This year Remote Sensing Systems (RSS) celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since our founding in 1974, RSS has been committed to advancing the field of microwave remote sensing, contributing to our collective understanding of Earth's systems.
Our history began in the early days of satellite remote sensing, when we developed retrieval algorithms using punch cards and processing magnetic tape data from early Earth observation missions, such as SeaSat, NASA’s first dedicated oceanographic satellite, which helped establish the foundation for modern space-based Earth observation systems.
In the five decades since, we have processed and freely distributed data from more than 30 satellites and have witnessed and participated in the remarkable evolution of remote sensing technology and data distribution. We were proud to be among the first organizations to freely distribute satellite data over the Internet, starting in the mid-1990s, and continue to do so to this day.
Additionally, throughout our existence as a company, we have fostered international collaboration with agencies across the world. Our work spans missions from NASA, NOAA, and the U.S. Department of Defense, to international partners including JAXA (Japan), EUMETSAT (Europe), and ESA (European Space Agency). These broad collaborations have helped to create a truly global perspective of our ever-changing planet as seen through the lens of space-based microwave remote sensing.
Our success would not have been possible without the support of those in the scientific community that we serve. The trust that data users and funders have placed in our team has also allowed us to pioneer innovative approaches in satellite data processing and analysis, leading to more accurate and reliable Earth observation products and yielding significant contributions to Earth science, including enhanced understanding of ocean dynamics, atmospheric conditions, and climate patterns through satellite observations.
As we mark this significant milestone and look ahead to the future, we reflect on our journey and the support we received along the way that has not only fostered our growth but has also enabled us to maintain our position at the forefront of microwave remote sensing technology and data accessibility.
We are excited to continue our many partnerships and to further our shared mission of enhancing our understanding of Earth's complex systems through remote sensing.
Thank you for being an integral part of our 50-year journey. We look forward to many more years of successful collaboration in service of Earth science and space-based observation.
Sincerely,
Frank J Wentz
President, Remote Sensing Systems