For the first time, the U.S. Navy has employed NASA’s satellite data in combat, helping to guide ships and planes in the war in Afghanistan. The military previously used NASA images in the Gulf War, but the information was archived data, not recent data.

A Space.com / Associated Press report stated that in Afghanistan, the images have been especially helpful in spotting swirling clouds of dust that cause hazardous conditions for U.S. pilots and ships involved in battle. In October, the imagery helped commanders steer carrier battle groups out of dust storms in the Arabian Sea. The data is also being used to study weather conditions that could affect laser-guided weapons.

According to NASA spokesman David Steitz, the NASA images are available to anyone, including many federal agencies and foreign governments. NASA has no reservations about the military’s use of the images. “Our nation’s at war. We’re part of the federal government,” said Steitz. “If that helps save American lives, great.”

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