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U.S. Navy Reverses Course, Retains Critical Hurricane and Climate Data Feed Through 2026

Forecaster outcry triggered a reversal that aligned modernization goals with uninterrupted hurricane monitoring coupled with polar observation

Overview

  • The U.S. Navy will continue sharing Defense Meteorological Satellite Program microwave data with NOAA until sensors fail or the program formally ends in September 2026.
  • Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder observations are vital for diagnosing hurricanes’ internal structure and monitoring polar sea ice, underpinning forecasts and climate research.
  • Defense officials accelerated a planned cutoff from September 2026 to June 30, 2025, citing cybersecurity risks and IT modernization requirements.
  • Warnings that losing half of the microwave data would hinder rapid intensification detection and disrupt long-term environmental records prompted government and scientific partners to demand extensions.
  • With next-generation systems like the Weather System Follow-on Microwave not yet fully available, forecasters remain reliant on aging DMSP satellites operating well past their intended lifespan.