29 July 2025 year, the US Department of Defense announced, which will not stop the distribution of data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) after 31 July 2025 year, as previously planned. Originally the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the termination of processing and dissemination of DMSP data from 30 June, but after the protests of scientists and meteorologists, this deadline was postponed until 31 July. The latest update from the US Navy (Fnmoc) confirmed the extension of data until September 2026 year or until satellites are decommissioned due to technical reasons, which will ensure uninterrupted access to critical information during peak hurricane season.
Value of DMSP data
DMSP, which has been in effect since the 1960s, provides three satellites in polar orbit with sensors Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS), which collect data in the visible, infrared and microwave ranges. Microwave scans allow meteorologists:
- Determine the center of the hurricane and predict its trajectory, especially at night.
- Detect the formation of a new eye of the storm to assess its intensity, as was the case with Hurricane Eric in the Pacific Ocean in July 2025 year.
- Monitor sea ice, dust storms, thunderstorms and other phenomena.
This data is unique in its ability to penetrate clouds, which is critical for predicting rapid intensification of hurricanes and planning for shipping safety.
Reasons for postponement
The decision to end the distribution of DMSP data was initially related to the modernization of information technology of the Navy, in particular due to cyber threats, found in the FNMOC system in Monterey. However, after an appeal by NASA and protests from the meteorological community, including the National Hurricane Center (NHC), The Navy found a way to continue processing the data, while maintaining compliance with modernization requirements. Satellites of DMSP (F-16, F-17, F-18) remain functional, and the Ministry of Defense will continue to use them for its own needs, while also providing NOAA data for public use.
Impact and context
The decision to preserve the DMSP data stream was a major victory for meteorologists, as the loss of this data could impair the accuracy of hurricane forecasts, especially in the peak season (June–November). IN 2025 six named storms were recorded in the Pacific Ocean this year, and in the Atlantic - three. NOAA and NASA have their own satellites, such as JPSS, but their sensors, in particular ATMS, inferior to SSMIS in terms of resolution and ability to analyze the internal structure of storms.
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com