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NASA Awards PlanetiQ Contract to Expand Access to Commercial Polarimetric GNSS Radio Occultation Satellite Data

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2 months ago

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Through NASA’s Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition Program, researchers will gain access to high-SNR GNSS polarimetric radio occultation (PRO) data for weather, precipitation, and Earth system science applications.

GOLDEN, Colo., June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PlanetiQ announced today that NASA has awarded the company an expanded contract through NASA’s Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program, broadening access to commercial satellite data for the scientific community. This contract expands PlanetiQ’s CSDA portfolio to add high-SNR GNSS polarimetric radio-occultation data to PlanetiQ’s existing NASA CSDA offerings of ionospheric scintillation, ionospheric total electron content, and high-SNR GNSS radio-occultation data.

“By making polarized radio occultation data available through the CSDA program, NASA is enabling a broader research community to investigate new applications for these observations,” said Dr. E. Robert Kursinski, Chief Scientist of PlanetiQ.

The expanded data offering will provide government researchers with access to advanced GNSS observations that can help improve the understanding of precipitation processes, atmospheric structure, and Earth system dynamics.

Polarized radio occultation (PRO) measurements have demonstrated the ability to characterize precipitation, detect rain and snowfall structure, identify melting layers, and observe variations in storm intensity. PlanetiQ uses a unique receiver to collect data with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). High-SNR measurements are particularly important for precipitation applications because increased SNR improves sensitivity to lighter precipitation and certain cloud structures.

“By making polarized radio occultation data available through the CSDA program, NASA is enabling a broader research community to investigate new applications for these observations,” said Dr. E. Robert Kursinski, Chief Scientist of PlanetiQ. “As more researchers gain access to high-SNR PRO data, we expect both the scientific understanding and the potential operational uses of the technology for precipitation and severe weather monitoring to expand.”

According to NASA’s press release, “Leveraging commercial data demonstrates NASA’s commitment to strong public-private partnerships, allowing the agency to expand scientific insight while reducing costs and accelerating the delivery of data to researchers and decision-makers.”

PlanetiQ’s GNSS-PRO measurements are acquired using high-rate, high-SNR receivers that enhance the detection of precipitation signatures and cloud structures. In addition to supporting atmospheric science research, these measurements are critical for operational applications related to rainfall characterization, snowfall detection, storm monitoring, and weather forecasting.

Researchers interested in learning more about GNSS-PRO and precipitation sensing can watch PlanetiQ’s recent webinar: https://planetiq.com/gnss-ro-precipitation-webinar/

Frequently Asked Questions

What can GNSS-RO data be used for?

GNSS radio occultation (GNSS-RO) data is primarily used to improve weather forecasting and climate research. Meteorological agencies such as NOAA and ECMWF assimilate GNSS-RO atmospheric profiles into numerical weather prediction (NWP) models to increase forecast accuracy and provide global observations from the surface to the stratosphere.

Beyond weather and climate applications, PlanetiQ is enabling additional uses for GNSS signals and radio frequency (RF) data. These applications include GNSS signals intelligence (SIGINT), RF environment characterization and mapping, ionospheric monitoring, and situational awareness of GNSS interference events such as jamming and spoofing. These capabilities support government, defense, and commercial users that rely on accurate positioning, navigation, timing (PNT), and spectrum awareness.

In summary, GNSS-RO data supports weather forecasting, climate science, space weather monitoring, GNSS signals intelligence, RF mapping, and the detection and monitoring of GNSS jamming and spoofing activity.

What is GNSS polarized radio occultation (GNSS-PRO)?

Polarized radio occultation (GNSS-PRO) is an extension of traditional GNSS radio occultation (GNSS-RO) that requires the receiving satellite to have specialized antennas. A right-hand circularly polarized signal transmitted by a GNSS satellite is received by PlanetiQ satellites using both horizontally and vertically polarized antennas. Because raindrops and snowflakes tend to have a flattened shape as they fall, the horizontally polarized subsignal encounters more material and is delayed slightly relative to the vertically polarized subsignal. By measuring the phase difference between the two signals, key information about precipitation can be derived.

These measurements can provide information about rain and snowfall structure, melting layers, horizontal precipitation bands, and variations in storm intensity.

In summary, GNSS-PRO is acquired by satellites with dual-polarization receivers and extends traditional GNSS-RO applications by using polarization measurements to characterize precipitation structure, snowfall, melting layers, and storm intensity.

How can I get GNSS-RO and GNSS-PRO data?

NASA allows NASA researchers, other U.S. government agencies, and international collaborators to apply for access to GNSS-RO and GNSS-PRO data through the Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program. Organizations and researchers that do not qualify for access through the CSDA program can contact PlanetiQ directly at info@planetiq.com to learn more about obtaining data directly from the company.

In summary, qualified researchers can access GNSS-RO and GNSS-PRO data through NASA’s CSDA program, while commercial and other users can obtain the data directly from PlanetiQ.

About PlanetiQ

PlanetiQ provides the highest-quality GNSS/GPS radio occultation (RO) data available from a commercial constellation of satellites, offering unmatched temporal and spatial resolution. The data drive accurate, high-impact weather and climate forecast models, helping improve Numerical Weather Prediction and AI forecasts, safeguard lives and property from severe weather. In 2025, PlanetiQ was awarded NOAA’s largest-ever contract for satellite weather data, valued at $24.3 million. PlanetiQ is a space-tech company that serves the most mission-critical government, defense, and industry leaders, including international weather agencies, enabling more resilient operations across sectors. Founded in 2015 and privately owned, PlanetiQ designs, builds, and operates a commercial constellation of GNSS-RO satellites, setting the standard for precision and reliability in atmospheric monitoring. For more information, contact info@planetiq.com.

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SOURCE PlanetiQ

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VITG Unveils Modern Managed Services and Managed Detection & Response as Part of a Broader AI and Cybersecurity Transformation across ANZ

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17 minutes ago

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September 6, 2026

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SYDNEY, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As organisations across Australia and New Zealand navigate the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and growing governance requirements, Virtual IT Group   (VITG) has announced the launch of Modern Managed Services  (MMS)  and Managed Detection & Response  (MDR) , that are next-generation managed services and managed security offerings designed to help organisations remain secure, resilient and ready for what’s next.

Modern Managed Services delivers a Modern Defensible Architecture framework for managed IT operations, ensuring security controls, governance frameworks and operational best practices are embedded and continuously maintained. Complementing this, Managed Detection & Response provides organisations with 24×7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) capability, actively monitoring, investigating and responding to threats using advanced security analytics and response technologies.

Jeremy Nees , Chief Product Officer, VITG , said:

“Too often, organisations purchase managed services only to discover they do not have the standard level of security they need. As businesses adopt AI, the old-world IT solutions that Managed Service Providers (MSP) are selling are simply not going to cut it. We’ve baked common security requirements into the MMS service from day one, applying the key principles of Modern Defensible Architecture: Secure-by-Design, Defense in Depth, and Zero Trust.

MDR and ZDR   can be layered on top or are available independently if you have your own IT service or team. The push to adopt AI is leaving security gaps across the ANZ mid-market. Our goal is to provide customers with technology that is secure, resilient, and ready for what’s next.”

The launch marks VITG’s second major solution release of the year, following the introduction of its Zero Trust Consulting Practice  and Zero Trust Detection & Response  (ZDR)  offering earlier in 2026. It is also the Group’s first launch since acquiring cybersecurity outfit Security Centric , building on the addition of Auckland based The Instillery  in 2025 and further strengthening VITG’s capabilities across managed services, cloud, cybersecurity, data and AI. VITG is also advancing a dedicated Data & AI Practice and Momentum, a continuous improvement framework currently being piloted with customers ahead of a market launch later this year.

Since joining VITG  at the start of the year, Maurice McCarthy , Chief Executive Officer , is committed to moving at pace to meet the demand that has been created off the back of the market’s rapid adoption of AI.   

McCarthy said, “The traditional managed services model was built for a different era. Today’s organisations need partners that can help them unlock the value of data and AI while strengthening cybersecurity, managing risk, and continuously evolving their technology environment.

Through the acquisition of Security Centric and The Instillery we have brought together market-leading expertise across managed services, data and AI, and cybersecurity. This launch is the first of several innovations we will introduce as we help organisations accelerate transformation and realise greater value from AI.”

Sash Vasilevski , Chief Security Officer, VITG , said:

“The technology businesses are using to unlock the value of AI, integrate systems, and build strong data foundations, is rapidly introducing new risks and attack surfaces.

As business leaders accelerate their adoption of AI, the gap between the threats they face and the security capabilities they have in place is growing faster than many businesses realise.”

Modern Managed Services and Managed Detection & Response are available immediately.

For more information, visit:

Modern Managed Services (MMS)

Managed Detection & Response (MDR)

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SOURCE Virtual IT Group

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DUVA Introduces DUVA ONE at IFA 2026: Personalized Sleep Earbuds That Respond in Real Time

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4 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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The Sleep System That Understands You Best.

BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DUVA, created by Fitnexa, is introducing DUVA ONE at IFA Berlin 2026. This intelligent in-ear sleep system is designed to sense changes in the user and the bedroom, then personalize audio, noise control, and device behavior throughout the night.

Most sleep wearables explain what happened after users wake up. DUVA ONE is designed to help while the night is still happening. Its low-profile earbuds, environment-sensing charging case, and app work together to determine when and how to respond.

A user might start the night with a podcast over Bluetooth. After they fall asleep, DUVA ONE can introduce locally stored sleep audio and optimize power use. If a partner begins snoring or traffic grows louder, it can adjust ANC or add sound masking. In the morning, a private offline alarm wakes only the wearer, without requiring an active phone connection.

In-ear PPG and motion sensors estimate sleep stages and track heart rate, HRV, sleep position, and movement, while the case monitors noise, light, temperature, and humidity. The AI Agent interprets these signals alongside playback status and personal preferences to select an appropriate response. Users control sleep audio, playback duration, ANC strategy, and nighttime interventions in the DUVA App.

“Sleep does not happen in a static environment, so sleep technology should not remain static either,” said Diego, Founder of Fitnexa. “DUVA ONE is designed to respond while sleep is still happening.”

Key Highlights

Layered noise relief: Passive isolation, Hybrid ANC, and sleep audio provide noise reduction of up to 42 dB, with Transparency Mode and adaptive ANC calibration.Personalized AI sleep guidance: The AI analyzes the user’s real-time sleep state and generates personalized audio guidance to help them gradually fall asleep.Side-sleeping comfort: Each fitted earbud weighs approximately 3.3 grams and has an approximately 9.9 mm low-profile design. Two ear-tip shapes and multiple tip and stabilizing-wing sizes provide more than 40 fit configurations.All-night battery: Up to 16 hours in the most power-efficient configuration, including 13 hours of local audio with ANC off and 9.5 hours with ANC on. The USB-C and wireless charging case provides up to five additional recharges.Private offline alarm: Alarms gradually increase in volume and offer 5, 10, or 15-minute snooze options through the earbud controls.Privacy-first sensing: DUVA ONE does not record conversations, store ambient audio, or upload raw environmental audio. Users can disable individual sensors and delete historical data.

DUVA ONE is planned for release in October 2026 at a target retail price of US$349.99, with target markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia.

Media Contact: essie@duva.com
Learn more: duva.com

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SOURCE DUVA

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China Xplained | The China Squeeze, or the China Opportunity?

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6 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from South: 

Is China’s manufacturing rise squeezing out or creating opportunities for other economies?

Ahead of the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China this November, journalists and experts from around the world gathered in Guangdong for the Asia-Pacific Media Forum (APMF) 2026.

The forum opened in Shenzhen on September 5, bringing together more than 400 representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from international organizations.

Before the opening of the forum, participants travelled across Guangdong to see China’s industries and development first-hand.

In this episode of China Xplained, we look at the numbers, supply chains, investment and voices from across the developing world—to ask a bigger question: Is China squeezing out room for other economies?

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-xplained–the-china-squeeze-or-the-china-opportunity-302870814.html

SOURCE South

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