The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a temporary reversal on Monday regarding the cancellation of satellite data essential for monitoring hurricane trajectories and elements. The data, initially slated to be inaccessible by June 30, will now remain available through July 31. This update comes after concerns were raised over the abrupt decision to end access to critical information, which plays a substantial role in the forecasting efforts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Last week, NOAA had indicated that three satellites, operated in collaboration with the DoD, would cease to provide data to researchers and forecasters due to "recent service changes," a vague justification that left scientists puzzled. The official explanation now cites "significant cybersecurity risk" as the reason behind the change, though neither NOAA nor the DoD have commented further on this matter.
The extension of data availability was reportedly influenced by a request from a NASA scientist, reflecting the unexpected nature of the DoD's original cancellation. Michael Lowry, a former official at the National Hurricane Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), expressed the urgent need for continued access to satellite data, particularly given the peak hurricane months approaching in August, September, and October, when severe storms are likely to prompt rapid intensification.
The implications of this data service interruption are broader than hurricane forecasting alone. The halted services also significantly affect research related to climate alterations, particularly concerning the fluctuation of sea ice in polar regions since the 1970s. Expert Sharon Stammerjohn from the University of Colorado Boulder emphasized that without continuous satellite monitoring, scientists would struggle to understand the critical changes happening in Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, which is vital for global climate insight.
While alternative satellite sources, including those from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, might fill some gaps, discrepancies in data calibration and resolution pose challenges for researchers. The contrasting awareness levels with the public about hurricanes versus polar conditions means significant developments can sometimes go overlooked.
Last week, NOAA had indicated that three satellites, operated in collaboration with the DoD, would cease to provide data to researchers and forecasters due to "recent service changes," a vague justification that left scientists puzzled. The official explanation now cites "significant cybersecurity risk" as the reason behind the change, though neither NOAA nor the DoD have commented further on this matter.
The extension of data availability was reportedly influenced by a request from a NASA scientist, reflecting the unexpected nature of the DoD's original cancellation. Michael Lowry, a former official at the National Hurricane Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), expressed the urgent need for continued access to satellite data, particularly given the peak hurricane months approaching in August, September, and October, when severe storms are likely to prompt rapid intensification.
The implications of this data service interruption are broader than hurricane forecasting alone. The halted services also significantly affect research related to climate alterations, particularly concerning the fluctuation of sea ice in polar regions since the 1970s. Expert Sharon Stammerjohn from the University of Colorado Boulder emphasized that without continuous satellite monitoring, scientists would struggle to understand the critical changes happening in Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, which is vital for global climate insight.
While alternative satellite sources, including those from the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, might fill some gaps, discrepancies in data calibration and resolution pose challenges for researchers. The contrasting awareness levels with the public about hurricanes versus polar conditions means significant developments can sometimes go overlooked.
