2.5 Data Policies
An open data policy is desirable to maximize the scientific and operational impact of new SmallSat data (e.g., on space weather forecasts). For operational applications, it may be worthwhile to follow the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other bodies (e.g., European Organisation for exploitation of Meteorological Satellites [EUMETSAT]) in defining a list of “essential” data and products that would be made available world-wide on a free and unrestricted basis. UNCOPUOS has also established policies for sharing of space weather data (UNCOPUOS, 2019, Annex II). Standardization of space weather data products will facilitate data exchange and ease of use. However, data sharing should allow researchers to retain preferential access to more innovative observations and ample opportunity to exploit those data via peer-reviewed publications. As with most missions, there should be a period immediately after launch reserved for calibration when data need not be shared and, clearly, the instrument developers should own Intellectual Property Rights for the data they create. To provide further incentive for this open data policy, funding agencies should require a meaningful “pathway to impact” for SmallSat data and can develop frameworks to facilitate these pathways by, for example, funding near-real-time downlinks for operational use, or supporting missions that are demonstrators for future operational missions.