In 2025, the telecommunications system on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer was upgraded to take advantage of the higher data speeds and high-definition streaming capabilities offered by a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system. Thus, the distinctive satellite dome associated with the previous system was removed from the deck of the ship while in dry dock in early 2026.

Seen here, Okeanos Explorer in port in Honolulu, Hawai‘i in 2026 (left).