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.
NOAA’s Uncrewed Systems Operations Center expands environmental observation footprint
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.
Aircraft and uncrewed systems team up to forecast, study tropical cyclones, setting new records
Specialized scientific tools, whether aboard or deployed from an aircraft, or on the water, collected important data and set new records.
Cold-stunned sea turtles make holiday trip south for rehabilitation and release
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 holds keel-laying ceremony for 2nd new charting and mapping vessel
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 P-3 50th Anniversary
NOAA celebrates the 50th anniversary of its two P-3 aircraft, N42RF “Kermit” and N43RF “Miss Piggy."
NOAA Hurricane Hunters collect data on Hurricane Melissa
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.
Safety at sea depends on consistent training
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. The training ensures all crewmembers on board are prepared to respond to emergency situations with efficiency and professionalism, safeguarding both the vessel, crew and scientists conducting research at sea.
NOAA holds keel-laying ceremony for new charting and mapping vessel
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.
NOAA tests new uncrewed aircraft for hurricane research
Uncrewed systems are a rapidly emerging tool for NOAA in hurricane research and forecasting as they allow researchers to gather data from otherwise inaccessible regions of the storm.