One of the most serious issues facing this nation and the world is the need to improve weather and climate forecasting quickly and affordably. The roll of space is a key to the solution. The talk will include a summary of current space policy relevant to weather satellites, the importance of space to weather forecasting, the specific roles of weather satellites, current issues in development, procurement and operations of weather satellites, and the key issues, and potential future solutions.

Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., Vice Admiral (USN Ret.), is the current CEO of GeoOptics, Inc., a startup company engaged in developing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites for providing weather observational data to both to government and the private sector. Previously he was Vice President of Science Programs at CSC Corporation. From 2001 to 2008, he served as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and he has headed the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education, now known as the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. During his 40 year Navy career, he served as the Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet at sea and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (N-8) in charge of programs, budget and force structure, while ashore. 

Time for questions and discussion will be included.