Radio occultation weather data
Spire's satellites measure how GPS signals bend as they pass through the atmosphere, producing temperature, pressure and humidity readings that weather agencies feed into forecasts.
Why it matters
Weather models need atmospheric measurements over oceans and remote areas where weather balloons are rare. Agencies like NOAA buy this data to improve forecasts.
How the technology works
When a navigation satellite sinks below the horizon from a Spire satellite's view, its signal passes through more and more of the atmosphere. The amount the signal bends reveals the air's temperature, pressure and moisture at each height.
Spire delivers these profiles through APIs.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction