Since NASA was formed in 1958 the commercially significant technologies developed in the course of mission research have been shared with industry to solve engineering and manufacturing problems. Over the years NASA innovations have contributed to the development of commercial products and services in the fields of health and medicine, industry, consumer goods, computer technology, and environment.

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The new technologies GIFTS-IOMI mission uses will be infused into future science missions and commercial remote sensing satellites. Characterizing and predicting weather patterns will provide a myriad of benefits not just to scientists, but to society at large. Here are just a few examples:

Improved weather characterization and analysis techniques will improve climate modeling——mathematical representations of how different variables affect the Earth's climate. Scientists will be able to write equations that better represent the atmosphere and oceans. They will also have more accurate data about prevailing winds, seasonal changes, levels of carbon dioxide, and other variables. These models are used to predict how phenomena such as temperature, rainfall patterns, and sea levels are affected.

Using GIFTS validated technologies and techniques, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) weather satellites will achieve better climate observation and prediction. This will aid the weather forecasters, who depend on NOAA's National Weather Service, to more accurately relay weather information to the public.

A high international priority is protecting the environment. GIFTS will measure the transport of industrial emissions and pollutant gases, such as those discharged during volcanic eruptions and forest fires. Such observations will aid in future studies of our environment.

The airline industry will benefit from enhanced forecasting of weather hazards that threaten flight safety. And, increased knowledge of wind data could assist airlines to improve route management, which in turn could lower fuel consumption.

Climate-change prediction will have an important impact on farming; for example, improved crop forecasting. Farmers will be able to determine the use of drought-resistant seed versus mildew-resistant seed with more accurate seasonal predictions.

With more accurate weather prediction, urban areas will be able to more efficiently plan energy usage. Cities will be able to better plan their snow-response budgets with more accurate seasonal forecasts.

GIFTS' education and outreach program will bring benefits to the general public through work with museums on meteorology exhibits and by partnering with universities to enhance teacher education and student participation in national programs.

Students of Earth science studies will also benefit from the advanced, more accurate information on atmosphere and climate.

Improving observational weather platforms will enhance our understanding of Earth's atmosphere. As Margaret Mead, the renowned American anthropologist, said, "The atmosphere is the key symbol of global interdependence."