The Department of Defense has paused its decision to restrict access to vital satellite data used for hurricane tracking, extending its availability until the end of July instead of the initially set June deadline. The extension follows an outcry from meteorologists and climate scientists who warned that losing access to this information would severely compromise hurricane forecasts, placing lives and property at risk. According to NOAA, the decision to suspend data was linked to "significant cybersecurity risks" following a request from a NASA scientist to maintain access. Experts expressed relief at the extension but cautioned that it would still not cover the peak months of the hurricane season, underscoring the urgent need for reliable data during these critical times. Additionally, researchers studying polar sea ice, essential in understanding global climate trends, also depend on this data, highlighting the broader implications of the decision beyond hurricane forecasting. While other satellite sources may provide alternative data, discrepancies in sensor calibration and resolution could present challenges. The abrupt change has raised concerns about the continuity and reliability of essential climate monitoring.