Low-Earth-Orbiting Meteorological Satellite Direct Broadcast System with Regional Real-Time Operation and Low-Latency Application

Abstract Low-Earth-orbiting (LEO) meteorological satellite constellations, operated by international weather agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), provide critical weather and environmental observations. These data are made freely available to the public through interagency collaboration, coordination, and standardization efforts led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The goal is to ensure effective and timely utilization of these data for weather monitoring and maintaining climate records. The satellite-based direct broadcast system (DBS), established in the early 1970s, is a product of these historical and ongoing international efforts. DBS enables continuous access to satellite observations without political restrictions. This study explores the use of NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) and EUMETSAT’s MetOp satellite series, highlighting their contributions to regional weather and environmental monitoring. We demonstrate how these assets, combined with DBS technology, NOAA Community Satellite Processing Package (CSPP), and sustained operational and educational efforts, support weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. The study reviews the NOAA JPSS and EUMETSAT MetOp LEO sensors, observations, and DBS systems. It also highlights unique regional applications in the greater Shanghai area, showcasing how this end-to-end infrastructure can prepare society and commerce for the lasting impacts of extreme weather and environmental changes. Significance Statement A meteorological satellite direct broadcast system enables the real-time reception of satellite data, which is traditionally gathered via centralized ground-station networks that downlink and relay observations through regional processing centers. By receiving data directly from satellites, the system reduces latency, delivering timely information for critical applications such as disaster management, agriculture, and aviation. Its efficiency is further enhanced by the use of a Community Satellite Processing Package (CSPP). This open-source, collaborative software processes raw satellite data into actionable formats, enabling rapid regional analysis. The modular design of CSPP supports a wide range of applications, including storm tracking and environmental change assessment. Together, direct broadcast systems and community processing tools empower local authorities and researchers to make faster, data-driven decisions. This integration ensures improved preparedness and responsiveness in rapidly changing meteorological and environmental conditions.