Forecasting experts are about to lose three crucial satellites just before the peak hurricane season. A weather expert elucidates the significance of this loss.
The Trump administration announced on June 25, 2025, the termination of data collection, processing, and distribution of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) data, marking the end of an era for weather forecasting. This decision, framed as a modernization effort, was made as the DMSP satellites have surpassed their designed lifespan of 5 years by more than a decade.
The DMSP satellites, particularly those equipped with special sensor microwave imager/sounder (SSMIS) instruments, have been instrumental in providing high-quality microwave observations essential for understanding hurricane location, structure, intensity, and rapid intensification. Approximately 80% of major hurricanes rapidly intensify, and the ability to identify signs of intensification is crucial for warning the public about dangerous hurricanes.
The termination of DMSP data, set initially for June 30, was later postponed to July 31, 2025, following a request from the head of NASA's Earth Science Division. While the administration has emphasized the need for modernization, concerns have been raised about the implications for hurricane forecasting.
Meteorologists and climate scientists have expressed concerns that losing DMSP data could degrade forecast accuracy, especially for rapid intensification and storm tracking, which are crucial for preparing coastal communities and ensuring safety. While other data sources such as the Joint Polar Satellite System, buoys, and ground radar are available, uncertainty remains about whether these replacements can fully compensate for discontinuing DMSP data.
The most active part of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from the middle of August to the middle of October, follows the DMSP satellite data termination. The abrupt termination without a clearly articulated transition plan raises worries about gaps in data availability for both operational forecasting and long-term environmental monitoring, including polar conditions.
The U.S. Space Force began using data from a new defense meteorology satellite, ML-1A, in late April 2025. While ML-1A is a microwave satellite that will help replace some of the DMSP satellites' capabilities, its data availability for forecasters is uncertain.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be above average, with 6 to 10 hurricanes. The satellite data helps create weather forecasts that ensure the safety of planes, ships, and prepare countries for potential hurricane landfall. The DMSP satellites, launched between 1999 and 2009, have played a significant role in this process.
Large clusters of thunderstorms organize into tropical storms about 600 miles off the west coast of Africa every hurricane season. NOAA-20, NOAA-21, and Suomi NPP are other satellites in orbit with an advanced technology microwave sounder (ATMS), which can provide data similar to the special sensor microwave imager/sounder (SSMIS) but at a lower resolution.
The loss of satellite data, along with other cuts to data, funding, and staffing, could ultimately put more lives at risk during the hurricane season. The implications of this decision underscore the importance of comprehensive planning and transparency in managing such transitions to ensure the continued safety and preparedness of coastal communities and weather-dependent stakeholders.
- The termination of DMSP data has raised concerns among meteorologists and climate scientists about degrading forecast accuracy, particularly for rapid intensification and storm tracking, which are vital for preparing coastal communities and ensuring safety.
- Despite the administration's modernization efforts, the abrupt termination of DMSP data without a clearly articulated transition plan raises worries about gaps in data availability for operational forecasting and long-term environmental monitoring.
- The new defense meteorology satellite, ML-1A, launched in late April 2025, while offering some replacement capabilities for the DMSP satellites, presents uncertainty regarding its data availability for forecasters.
- While other data sources such as the Joint Polar Satellite System, buoys, and ground radar are available, it remains uncertain whether these replacements can fully compensate for discontinuing DMSP data.
- Climate change, environmental-science, and policy-and-legislation discussions should also consider the implications of this decision, as the loss of satellite data could ultimately put more lives at risk during hurricane season.
- In the realm of scientific advancements, the DMSP satellites, equipped with special sensor microwave imager/sounder (SSMIS) instruments, have been instrumental in providing high-quality microwave observations essential for understanding hurricane location, structure, intensity, and rapid intensification.
