Our Mission
Making Remote-Sensing Data Accessible
- The Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF) operates the NASA archive of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, providing services to researchers supporting NASA’s ESDIS project
- ASF is part of the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks
- ASF downlinks, processes, archives, and distributes remote-sensing data to scientific users around the world
- ASF promotes, facilitates, and participates in the advancement of remote sensing to support national and international Earth science research, field operations, and commercial applications
- ASF commits to providing the highest quality data and services promptly
ASF hosts a NASA Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC)
ASF operates the NASA archive of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from various satellites and aircraft, providing these data and associated services to researchers in support of NASA’s Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) project.
Be a part of the ASF team!
Apply for University of Alaska career employment opportunities at ASF through the UA Careers website.
Computer Science and Engineering students will find a rich and supportive environment offering real-world experience in a NASA-affiliated organization. Interested? Contact us at [email protected].
The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.
Planning to visit ASF?
Directions from Fairbanks International Airport to the Alaska Satellite Facility, West Ridge Research Building.
Download Campus Map.
Directions from Fairbanks International Airport to the Alaska Satellite Facility, West Ridge Research Building:
- Take AIRPORT WAY NORTHEAST from the airport. If you depart from the rental car parking lot at the airport, the exit will funnel you onto AIRPORT WAY. If you depart from in front of the terminal, bear left at the first intersection, bear right at the second intersection, and you will end up on AIRPORT WAY.
- Merge onto the southbound entrance, via the ramp on the left, to the ROBERT MITCHELL EXPRESSWAY/AK-3 S/INTERSTATE A3, toward Denali National Park/Nenana.
- Take the GEIST RD/CHENA PUMP RD exit.
- Turn RIGHT onto GEIST RD, get into the LEFT land (you have time to do this).
- Turn LEFT onto THOMPSON DRIVE at the stop light. Continue straight until you reach the traffic circle.
- Take second RIGHT from the traffic circle up the obvious hill (Tanana Loop Road). Continue straight on Tanana Loop Road. At the very top of the hill, there is a ski hut (it‘ll be on your left).
- Turn LEFT onto the road after the ski hut. The Akasofu building will be on your right. This road takes you to the PARKING LOT behind the Akasofu building and the West Ridge Research Building (WRRB). This parking lot is a UAF Parking Decal Required lot, with a kiosk that dispenses parking permits for a fee. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN RESERVED SPOTS.
- Enter the WRRB entrance. Bear LEFT after entering the building, then go straight down the hallway. The Alaska Satellite Facility main administrative offices are in the WRRB, suite 105.
ASF Timeline
Construction of the newest NASA antenna at ASF is completed. AS4 will support the upcoming NISAR satellite mission.