The Observational Products for End-Users from Remote Sensing Analysis (OPERA) project is a pivotal initiative aimed at addressing the critical satellite data needs identified by federal agencies. Established in 2021 by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), OPERA responds to priorities set by the Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG), an interagency body convened by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). This article delves into OPERA’s mandate and showcases a case study on how the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) utilizes OPERA to enhance agricultural health monitoring in the Midwestern United States.
OPERA’s Mandate and Strategic Approach
At the heart of the OPERA project is its commitment to delivering satellite data products that are immediately usable and analysis-ready. Unlike traditional methods that provide raw satellite data requiring extensive processing, OPERA transforms complex observations into standardized, accessible products. This approach enables federal agencies to integrate data seamlessly into their workflows, supporting national security, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and infrastructure management.
To meet the extensive needs of federal agencies, OPERA has developed a sophisticated cloud-based production system. This system efficiently generates data products, ensuring consistency and reliability. As of 2025, OPERA has successfully released data on dynamic surface water extent, surface disturbance, and surface displacement through various NASA Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs). The project plans to introduce a vertical land motion product in 2028.
Mission and Impact
OPERA’s mission is to provide high-quality, ready-to-use satellite-derived information that enables federal agencies to monitor environmental changes, respond to natural disasters, and assess infrastructure risks. This mission was highlighted during OPERA’s 5th Annual Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on September 11, 2025, where real-world applications of OPERA’s data were demonstrated.
Case Study: Enhancing Agricultural Health in the Midwest
In central Iowa’s South Fork watershed, persistent water on farmland poses significant challenges, such as crop losses and changes in soil health. To tackle these issues, scientists at the USDA-ARS’s National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE) are collaborating with NASA’s OPERA project.
Utilizing OPERA’s Dynamic Surface Water Extent (DSWx) and Surface Disturbance (DIST) product suites, researchers have begun identifying depressions where water consistently accumulates. These areas, often more than just nuisance puddles, indicate zones of reduced yield and potential crop mortality. By combining OPERA’s high-resolution mosaics with field-based measurements, the joint OPERA-NLAE team produces actionable maps pinpointing waterlogged zones.
“These maps are invaluable for farmers, guiding land-management decisions to improve soil health,” said a USDA researcher involved in the project.
Beyond individual fields, OPERA products support broader watershed management. Analyses of river migration, oxbow lake formation, and storm damage from powerful Midwestern derecho events demonstrate how OPERA data can be applied to larger areas. By detecting persistent inundation and shifts in vegetation health, OPERA’s data provides insights into areas where improved drainage could enhance crop health and yield.
Bridging Earth Science and Agricultural Resilience
The collaboration between OPERA and USDA-ARS highlights the project’s role in bridging the gap between Earth science and agricultural resilience. This partnership underscores OPERA’s mission to translate cutting-edge satellite observations into tools that support farmers, enhance soil and water conservation, and strengthen U.S. agriculture’s resilience.
All OPERA data products are freely available to the public through various NASA DAACs and can be accessed via the NASA Earthdata Search platform. The OPERA team encourages engagement with federal, state, academic, and commercial stakeholders to further explore the potential applications of their data.
For more information, interested parties can reach out to Steven K. Chan, Renato Prata de Moraes Frasson, and Al Handwerger at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.
