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- Defense Department reverses plan to cut critical hurricane-tracking satellite data
- Data from three SSMIS satellites will continue until 2026 program end
- Decision follows warnings about risks to storm forecasting accuracy
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Essential Context
The Department of Defense has reversed its decision to stop sharing critical satellite data used for hurricane forecasting, ensuring continued access to information from three SSMIS satellites until their planned retirement in September 2026. This data, which NOAA and the National Weather Service rely on for accurate storm tracking, was initially set to be discontinued on July 31, 2025, as part of a military modernization effort.
Core Players
- Department of Defense – Primary data provider
- NOAA – Lead agency for weather forecasting
- National Weather Service – Uses data for storm predictions
- U.S. Navy – Operates Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center
- U.S. Space Force – Joint owner of DMSP satellite program
Key Numbers
- 3 – Number of SSMIS satellites providing critical data
- 2026 – Program retirement date
- 30% – NOAA’s prediction for near-normal 2025 hurricane season
- 60% – Probability of above-normal hurricane activity
- July 31, 2025 – Original data cutoff date
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The Catalyst
Pressure from government partners and weather experts forced the Defense Department to reconsider its modernization plans. The Navy initially cited outdated IT infrastructure as the reason for discontinuing data processing, but stakeholders emphasized the irreplaceable role of SSMIS data in hurricane tracking.
Inside Forces
The Defense Department faced conflicting priorities: upgrading its systems while maintaining critical weather support. The Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center found a technical solution to continue data transmission without compromising modernization goals.
Power Dynamics
NOAA and the National Weather Service leveraged their expertise to highlight the operational risks of losing SSMIS data. This created a power imbalance that forced the Defense Department to prioritize public safety over internal IT upgrades.
Outside Impact
Public safety agencies and emergency management officials breathed a sigh of relief, as accurate hurricane forecasts depend on this data. However, concerns remain about long-term satellite capabilities beyond 2026.
Future Forces
The Defense Department must now develop contingency plans for when the SSMIS satellites eventually fail. NOAA is accelerating efforts to integrate new satellite systems, including the upcoming SWFO-L1 platform launching in Fall 2025.
Data Points
- July 31, 2025 – Original data cutoff date
- September 2026 – DMSP program retirement
- 2025 – NOAA predicts 60% chance of above-normal hurricane activity
- Fall 2025 – SWFO-L1 satellite launch
- 3 – Number of SSMIS satellites in operation
This decision underscores the delicate balance between military modernization and public safety needs. While the immediate crisis has been averted, the 2026 deadline creates urgency for developing replacement systems capable of maintaining current forecasting capabilities.
