooperative Institutes network.

Organizational Structure

STAR is organized into thematic divisions that align with NOAA line offices including the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Weather Service, and National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. Leadership interfaces with entities such as the NOAA Chief Scientist office, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and the NOAA Research Council. Program management coordinates with regional partners such as NOAA Regional Operations Centers, the National Hurricane Center, and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction to ensure technology transfer and operational adoption.

Research and Capabilities

STAR conducts research in data assimilation for the Global Forecast System, remote sensing algorithm development for instruments on the GOES-R Series and Jason satellites, and coupled atmosphere–ocean modeling connected to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Capabilities include high-performance computing collaborations with the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in situ observational campaigns coordinated with the Argo program and NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown, and development of assimilation systems used by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts in comparative studies.

Partnerships and Collaborations

STAR actively partners with academic institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Washington, University of Miami, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography; with federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States Geological Survey, and Department of Defense research laboratories; and with international organizations like the World Meteorological Organization and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It participates in consortia such as the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies and joint programs with the National Science Foundation to support field campaigns and model development.

Notable Projects and Achievements

Notable STAR contributions include improvements in hurricane track and intensity forecasts adopted by the National Hurricane Center, development of satellite retrieval algorithms for the GOES-R Series and Suomi NPP that improved severe weather detection, and enhancements to the Global Forecast System leading to measurable forecast-skill increases. STAR scientists have contributed to intercomparison efforts such as the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project and to operational assimilation techniques benchmarked against work at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the Met Office. Collaborative field campaigns and technology transitions have supported resilience efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and operational services for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Category:National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration