Update #1:  SMOPS is back to normal. Metop-B/C ASCAT soil moisture data has been restored.

Topic: Interruption of ASCAT soil moisture data coming to SMOPS

Date/Time Issued: August 1, 2025 1300Z

Product(s) or Data Impacted:  SMOPS data

Date/Time of Initial Impact: July 14, 2025

Date/Time of Expected End: July 31, 2025

Length of Impact: 15 Days

Details/Specifics of Change:

The EUMETSAT Metop-B/C ASCAT Soil Moisture product is one input data of NESDIS Soil Moisture Operational Products System (SMOPS). EUMETSAT is working on replacing the ASCAT soil moisture file with a new version and stopping the old file on 7/14/2025. NESDIS is working on switching to the new ASCAT soil moisture data now. But it seems likely that there will be an interruption.

The lack of the Metop-B/C ASCAT soil moisture data will impact the accuracy of all SMOPS products as they will have data from 2 fewer satellites (out of the current 5). If you have any question about this issue please contact Liqun Ma(liqun.ma@noaa.gov).

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