The Joint Earth Observation Mission Quality Assessment Framework – Optical Guidelines were published on April 26, 2026, according to the agencies. The document provides a methodology for evaluating optical data from commercial satellite data providers, part of the Earthnet Data Assessment Project (EDAP) and the Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program collaboration between ESA and NASA. The framework aims to deliver standardized, transparent, and repeatable data quality assessment processes to support mission selection, data integration, and trusted use of commercial Earth observation (EO) data.
The growth in commercial EO satellite systems prompted NASA, ESA, and others to explore acquiring commercial EO data to complement existing capabilities. The agencies intend to update the guidelines in step with market evolution and advancements in Earth sciences and applications. Dana Ostrenga, CSDA Project Manager, said the release documents rigorous standards for commercial data and bolsters user confidence.
She added that making the document public allows end-users to review the approach for verifying whether commercial EO data quality matches stated mission performance. Specific commercial providers being assessed, the timeline for the next update, and enforcement mechanisms remain unspecified.